The folks at Carfection have reviewed and compared the new BMW M2 with its predecessor, the BMW 1M. Ever since the limited 1M came to market, those that missed out on the super sporty compact coupe have been craving for a worthy replacement – and now BMW has just delivered that. While not as in raw as the 1M, the new M2 brings modern tech and racing DNA to – what could become – the perfect compact coupe.
Its small size, turbocharged I6 engine and rear-drive give the M2 the best recipe for fun out of any M car. Plus it’s based on the 2 Series which is already considered to be the most fun BMW currently available, especially in M235i guise. Compared to the M235i Coupe, the M2 is between 40 t0 50 kilograms lighter (approx. 100 lbs) – depending on the configuration. The weight, unladen to DIN/EU is 1495 kg/1570 kg (3296 lbs / 3461 lbs) for the manual transmission and 1520 kg /1595 kg (3351 lbs / 3515 lbs) for the 7-speed DCT.
In comparison, the 1M weighs 1495 kg / 3296 lbs which puts it at the same level as the M2, but with less standard options and tech. BMW went through great lengths to lighten the chassis of the M2 by using aluminum everywhere it could. The control arms, wheel carriers, axle subframes and stiffening plate of the double- joint spring-strut front axle weigh five kilograms less than would be the case with a conventional steel construction. Further weight savings are provided by the aluminum suspension struts and tubular anti-roll bar.
READ ALSO: BMW M2 – FIRST DRIVE
The M2 has gone back to basics, but has added a modern twist. It uses a brand-new six-cylinder in-line engine, with M TwinPower Turbo technology and three-liter displacement, develops 272 kW/370 hp with peak torque of 465 Nm / 343 lb-ft. Peak torque can be increased to as much as 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in short bursts under overboost. The 1M is powered by the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine. For the 1M, the turbocharger, exhaust system, and ECU have been revised to produce 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, though up to 369 pound-feet are available temporarily in overboost mode. Redline is found at 7000 rpm. The rear-wheel drive layout and manual gearbox (only that gearbox was offered for it) made it accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds.
BMW’s new M2, with the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) in place and Launch Control activated, sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds (4.5 s with the six-speed manual gearbox). Design wise, both coupes stand out with their flared fenders and aggressive body kit, especially the front fascia and its large air curtains.
But which one is the better, more fun car? Let’s find out.
