Compare the2023 Subaru BRZVS 2023 BMW 2 Series

The BRZ has standard Whiplash Protection Seats, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Protection Seats system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the BRZ 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, rear parking sensors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the BRZ its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 101 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 2 Series has not been tested, yet.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the BRZ 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 over 80 percent more Subaru dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the BRZ’s warranty.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 4 places higher in reliability than BMW.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the BRZ 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 BRZ offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The BRZ stops shorter than the 2 Series:

The BRZ Limited handles at .99 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 BRZ’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 230i’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The BRZ’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the M240i’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

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

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

The BRZ’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 2 Series’ standard power windows.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the BRZ’s exterior PIN entry system. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its BMW Assist can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The BRZ will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the BRZ will retain 49.61% to 52.6% of its original price after five years, while the 2 Series only retains 48.56% to 48.87%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Subaru BRZ will be $2700 to $10618 less than for the BMW 2 Series.

The BRZ was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2022. The M235i/M240i hasn’t been picked since 2017.