VS
At a Glance
Power
349hp @ 6300
255hp @ 5000
Torque
369lb-ft @ 3200
295lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
23 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the BMW Z4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A5 delivers 349hp @ 6300 while the BMW Z4 produces 255hp @ 5000. On fuel, the A5 returns 23 mpg est. while the Z4 uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,500 for the A5 and $56,100 for the Z4. 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
Audi A5Premium 3.0 TFSI quattro 2021 - From $52,500
BMW Z4sDrive30i Roadster 2026 - From $56,100
Performance
Power Output (hp)
349hp @ 6300
255hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 3200
295lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (2020)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
13.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184.9in
170.7in
Width (in)
72.7in
73.4in
Height (in)
54.5in
51.4in
Wheelbase (in)
108.8in
97.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4178lbs
3314lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A5
Fuel Economy
Z4
Value
A5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Lower starting price ($52,500)
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
BMW Z4
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or Z4?
The A5 gets 23 mpg est. and the Z4 gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Z4 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 A5 or Z4?
The A5 produces 349hp @ 6300 and 369lb-ft @ 3200 of torque while the Z4 delivers 255hp @ 5000 and 295lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The A5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and Z4?
The A5 starts from $52,500 and the Z4 from $56,100. The A5 is cheaper by $3,600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A5 or the Z4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.