BMW News

    When the BMW M2 was announced at the end of last year, enthusiasts got really excited about a coupe that might be smaller than the M4, but would pack a similar punch. Then, when the M2 specs were released, those same fans groaned about it weighing just 100 pounds less than the M4. In the latest Motor Trend Ignition episode, Jason Cammisa compares the M2 with its "bigger" brother, the M4.

    Spoiler Alert: If you want to see the comparison first hand, head to the bottom to watch the video.

    Jason gets to the point fairly quickly by comparing the usual performance figures right off the bat. Surprisingly, the M2 was able to match the M4 pound-for-pound so they had to let Randy Pobst do his job and compare them on the Streets of Willow Raceway. And once again, they came out almost identical with the M2 just barely edging out the M4.

      2015 BMW M4 2016 BMW M2
    Price As Tested $77,495 $53,245
    Engine 3.0L / 425 hp / 406 lb-ft / twin-turbo 3.0L / 365 hp / 343 lb-ft / single turbo
    Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed manual
    Curb Weight 3,512 lb (52/48%) 3,411 lb (52/48%)
    Wheelbase 110.7 in 106.0 in
    Length x Width x Height 184.5 x 73.6 x 54.4 in 176.2 x 73.0 x 55.5 in
    0-60 MPH 4.2 sec 4.2 sec
    Quarter Mile 12.5 sec @ 116.5 mph 12.8 @ 107.5 mph
    Braking, 60-0 MPH 108 ft 107 ft
    Lateral Acceleration 1.00 g (ave) 1.01 g (ave)
    MT Figure Eight 24.1 sec @ 0.82 g (ave) 24.1 sec @ 0.82 g (ave)
    EPA (City/Hwy/Combined) 17/26/20 mpg 18/27/21 mpg (est)

    That's a fairly impressive performance by the M2! But the Streets of Willow Raceway is a fairly tight, technical track that tends to favor a nimble car. If the comparison was done on the neighboring Big Willow circuit, we wonder how different the times would be since it favors power.

    As we all know though, numbers can be deceiving! The real indicator to a good driver's car is the "fun factor". Once again Jason gets right to the point to clarify this by emphatically stating, "On the road this thing is a riot. RIOT! It is so much fun and that is something I didn't think BMW was capable of any more." But it's not all good praise for the new baby M as Jason goes on about his disdain for the auto-rev matching, the seating position, and a few other things.

    Judging by this comparison, BMW has delivered an impressive successor to the 1 Series M Coupe!—Nate Risch