BMW M2 vs. BMW M240i: which is better?
BMW’s high-performance vehicles are a feat of German engineering – but which is better between the M2 and M240i models?
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There’s little more appealing than a rear-wheel-drive sports car, and the BMW 2 Series has stacks of appeal in this area.
While many modern BMWs have gone from being rear-wheel-drive to front-wheel-drive in the interest of cost-cutting and efficiency, the 2 Series coupé remains a proper thoroughbred.
This model has plenty of appeal even in entry-level petrol and diesel formats, but if you’re after something that packs a punch, we outline what makes the M240i and M2 models different.
Does the BMW M2 or BMW M240i have more style?
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Both performance models take the regular 2 Series coupé – which already looks good – as the foundation for their designs, but each adds its own sporty touches.
The M2 looks the most aggressive, with more exaggerated body lines – including wider arches and bumpers – and its own unique selection of alloy wheels.
In reality, the differences between the M2 and M240i are more subtle than they have been with previous M cars, and spotting some of the differences is best left to real BMW enthusiasts.
Both have the now-familiar ‘kidney’ grille, which is far less intrusive than it is on some of the German car manufacturer’s larger cars like the latest-generation 4 Series coupé.
Is the BMW M240i or BMW M2 better to drive?
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Although both use a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and they’re almost as quick as one another (only 0.2 seconds separates their 0-62mph times), the way they drive differs considerably.
The M240i is only available with an automatic gearbox and uses four-wheel drive, which is good news for the extra grip it provides, but it can be less fun.
Although more expensive, the M2 is only available with a rear-wheel-drive setup, which is much more reminiscent of the car’s history.
The M2 comes with an automatic gearbox as standard, but for an extra £1,200 when new, buyers can opt for a more engaging manual transmission.
Both are reasonably comfortable around town and can handle themselves on the motorway, but twisting country roads are best suited to their sharp steering and stiffened suspension.
BMW M240i vs. BMW M2 specs
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Both use the same 3.0-litre petrol engine, but BMW opted for a performance-enhanced version for the M2.
The M2 uses a detuned version of the same engine you’d find in the M3 and M4 but produces a lesser 460hp and 550Nm. This means it’s good for 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds.
Its front wheels are smaller than the rear for performance and styling purposes – the large 285/30 tyres on the 20-inch rear wheels are designed to handle the power, all of which goes to the rear. The front uses 275/35 tyres on smaller 19-inch wheels.
The M240i, on the other hand, uses 225/40 tyres on the front and 255/35 tyres on the rear, in the case of the 19-inch alloys, but 20-inch rims are available.
The 374hp, 500Nm engine gives the M240i a 0-62mph figure of 4.3 seconds. Both cars are electronically limited to 155mph.
M240i vs. M2: which offers more boot space?
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Although one of these is four-wheel-drive, both require power to be sent from the engine at the front to the rear wheels, which means both have the same setup on the rear axle under the boot floor.
That means they both get a 390-litre boot. Small coupés like this are becoming less common, and there’s not much that goes head-to-head with the M240i and M2, but the slightly smaller Porsche 718 Boxster has a significantly smaller 275-litre boot. It does get a 130-litre front boot under the bonnet, though, because it’s mid-engined.
The BMW has about the same amount of space you’d find in a family hatchback, but it has a smaller and less useable boot opening.
Is the BMW M2 or BMW M240i more reliable?
The latest BMW 2 Series hasn’t been around for long enough to have appeared in enough consumer reports, but the brand on the whole generally performs fairly well and is ahead of some key rivals like Mercedes.
When Euro NCAP tested the 2 Series coupé, it was awarded a four-star safety rating, with excellent scores for adult and child protection.
All BMW models are covered by a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, but it’s worth noting that consumables like tyres, as well as servicing and insurance, will be higher for the M2.
BMW M2 vs. BMW M240i dimensions
The M240i is 4,548mm long, 1,838mm wide and 1,404mm tall, which makes it only slightly larger than regular 2 Series coupé models.
The M2 is even larger again, measuring 4,580mm long, 1,887mm wide and 1,403mm tall. That makes this range-topping performance model more than 4cm longer and nearly 5cm wider.
BMW M240i vs. BMW M2: which should you buy?
Unless you’re after a really specific driving experience and want a specialised M performance car, we think you’re better off going for the M240i. It’s almost as quick and more comfortable to live with.