Compare the2024 BMW M2VS 2024 Lexus RC F

The M2 has standard Post-Crash Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RC F doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the M2 and the RC F 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The M2’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RC F’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RC F (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M2’s warranty.

The battery on the M2 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the M2’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC F’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M2 is faster than the Lexus RC F (automatics tested):

Regenerative brakes improve the M2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RC F 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 RC F doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

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

The M2 stops much shorter than the RC F:

For better traction, the M2 has larger tires than the RC F (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:235/35R19 & R:275/35R19). The M2’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC F (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:255/35R19 & R:275/35R19).

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 RC F’s standard 35 series tires.

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

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the M2 is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the RC F.

The M2’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.1% to 47.9%) than the RC F’s (55% to 45%). This gives the M2 more stable handling and braking.

The M2 handles at 1.04 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M2 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the RC F (23.2 seconds @ .89 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).

The M2 is 5.1 inches shorter than the RC F, making the M2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the M2 is quieter than the RC F (83 vs. 85 dB).

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

The M2 has 8.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC F (88 vs. 79.4).

The M2 has 2 inches more front headroom, 5.2 inches more front shoulder room, 4.9 inches more rear legroom and 5.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.

The M2 has a much larger trunk than the RC F (13.8 vs. 9.9 cubic feet).

The M2’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The RC F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The M2 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and tachometer readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The RC F doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

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 RC F doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The M2 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The RC F Track Edition doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW M2 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The RC F doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The M2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The RC F doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW M2 will be $2771 less than for the Lexus RC F.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Lexus RC by almost seven to one during 2023.