VS
At a Glance
Power
255hp @ 4700
382hp @ 5800
Torque
295lb-ft @ 1600
369lb-ft @ 1800
Fuel
28 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the BMW Z4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 255hp @ 4700 while the BMW Z4 produces 382hp @ 5800. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 28 mpg est. while the Z4 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $51,200 for the 4 Series and $68,400 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
BMW 4 Series430i xDrive Convertible 2026 - From $51,200
BMW Z4M40i Roadster 2026 - From $68,400
Performance
Power Output (hp)
255hp @ 4700
382hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 1600
369lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
13.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.9in
170.7in
Width (in)
72.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
54.6in
51.4in
Wheelbase (in)
112.2in
97.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4034lbs
3543lbs
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
✓ 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
BMW 4 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Z4
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($51,200)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW Z4
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Z4?
The 4 Series gets 28 mpg est. and the Z4 gets 26 mpg est. 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 Z4?
The 4 Series produces 255hp @ 4700 and 295lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Z4 delivers 382hp @ 5800 and 369lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. The Z4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and Z4?
The 4 Series starts from $51,200 and the Z4 from $68,400. The 4 Series is cheaper by $17,200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 4 Series 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.