VS
At a Glance
Power
523hp @ 5500
382hp @ 5800
Torque
553lb-ft @ 1800
369lb-ft @ 1800
Engine
4.4 L/268cc
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the BMW 8 Series and the BMW Z4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 8 Series delivers 523hp @ 5500 while the BMW Z4 produces 382hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $94,500 for the 8 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
523hp @ 5500
382hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
553lb-ft @ 1800
369lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.4 L/268cc
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
13.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.3in
170.7in
Width (in)
76.1in
73.4in
Height (in)
55.4in
51.4in
Wheelbase (in)
119in
97.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4758lbs
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
Curtain Airbags
✓ 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
Sunroof
✓ 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 Z4
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Z4
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 8 Series
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
BMW Z4
Lower starting price ($68,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the 8 Series or Z4?
The 8 Series produces 523hp @ 5500 and 553lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Z4 delivers 382hp @ 5800 and 369lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 8 Series and Z4?
The 8 Series starts from $94,500 and the Z4 from $68,400. The Z4 is cheaper by $26,100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 8 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.
Also Consider