CAR WARS! VIDEO: BMW M2 vs. Mercedes-AMG CLA45 — WHICH Entry-Level German Is The King?

In the world of autos there still are fierce rivalries. While the automakers tend to play them down, once and a while there will be a sign that the relationship with another company is a bit tense.

The latest example I came across was an all-new Audi commercial. In the spot the company makes an allusion to a company that's slow to react and is "uncool." Then, they show the all-new C-Class. It's a knock, no doubt.

Having said that, there's an all-new entry-level sports car battle. Thanks to the addition of the all-new BMW M2, it's slated to take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 as well as the upcoming Audi RS3. If you've got about $50,000 burning a hole in your pocket and you want something with a bit of attitude, it's hard to imagine spending your bucks elsewhere.

But rather than talk about philosophical differences, Sport Auto of Germany did a back-to-back track test with the BMW M car and CLA-Class AMG. After all, that's the best way to test these vehicles when you're timing them.

Check out the clip below to see WHO is faster around the track. Then, let us know WHICH all-new sports car you'd be putting in your driveway: would it be the M2 or the AMG CLA45?

TomM - 3/15/2016 7:11:10 AM

-6 Boost

Based on Actual Selling Price - If I wanted a small car like that - I would probably go for an ATS-V - certainly better than any front wheel drive

MDarringer - 3/15/2016 8:44:25 AM

-5 Boost

The Mercedes would be my choice. The BMW looked twitchy and ragged.

MDarringer - 3/15/2016 8:44:54 AM

-5 Boost

Indeed. Track time would not be the deciding factor for me at all.

Yonder7 - 3/15/2016 10:42:03 AM

+1 Boost

CLA is more practical for me, but the correct compare should be M2 Vs A45 cause they are more compatible in size and space utility and weight and in that case I bet the A45 could have same numbers...

skytop - 3/15/2016 12:41:46 PM

0 Boost

MB CLA looks like a mom car grocery getter. The BMW M2 has an attractive aggressive sporty design.

cidflekken - 3/15/2016 2:02:25 PM

+5 Boost

Kind of a tossup. The enhanced fenders and styling elements of the M2 really help because the 2 Series looks very toyish. The CLA looks great in AMG trim, but it's already a 2 or 3 year old design that needs some updating. If I HAD to pull the trigger, I'd go with the Benz...or the BMW...or the Benz...or...or...

MDarringer - 3/16/2016 10:40:10 AM

0 Boost

I would want to know why the driver was sawing the wheel so much in the BMW and not in the Benz. Either the AWD in the Benz is just that good or the BMW's suspension did not blend well with the track.

BMWs are usually much more poised.

What's with the driver? It you watch his technique, he makes some massive track driving errors.

CarCrazedinCali - 3/15/2016 7:33:41 PM

+2 Boost

can't stand the trying too hard design of the CLA, so it's the bimmer anyday in this comparo

iamdabest1 - 3/16/2016 10:24:47 PM

+1 Boost

m2 for me. sounds better, looks better, drives like a bmw.

kingsley - 3/25/2016 5:00:40 AM

+1 Boost

Both are crappy fashion handbags with lousy interiors. I would prefer a loaded hot Golf really, or, here in Europe, a big old well loaded Skoda Superb wagon, a lot of pretty car for the same money as this crap for bad drivers and posers.