New vs used: would you buy a BMW M135i or a BMW M2?

Last week BMW revealed the new 1 Series, and judging by the comments on our story, few of you are fans. Not of the looks, nor the fact it’s no longer rear-wheel drive. Or that you can’t get a six-cylinder engine.

Yep – the new M135i now has a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. Like the Mercedes-AMG A35, VW Golf R and Audi S3 with which it will compete. Not slow, though – launch-control and the double-clutch auto means 0-62mph takes 4.8 seconds, and the top speed is pegged at 155mph. And clever new tech means you can still drift it. Well, kinda.

We haven’t driven one properly yet, but the early signs are pretty good. But of course it won’t be quite the same as the old M140i – such is progress. If this – the four-cylinder motor, the all-wheel drive – irritates you, old M140 and M135is can be bought for peanuts.

Or for precisely the same sum of money at the new £36,000 M135i, you could have something altogether more serious. Something like a three-year-old BMW M2, with its straight-six, manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and muscly coupe body. A former Top Gear award-winner and thus a massively fun, all-round excellent thing. We found loads for sale, many three-years old with 10,000 miles or so on their odometers. Barely run in.

You can read our review of the M2 Competition by clicking on these words. Then come back and tell us, which of these two BMWs would you rather own?