Owners Thoughts - M2 or M2 Comp
Discussion
Currently looking for a new daily and would appreciate any owners experiences / thoughts.
My best daily to date is a Alpha Guilla QF, I would seriously go back there but have always fancied the M2.
Currently I'm looking at either a 2018 M2 LCI or a 2019 M2 Comp. Important for me is:
- DCT as I have 45 miles of town commuting every weekday.
- Would like to track 5-6 times this year, so something with playful / balanced chassis, outright speed is not my concern. I am prepared to invest in upgrading brakes, but not silly money.
- Raspy exhaust. M2 I would have to have M-performance exhaust and on the M2 Comp, I would look for Remus cat back car. Needs to be sub 105DB for track day.
- Ideally the car which has most aggressive squat and alloys to complement. Nice to have, but bottom of my list.
Any experiences and thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
My best daily to date is a Alpha Guilla QF, I would seriously go back there but have always fancied the M2.
Currently I'm looking at either a 2018 M2 LCI or a 2019 M2 Comp. Important for me is:
- DCT as I have 45 miles of town commuting every weekday.
- Would like to track 5-6 times this year, so something with playful / balanced chassis, outright speed is not my concern. I am prepared to invest in upgrading brakes, but not silly money.
- Raspy exhaust. M2 I would have to have M-performance exhaust and on the M2 Comp, I would look for Remus cat back car. Needs to be sub 105DB for track day.
- Ideally the car which has most aggressive squat and alloys to complement. Nice to have, but bottom of my list.
Any experiences and thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
You'll be happy with either.
Comp a little quicker, better top end and better looking seats.
N55 car 55kgs lighter, better sound, £8k to £10k cheaper I think. Cheaper to service. No OPF. Better mpg (not by much).
Fluid and DS1. 11 is a decent brake upgrade for track.
If you widen the net to a non LCI you might get more choice, unless there is a particular reason why you prefer the LCI. They're essentially the same car as the OG bar cosmetic changes.
Comp a little quicker, better top end and better looking seats.
N55 car 55kgs lighter, better sound, £8k to £10k cheaper I think. Cheaper to service. No OPF. Better mpg (not by much).
Fluid and DS1. 11 is a decent brake upgrade for track.
If you widen the net to a non LCI you might get more choice, unless there is a particular reason why you prefer the LCI. They're essentially the same car as the OG bar cosmetic changes.
nickfrog said:
You'll be happy with either.
Comp a little quicker, better top end and better looking seats.
N55 car 55kgs lighter, better sound, £8k to £10k cheaper I think. Cheaper to service. No OPF. Better mpg (not by much).
Fluid and DS1. 11 is a decent brake upgrade for track.
If you widen the net to a non LCI you might get more choice, unless there is a particular reason why you prefer the LCI. They're essentially the same car as the OG bar cosmetic changes.
Yes I can certainly widen net to non LCI.Comp a little quicker, better top end and better looking seats.
N55 car 55kgs lighter, better sound, £8k to £10k cheaper I think. Cheaper to service. No OPF. Better mpg (not by much).
Fluid and DS1. 11 is a decent brake upgrade for track.
If you widen the net to a non LCI you might get more choice, unless there is a particular reason why you prefer the LCI. They're essentially the same car as the OG bar cosmetic changes.
Thank you for opinion, good to understand.
I know the DS1 is the SBS brake setup, what is a "11 brake upgrade"?
Thanks.
I wouldn't want a DCT for town work. That's where you really want a traditional slush box auto. I tried a DCT M2 comp and disliked it so much that i cut the test drive short. I'm sure in the right circumstances the DCT is great, but round town i found it clunky and easily confused. I went for a manual.
Regarding M2 vs Comp, i tried both and went M2. The comp is quieter and smoother. I don't like the comp wheels. And the price difference is around £10k. However the comp seats are MUCH nicer.
LCI vs OG. There's nothing in it really. The OG has older style grey background //M dials, the LCI has digi dials. I prefer the older style dials.
MPG as a daily was also on my mind. The N55 is very economical for its power. I get 31mpg average, with 35mpg on a good run. I believe the comp is about 10-20% worse on fuel.
Regarding M2 vs Comp, i tried both and went M2. The comp is quieter and smoother. I don't like the comp wheels. And the price difference is around £10k. However the comp seats are MUCH nicer.
LCI vs OG. There's nothing in it really. The OG has older style grey background //M dials, the LCI has digi dials. I prefer the older style dials.
MPG as a daily was also on my mind. The N55 is very economical for its power. I get 31mpg average, with 35mpg on a good run. I believe the comp is about 10-20% worse on fuel.
PTF said:
I wouldn't want a DCT for town work. That's where you really want a traditional slush box auto. I tried a DCT M2 comp and disliked it so much that i cut the test drive short. I'm sure in the right circumstances the DCT is great, but round town i found it clunky and easily confused. I went for a manual.
Regarding M2 vs Comp, i tried both and went M2. The comp is quieter and smoother. I don't like the comp wheels. And the price difference is around £10k. However the comp seats are MUCH nicer.
LCI vs OG. There's nothing in it really. The OG has older style grey background //M dials, the LCI has digi dials. I prefer the older style dials.
MPG as a daily was also on my mind. The N55 is very economical for its power. I get 31mpg average, with 35mpg on a good run. I believe the comp is about 10-20% worse on fuel.
That is a surprise to hear re DCT. I will have to demo myself .Regarding M2 vs Comp, i tried both and went M2. The comp is quieter and smoother. I don't like the comp wheels. And the price difference is around £10k. However the comp seats are MUCH nicer.
LCI vs OG. There's nothing in it really. The OG has older style grey background //M dials, the LCI has digi dials. I prefer the older style dials.
MPG as a daily was also on my mind. The N55 is very economical for its power. I get 31mpg average, with 35mpg on a good run. I believe the comp is about 10-20% worse on fuel.
Thanks for all feedback responses
SagMan said:
That is a surprise to hear re DCT. I will have to demo myself .
I think very low rev movements is where the DCT is a little bit flawed, and my F82 M4 with the DCT has some right funny moments at very low speeds/revs. It isn't especially deal breaking, but something like the ZF8 auto is better in that situation for me. The DCT is ace in its quickest(or middle) setting when pushing on though, and it arguably has more character than the ZF8. In short...get 3 pedals instead...so that "YOU" are in control!
I've only ever owner manual cars, with the exception of a DCT M2 which I ran for two years between 2018-2020. The gearbox was fantastic and I never wished I'd gone for the manual. During the ownership I had a couple of BMW courtesy cars when in for service/warranty work, a 330i, 520d and X1 2.0d, and they all had the ZF 8-speed. I much preferred the DCT in every situation, never found it hesitant at any point.
I used the paddles a lot of the time in the M2, even during mundane driving, as it felt satisfying and mechanical to interact with. The ZF autos I drove I never felt compelled to take control as it just felt very computerised and smooth, lacking any sort of engagement. Perfect for a 5-series but you definitely don't want that in a drivers car.
I used the paddles a lot of the time in the M2, even during mundane driving, as it felt satisfying and mechanical to interact with. The ZF autos I drove I never felt compelled to take control as it just felt very computerised and smooth, lacking any sort of engagement. Perfect for a 5-series but you definitely don't want that in a drivers car.
SagMan said:
Currently looking for a new daily and would appreciate any owners experiences / thoughts.
My best daily to date is a Alpha Guilla QF, I would seriously go back there but have always fancied the M2.
As someone pondering both of the above, out of interest do you have your thoughts jotted down anywhere on the Giulia? If not, would you be willing to share them? Not wishing to derail the thread, just don't get a chance to ask someone who's owned and done mileage in one that often!My best daily to date is a Alpha Guilla QF, I would seriously go back there but have always fancied the M2.
resolve10 said:
I've only ever owner manual cars, with the exception of a DCT M2 which I ran for two years between 2018-2020. The gearbox was fantastic and I never wished I'd gone for the manual. During the ownership I had a couple of BMW courtesy cars when in for service/warranty work, a 330i, 520d and X1 2.0d, and they all had the ZF 8-speed. I much preferred the DCT in every situation, never found it hesitant at any point.
I used the paddles a lot of the time in the M2, even during mundane driving, as it felt satisfying and mechanical to interact with. The ZF autos I drove I never felt compelled to take control as it just felt very computerised and smooth, lacking any sort of engagement. Perfect for a 5-series but you definitely don't want that in a drivers car.
I never really use the paddles, but it is good to hear that they do add to the experience. I've just been out in the M4 and I got an opportunity to absolutely floor it(just in drive), and it dropped to the lowest gear that it could and I genuinely laughed out loud at the pace that the car shot off at! I used the paddles a lot of the time in the M2, even during mundane driving, as it felt satisfying and mechanical to interact with. The ZF autos I drove I never felt compelled to take control as it just felt very computerised and smooth, lacking any sort of engagement. Perfect for a 5-series but you definitely don't want that in a drivers car.
I love the S55 engine so much, and when you are absolutely going for it I do really think that the DCT suits it for sure. I can't believe the contrast between the M4 and the E92 M3 I had. I never really took to the M3(although the chassis and induction noise were ace), whereas I love absolutely everything about the M4 in comparison(just the harsh ride and the noise it makes are little niggles for me).
Chunkychucky said:
SagMan said:
Currently looking for a new daily and would appreciate any owners experiences / thoughts.
My best daily to date is a Alpha Guilla QF, I would seriously go back there but have always fancied the M2.
As someone pondering both of the above, out of interest do you have your thoughts jotted down anywhere on the Giulia? If not, would you be willing to share them? Not wishing to derail the thread, just don't get a chance to ask someone who's owned and done mileage in one that often!My best daily to date is a Alpha Guilla QF, I would seriously go back there but have always fancied the M2.
Dealers are a poor part of ownership but I had no issues with mine.
I haven’t ruled out having another, but always had a thing for a M2.
Drive a Civic Type R, FK8, today . Great car, so up on its heels and fun. So that might be a possible too!
I’ve just gone from an M2C to Stelvio QV.
Really didn’t have an issue with the dct around town, unless it was in sport plus and then it’s very jerky.
Dct certainly better than the ZF in ‘normal’ driving, but I’ve since found the Stelvio’s ZF to be pretty damn good when full on (much better than in my F-Type R on same roads).
Really can’t say anything negative about the M2C, with the exception of Supersport tyres in our colder wetter months….
Really didn’t have an issue with the dct around town, unless it was in sport plus and then it’s very jerky.
Dct certainly better than the ZF in ‘normal’ driving, but I’ve since found the Stelvio’s ZF to be pretty damn good when full on (much better than in my F-Type R on same roads).
Really can’t say anything negative about the M2C, with the exception of Supersport tyres in our colder wetter months….
I had an original M2 DCT. I did not find the DCT a pain in town at all. It was more than adequate.
Engine sound, well more exhaust sound really was ok. But I found the engine utterly underwhelming, it was just part of the car, but did not make the driving experience at all, there was no joy in revving it.. i found that if i changed up at 4.5k or 7k it was the same.. no crescendo. Nothing.
But was also used to pretty incredible n/a engines so that might have played a part. But sold it because just did not feel special. Some say the Comp chassis is better and the engine is stronger and more enthusiastic to rev. So might be the one to have.
I also test drove a Giulia QV a year or so after selling the M2. Again, I liked the car overall but engine also was nothing special (Harry's garage video also mentions the same) and i could really not see or feel the Ferrari parenthood in the engine department. The fact I went to test drive with a GT3 Touring again not helping probably. Still I regret not owning one because style wise and overall package it's a cracking car. And image wise is hard to beat.
Given all of the above, and having considered buying a M2 Comp or an Alfa to have something special but also usable with kids on top of our SUV, I found myself thinking I would be left wanting in the engine department again. And started to look at E46 M3 and E92 M3 (the latter I had in early 2010s and found it a compelling package, if only lacking in image department as it was starting to be owned by the usual boy racing crowd getting hold of cheaper M cars).
Now that maintenance items on "cheap" older M cars is becoming a reality maybe we will see them emerge as modern classic, which they do deserve IMHO. Their engines are masterpieces and not just a tool like most forced induction elements.
my 2 cents
Engine sound, well more exhaust sound really was ok. But I found the engine utterly underwhelming, it was just part of the car, but did not make the driving experience at all, there was no joy in revving it.. i found that if i changed up at 4.5k or 7k it was the same.. no crescendo. Nothing.
But was also used to pretty incredible n/a engines so that might have played a part. But sold it because just did not feel special. Some say the Comp chassis is better and the engine is stronger and more enthusiastic to rev. So might be the one to have.
I also test drove a Giulia QV a year or so after selling the M2. Again, I liked the car overall but engine also was nothing special (Harry's garage video also mentions the same) and i could really not see or feel the Ferrari parenthood in the engine department. The fact I went to test drive with a GT3 Touring again not helping probably. Still I regret not owning one because style wise and overall package it's a cracking car. And image wise is hard to beat.
Given all of the above, and having considered buying a M2 Comp or an Alfa to have something special but also usable with kids on top of our SUV, I found myself thinking I would be left wanting in the engine department again. And started to look at E46 M3 and E92 M3 (the latter I had in early 2010s and found it a compelling package, if only lacking in image department as it was starting to be owned by the usual boy racing crowd getting hold of cheaper M cars).
Now that maintenance items on "cheap" older M cars is becoming a reality maybe we will see them emerge as modern classic, which they do deserve IMHO. Their engines are masterpieces and not just a tool like most forced induction elements.
my 2 cents
rosino said:
Given all of the above, and having considered buying a M2 Comp or an Alfa to have something special but also usable with kids on top of our SUV, I found myself thinking I would be left wanting in the engine department again. And started to look at E46 M3 and E92 M3 (the latter I had in early 2010s and found it a compelling package, if only lacking in image department as it was starting to be owned by the usual boy racing crowd getting hold of cheaper M cars).
Now that maintenance items on "cheap" older M cars is becoming a reality maybe we will see them emerge as modern classic, which they do deserve IMHO. Their engines are masterpieces and not just a tool like most forced induction elements.
my 2 cents
I thought my E92 M3(manual) was a horrible daily driver(I did 10k miles in 10 months in it). It was thirsty and it offered hardly any range, it also felt very ordinary and heavy at low speeds, plus with max power at 8300rpm combined with the torque to weight ratio it ended up driving me mad! Now that maintenance items on "cheap" older M cars is becoming a reality maybe we will see them emerge as modern classic, which they do deserve IMHO. Their engines are masterpieces and not just a tool like most forced induction elements.
my 2 cents
However in saying all that, I would definitely be happy to run one again as an occasional car though. I loved its chassis and the induction noise loads. The S65 V8 is a masterpiece of an engine, but for me it really needs to be in a lighter car than the M3.
rosino said:
Their engines are masterpieces and not just a tool like most forced induction elements.
Difficult to disagree with you. I think the BMW I6 turbo are OK in isolation but perhaps not great compared to some of the older NA S engines.But on the other hand, what they do is providing entertainment at lower revs by challenging the chassis at lower speeds for obvious reasons.
nickfrog said:
But on the other hand, what they do is providing entertainment at lower revs by challenging the chassis at lower speeds for obvious reasons.
This is what I love about them too. On a dry warm(ish) day I can open the throttle up with confidence in the M4, whereas today it was quite cold and the road was quite greasy in areas, and even with a light throttle opening it kicked the rear out on me! I find that liveliness a lot of fun as you mention. The turbo engined cars are much more fun at lower speeds than the NA engined cars are for me. The turbo cars offer the best of both worlds imo, whereas the NA engined cars are more high rev(better sounding granted) one trick pony engines arguably.
It is mad to think that the S54 in the Z4M and the S65 in the E92 M3 actually put me off NA engines in many ways. The S55 engine offers me more...for more of the time.
SagMan said:
Drive a Civic Type R, FK8, today . Great car, so up on its heels and fun. So that might be a possible too!
If you enjoyed the Civic Type R you should try a Megane R.S Trophy as well - that's what I jumped into after my M2 and I can honestly say it's more fun and engaging more of the time. Definitely more 'effort' to drive on long journeys though, so that might be something you need to consider?Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff