Compare the2023 Audi TTVS 2023 BMW 2 Series

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Audi TT have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision. The BMW 2 Series doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the TT. But it costs extra on the 2 Series.

Both the TT and the 2 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

The Audi TT’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the 2 Series’ engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The TTS’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 33 more horsepower (288 vs. 255) than the 230i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the TTS is faster than the 230i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi TT uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 2 Series requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The TT 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 2 Series doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The TT offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The TT RS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The 2 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The TT stops shorter than the 2 Series:

For better traction, the TT has larger standard tires than the 2 Series (245/40R18 vs. 225/45R18). The TT’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 2 Series (255/30R20 vs. 245/35R19).

The TT 45 TSFI’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 230i’s standard 45 series tires. The TT’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the M240i Coupe’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TT offers optional 20-inch wheels. The 2 Series’ largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The TT has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 2 Series; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the 2 Series don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The TT 45 TSFI Coupe handles at .98 G’s, while the 230i Coupe pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the TT’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the 230i’s (36.1 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The TT’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the M240i’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The Audi TT may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 500 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The TT is 1 foot, 2 inches shorter than the 230i, making the TT easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the TT 45 TSFI Coupe is quieter than the M240i Coupe xDrive (77 vs. 86 dB).

The TT Coupe has a much larger trunk than the 2 Series Coupe (12 vs. 10 cubic feet).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the TT to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 2 Series doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi TT has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the 2 Series.

The Audi TT comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the BMW 2 Series isn’t available as a convertible.

The TT will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the TT will retain 49.37% to 49.87% of its original price after five years, while the 2 Series only retains 48.56% to 48.87%.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi TT, based on reliability, safety and performance.