A BMW M240i Is Faster Than An M2 In This Speed Comparison
When we tested the new BMW M240i up against ‘our’ M2 longtermer, it was clear the gap between the full-fat M car and the next step down the 2-series ladder had been reduced. The M240i’s mid range feels punchier, and it really doesn’t feel like there’s much in it now in terms of straight-line performance. In fact, a speed comparison that’s since been filmed by a Dutch YouTube channel shows the M240i to be a little quicker.
To 100km/h (62mph) it’s a clear win for the M2, but after that, the M240i catches up and takes the lead. So how the hell did that happen?
Well, it’s important to note that as this isn’t a proper race, we can’t read too much in the result. We don’t know if each of the cars did their runs on the same bit of road, nor if the conditions were the same. And we can’t ignore the significantly more sophisticated chassis the M2 has. But what this video does show is how awkwardly close the pair are in terms of straight-line speed.
The 335bhp from the M240i’s new B58 engine puts it just 35bhp behind the M2’s N55, while its 369 lb ft torque figure is actually 26lb ft greater than twist levels enjoyed by the full-fat M Division machine. For the 0-62mph dash, the M2 is only 0.3sec quicker when comparing the DCT to the M240i automatic, with times of 4.3sec for the M2 and 4.6sec for the M240i.
That being said, like the M Performance version of the 2-series, the M2 is due some updates of its own. And by the looks of it those updates might involve the M4’s mighty S55 appearing under the bonnet…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
True underdog.
The 330ci of the M2 confirmed.
Gabz, take note
I suppose M2 sales will now drop drastically, as well, why would anyone want to buy an M2 anymore if the M240i’s quicker?
Doesn’t tell the whole story, though. M2 has beefier brakes, a better suspension setup with a wider track and an LSD. Might not be much in it in a straight line, but it’s a fair margin ahead in the corners.
Thats not right… is it?
The zf box was the main reason
maybe because the m2 has more downforce for better handling? and the m240i has a less agressive body with less drag
And the 8 speed automatic in the m240 probably helped. Or I am talking out of my ass since I haven’t done any research.
Somewhere between 140 km/h and 150 km/h is where the M240i starts accelerating quicker. Be interesting to see these compete in a long distance drag race
They used the blinkers!
Just remove the 40i and voila you have an m2 that is more faster.
In the states at least, the 240i xDrive (AWD) is $47k starting and the M2 is $51k starting (around here though, M-series cars get a bit of a mark up from dealerships) so really, why get an M2 if you can get an AWD 240i and use the spare money to beef up the handling and throw a tune on it?
True though, M240i xDrive is pretty much the cheapest sub 4.5 second 0-60 car.
Sounds a lot like the old foxbody mustangs where the base lx could be faster than an optioned out gt because it was so much lighter