BMW M2

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Alpine A110 S

The compact and lightweight “A110 S”

Based on the BMW 2 Series, the M2 is equipped with a powerful 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine. It will undergo a facelift in the fall of 2024, including major updates to its interior and exterior, and will also begin being introduced in Japan. This time, we will compare it with its rival, the A110, which was revived in 2017 as Alpine’s first sports car in 40 years. We will focus on the lightweight, high-performance A110 S, which was added to the lineup in 2019.

The M2 uses a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, while the A110 S is equipped with a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline turbo in the rear mid-mounted. The M2 is the smallest two-door coupe in BMW’s lineup, but the A110 S is even more compact than the M2, measuring 375mm in length, 85mm in width, and 160mm in height.

BMW M2

Body size = Length 4580mm x Width 1885mm x Height 1410mm

Wheelbase = 2745mm

Vehicle weight = 1730kg (AT)

Tire size = 275/35R19 (front), 285/30R20 (rear)

Alpine A110 S

Body size = Length 4205mm x Width 1800mm x Height 1250mm

Wheelbase = 2420mm

Vehicle weight = 1110kg

Tire size = 215/40R18 (front), 245/40R18 (rear)

The heavy and powerful M2 and the extremely lightweight A110 S

The M2 is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 480 PS and a maximum torque of 600 Nm, comparable to the M3 and M4. The A110 S is equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four turbo engine whose maximum output has been increased from 252 PS to 300 PS. Although the M2’s maximum output is 180 PS higher, the A110 S’s 0-100 km/h acceleration time is comparable. This can be said to be due to the fact that the A110 S (1,110 kg) has an exceptionally light vehicle weight for a modern sports car.

BMW M2

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder gasoline twin turbo

Displacement = 2992cc

Maximum output = 480PS / 6250rpm

Maximum torque = 600Nm / 2700-5620rpm

Transmission = 8-speed M Steptronic (AT)

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 250km/h (limited)

0-100km/h acceleration = 4.0 seconds

Alpine A110 S

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder Turbo

Displacement = 1798cc

Maximum output = 300PS/6300rpm

Maximum torque = 340Nm/2400rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = MR

Top speed = 260km/h

0-100km/h acceleration = 4.2 seconds

Practicality or unique presence?

The M2’s cockpit will be updated to BMW’s latest generation with the new model introduced in 2024. It will be equipped with the BMW Curved Display, which features a 12.3-inch meter panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment panel arranged side-by-side. In contrast, the A110 S has a separate meter nacelle, and the instrument panel is fitted with a small 7-inch multifunction touchscreen. Although it is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the cockpit environment will be one generation older than the M2.

The M2 boasts the classic appeal of a sports coupe, with BMW’s characteristically sturdy handling, a powerful straight-six engine, and a quality that exceeds its class. The A110 S, on the other hand, is a revival of the original model that was active in rallies in the 1970s, using modern technology, and boasts performance with a light and agile feel thanks to its aluminum monocoque chassis.

The M2 is 1.92 million yen cheaper. In addition to its price advantage, it also has a small but separate trunk space from the rear seats. On the other hand, the A110, even now eight years after its debut, still exudes the unique charm of a French mid-engine sports car. It could be said that the two cars’ contrasting concepts are what make each other’s strengths stand out.