Ever since its launch back in October, the BMW M235i has been compared with the legendary 2002 Turbo. The 2002 Turbo was introduced at the 1973 Frankfurt Auto Show. Developed by then BMW Motorsport, later renamed BMW M, the distinguishing feature of the Turbo was the Kuhnle, Kopp & Kausch turbocharger.
It was mounted low on the right front of the engine and air was fed to it through a tube. The holes in the front spoiler are for cooling. The large center opening is for the oil cooler, while the smaller one to the right is used for the tube that feeds cool air directly onto the turbo itself.
The 2002 turbo helped the miniscule 1990cc engine produce 170 hp at 5800 RPM up from the standard 2002’s 108 hp. Even the very sought after 2002tii with its kugelfischer mechanic fuel injection mustered a mere 130hp.
Featuring a lightweight chassis, the 2002 Turbo is regarded as one of the most fun BMWs to drive, or own.
To see how the M235i fares against the 2002 Turbo, the folks over at Auto Motor und Sport put the two vehicles side-by-side.
The BMW M235i Coupe is the latest member of the BMW M Performance Automobile family. The 2014 BMW M235i will be offered in the U.S. at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $44,025, including $925 destination and handling. In Germany, the BMW M235i costs 36,764 Euro.
It is powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology generates maximum output of 240 kW/326 hp and accelerates the BMW M235i Coupe from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds.