2025 BMW 2 Series vs 2025 Subaru BRZ
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 BMW 2 Series and the 2025 Subaru BRZ boils down to prioritizing luxury refinement versus raw, track-focused affordability. If you need slightly more comfort for your daily drive, the BMW starts at a higher MSRP of $39,600 compared to the BRZ's $33,210, a $6,390 gap. The 2 Series offers a slight performance edge with 255 hp versus the BRZ's 228 hp, translating to better highway merging capability. However, the BMW manages 30 combined MPG, beating the BRZ's 22 combined MPG, making the premium fuel requirement slightly less painful over distance. Furthermore, the BMW provides more utility, boasting 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space against the BRZ's tight 6.3 cu ft. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether the daily running costs and utility balance the steep initial premium over the more minimalist, spirited BRZ.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the BRZ's 22 MPG.
2025 BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series is the better choice as it offers more than double the cargo space at 13.8 cu ft compared to the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ wins for the purist enthusiast because its standard 6-speed manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience than the 2 Series' automatic.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ offers significantly better value, coming in $6,390 cheaper while still providing a fun, rear-wheel-drive coupe experience.
Choose the BMW 2 Series if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops by taking advantage of the BMW's 30 combined MPG rating.
- You require usable trunk space, as the 2 Series offers 13.8 cu ft versus the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft.
- You prefer the smoother operation of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual gearbox.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- Your primary goal is driving engagement, valuing the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You are looking to save money upfront, as the BRZ's MSRP of $33,210 undercuts the BMW by $6,390.
- You enjoy working with a slightly less powerful engine, as the BRZ outputs 228 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 2 Series | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 69.9" |
| Height | 54.8" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.9" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | — |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/35 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 356.2/479.5 mi. | 264.0/356.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.7 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.0 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 215/45R |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 2 Series and 2025 Subaru BRZ.
How significant is the performance difference between the two coupes?
The 2025 BMW 2 Series has a measurable advantage with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru BRZ produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, meaning the BMW will feel noticeably quicker in passing situations.
Is the fuel economy difference between the 2 Series and the BRZ large enough to matter?
Yes, it is substantial for daily driving; the BMW achieves 30 combined MPG, whereas the BRZ is rated at only 22 combined MPG. Since both require premium unleaded, that 8 MPG difference will result in more frequent stops at the pump for the BRZ owner.
Which car is physically easier to maneuver in tight city environments?
The Subaru BRZ is generally easier to manage due to its smaller footprint; it measures 167.9 inches long and 69.9 inches wide. The BMW 2 Series is slightly bulkier at 179.0 inches long and 72.4 inches wide.
If I plan road trips, which car offers better practicality?
The BMW 2 Series is far more practical, offering 13.8 cu ft of cargo space for luggage. The BRZ's minimal 6.3 cu ft capacity is less than half that amount, barely accommodating weekend bags.
Does the price difference reflect major feature discrepancies beyond power?
While the BMW commands a $6,390 premium, much of it covers luxury amenities, plus its automatic transmission and higher fuel efficiency. The BRZ offers a superb driving machine for less money, but buyers accept a lower baseline of standard features and space.
Which car is inherently better suited for track days right off the lot?
Although the BMW is more powerful, the BRZ is widely favored by enthusiasts for its balanced chassis setup, especially when paired with its standard 6-speed manual transmission, making it often preferred for initial track learning.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool