Compare the2023 BMW M2VS 2023 Audi RS 3

The M2’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 RS 3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the M2 and the RS 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the RS 3.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi 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 BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 2 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 52 more horsepower (453 vs. 401) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder.

Regenerative brakes improve the M2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the M2’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RS 3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

An eight-speed automatic is no cost option on the BMW M2, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the RS 3.

For better stopping power the M2’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RS 3:

For better traction, the M2 has larger tires than the RS 3 (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:265/30R19 & R:245/35R19).

The M2’s 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RS 3’s standard 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M2 has standard 20-inch rear wheels. Only 19-inch wheels are available on the RS 3.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M2’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches longer than on the RS 3 (108.1 inches vs. 103.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the M2 is 1 inch wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than on the RS 3.

For better maneuverability, the M2’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the RS 3’s (38.4 feet vs. 40.4 feet).

The M2 has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom and 1.1 inches more front shoulder room than the RS 3.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M2 offers cargo security. The RS 3’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The engine in the M2 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RS 3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 1% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

The M2 Auto offers a 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 RS 3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The RS 3’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The M2’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The M2’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The RS 3’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

On extremely cold winter days, the M2’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by 53% during the 2022 model year.