Compare the2024 BMW M2VS 2024 Porsche 911

The BMW M2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 911 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 911 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.

The M2’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the 911.

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 911’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. Porsche charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the 911.

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 911 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the M2 and the 911 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the 911 (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 76 percent more BMW dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the M2’s warranty.

The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 74 more horsepower (453 vs. 379) and 75 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 331) than the 911’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 10 more horsepower (453 vs. 443) and 16 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 390) than the 911 S’ standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M2 is faster than the 911 S 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder (manual transmissions tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M2 is faster than the Porsche 911 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the M2 gets better mileage than the 911 Coupe:

Regenerative brakes improve the M2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 911 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW M2 higher (5 out of 10) than the Porsche 911 (3 to 5). This means the M2 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 911 every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the M2’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the 911:

The M2 stops much shorter than the 911:

For better traction, the M2 has larger front tires than the 911 (275/35R19 vs. 235/40R19).

The M2’s 275/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 911 Dakar’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M2’s wheelbase is 11.6 inches longer than on the 911 (108.1 inches vs. 96.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the M2 is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the 911.

The M2’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.1% to 47.9%) than the 911’s (39.5% to 60.5%). This gives the M2 more stable handling and braking.

The M2 handles at 1.04 G’s, while the 911 Dakar pulls only .96 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the M2 is quieter than the 911 GT3:

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the M2 a Compact car, while the 911 Coupe is rated a Minicompact.

The M2 has 15 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 911 (88 vs. 73).

The M2 has 1.9 inches more front headroom, 3.3 inches more front shoulder room, 2.5 inches more rear headroom, 5 inches more rear legroom and 3.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the 911.

The M2 has a much larger trunk than the 911 Coupe with its rear seat up (13.8 vs. 4.6 cubic feet).

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M2 offers cargo security. The 911’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

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 911 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 911 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the M2 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 911 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The M2 has standard Comfort Access that allows you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. The 911 GT3 doesn’t offer Comfort Access.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the M2 has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The 911 doesn’t offer rear vents.

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 911 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Insurance will cost less for the M2 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the M2 will cost $510 to $9420 less than the 911 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW M2 will be $20965 to $1788935 less than for the Porsche 911.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its February 2024 issue and they ranked the BMW M2 higher than the Porsche 911 T.