Compare the2024 Ford MustangVS 2023 BMW 2 Series

Both the Mustang and 2 Series have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Mustang has Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The 2 Series’ Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Mustang 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, 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Mustang 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 almost 9 times as many Ford dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

The Mustang has more powerful engines than the 2 Series:

On the EPA test cycle the Mustang Base EcoBoost gets better fuel mileage than the M240i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder RWD (22 city/33 hwy vs. 22 city/32 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Mustang uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 2 Series requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Mustang has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the 2 Series (16 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Mustang 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.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Mustang higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the BMW 2 Series (3 to 5). This means the Mustang produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 2 Series every 15,000 miles.

The Mustang offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Mustang, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 2 Series.

For better stopping power the Mustang Dark Horse’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 2 Series:

For better traction, the Mustang has larger standard tires than the 2 Series (235/55R17 vs. 225/45R18). The Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 2 Series (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. F:245/35R19 & R:255/35R19).

The Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the M240i Coupe’s optional 35 series tires.

The Mustang offers an optional 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.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is 1.5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the 2 Series.

The Mustang Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 2 Series doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Mustang Fastback has 2.7 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the 2 Series Coupe.

The Mustang’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 2 Series does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Mustang Premium keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 2 Series doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

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

The Ford Mustang outsold the BMW 2 Series by over four to one during 2022.