VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
523 kW
Torque
400 Nm
800 Nm
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
12.0 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.1 s
2.6 s
Engine
1995 cc
3591 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Porsche 911 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 140 kW while the Porsche 911 produces 523 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 4.8 l/100km while the 911 uses 12.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 051 873 for the 4 Series and R5 927 000 for the 911. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 4 Series420d Coupe M Sport A/T (g22) 2024 - From R1 051 873
Porsche 911Turbo S Cabriolet (992.2) 2026 - From R5 927 000
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
523 kW
Torque
400 Nm
800 Nm
0-100 kph
7.1 s
2.6 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
322 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
3591 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
12.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
127 g/km
273 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4768 mm
4551 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1900-2033 mm
Height
1383 mm
1304 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2450 mm
Ground Clearance
127 mm
115-125 mm
Kerb Weight
1605 DIN / 1680 EU Kg
1825 DIN / 1900 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
440 l
92 front + 163 rear l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
485 lkg
350 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
911
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
911
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 051 873)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 523 kW)
Porsche 911
More powerful engine (523 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (2.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or 911?
The 4 Series uses 4.8 l/100km and the 911 uses 12.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 4 Series or 911?
The 4 Series produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the 911 delivers 523 kW and 800 Nm of torque. The 911 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and 911?
The 4 Series starts from R1 051 873 and the 911 from R5 927 000. The 4 Series is cheaper by R4 875 127 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or 911?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the 911 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the 911?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider