2 Series Coupe vs GR86
The 2 Series Coupe and the GR86 are direct rivals in the sports car class, one from BMW and one from Toyota. On balance, the 2 Series Coupe is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 4 areas, most clearly 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 & Range2.8
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
Big gap, real consequences. The 2 Series Coupe’s 30 mpg versus the GR86’s 22 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 2 Series Coupe has 111 lb-ft more torque
The GR86 is clearly behind on torque (184 lb-ft against 295 lb-ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 2 Series Coupe has 27 hp more power
On total system output, the 2 Series Coupe edges out the GR86, 255 hp to 228 hp. The 2 Series Coupe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better highway fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the 2 Series Coupe is in a different league: 35 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the GR86. The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better city fuel economy
For fuel economy (city), the 2 Series Coupe leads by a wide margin: 26 mpg versus 20 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,811 lb Lightest in class |
Engine & Performance
2 Series Coupe leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the 2 Series Coupe leads, and not by a little. In its favor, the 2 Series Coupe has 111 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Net result: the 2 Series Coupe leads this part of the comparison.
Torque
2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft GR86: 184 lb-ft The 2 Series Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
2 Series Coupe: 255 hp GR86: 228 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Coupe leads
This is one of the 2 Series Coupe’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the GR86 falls well short. The 2 Series Coupe answers with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the 2 Series Coupe is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
2 Series Coupe: 30 mpg GR86: 22 mpg The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
2 Series Coupe: 35 mpg GR86: 26 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
2 Series Coupe leads
Call it a small but real win for the 2 Series Coupe in this area. The 2 Series Coupe scores with available all-wheel drive. The 2 Series Coupe offers all-wheel drive; the GR86 doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. That makes the 2 Series Coupe the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
AWD / 4WD available
2 Series Coupe: yes GR86: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
The 2 Series Coupe and the GR86 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (6-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,811 lb Lightest in class |
Price
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $31,200 Lowest price in class |
“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 want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (255 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the GR86?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the GR86 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Whenever BMW and Toyota go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the 2 Series Coupe and the GR86 are no exception. The 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the 2 Series Coupe offers 111 lb-ft more torque.
In my head, the 2 Series Coupe is the engine & performance pick and the GR86 is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.