Compare the2023 Chevrolet CorvetteVS 2021 BMW M2

The Corvette’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The M2 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Corvette’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The M2 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Corvette and the M2 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Corvette 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the M2. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the M2 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 8 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Corvette’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Corvette first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The M2 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

The Corvette’s standard 6.2 V8 produces 85 more horsepower (490 vs. 405) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 406) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The Corvette Z51’s standard 6.2 V8 produces 90 more horsepower (495 vs. 405) and 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (470 vs. 406) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The Corvette Z06’s standard 5.5 DOHC V8 produces 265 more horsepower (670 vs. 405) and 54 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 406) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Corvette Z51 6.2 V8 is faster than the BMW M2 (automatics tested):

In a Road and Track race course test, the Chevrolet Corvette Coupe was clocked 4.08 seconds faster than the BMW M2 Competition (82.83 sec. vs. 86.91 sec.).

On the EPA test cycle the Corvette gets better mileage than the M2:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Corvette’s fuel efficiency (not available on Z06). The M2 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Corvette has 4.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the M2 (18.5 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Corvette has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The M2 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Chevrolet Corvette comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the M2.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Chevrolet Corvette, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the M2.

The Corvette stops shorter than the M2:

For better traction, the Corvette Z06’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the M2 (F:275/30R20 & R:345/25R21 vs. F:245/35R19 & R:265/35R19).

The Corvette’s standard 305/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the M2’s standard 35 series tires. The Corvette Z06’s 275/30R20 front and 345/25R21 rear tires have a lower 30 series front and 25 series rear profile than the M2’s 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corvette has standard 20-inch rear wheels. Only 19-inch wheels are available on the M2. The Corvette Z06 has standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

The Corvette has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The M2 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Corvette can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The M2 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Corvette offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The M2’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Corvette’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the M2 (107.2 inches vs. 106 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Corvette is 3.4 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the M2.

The Corvette Coupe handles at 1.03 G’s, while the M2 pulls only .99 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Corvette Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the M2 (23.3 seconds @ .9 average G’s vs. 24.1 seconds @ .82 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Corvette with Magnetic Ride Control’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the M2’s (36.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet). The Corvette’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the M2’s (38.1 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The design of the Chevrolet Corvette amounts to more than styling. The Corvette has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is lower than the M2 (.35). A more efficient exterior helps the Corvette go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the Corvette get better fuel mileage.

The Corvette’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The M2 doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The Corvette uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The M2 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The front step up height for the Corvette Coupe is 1.2 inches lower than the M2 (13.8” vs. 15”).

The Corvette has a standard under hood light to help in making nighttime maintenance checks, adding fluids, etc. The M2 doesn’t offer an under hood light.

The Corvette has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The M2 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the M2, the Corvette offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, suspension setting and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Corvette’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The M2 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Corvette’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M2 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The Corvette offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, turn signal and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The M2 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Corvette’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The M2 has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Corvette has standard extendable sun visors. The M2 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Corvette’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The M2’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Corvette keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The M2 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Corvette offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The M2 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Chevrolet Corvette comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the BMW M2 isn’t available as a convertible.

Insurance will cost less for the Corvette owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Corvette will cost $7245 to $7785 less than the M2 over a five-year period.

Road and Track performed a comparison test in its December 2019 issue and the Chevrolet Corvette Coupe won out over the BMW M2 Competition.

The Corvette was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 18 of the last 25 years. The M2 hasn’t been picked since 2019.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Corvette as the 2020 North American Car of the Year. The M2 has never been chosen.

The Chevrolet Corvette outsold the BMW 2 Series by almost two to one during the 2021 model year.