In a world where most performance coupes tend to become bigger and costlier every succeeding year, the BMW M2 Competition stands out by not following the rest of the herd. The 405-hp inline-six engine is just powerful enough to make it a competitive performance coupe, but not overly big or powerful to necessitate the increase in chassis dimensions or price. Consequently, the handling remains just as lively, taut, and agile that the M2 is known for. There’s more good news: The stunning M2 is offered in a manner that is increasingly getting rarer and rarer these days. You can have the M2 in a combination of RWD and a traditional manual transmission. That alone makes the M2 such an awesome car, and gives it an edge over many performance coupes that compete against the Bimmer.
Coming in at around $60,000, the BMW M2 is decently priced, but it faces stiff competition from the likes of Chevy Corvette, Porsche Boxster, Toyota Supra, and more. Some are cheaper than the M2, while some offer more features or have a better performance figure. Regardless, we have found the M2 to be a decent offering from BMW in a market that consists of some cars that are simply better choices and some cars that don’t provide enough value for the money. Here are five sports cars we’d rather buy instead of the M2, and five we wouldn’t consider over it.
10 Chevrolet Corvette C8
A lot of things happened in 2020. But the thing we gearheads will remember is the first appearance of a mid-engine Corvette. The design decision proved successful to GM, as the eighth generation of the Corvette is loved by most if not all enthusiasts. For $70,000 you get a Stingray powered by a 495-hp V8, RWD, and an eight-speed manual!
The mid-engine layout provided for a well-balanced chassis, and it shows in the tremendous agility and handling of the ‘Vette. For some extra money over the M2, you can get a much better car that takes the value for money award home.
9 Audi RS3
Wherever there’s a BMW, there’s almost always an Audi lurking around trying to compete. Dubbed by Edmunds as ‘the junior executive’s Golf R’, the RS3 took a break in 2021 and will soon present itself as a redesigned 2022 model (looks way better in the photos). A newly redesigned model means a host of new features, possibly new engines, and a better driving dynamic too.
The cost is expected to be around $70,000, so it will be on the relatively more expensive side of the market, but the prices will probably be justified by its performance, safety, and luxury features. Here's why we love the RS 3.
8 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman
The base 718 Cayman costs around $61,000. So you might want to stick with the entry-level Cayman if your budget is similar to the BMW M2. But don’t assume that it will be bare to the bones at all; even the vanilla 718 Cayman comes equipped with different sorts of bells and whistles.
You get joyful handling, a zesty 300-hp four-banger, decent safety, lots of comfort features, and that Porsche signature refinement. This entry-level sports car from the German manufacturer is sure to tick any enthusiast’s sports car boxes.
7 BMW 5 Series 540i
If track days and curvy mountain roads are the only things you’ll ever use your M2 Competition for, then there are very few other better choices. But if you want a bit more luxury and practicality out of your car without compromising sportiness, then the BMW 5-Series is worth a look.
The 540i and the 540i xDrive seem to be the perfect blend of ample amount of sportiness and luxury. The lower trims are not as fast, and the higher trims are too costly compared to the M2.
6 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic
If you want to get the M2 Competition as your track-day car while having a daily driver in the garage already, then there’s nothing stopping you from buying it. But if you want to get it as the only car you own, then using it as a daily is not practical, especially when you can get the 2021 E-Class for $10,000 more.
The E 450 4MATIC has enough power to satisfy your hunger for speed, acceleration, and handling. But those looks and the status of an E-Class is what gives an edge to the Merc over the Bimmer.
5 Not As Good: BMW M4
For around $16,000 more, you get 100 more horsepower, 70 lb-ft more torque, and more comfort in the M4 compared to the M2. But overall, there’s something about its handling that just doesn’t cut it. The way it moves around is great in city streets, but when on a circuit or going around mountains, the M4 leaves a lot to desire.
And that takes away significantly from driver enjoyment. Another thing that takes away some of the fun is the lack of a manual transmission. The M4 is better on a freeway, but not so fun to drive as the M2. And then there's also that massive grille.
4 Not As Good: Jaguar F-Type
If you fancy yourself a beautiful British car regardless of price or performance, then the F-Type is definitely a good choice. But other than that, there’s not much that the F-Type offers that the M2 doesn’t offer in a better capacity.
The lowest trim of the F-Type makes 100 less horsepower, seats two fewer people, and costs about $11,000 more. Those looks of the Jag are head-turners, but it’s not quite the neck breaker, heart-pounder, or a smile maker like the M2.
3 Not As Good: Audi RS 5
The arrival of the new RS 3 makes the RS 5 look a bit bland in comparison. Make no mistake, the RS 5 is a capable car with a 444-hp V6 engine and it seats five people comfortably. But Audi’s sophisticated AWD system makes the handling feel different and somewhat artificial.
The V6, while being more powerful, comes out as slightly dull compared to BMW’s inline-6 as well. And the extra $16,000 that the Audi demands is not helping either.
2 Not As Good: Toyota GR Supra A91
The Toyota Supra was one of the most anticipated upcoming cars when it launched in 2020, and while the car is phenomenal on its own, it fell victim to the golden era of the MkIV Supra A80 and came out short in terms of thrilling ride delivery. Talking about the numbers, the Supra A91-CF Edition goes neck and neck with the M2 due to slightly less power but also less kerb weight. The new Supra is more or less a BMW anyway.
The price difference is also marginal since the Supra costs $64,000. But the lack of long-distance comfort, loud cabin, and less practicality stops the Supra from becoming an ideal sports coupe.
1 Not As Good: Audi TT RS
We have another Audi to finish the list. This time, it’s the TT RS. This little coupe is not bad, to be honest. The turbocharged five-cylinder engine is great, its lightweight chassis provides excellent handling, the interior is modern and refined, and the looks are great. It’s like a cheaper alternative to the Audi R8 in that sense. It’s not flawless, though, as there are drawbacks.
The rear seats are designed for a person who has no flesh below the pelvis, and the interior storage is not nearly as much. But the real drawback of the TT RS is its price. Why would you buy a $74,000 TT RS when you can have all of its good things in a $60,000 BMW M2 Competition?