Compare the2022 Toyota GR 86VS 2022 BMW 2 Series

The GR 86 Auto’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GR 86 and the 2 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the GR 86 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 2 Series. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 2 Series ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 4 times as many Toyota dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GR 86’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota 13th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. BMW is ranked 12th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the GR 86 lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The 2 Series doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The GR 86 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

For better maneuverability, the GR 86’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 230i’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The GR 86’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the M240i’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The Toyota GR 86 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 1000 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The GR 86 is 11.1 inches shorter than the 230i, making the GR 86 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Toyota GR 86 amounts to more than styling. The GR 86 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .276 Cd. That is lower than the 2 Series (.28 to .3). A more efficient exterior helps the GR 86 go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the GR 86 get better fuel mileage.