VS
At a Glance
Power
523hp @ 6250
255hp @ 5000
Torque
479lb-ft @ 2750
295lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
19 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
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 523hp @ 6250 while the BMW Z4 produces 255hp @ 5000. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 19 mpg est. while the Z4 uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $51,200 for the 4 Series 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
BMW 4 SeriesCompetition xDrive Convertible 2026 - From $51,200
BMW Z4sDrive30i Roadster 2026 - From $56,100
Performance
Power Output (hp)
523hp @ 6250
255hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
479lb-ft @ 2750
295lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
Inline
—
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.)
19 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
13.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189.1in
170.7in
Width (in)
74.3in
73.4in
Height (in)
54.9in
51.4in
Wheelbase (in)
112.5in
97.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4306lbs
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
✓ 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
4 Series
Fuel Economy
Z4
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Lower starting price ($51,200)
Higher fuel consumption (19 mpg est.)
BMW Z4
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Z4?
The 4 Series gets 19 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 4 Series or Z4?
The 4 Series produces 523hp @ 6250 and 479lb-ft @ 2750 of torque while the Z4 delivers 255hp @ 5000 and 295lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The 4 Series 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 $56,100. The 4 Series is cheaper by $4,900 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.