VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
202 kW
Torque
230 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Towing
1300 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.6 s
—
Engine
1499 cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the BMW 2 Series and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 2 Series delivers 115 kW while the Subaru WRX produces 202 kW. On fuel, the 2 Series returns 6.3 l/100km while the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R733 559 for the 2 Series and R899 000 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
202 kW
Torque
230 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
8.6 s
—
Top Speed
230 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
143 g/km
225 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4546 mm
4670 mm
Width
1800-2070 mm
1825 mm
Height
1445 mm
1465 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2675 mm
Ground Clearance
—
135 mm
Kerb Weight
1420 DIN / 1495 EU Kg
—
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
430 l
423 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
—
Load Capacity
530 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 2 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
2 Series
Value
2 Series
Practicality
2 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 2 Series
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R733 559)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 202 kW)
Subaru WRX
More powerful engine (202 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 2 Series or WRX?
The 2 Series uses 6.3 l/100km and the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 2 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 2 Series or WRX?
The 2 Series produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the WRX delivers 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The WRX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 2 Series and WRX?
The 2 Series starts from R733 559 and the WRX from R899 000. The 2 Series is cheaper by R165 441 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 2 Series or WRX?
The 2 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1300 Kg and the WRX can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 2 Series or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.