When the BMW M2 Competition was first announced, fans had grand ideas about a hardcore, track-ready monster. Instead, the M2 Comp is really just a more powerful, slightly revised version of the standard M2. So, by the numbers, it really doesn’t perform much better than the car it replaces. However, according to Car and Driver, that doesn’t matter too much.
The biggest difference between the standard M2 and the Competition is with their engines. The regular M2 used an N55 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 with 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. While the M2 Competition uses an S55 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 with 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With that extra power and torque, you’d figure that the newer model would crush the old one. However, the M2 Competition’s more powerful engine, as well as a few other tweaks, actually makes it heavier, so its performance gains are marginal.
At the hands of Car and Driver, the standard BMW M2 with the optional DCT was able to hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat. What did the M2 Competition with the same DCT do? The exact same 4.0 seconds flat. So no improvement in 0-60 mph. However, it did shave a tenth off of the old car’s quarter-mile time, doing it in 12.4 seconds.
So the performance gains are marginal at best. However, Car and Driver does say that its handling and dynamics have improved and that it’s still the most exciting and enjoyable BMW on sale. Another interesting bit is that C&D also says that the M2 Competition rides better than before. Over the harsh Michigan winter roads, they claim the new M2 Comp is a bit more compliant and comfortable.
Is the BMW M2 Competition worth the extra cost over the standard car? C&D seems to think so and we agree. It looks better, handles better and is more comfortable, while also being more powerful.
[Source: Car and Driver]
