BMW M2

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Audi RS 3 Sedan

The RS 3 sedan is smaller and lighter than the M2.

The segment’s only rear-wheel drive model, the BMW M2, is housed in a compact two-door coupe body and is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that boasts the same revving power as a naturally aspirated engine. Based on the updated 2 Series, a major facelift was carried out in the fall of 2024, including a revamped exterior.

At roughly the same time, a major update was made to the Audi RS 3, the top-of-the-line performance model of the A3 series. While the M2 is only available as a two-door coupe, the RS 3 lineup includes the four-door RS 3 Sedan, which we’ve covered here, as well as the five-door RS 3 Sportback hatchback.

Surprisingly, the M2, a coupe with a classic long nose and short deck style, is 45mm longer in overall length and 115mm longer in wheelbase than the RS 3 sedan. In terms of weight, the RS 3 sedan, equipped with the “quattro” 4WD system, is 140kg lighter. While the M2 achieves a relaxed style within its limited body size, the RS 3 sedan has the solid feel of a compact car.

BMW M2

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

Wheelbase = 2745mm

Vehicle weight = 1730kg

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

Audi RS 3 Sedan

Body size = Length 4535mm x Width 1850mm x Height 1410mm

Wheelbase = 2630mm

Vehicle weight = 1590kg

Tire size = 265/30R19 (front), 245/35R19 (rear)

The RS 3 Sedan takes advantage of its light weight to surpass the competition in acceleration.

The M2 is equipped with the same 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine as the M3 and M4. It boasts a maximum output of 480 PS, which is 20 PS more powerful than the previous model. In addition to the 8-speed M Steptronic (AT) transmission, a 6-speed MT that allows for more fun shifting is also available.

The RS 3 Sedan is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder TFSI gasoline turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 400 PS. The M2 has a maximum output that is 80 PS higher than the RS 3 Sedan, but the RS 3 Sedan’s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 0.2 seconds faster, taking advantage of its light weight and AWD. The top speed of both is limited to 250 km/h. However, by selecting the optional “M Driver’s Package” for the M2, the top speed can be increased to 285 km/h.

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

Audi RS 3 Sedan

Engine type = Inline 5-cylinder TSFI gasoline turbo

Displacement = 2480cc

Maximum output = 400PS / 5600-7000rpm

Maximum torque = 500Nm / 2250-5600rpm

Transmission = 7-speed S tronic transmission (DCT)

Drive system = AWD

Top speed = 250km/h (limited)

0-100km/h acceleration = 3.8 seconds

The M2 is unique in that it is rear-wheel drive

The M2’s cockpit features the familiar “BMW Curved Display” consisting of a 12.3-inch meter panel and a 14.9-inch touch-sensitive infotainment panel. It also comes standard with special “M Sport seats” that provide the passenger with an optimal hold during sporty driving.

The RS 3 Sedan comes standard with the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, which features a 12.3-inch meter display. The dark-colored interior creates a calm atmosphere despite being a performance model. Although the M2 has rear seats, the four-door RS 3 Sedan has an advantage in terms of occupancy.

Although both are German-made compact performance cars, the two cars have contrasting personalities. While the RS 3 sedan is practical for family use, the two-door M2 coupe emphasizes luxurious individuality. It can be said that the M2 has many unique charms, such as the powerful inline-6 engine found in the higher-end M3 and M4 models, and the primitive driving experience of rear-wheel drive.