Sports cars and sports coupes are doing alright in 2022. Yes, they are massively outsold by SUVs, Crossovers, and pickup trucks, but there is no shortage on offer for those who value fun-to-drive over all else.
The Toyota Supra 2.0 and the BMW 230i have an interesting relationship. They couldn’t be more different, yet they are almost exactly the same. Both are front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-door coupes. Both use the same BMW 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, yet the experience of having either one is entirely different.
Let’s look at these two sports cars and find out how they compare head-to-head.
2022 Toyota Supra 2.0 vs. 2022 BMW 230i: Performance
2021 Toyota Supra 2.0 | Toyota
Both of these coupes share a very similar drivetrain. They make use of BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Each car produces an identical 255 horsepower and is fed to an eight-speed automatic transmission before ending up at the rear wheels.
In the Supra, you can achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the 230i takes a bit longer at 5.5 seconds. This is mainly due to the final drive ratios used. The Supra gets a 3.154 axle ratio vs. the BMW’s 2.81. The higher axle ratio helps improve acceleration.
The BMW is also significantly heavier than the Toyota, with the 230i weighing in at 3,519 pounds compared to 3,181 pounds for the Supra 2.0.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Efficiency
The low final drive ratio in the BMW helps the 230i beat the Supra in the efficiency department. The EPA estimates that the 230i will achieve 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. For the Supra, it’s a bit less at 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Safety
2021 Toyota Supra 2.0 interior | Toyota
When it comes to safety, neither sports car will leave you feeling exposed. The Supra and 230i both have similar safety specs with a host of advanced airbags and advanced restraint systems.
The features are also very similar on the safety tech front, with both cars getting advanced pre-collision detection systems, braking assist, rearview cameras, lane departure warnings, and tire pressure monitoring.
The BMW edges slightly in front of the Supra by offering blind spot detection, lane departure warning, speed limit, and road sign alerts. The BMW also gets front and rear park distance control.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Space
2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe | BMW
The Toyota Supra 2.0 is a true two-seat sports car. There is nothing behind you other than the trunk, which gives you 10 cubic feet of space. The BMW 230i has back seats, but they’re not really suitable for adults. You might be able to squeeze a child back there, but anyone with legs will feel extremely cramped.
The BMW is by far the roomier of the two. The 2+2 layout gives the 230i more interior volume, and the trunk space is identical to the Supra at 10 cubic feet.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Features and technology
2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe interior | BMW
Those who have been following reviews of the Toyota Supra will know that Toyota and BMW partnered to create this car. And as such, there are a lot of shared components, specifically in the interior. The difference is that the Supra uses BMW’s previous technology, while the 230i is all new and has been updated.
Both get an 8.8-inch touchscreen, but the BMW includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and real-time traffic information. Toyota’s website lists these features as options and is not included in the base model.
The BMW also gets a better sound system, with 10 speakers and a 205-watt amplifier. The Toyota has to make do with a fairly basic four-speaker set-up and lists BMW’s 10-speaker system as an optional extra.
Where the Supra gains back some points are in the seats. The base model’s seats are Alcantara and leather. In the 230i the seats are BMW’s SensaTec, which is synthetic and is more durable than natural leather.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Warranty
Toyota’s basic warranty for the Supra 2.0 is three years or 36,000 miles. A five-year, 60,000-mile warranty covers powertrain, corrosion, and restraint systems. Toyota will cover regular maintenance on the Supra for two years or 25,000 miles as a part of their included ToyotaCare plan.
BMW, amazingly, does the warranty game better. The basic warranty on the 230i is four years or 50,000 miles. There is a 12 year, unlimited mileage warranty against corrosion, and BMW will give you four years of roadside assistance. On top of that, a three-year, 36,000-mile Ultimate Care plan is included, which takes care of scheduled maintenance.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Price
The Toyota Supra 2.0 starts at $43,290. The BMW 230i starts at $36,350. That is a difference of $6940, and that is not insignificant. With that savings, you could add some very tasty options to the BMW like the M Sport package, Dynamic Handling Package, the Premium 2 package, and the awesome Thundernight Metallic Purple paint. All of which makes the car better, faster, more comfortable, and still less expensive than a base Supra 2.0.
Supra 2.0 vs. 230i: Which is best?
Best is purely subjective, but it is hard to overlook the price difference between these extremely similar cars. Optioning the 230i to equal the price of the base Supra gives you more performance, better handling, more technology, more luxury.
However, the Supra is no slouch and is not a bad car. It is sharper and more engaging to drive than the 230i. That comes from the lighter weight and different rear axle ratios.
If you are searching for a coupe for Sunday blasts on your favorite twisty roads, the Supra is the better tool for the job. For everyday use, price, comfort, and technology, the BMW 230i is far and away the better car.
Keyword: Sports Car Comparison, Toyota Supra 2.0 vs. BMW 230i: Two Sides of the Same Coin