2 Series Coupe vs RC 300
Few matchups in the sports car class come up as often as the 2 Series Coupe against the RC 300. This one has a front-runner. The 2 Series Coupe wins 2 of 4 compared areas, and fuel economy & range is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 2 Series Coupe wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.8
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The 2 Series Coupe brings 30 mpg to the table; the RC 300 brings 25 mpg. The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The 2 Series Coupe has 14 hp more power
The RC 300 comes close with 241 hp; the 2 Series Coupe does slightly better with 255 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better city fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (city), the 2 Series Coupe wins comfortably with 26 mpg against 21 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 2 Series Coupe starts from a better baseline.
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The 2 Series Coupe has 37 lb-ft more torque
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 295 lb-ft for the 2 Series Coupe, 258 lb-ft for the RC 300. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the 2 Series Coupe is a touch ahead here, listing 35 mpg against 31 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 54.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107.5 in |
Engine & Performance
2 Series Coupe leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the 2 Series Coupe makes the stronger case by a wide margin. Here the 2 Series Coupe offers 14 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Weighing only engine & performance, the 2 Series Coupe comes out ahead.
Total system output
2 Series Coupe: 255 hp RC 300: 241 hp The 2 Series Coupe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft RC 300: 258 lb-ft The 2 Series Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Coupe leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the 2 Series Coupe leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The 2 Series Coupe gives you better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the 2 Series Coupe.
Fuel economy (combined)
2 Series Coupe: 30 mpg RC 300: 25 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
2 Series Coupe: 26 mpg RC 300: 21 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 2 Series Coupe has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 241 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 17.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 54.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107.5 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2 Series Coupe if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 25 mpg combined)
- you want more power (255 hp vs 241 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the RC 300?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the RC 300 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the 2 Series Coupe and the RC 300. My main argument for the 2 Series Coupe? It comes with better fuel economy. Another thing in the 2 Series Coupe’s favor is 14 hp more power.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the 2 Series Coupe, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the RC 300), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.