B48 Showdown: A90 Supra 2.0 vs G20 330i – Same Heart, Different Beasts
At RPM Tuning, we specialize in unlocking every ounce of performance from BMW’s modular engines — and few platforms showcase this versatility like the BMW B48. Found in both the Toyota GR Supra 2.0 (A90) and the BMW G20 330i, this 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 shares a common DNA but is executed differently depending on the chassis and OEM strategy.
Let’s break down how these two B48-powered cars compare — technically, mechanically, and in terms of tuning potential.
🔧 Engine Platform: Shared Roots
Both cars use a variant of BMW’s B48B20 engine — a 2.0L inline-4 with a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, and VANOS/Valvetronic variable valve timing.
| Spec | G20 330i (B48B20B) | A90 Supra 2.0 (B48B20B) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1998cc | 1998cc |
| Turbo | Twin-scroll single turbo | Twin-scroll single turbo |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Power (Stock) | 258 hp / 400 Nm | 255 hp / 400 Nm |
| Fuel System | High-pressure direct injection | Same |
| ECU | Bosch MG1 | Bosch MG1 (Toyota-tuned) |
Despite Toyota’s badge, the A90 Supra’s 2.0L engine and control unit are fully BMW-derived, including the ECU and DME. This gives both platforms a shared tuning foundation — but with notable differences in hardware and calibration.
⚙️ Platform Differences: Where They Split
While the engines are similar, the two cars are built around different intentions — one is a lightweight sports coupe, the other a refined luxury sedan.
🔩 1. Chassis & Weight
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A90 Supra: Weighs ~1,410 kg. Two-door, short wheelbase, tight packaging.
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G20 330i: Weighs ~1,540 kg. Four-door, longer wheelbase, more interior amenities.
Tuning impact: Supra is more responsive to power increases due to lower curb weight and stiffer chassis.
🔌 2. Cooling and Intake Differences
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G20 330i: Dual-pass charge air cooler, more conservative intake routing.
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A90 Supra: Smaller intercooler core, tighter packaging, slightly less cooling headroom stock.
Tuning note: Both benefit from upgraded FMICs and turbo inlet pipes; Supra may heat-soak faster under heavy load without upgrades.
📟 3. ECU Calibration
Though both use the Bosch MG1 DME, Toyota has customized the calibration for the Supra, including:
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Different torque targets
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More aggressive throttle response
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Stricter torque monitoring
But the upside? Both platforms are tunable via BM3, MHD, or Ecutek, and support flashing via OBD or bench methods.
🚀 Tuning Potential – G20 vs Supra 2.0
Both the Supra 2.0 and G20 330i respond incredibly well to ECU tuning and bolt-ons — thanks to the inherent robustness of the B48.
| Stage | G20 330i Gains | A90 Supra 2.0 Gains |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (stock hardware) | +50–70 hp / +80–100 Nm | +55–75 hp / +90–110 Nm |
| Stage 2 (intake, downpipe, intercooler) | +80–110 hp | +90–120 hp |
| Stage 3 (hybrid turbo, fueling) | +120–150+ hp | +130–160+ hp |
Supra edges ahead in responsiveness and power-to-weight, but both platforms can exceed 370–400hp with proper tuning and hardware.
🔥 Which Should You Tune?
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G20 330i: More refined, daily-driver friendly platform with comfort and tech. Ideal for a dual-purpose street build.
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A90 Supra 2.0: Lighter, more focused chassis. Perfect for track and spirited driving. Think of it as a "B48 in a go-kart suit."
🧠 Final Word: One Engine, Two Experiences
Whether you're tuning a G20 330i or an A90 Supra 2.0, the B48 engine offers massive potential for power, reliability, and driving excitement — especially with the right supporting mods and ECU calibration.
At RPM Tuning, we’ve pushed both platforms beyond factory limits, and we’re ready to do the same for yours.
Ready to unlock your B48's real power?
Talk to us — we don’t just tune, we engineer the drive.