2020 BMW M2

It should be noted at the start that those with back problems or recent hip replacements should give the 2020 M2 Competition a skip. At lower speeds on normal roads, the M2 bumps and crashes over even the slightest imperfections, and could get tiring very quickly if it wasn't for its other strong points. Drive the M2 as it should be driven, and you're rewarded with a balanced handling experience which is easy to modulate, and one which won't completely rip your head off when you make a mistake. One of the few negatives in terms of the M2's handling characteristics is the electric power steering system, which fails to communicate through the steering wheel, despite being adept at placing the car with precision. The combination of wide 265/35 rear tires, lightweight subframes, carbon fiber bracing and sharp brakes turns the M2 into a very accomplished - if somewhat compromised - sports car. Those who are looking for a softer experience should stick to the M240i.

With a riot of an engine under the hood, a well-tuned chassis, and an engaging driving experience, the M2 delivers the type of performance that will impress the ordinary driver but will only be truly appreciated by enthusiasts. The interior and features list resonates with the focus on performance driving: interior materials and build quality take a slight hit, and compared to some rivals, the features list might seem short, but most modern amenities such as navigation, forward collision warning, and Apple CarPlay integration are present. The compromised ride comfort and thirsty engine will put off some buyers, but BMW fans and petrolheads, in general, will love it for what it is; a fast, front-engined rear-wheel-drive BMW Coupe that will shred its tires at a whim, put a stupid grin on your face when pushing through corners, and get nods of approval from those in the know. More horsepower can be had for $58,900, but very little can touch it when it comes to overall performance.

Many consider the M3 to be the stalwart of BMW M cars, even though it wasn't the first to wear the sacred M badge, and the now-discontinued F80 generation was probably the most accomplished. Both the M3 and M2 are powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, but in the M3, it produced 425 hp. Both cars come standard with a six-speed manual, with the seven-speed DCT being an optional extra, and they even share the same 18/25/20 mpg figure - but that's where most of the similarities end. The M3 is clearly the larger car, measuring 184.5-inches in length compared to the 176.2 inches of the M2, offering more interior space overall. But, it gets a smaller trunk. The M3 feels more relaxed on the road, whereas the M2 Competition feels more performance-focused, which compromises comfort. Both offer scintillating performance, and despite the fact that you can't buy a new M3, it all boils down to how much space you need and how hardcore you want to go.

The $69,150 BMW M4 is a powerhouse that checks all the boxes for what makes an M-car great; it takes the place of the M3. It's 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, which it shares with the M2 and discontinued M3, produces 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and despite being more powerful and heavier, the M4 delivers the same gas mileage numbers. The M4 offers marginally more interior space, but has a lower roofline, making it even more challenging to get in and out. In terms of features, both cars share a similar list of standard equipment, but the M4 receives a more extensive options list that includes a Competition Package, further improving upon the M4's already impressive capabilities. The M4 is a more grown-up offering that can be more comfortable or hardcore than the M2 depending on the occasion.

Although not a coupe, the RS3 nonetheless offers a great, sporty drive that can be compared to the M2's offerings. With its fixed sport suspension, potent off-the-line behavior, and posh interior, the Audi has numerous plus-points to consider. As a sedan, it offers naturally more usable space than the Competition Coupe and capitalizes on the brand's attention to detail in terms of its stunning cabin. Despite its nearly 400-hp motor, upgraded brakes, and sport suspension, the RS3 can't quite give the thrills the M2 does - also, while the legendary quattro system makes for excellent handling in adverse weather conditions, the rear-wheel approach from BMW is just that much more fun. We'd go with the fun-and-games the M2 Competition represents, although the Audi is a worthwhile all-rounder.