2 Series Coupe vs BRZ
It’s BMW against Subaru in the sports car class, and the 2 Series Coupe and the BRZ are the models carrying each flag. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 3 of 4 areas go to the 2 Series Coupe, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 2 Series Coupe wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 2 Series Coupe wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.8
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
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
The numbers aren’t close. The 2 Series Coupe lists 30 mpg for fuel economy (combined), while the BRZ lists 22 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 111 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the 2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft against 184 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. 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 27 hp more power
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 255 hp against 228 hp is a small but genuine lead for the 2 Series Coupe. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better city fuel economy
Here the 2 Series Coupe pulls well ahead of the BRZ, with 26 mpg compared to 20 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 better highway fuel economy
The 2 Series Coupe doesn’t just edge this one; 35 mpg against 27 mpg is a lead you’ll feel. The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 101.4 in |
Engine & Performance
2 Series Coupe leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the 2 Series Coupe leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The 2 Series Coupe takes this one with 111 lb-ft more torque. The 2 Series Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. The engine & performance verdict goes to the 2 Series Coupe.
Torque
2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft BRZ: 184 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
2 Series Coupe: 255 hp BRZ: 228 hp The 2 Series Coupe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Coupe leads
The 2 Series Coupe wins the fuel economy & range section decisively. The 2 Series Coupe wins here with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the 2 Series Coupe.
Fuel economy (combined)
2 Series Coupe: 30 mpg BRZ: 22 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
2 Series Coupe: 26 mpg BRZ: 20 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 2 Series Coupe has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
2 Series Coupe leads
In the off-road & towing category, the 2 Series Coupe is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. On the 2 Series Coupe, you get available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Net result: the 2 Series Coupe leads this part of the comparison.
AWD / 4WD available
2 Series Coupe: yes BRZ: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the 2 Series Coupe and the BRZ list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.4L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 228 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 101.4 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 22 mpg combined)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (255 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 20 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the BRZ?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the BRZ doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the 2 Series Coupe’s and the BRZ’s) so you don’t have to. I’d put better fuel economy at the top of the list, and it belongs to the 2 Series Coupe. And if that weren’t enough, the 2 Series Coupe has 111 lb-ft more torque.
For engine & performance, the 2 Series Coupe fits better. For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the BRZ is the better match.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.