RAM 3500 vs BMW M2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The RAM 3500 starts from $177,950 before on-road costs, while the BMW M2 opens at $123,900. That makes the BMW M2 the more affordable entry point by $54,050.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $195,745 and $136,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M2 by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The RAM 3500 features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BMW M2 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The RAM 3500 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the BMW M2. The BMW M2 counters with head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the RAM 3500 gets leather upholstery while the BMW M2 offers merino leather.
Drivetrain
The RAM 3500 uses a Diesel Turbo producing 313kW and 1458Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The BMW M2 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 600Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The BMW M2 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 313kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M2 is 4.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The RAM 3500 measures 6,066mm long on a 3,785mm wheelbase, 1486mm longer than the BMW M2 at 4,580mm (2,747mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the RAM 3500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 900L in the RAM 3500 and 390L in the BMW M2, giving the RAM 3500 a 510L advantage. The RAM 3500 seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the RAM 3500 leads with a 8,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 7,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 14.4m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,648/year for the RAM 3500 and $2,736/year for the BMW M2. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the BMW M2.
Estimated annual total: $3,648 (RAM 3500) vs $2,736 (BMW M2). The BMW M2 saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 3500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M2). The BMW M2 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the RAM 3500 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M2 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M2 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M2 will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the RAM 3500 has a clear edge. The BMW M2 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, RAM 3500 and BMW M2?
The BMW M2 is the cheapest at $123,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 3500 by $54,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M2 uses the least fuel at 9.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of RAM 3500 and BMW M2 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The RAM 3500 has the largest boot at 900L.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 3500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 8,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M2 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M2 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M2 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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