2018 BMW M2 Competition vs. its rivals
Some staff at BMW obviously didn’t feel that the M2 was hardcore enough, because it has just been replaced by the M2 Competition.
Numerous enhancements include a new engine based on the straight-six unit that’s used in the current M3 and M4. While the 3.0 litre displacement is unchanged, output has risen by a substantial 39 bhp (30 kW / 40 PS).
To take advantage of the extra performance potential, the chassis, steering and brakes have all been modified as well. Visually, double-arm door mirrors and a redesigned front bumper assembly identify the latest model.
The upgrade to Competition specification has increased the car’s cost to just shy of £50k. Direct rivals at this price point with similar levels of ability and practicality are certainly scarce.
That said, anybody with such a budget to spend is probably going to consider the Porsche 718 Cayman S too (provided they can live without any rear seats). A bit of lateral thinking could also add Ford’s Mustang GT to their short list, even if the American contender is a significantly cheaper proposition.
As can be seen from the figures below, all three demonstrate comparable straight-line pace. Lap times around a twisty circuit might tell a very different story, though.
Another potential competitor is the £52,480 Audi TT RS Coupé. However, stocks are now limited, so getting hold of one might be tricky.
Nevertheless, for the record, this TT features a five-cylinder 2.5 litre TFSI motor that’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system.
394 bhp (294 kW / 400 PS) plus 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of peak torque translate into a 0-62 mph time of only 3.7 seconds and an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. Efficiency is fairly respectable, as evidenced by 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 187 g/km.
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Numerous enhancements include a new engine based on the straight-six unit that’s used in the current M3 and M4. While the 3.0 litre displacement is unchanged, output has risen by a substantial 39 bhp (30 kW / 40 PS).
To take advantage of the extra performance potential, the chassis, steering and brakes have all been modified as well. Visually, double-arm door mirrors and a redesigned front bumper assembly identify the latest model.
The upgrade to Competition specification has increased the car’s cost to just shy of £50k. Direct rivals at this price point with similar levels of ability and practicality are certainly scarce.
That said, anybody with such a budget to spend is probably going to consider the Porsche 718 Cayman S too (provided they can live without any rear seats). A bit of lateral thinking could also add Ford’s Mustang GT to their short list, even if the American contender is a significantly cheaper proposition.
As can be seen from the figures below, all three demonstrate comparable straight-line pace. Lap times around a twisty circuit might tell a very different story, though.
| Manufacturer | BMW | Porsche | Ford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | M2 Competition | 718 Cayman S | Mustang GT Fastback |
| Engine | 3.0 litre, six-cylinder, bi-turbo | 2.5 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged | 5.0 litre, V8, naturally-aspirated |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual (seven-speed M DCT optional) | Six-speed manual (seven-speed PDK optional) | Six-speed manual (ten-speed automatic optional) |
| Power | 404 bhp (302 kW / 410 PS) | 345 bhp (257 kW / 350 PS) | 443 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS) |
| Torque | 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) | 420 Nm (310 lb/ft) | 529 Nm (390 lb/ft) |
| 0-62 mph (100km/h) | 4.4 secs / 4.2 secs* | 4.6 secs / 4.4 secs* | 4.6 secs / 4.3 secs* |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h)** / 174 mph (280 km/h)^ | 177 mph (285 km/h) | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Combined cycle | 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) / 30.7 mpg (9.2 l/100km)* | 34.9 mpg (8.1 l/100km) / 38.7 mpg (7.3 l/100km)* | 22.8 mpg (12.4 l/100km) / 23.3 mpg (12.1 l/100km)* |
| CO2 emissions | 225 g/km / 209 g/km* | 184 g/km / 167 g/km* | 277 g/km / 270 g/km* |
| UK OTR price from | £49,285 | £51,853 | £38,165 |
| * With optional transmission. | |||
| ** Electronically limited. | |||
| ^ With optional M Driver’s Package. | |||
Another potential competitor is the £52,480 Audi TT RS Coupé. However, stocks are now limited, so getting hold of one might be tricky.
Nevertheless, for the record, this TT features a five-cylinder 2.5 litre TFSI motor that’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system.
394 bhp (294 kW / 400 PS) plus 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of peak torque translate into a 0-62 mph time of only 3.7 seconds and an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. Efficiency is fairly respectable, as evidenced by 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 187 g/km.
Related posts:
2018 BMW M5 specifications confirmed
M Performance Parts coming for the BMW M2
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