Revealed in October 2022, the second-generation M2 received plenty of criticism for a plethora of reasons, the biggest one being its exterior design. Regardless of the flak, it's a thoroughbred M vehicle. Not only that, but also the final ICE-only model from M.
The naysayers also have to remember that it's marginally lighter than big brother M4, making the M2 that little better in the corners. Not designed for quarter-mile dominance at the drag strip, the G87 is anything but a slouch. Even with the manual transmission, 4.2 seconds to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) is hugely impressive. Opting for the automatic improves the 0-60 estimate to 3.9.
Even more impressively, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The 2024 model is currently listed on the American configurator at $63,200 before taxes and options, whereas the more specious M4 Coupe starts at $78,100 with rear-wheel drive and a stick shift.
Pictured in Toronto Red Metallic at the Dunnville Autodrome, the M2 in the video below is a 2023 model, which means $1,000 less in terms of base price than the 2024 model. Equipped with aftermarket wheels and carbon-fiber goodies, the car also had been lowered for a better stance. Otherwise, the manual-equipped M2 is a bone-stock affair.
Sam CarLegion lists the G87 with a curb weight of 3,750 pounds, yet BMW says the manual tips the scales at 3,814 pounds. Make that 1,730 kilograms in metric. Next to it, the yellow-painted Mustang GT is a bit lighter: 3,741 pounds (1,697 kilograms) as per Ford or 3,780 (1,714) as per Sam CarLegion.
Also equipped with a six-speed stick shift, the pony car from Flat Rock is a completely different animal from the M2 in many respects, beginning with the quality of the interior trim. Under the hood, you'll find a dual-throttle-body V8 of the naturally aspirated variety as opposed to a twin-turbo I6 in the M2.
Photo: Sam CarLegion on YouTube
This particular example of the S650 rocks the optional exhaust, meaning a little more oomph from the 5.0-liter 'Yote. With 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet (567 Nm) on deck, the free-breathing V8 is punchier than the M2's sixer. BMW claims 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet (550 Nm), but as you're well aware, BMW also sandbags like crazy when it comes to six- and eight-cylinder engines.
Given this information, are you willing to bet your dollar that Ford's pony car is faster than the Bimmer in a drag race? Unfortunately, that would be a big fat no. Sam CarLegion clocked 4.3 seconds to 60 and 12.5 in the quarter, which is four and two tenths worse than the Bavarian coupe from Mexico. Indeed, the M2 – and every other 2 Series Coupe in production today – are built in San Luis Potosi.
The G87 asserts dominance from a rolling start as well, be it 32 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour) or 42 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour). Truth be told, the Mustang does have longer gear ratios and an inferior transmission compared to the M2.
If you want a 2024 Ford Mustang with a proper manual, then forget the Getrag-supplied MT-82 of the GT because the Dark Horse comes with a Tremec TR-3160. Coincidentally, that's also the transmission used in the S550-gen Mach 1 and Shelby GT350.
The Dark Horse starts at a staggering $59,485 at press time, whereas the GT is listed at $42,710 by the Ford Motor Company. The only current-gen Mustang without a manual is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, which comes with the Ford-developed 10R as standard.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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