Drag Race: BMW 1M Takes on the BMW M2

Here’s a drag race that a lot of BMW enthusiasts have been waiting for: the BMW 1M Coupe takes on its successor, the BMW M2. Take both cars on a proper drag strip and find out who is the king of the M fleet. Can the older 1M keep up with the younger brother? Watch the videos below to out:

This drag race is very interesting because it gives the BMW M2 a chance to finally step out of its older brother’s shadow. Since it is newer, the M2 has the edge in terms of features. However, in many aspects, both cars are actually quite similar.

The idea behind creating a BMW 1M Coupe was motivated by the automaker’s desire to offer a small, compact, and fun car for the Motorsport division fans. There was a void to fill and the 1M did a good job in satisfying the desires of the fans. It was a very fun car to drive with its upgraded version of the bi-turbo N54 3-liter straight six engine delivering 340 horsepower and up to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque with overboost. However, it did not please everyone. There were people who thought that the 1M is not a true M car and that it is a shame to the M badge; mostly because it doesn’t have a proper M-developed engine under the hood.

The BMW M2 also has a similar story. It is powered by a revised version of the N55 3-liter turbocharged unit delivering 370 horsepower and the same 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque with overboost. It is also not a fully M-developed engine. It also did not please everyone but is was definitely well loved.

In the drag race below, the BMW M2 takes the win. However, it is unclear if it was a manual or a DCT-fitted model used. The BMW 1M Coupe was only offered with a manual 6-speed gearbox. The answer may very well explain the big difference between the two.