BMW M2 F87 vs M2 G87: which M2 should you buy?
The compact M car in two generations: the playful F87 and the powerful G87. Engines, gearboxes, weight, technology and an honest answer to which M2 is right for you.
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M2 F87 vs G87 is the question for anyone who wants the smallest and most playful car in the BMW M range. The first M2, the F87, arrived in 2016 and quickly became a favourite. The second, the G87, followed in 2023 with much more power and technology, but also more size and weight.
In this comparison we look at the engines, special versions, gearboxes, weight, technology and running costs of both cars, and help you decide which M2 fits you best.
M2 F87 vs G87 at a glance
The M2 continues an idea that BMW fans love: a compact, rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong six-cylinder engine, in the spirit of the 2002 turbo and the 1M Coupé.
The F87 M2 was built from 2016 to 2021. The first version used a tuned N55 engine with 370 hp. In 2018 the M2 Competition replaced it with the S55 engine from the M3 and M4, producing 410 hp, and in 2020 the M2 CS reached 450 hp.
The G87 M2 arrived in 2023. It uses the S58 engine from the current M3 and M4, with 460 hp at launch and more in later updates. It is based on the newer 2 Series coupé, and it is larger, heavier and more technologically advanced.
Both cars are rear-wheel drive and both are available with a manual gearbox, which makes the M2 one of the last affordable manual M cars.
Engines and performance
The original F87 M2 with the N55 engine is quick and sounds good, but its engine was not a full M engine. The M2 Competition changed this with the twin-turbo S55, which gave more power, a stronger mid-range and better cooling for track use. The M2 CS added even more power, carbon parts and adaptive dampers.
The G87's S58 is a modern twin-turbo straight-six with a broad torque curve and a free-revving character. It makes the G87 much faster in a straight line, and it is very strong on the track.
On paper, the G87 is clearly the faster car. In real driving, both are very fast for a compact coupé. The F87 Competition and CS feel more raw and aggressive, while the G87 feels more refined and effortless.
Both engines respond well to careful ownership: regular oil changes, a correct warm-up and good-quality fuel.
Gearboxes and driving feel
The F87 was offered with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch gearbox. The DCT is very quick on track, while the manual is more involving and sought after today.
The G87 is available with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic. The automatic is smooth in traffic and very fast when you use the paddles.
The driving feel is where the two cars differ most. The F87 is short, wide and lively. It moves around on the road, it is playful at the limit and it feels like a small, angry car. Many drivers love it for exactly this reason.
The G87 is more stable and composed. Its longer wheelbase and modern chassis make it easier to drive fast, especially on bumpy roads. Some drivers miss the lightness of the F87, but the G87 is the more capable car on track.
Weight, size and practicality
The G87 is noticeably heavier and larger than the F87. Depending on the version and equipment, the difference can be well over 150 kg. Part of the extra weight comes from the stronger structure, more equipment, larger wheels and brakes and modern safety systems.
The extra size gives the G87 a little more space inside, especially for rear passengers and luggage. Both cars have four seats and a usable boot, which makes them practical enough for daily use.
The F87 is easier to place on narrow roads and feels more compact around you. The G87 feels more like a smaller M4.
If low weight and a compact feel are your priority, the F87 is the better choice. If you want more comfort, space and modern technology, the G87 offers more.
Technology and interior
The F87 interior is traditional: analogue instruments, a classic iDrive controller and many physical buttons. It is simple, well built and easy to use, but it feels older than the G87.
The G87 has BMW's modern curved display, the latest iDrive system and many driver assistance functions. It can be ordered with M Carbon bucket seats, which offer excellent support on the track but are not comfortable for everyone on long journeys.
Both cars have the M buttons on the steering wheel, so the driver can save favourite settings for the engine, steering, dampers and gearbox.
For many enthusiasts, the simplicity of the F87 is part of its appeal. For others, the modern technology of the G87 makes it a better everyday car.
Which M2 should you buy?
Choose the F87 M2 if you want a light, compact and playful coupé, and you enjoy a raw driving experience. The M2 Competition and M2 CS are the most desirable versions, and manual cars are especially popular.
Choose the G87 M2 if you want the most power, the latest technology, a more stable chassis and more comfort for longer trips.
Running costs are high for both, with performance tyres and brakes. The G87 usually costs more to buy, while the F87 has become good value on the used market.
Whichever you choose, look for a full service history and have the car checked by a specialist. Both M2 generations show that the compact M car is still alive and still one of the most enjoyable cars BMW makes.
M2 F87 vs G87 side by side
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Years | F87: 2016–2021 · G87: since 2023 |
| Engine | F87: N55 (M2), S55 (Competition, CS) · G87: S58 |
| Power | F87: 370 / 410 / 450 hp (CS) · G87: from 460 hp |
| Gearbox | F87: 6MT or 7 M DCT · G87: 6MT or 8 M Steptronic |
| Drive | Both rear-wheel drive |
| Character | F87: light and playful · G87: powerful and stable |
| Special versions | F87: M2 Competition, M2 CS |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M2 G87 faster than the F87?
Yes. The G87 with the S58 engine has more power and torque and is faster in a straight line and on the track than the F87 M2 and M2 Competition.
Which M2 is the most desirable?
Among the F87 models, the M2 Competition and especially the M2 CS are the most desirable, particularly with the manual gearbox.
Does the BMW M2 have a manual gearbox?
Yes. Both the F87 and the G87 are available with a six-speed manual gearbox, as well as with automatic gearboxes.
Is the M2 G87 heavier than the F87?
Yes. The G87 is larger and noticeably heavier than the F87, mainly because of its stronger structure, larger wheels and brakes and more equipment.
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