A while back we came across a video comparing the acceleration runs of the BMW M2 and the BMW M240i, a comparison we’re bound to see often in the future. But today, we’re going to take a look at the performance of a stock 8-speed BMW M240i going up for a 124 mph run.
The recently unveiled M Performance model will be replacing the BMW M235i which has been often the darling of automotive journalists. Even Consumer Reports gave it a rating of 98/100. While the M240i is on our short list of test drives to come, the BMW M140i is currently in our garage waiting to be reviewed, so we’ll be able to share some thoughts about the hatch in the next few days.
Both models use the same B58 engine, be it on a Coupe or Hatch. The new 3-liter straight six engine provides 340 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque for the rear axle or all four corners of the car if one chooses to go for an xDrive model. The car in the video below is RWD, fitted with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
According to BMW’s official claims, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run should take 4.6 seconds which is just 0.3 seconds shy of what the DCT-equipped M2 can do. The N55-fitted M2 has 370 HP and 465 Nm of torque, a figure that goes up to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) occasionally, thanks to overboost. On the other hand, the M240i can rely on the full 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque between 1520-4500 RPM. It’s a close match no matter how you look at it.
It’s not so close when you start actually racing on a proper track, as the M2 will win any comparison due to its proper M axles and differential. Even so, few people are actually using their cars on the track and even fewer might consider spending extra on the M2 to be worth the trouble. In the end, it comes to personal preference and finance but the truth of the matter is, the new M240i is a beast in a straight line.
