To M2 or not to M2

[stormgreysupra]

high 9s.

vargas is almost in the 8s on the street.

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[DrSupra]

Before the leaked photos of the M2 came out, I was inquiring about putting a deposit on one. I had been looking at the M3/M4 but there were substantial wait times to have a M3 built of over a year. I was told 6 months to wait for building a M4 that still had the older idrive for 2023 so I considered going that route but ultimately decided that the M2 made more sense since it was essentially the same car (engine, transmission, suspension mostly) and was cheaper and smaller (at the time I thought it would be lighter too). It was all I needed. I waited for the M2s official release and while I thought the car looked good in red, I didn't like any of the other colors and I am usually not a fan of red cars. I kept thinking on it and it over time it just made more and more sense for me to go Supra or something else instead.

I eventually started looking at the Camaro ZL1 and C8 because i was up in that price range anyway when looking at the M3 and M4. I thought they were just the better values than the M cars and the C8 at least looked far more special. Then the opportunity to buy my MT Supra came along when someone let their purchase fall through last minute and I couldn't turn it down. I'm very happy with my decision at the moment. I'll see if I can drive a M2 somewhere along the way in the next few months but don't suspect that I'll feel any different when that happens unless BMW undersold the performance numbers, it handles like something way lighter than it is, and looks better in person. I think I'm maybe being silly to worry about a few tenths of a second here and there since I'm not going to reach the limits of either car on the street in a safe way but it's nice to know the capabilities are there.

This is all to say that this is very subjective and if you like the looks of the M2 and can use the extra space it offers over the Supra, then it could be a good choice. But for the cost (M2 ended up being about 15 or 16K more MSRP (because I wanted all the carbon goodies) than my MT premium, I think I got the performance and looks I wanted at a good price that leaves enough money to eventually the hell out of it down the road. The base price of the M2 is nice but by the time you add any options you can hover up near 70K or well over it...I really wanted the carbon buckets if I got a M car so that didn't help because that stuff is all thrown together in a 10K package. I also was curious to see if/when BMW brings out a M2 comp and always sort of felt like I would have wanted a comp if it were to come out down the line and that I would have been rushing just to get one of the first M2s because I didn't want to wait too long.

 

[johnnyskids]

Before the leaked photos of the M2 came out, I was inquiring about putting a deposit on one. I had been looking at the M3/M4 but there were substantial wait times to have a M3 built of over a year. I was told 6 months to wait for building a M4 that still had the older idrive for 2023 so I considered going that route but ultimately decided that the M2 made more sense since it was essentially the same car (engine, transmission, suspension mostly) and was cheaper and smaller (at the time I thought it would be lighter too). It was all I needed. I waited for the M2s official release and while I thought the car looked good in red, I didn't like any of the other colors and I am usually not a fan of red cars. I kept thinking on it and it over time it just made more and more sense for me to go Supra or something else instead.

I eventually started looking at the Camaro ZL1 and C8 because i was up in that price range anyway when looking at the M3 and M4. I thought they were just the better values than the M cars and the C8 at least looked far more special. Then the opportunity to buy my MT Supra came along when someone let their purchase fall through last minute and I couldn't turn it down. I'm very happy with my decision at the moment. I'll see if I can drive a M2 somewhere along the way in the next few months but don't suspect that I'll feel any different when that happens unless BMW undersold the performance numbers, it handles like something way lighter than it is, and looks better in person. I think I'm maybe being silly to worry about a few tenths of a second here and there since I'm not going to reach the limits of either car on the street in a safe way but it's nice to know the capabilities are there.

This is all to say that this is very subjective and if you like the looks of the M2 and can use the extra space it offers over the Supra, then it could be a good choice. But for the cost (M2 ended up being about 15 or 16K more MSRP (because I wanted all the carbon goodies) than my MT premium, I think I got the performance and looks I wanted at a good price that leaves enough money to eventually the hell out of it down the road. The base price of the M2 is nice but by the time you add any options you can hover up near 70K or well over it...I really wanted the carbon buckets if I got a M car so that didn't help in terms of the cost.

I think that was all very logical and somewhat practical with the money.

If all you are trying to do is fastest 0-60 or track times, you likely are best getting a Camaro ZL1 1LE (likely with automatic).

I have a few requirements for a sports car, RWD, manual, 0-60 under 4.5s. The Supra does all that and looks quite different than anything else and seems a bit more rare.

 

[YellowJackit]

Bro nobody should buy the weak 4cyl version of any sports car come on man. You can't even say what a REAL supra even drives like. That's like if they made a affordable 4cyl 200hp 911 turbo and saying I own a 911 but it's kind of boring.....yeah because you really don't own a 911!!! Nothing personal kid just stating the facts.

I understand the intent, but that logic is dead. Especially, after driving the 718 Cayman S...or not, CLA45 AMG, any 4cylinder Mustang or Camaro...even a Miata, which only has one option. I expect the 4cyl Emira to be pretty decent as well. I remember hundreds of years ago when 300hp was the holy grail for a V8. Times have changed.

Also, about year ago, the Supra wasn't considered a "real" sports car because it didn't have a manual transmission. Today, those gear selectors are literally flying out of drivers hands. At least, according to this forum. ?

Drive what you want people!

 

[JTN]

Drive what you want people!

At the end of the day that is all that really matters. That YOU are happy with your purchase. Everything else is seeking validation from strangers, which really only offers a hollow joy, or trying to justify a purchase to yourself.

Buying a new car is always a bit of a leap of faith, as all you can go by is the test drive (if you are even able) and taking stock in the opinion of other people. Even people who you believe share your thoughts on things almost exactly can not feel the same way about a car as you do. Your only real option is to collect as much information as you can and step off the ledge. Sometimes you love your choice instantly, other times it takes a while to fully warm up to it, and sadly other times you don't really like it or worse yet hate it.

But at the end of it all, all that matters is how you feel. Its your money, your purchase, and your life. Cars can always be sold and different cars acquired.

 

[Mark5]

Main reasons I will stick to the Supra vs the M2 (I came from the F87)... 56"+ height, 3700+ lbs - might as well just get the M4.

Also with all the various M models, there are so many of the similar looking cars on the road that the Supra really stands out.

 

[Octane]

My brother is getting his M2 towards the ending of April, currently in production. I'm going to be really interested in driving it. I love the looks of it, and I'm sure the performance will be great. I drove a 6spd G82 a few months back and I loved it, but couldn't justify the $92k msrp that it had.

If all prices were equal, i'd get an M2/m4 instead of the Supra. But because I already have my toyota, i'm just going to stick with it.... for now.

 

[Phantomx]

I love cars. I love trying different cars as they all offer something different and unique. I’ve bought and sold some crazy stuff but and at the end of the day almost all were great experiences.

The Pros:
The M2 is a solid car, if you need the room it’s a no brainer. 4 seats and a bigger trunk don’t hurt if you need it. The M2 handles better then the Supra (might not be a popular opinion on this forum but it is) around a track stock for stock it is faster. Now if you like going to the track the M2 makes sense. It‘s a BMW after all so you can mod the crap out of it and it’s a monster. It may be easier to get in a manual if you want one vs only getting 500 manuals for the Supra. There are more factory options to be had to further do some factory custom stuff.

The cons (or my perceived cons)
IT doesn’t look all to much different then all the other BMW stuff. It is somewhat plebeian in its appearance. The Supra wins hands down in the looks department. The B58 is also just fantastic and the Supra‘s of yore are legend and have gone way up in price. May not happen to ours but there is a chance. The price. Always a tough pill to swallow but if money is no real concern you may feel the higher price is worth it.

The aftermarket is crazy good for both. They both can be really fast, it’s been subjectively said the M2 is a better drivers car.

When it comes down to it. What do you want? What do you want to do with it? If you want another experience and something fun, reliable with more room get the M2. If you want the looks similar performance and something you just don’t see on the road very often stick with the Supra.

 

[tucker90]

The M2 handles better then the Supra (might not be a popular opinion on this forum but it is) around a track stock for stock it is faster. Now if you like going to the track the M2 makes sense. It‘

What are you basing this on? And are you referring to the F87, because there is not much hands on track time or reviews with the G87. If you are referring to the F87, both of those statements are highly contested. Depending on the track, the Supra often puts down faster lap times in hands on testing than the f87. As far as handling, they have similar suspension setups but the center of gravity and weight make the m2 handle worse. I am no race car driver but I spent enough time behind the f87 before buying my Supra and I have no idea how you could say it handles better than the Supra.

If you were talking about the G87, not sure how you can make these statements when they are not really in the hands of the public yet.

 

[FLtrackdays]

@Phantomx Yeah, I was in the understanding the M2 was heavier (back when I was looking). That is huge to me being a track addict. Sure you can start ripping seats out, but I wanted something I could on occasion drive to work as well.

@tucker90 I absolutely love the M2. Had many BMWs in the past. Unfortunately they (and most cars) have gotten so dadgum heavy, it absolutely ruins the driving characteristics on track, for me. If that’s what you’re referring to, ?% with ya on this one. That being said, this has to be one of the smallest, lightest M cars under $100k. Yet, still priced way above the Supra….

So the Supra for the W for me. Yet, this M2 is still really high up on my luv list!
(it’s funny what clicks our boxes - different strokes for different folks)

 

[zrk]

vargas is almost in the 8s on the street.

9.1 is a long way from 8.9, but I know. I've been following. I haven't seen any other cars that close, and the way it was originally phrased made it sound like it's an easy task. He's got a TON of money in that car above the initial purchase price.

 

[stormgreysupra]

9.1 is a long way from 8.9, but I know. I've been following. I haven't seen any other cars that close, and the way it was originally phrased made it sound like it's an easy task. He's got a TON of money in that car above the initial purchase price.

8s are definitely not easy but low 9s shouldn’t be challenging with hybrid turbos. High 9s are straight up easy on stock turbos with just fueling.

it’s a monster compared to the B58.

 

[zrk]

8s are definitely not easy but low 9s shouldn’t be challenging with hybrid turbos. High 9s are straight up easy on stock turbos with just fueling.

it’s a monster compared to the B58.

I'm well aware of what the engine is capable of, and the weight of the cars it's in. Low 9s (9.1, 9.2, 9.3) is definitely a challenge on any modern street platform. It's a ton of horsepower/torque that isn't designed that way from the factory. Yes, the S58 is a beast, but it's the same short block. The same rules apply.

 

[razorlab]

It may be easier to get in a manual if you want one vs only getting 500 manuals for the Supra.

500 is only for the a91-mt edition. They sell normal Supras with a manual as well, way more than 500.

 

[MoTeC_R]

Main B58/S58 specs below not to forget the S58 has 2 fuel pumps which touts 2.5x the fuel delivery and upgraded cooling of course. The development of the S58 would be necessary for BMW to increase vehicle weight (M2 0-60 3.9 and 1/4 12.4) and maintain performance goals.

B58 vs. S58 specs at a glance

	B58	S58
Stock Power & Torque	322–382 hp; 332–369 lb⋅ft	473–503 hp; 443 lb⋅ft
Record Horsepower	919 whp	1,049 whp
Displacement	2,998 cc	2,993 cc
Turbocharger	Single twin-scroll turbo with air-to-liquid Intercooler	Twin-turbo (single scroll turbos) with air-to-liquid Intercooler
Compression Ratio	11.0:1	9.3:1
Internals	Forged steel crank, forged rods. Cast pistons.	Forged steel crank, forged pistons & rods
Block Design	Closed-deck block	Closed-deck block
Bore & Stroke	82 mm x 94.6 mm	84 mm x 90 mm
Redline	7,000 rpm	7,500 rpm

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