M2 Coupe v M2 Competition
Discussion
I think at one time or another we have all been guilty of summing up a car in generalised sweeping statements when in most cases, we’ve never actually driven the thing in anger! Like many, I also appreciate the insight provided by the likes of Chris Harris or Henry Catchpole (my personal favourite btw) when looking at a potential new purchase.
So, based upon what I’d read etc., there was only ever going to be one winner, the Competition. So off I went to my local dealer and had back to back test drives. First up, the Coupe. In a single word SUBLIME. Ideally I would have opted for a manual but the DCT felt great. Looks wise, no complaints either. The sound was glorious too. Steering feedback was equally impressive and I returned to the dealership like the cat that got the cream. Next up, the Competition and I’ll cut to the chase. In a single word DISAPPOINTED. Despite the obvious power advantage, this wasn’t noticeable on the road and the soundtrack was, well underwhelming to say the least. It felt more skittish on the road too and a far less rewarding drive. There were probably additional settings that I had not configured that might have addressed some of this but when you throw in the price differential, in this case £14k, there was only ever going to be one winner, at least in my humble opinion.
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine compared to the S55 de-tuned variant from the M3/4 stable. Maybe, but quite frankly I know which one I’d have in a heartbeat.
Don’t get me wrong, the Competition is NOT a bad car, I just think that it has lost some of the original car’s character and for me, that’s a real shame. Let’s hope that the next generation M2 recaptures some of the original car’s DNA and wins me over!
So, based upon what I’d read etc., there was only ever going to be one winner, the Competition. So off I went to my local dealer and had back to back test drives. First up, the Coupe. In a single word SUBLIME. Ideally I would have opted for a manual but the DCT felt great. Looks wise, no complaints either. The sound was glorious too. Steering feedback was equally impressive and I returned to the dealership like the cat that got the cream. Next up, the Competition and I’ll cut to the chase. In a single word DISAPPOINTED. Despite the obvious power advantage, this wasn’t noticeable on the road and the soundtrack was, well underwhelming to say the least. It felt more skittish on the road too and a far less rewarding drive. There were probably additional settings that I had not configured that might have addressed some of this but when you throw in the price differential, in this case £14k, there was only ever going to be one winner, at least in my humble opinion.
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine compared to the S55 de-tuned variant from the M3/4 stable. Maybe, but quite frankly I know which one I’d have in a heartbeat.
Don’t get me wrong, the Competition is NOT a bad car, I just think that it has lost some of the original car’s character and for me, that’s a real shame. Let’s hope that the next generation M2 recaptures some of the original car’s DNA and wins me over!
GreatScott2016 said:
I think at one time or another we have all been guilty of summing up a car in generalised sweeping statements when in most cases, we’ve never actually driven the thing in anger! Like many, I also appreciate the insight provided by the likes of Chris Harris or Henry Catchpole (my personal favourite btw) when looking at a potential new purchase.
So, based upon what I’d read etc., there was only ever going to be one winner, the Competition. So off I went to my local dealer and had back to back test drives. First up, the Coupe. In a single word SUBLIME. Ideally I would have opted for a manual but the DCT felt great. Looks wise, no complaints either. The sound was glorious too. Steering feedback was equally impressive and I returned to the dealership like the cat that got the cream. Next up, the Competition and I’ll cut to the chase. In a single word DISAPPOINTED. Despite the obvious power advantage, this wasn’t noticeable on the road and the soundtrack was, well underwhelming to say the least. It felt more skittish on the road too and a far less rewarding drive. There were probably additional settings that I had not configured that might have addressed some of this but when you throw in the price differential, in this case £14k, there was only ever going to be one winner, at least in my humble opinion.
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine compared to the S55 de-tuned variant from the M3/4 stable. Maybe, but quite frankly I know which one I’d have in a heartbeat.
Don’t get me wrong, the Competition is NOT a bad car, I just think that it has lost some of the original car’s character and for me, that’s a real shame. Let’s hope that the next generation M2 recaptures some of the original car’s DNA and wins me over!
So I take it you bought the M2 Coupe....?So, based upon what I’d read etc., there was only ever going to be one winner, the Competition. So off I went to my local dealer and had back to back test drives. First up, the Coupe. In a single word SUBLIME. Ideally I would have opted for a manual but the DCT felt great. Looks wise, no complaints either. The sound was glorious too. Steering feedback was equally impressive and I returned to the dealership like the cat that got the cream. Next up, the Competition and I’ll cut to the chase. In a single word DISAPPOINTED. Despite the obvious power advantage, this wasn’t noticeable on the road and the soundtrack was, well underwhelming to say the least. It felt more skittish on the road too and a far less rewarding drive. There were probably additional settings that I had not configured that might have addressed some of this but when you throw in the price differential, in this case £14k, there was only ever going to be one winner, at least in my humble opinion.
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine compared to the S55 de-tuned variant from the M3/4 stable. Maybe, but quite frankly I know which one I’d have in a heartbeat.
Don’t get me wrong, the Competition is NOT a bad car, I just think that it has lost some of the original car’s character and for me, that’s a real shame. Let’s hope that the next generation M2 recaptures some of the original car’s DNA and wins me over!
I do prefer the DTC even though i never use the paddles....!I’m after a none comp car.
The N55 makes a fab noise which for me is quite an important part of it. I don’t like the comp wheels, but I do like the seats which gives the interior a nice lift.
Just need a few more to come to market because the AUC’s in budget are pretty limited at the moment.
The N55 makes a fab noise which for me is quite an important part of it. I don’t like the comp wheels, but I do like the seats which gives the interior a nice lift.
Just need a few more to come to market because the AUC’s in budget are pretty limited at the moment.
Court_S said:
I’m after a none comp car.
The N55 makes a fab noise which for me is quite an important part of it. I don’t like the comp wheels, but I do like the seats which gives the interior a nice lift.
Just need a few more to come to market because the AUC’s in budget are pretty limited at the moment.
I'm the same as you and I really like the noise that the N55 makes(I used to hear an OG M2 quite regularly and it made a lovely and fruity noise I thought from the exhaust). I'm not fond of the M2 Comp wheels either(and I don't like the M4 Comp wheels that much either). The Comp wheels always look a bit overdone to my eyes. The N55 makes a fab noise which for me is quite an important part of it. I don’t like the comp wheels, but I do like the seats which gives the interior a nice lift.
Just need a few more to come to market because the AUC’s in budget are pretty limited at the moment.
GreatScott2016 said:
I think at one time or another we have all been guilty of summing up a car in generalised sweeping statements when in most cases, we’ve never actually driven the thing in anger! Like many, I also appreciate the insight provided by the likes of Chris Harris or Henry Catchpole (my personal favourite btw) when looking at a potential new purchase.
So, based upon what I’d read etc., there was only ever going to be one winner, the Competition. So off I went to my local dealer and had back to back test drives. First up, the Coupe. In a single word SUBLIME. Ideally I would have opted for a manual but the DCT felt great. Looks wise, no complaints either. The sound was glorious too. Steering feedback was equally impressive and I returned to the dealership like the cat that got the cream. Next up, the Competition and I’ll cut to the chase. In a single word DISAPPOINTED. Despite the obvious power advantage, this wasn’t noticeable on the road and the soundtrack was, well underwhelming to say the least. It felt more skittish on the road too and a far less rewarding drive. There were probably additional settings that I had not configured that might have addressed some of this but when you throw in the price differential, in this case £14k, there was only ever going to be one winner, at least in my humble opinion.
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine compared to the S55 de-tuned variant from the M3/4 stable. Maybe, but quite frankly I know which one I’d have in a heartbeat.
Don’t get me wrong, the Competition is NOT a bad car, I just think that it has lost some of the original car’s character and for me, that’s a real shame. Let’s hope that the next generation M2 recaptures some of the original car’s DNA and wins me over!
Interesting feedback. Almost every review suggested that the original car was skittish and that the Comp 'fixed' that issue. So, based upon what I’d read etc., there was only ever going to be one winner, the Competition. So off I went to my local dealer and had back to back test drives. First up, the Coupe. In a single word SUBLIME. Ideally I would have opted for a manual but the DCT felt great. Looks wise, no complaints either. The sound was glorious too. Steering feedback was equally impressive and I returned to the dealership like the cat that got the cream. Next up, the Competition and I’ll cut to the chase. In a single word DISAPPOINTED. Despite the obvious power advantage, this wasn’t noticeable on the road and the soundtrack was, well underwhelming to say the least. It felt more skittish on the road too and a far less rewarding drive. There were probably additional settings that I had not configured that might have addressed some of this but when you throw in the price differential, in this case £14k, there was only ever going to be one winner, at least in my humble opinion.
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine compared to the S55 de-tuned variant from the M3/4 stable. Maybe, but quite frankly I know which one I’d have in a heartbeat.
Don’t get me wrong, the Competition is NOT a bad car, I just think that it has lost some of the original car’s character and for me, that’s a real shame. Let’s hope that the next generation M2 recaptures some of the original car’s DNA and wins me over!
cerb4.5lee said:
I'm the same as you and I really like the noise that the N55 makes(I used to hear an OG M2 quite regularly and it made a lovely and fruity noise I thought from the exhaust). I'm not fond of the M2 Comp wheels either(and I don't like the M4 Comp wheels that much either). The Comp wheels always look a bit overdone to my eyes.
There’s a lady in the village where my little boy goes to school who has a black OG and just pottering by it sounds bloody good.My cleaning OCD couldn’t handle the comp wheels
Chazaxl said:
Interesting feedback. Almost every review suggested that the original car was skittish and that the Comp 'fixed' that issue.
Agree, I was expecting exactly that too but in reality, my experience was the opposite. I’m no Henry Catchpole but for me, the original car wins it.Chazaxl said:
Interesting feedback. Almost every review suggested that the original car was skittish and that the Comp 'fixed' that issue.
True but those reviews also state that the suspension is different and includes rose jointing, neither being true so there may be some placebo. However the steering and diff were re calibrated and the Comp has the M4 front brace.
Having been able to compare back to back recently at Thruxton, including riding kerbs, we found that they handle and ride the same essentially. But sadly we were on different tyres.
So I think perceived differences may be due to individual cars:
Alignment/geo
Different tyres with different sidewall stifness
Tyre pressure
Mileage
It's really difficult to know for sure.
Heathwood said:
GreatScott2016 said:
Some say that the original car is not a true “M” car with its N55 engine
And yet the 1M Coupe, which also runs an ‘N’ engine is a nailed on classic and widely accepted as a proper M car. Weird isn’t it?! Is the N55 in the M2 not heavily re-worked though? I believe it has different internals to the standard N55 used in other cars.
Also, the extra adjustable bits on the comp put me off - they’re just something else that can land you with extra large repair bills when you run out of warranty. The worst one I’ve come across (not BMW) is Porsche’s “Active Engine Mounts”, which are supposed to make a minor improvement somehow, but fail regularly and cost c. £1500 each to replace. Think I prefer the standard item that lasts much longer and costs <£100 to replace…
Also, the extra adjustable bits on the comp put me off - they’re just something else that can land you with extra large repair bills when you run out of warranty. The worst one I’ve come across (not BMW) is Porsche’s “Active Engine Mounts”, which are supposed to make a minor improvement somehow, but fail regularly and cost c. £1500 each to replace. Think I prefer the standard item that lasts much longer and costs <£100 to replace…
Magnum 475 said:
Is the N55 in the M2 not heavily re-worked though? I believe it has different internals to the standard N55 used in other cars.
Also, the extra adjustable bits on the comp put me off - they’re just something else that can land you with extra large repair bills when you run out of warranty. The worst one I’ve come across (not BMW) is Porsche’s “Active Engine Mounts”, which are supposed to make a minor improvement somehow, but fail regularly and cost c. £1500 each to replace. Think I prefer the standard item that lasts much longer and costs <£100 to replace…
https://www.bmwblog.com/2016/07/28/bmw-made-n55-even-better-m2/Also, the extra adjustable bits on the comp put me off - they’re just something else that can land you with extra large repair bills when you run out of warranty. The worst one I’ve come across (not BMW) is Porsche’s “Active Engine Mounts”, which are supposed to make a minor improvement somehow, but fail regularly and cost c. £1500 each to replace. Think I prefer the standard item that lasts much longer and costs <£100 to replace…
Apparently some of those mods already appeared in the M135i though. I know that the N55 in the M2 has the S55 sump though which is quite crucial to protect it from oil surge up to 1.2g.
I don't think there are any adjustable bits on the Comp. It's the CS that has adaptive dampers.
+1. I have a 2020 M2 Comp and can confirm it doesn't (and isn't available with) adaptive dampers (or anything else complicated like Rear Wheel Steer or Adaptive Engine Mounts). There are buttons that allow you to change throttle response and steering weight. I think the OG M2 has a Eco/Sport/Sport Plus rocker switch which presumable changes the throttle resposnse.
Terminator X said:
Skittish? Mine is rock steady even WOT and that is coming from my last 3 cars being 4WD.
TX.
I think with the M2 vehicle to vehicle variance is quite high, possibly driven by sensitivity to driving style and factors such as tyre pressures and tyres.TX.
I test drove a 100 mile old comp, it felt a bit lose and sketchy on a technical section of road I drive regularly, but didn't put me off. I went ahead and bought a new car, factory order, and fitted cup 2 tyres from day 1. On the same road, it's a very different experience, planted as you state.
The dealer I borrowed the demo car from are shambolic, so I suspect the vehicle prep was poor and is what let the car down on the test drive.
Glad youre enjoying your M2, they are cool cars. Choosing between that and the Comp is a nice choice to have!
Personally, I like my Comp way more than than I did my OG M2. The sound was better on the original, I do miss that. Apart from that though, I think the Comp is better in everyone other department. Im actually growing to like the sound more too.
Personally, I like my Comp way more than than I did my OG M2. The sound was better on the original, I do miss that. Apart from that though, I think the Comp is better in everyone other department. Im actually growing to like the sound more too.
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