By now we’re all aware that the BMW M2 is probably the best driving BMW since the 1 Series M. However, a lot of the M2’s brilliance comes from the 2 Series itself. The BMW 2 Series is just such a good little car, regardless of which model you get. Underneath the BMW M2 lies the M240i and it’s a great sports car as well. Even the entry-level BMW 230i is a blast to drive. So do you need an M2 to have fun in a 2 Series? The Fast Lane Car finds out.
In this latest video, TFLC puts the BMW M2 up against its smaller sibling, the BMW 230i, on the track. First, they do a 0-60 mph run and then some timed laps to see which is fastest. Obviously, the M2 has the advantage in terms of performance, thanks to its much more powerful engine and better handling. But is it really that much more fun?
First, let’s take a look at both cars. The BMW M2 makes 365 hp from its 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine. In this video, the M2 is mated to a six-speed manual and that drives the rear wheels. So it’s considerably more powerful than the 230i, which makes 248 hp from its 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This specific car is paired with an eight-speed auto and has all-wheel drive. Thanks to its fast-shifting auto and all-wheel grip, the 230i actually impresses more than you might think.
In the sprint from 0-60 mph, the BMW M2 ran a 5.31 second time. That’s slow for an M2 but before you go screaming in the comments, TFLC is based on Colorado and at that elevations, all cars suffer from horsepower loss. As for the BMW 230i, it ran a 5.96 second 0-60 mph. That’s damn quick for a little 230i at mile-high elevation. Thank the eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive for clawing the 230i closer to the M2.
On the track, the BMW M2 did some hot laps, proving its handling capabilities. It ran a lap time of 1:03.69, which is actually one of the quicker times TFLC has ever recorded on this small track. Next is the turn of the 230i, which ran a 1:05.75. That’s much closer to the M2’s time than I think anyone anticipated. It’s a surprisingly fun little car and one that offers almost as much fun as the M2 but for less money.
The BMW 230i is lighter than the M2, especially at the nose thanks to its smaller engine, so it’s a properly fun little car. It may not be as fast or as capable but it’s no slouch, either. If you temper your option choices, you can walk out of a BMW dealer with a nicely-equipped 230i for under $40,000. That could be worth it, rather than spend almost $60,000 on an M2.
“the BMW 23oi”
Oi vey.
I think a component of why this is so close is because the M2 has the older, not-really-M engine.
Here’s hoping there’s a B58 Top variant or full S engine for the M2 in 2019/2020.
Lol funny how allegations of the N55B30TO in the M2 not being an “M” engine, despite different pistons, crank, intake and exhaust, are always made by people who haven’t driven it. It is superior to the S55 in every way except power. It revs better, it delivers power better and most importantly, it sounds better.
Also 2-3 seconds around a short track is not close. Around a track barely bigger than a motorkhana/auto cross, it is a massive gulf of performance. Remember there would be barely any straights here. The gap is huge because they didn’t pick a RWD 230i M-sport and the contest would be closer still if they’d had one with the M-performance diff, properly specced the 230i really handles. This is not well specced. I know I’m shouting into the wind but it really grinds my gears that M-cars now seem to be designed for internet commenters who only care about labels and BS. Like it’s an LV bag or pair of sunglasses to complete a look.
comparing mnual vs auto and awd is just … not comparable. why they didin’t add a trailer to the M2 ?
They had to have a handicap. It’s hard to clickbait if your lede is “M2 thrashes basic spec 230i, world unsurprised.”
The problem with the 230i is by the time you add the stupid-expensive M Sport kit and all the other goodies you’ve just built a $45,000 (US) 230i. For another $2,000 you can get into an M240i and for that kind of money i’ll pass on a 4-banger. But a basic manual 230i without Xdrive would probably be a hoot. Good luck finding one.