The BMW M2 Coupe is arguably one of the hottest rides you can buy right now.

With its compact dimensions, a turbocharged straight-six and a chassis honed by the BMW M wizards, everything is possible, but can the M2 actually get close and perhaps even beat its larger and more expensive M4 sibling at its own game?

The numbers suggest that the M2 shouldn’t be near the M4 in terms of performance – even those of you who thought that the smaller size equals to a lot less weight than the big brother, ought to think again: BMW announces a 1,570kg kerb (3,461 lbs / empty) weight which means that a manual M2 is only 20kg (44 lbs) lighter than a manual M4.

Priced from $51,700 in the USA, the M2 is motivated by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six producing 370PS (365hp) and 465Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque, capable of completing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 4.5 seconds (4.3sec with the DCT gearbox).

The M4 costs $14,000 more at $65,700 for the base model, and it gets a different 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six, rated for 431PS (425hp) and 550Nm (406lb-ft), reaching the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 0.2 seconds faster, at 4.3 seconds for the manual model and 4.1 seconds for the DCT version.

But the story might have some more depth to it than what some cold numbers might point to, and that’s why Motor Trend brought the two models together to find out which one is not only faster on a track, but also which is better choice for the playful enthusiast.

Is it possible for the new BMW M2 to be better than the mighty M4? Let’s find out in the video, and while we’re at it, how about you cast your vote on which one you’d buy in the poll that follows?

Poll: Which BMW M would you take?

VIDEO

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