Compare the2023 BMW M2VS 2023 Audi RS 5

The M2 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the RS 5’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the M2 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the RS 5.

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 5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the M2 and the RS 5 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 and rearview cameras.

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 5.

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 9 more horsepower (453 vs. 444) than the RS 5’s 2.9 turbo V6.

The M2 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The RS 5 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The M2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RS 5 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the M2’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the RS 5:

For better traction, the M2 has larger tires than the RS 5 (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. 265/35R19).

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 5’s standard 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M2 has standard 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the RS 5.

The M2 is 5.7 inches shorter than the RS 5, making the M2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The M2 has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS 5 (88 vs. 84).

The M2 has .7 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more front shoulder room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the RS 5.

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 5 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the M2 offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The RS 5 doesn’t offer cornering lights.