Compare the2024 BMW M2VS 2024 Audi RS 5

The M2 has a standard blind spot warning system that 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 standard Cross Traffic Warning, helping the driver avoid collisions. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist 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, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the RS 5.

There are over 14 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’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 36 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 With 85 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 10 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 brake rotors are larger than those on the RS 5:

The M2 stops shorter than 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.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the M2 a Compact car, while the RS 5 is rated a Subcompact.

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

The M2 has 2.4 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.

The M2 has a much larger trunk than the RS 5 (13.8 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

The RS 5’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.

Insurance will cost less for the M2 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the M2 will cost $985 less than the RS 5 over a five-year period.

The M2 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the M2 will retain 55.54% of its original price after five years, while the RS 5 only retains 54.74%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW M2 will be $10432 less than for the Audi RS 5.