4 Series vs Z
Both the 4 Series and the Z sit in the sports car class, and BMW and Nissan are clearly watching each other. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The 4 Series takes 3 of 4 areas against the Z, starting with fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Z wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality 4 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing 4 Series wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Z has 145 hp more power
At 400 hp versus 255 hp, this is a decisive lead for the Z, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 4 Series has better fuel economy
If fuel economy (combined) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the 4 Series leads clearly with 31 mpg to the Z’s 20 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 4 Series has room for 4 seats
The numbers aren’t close. The 4 Series lists 4 seats for seats, while the Z lists 2 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Z has 55 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the Z: 350 lb-ft against 295 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
Here the 4 Series pulls well ahead of the Z, with 28 mpg compared to 18 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 172.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 100.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,486 lb Heaviest in class |
Engine & Performance
Z leads
The Z dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. In its favor, the Z has 145 hp more power. The Z’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the Z is the one to beat.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp Z: 400 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft Z: 350 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the 4 Series isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. Point to the 4 Series for better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the 4 Series comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg Z: 20 mpg The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 mpg Z: 18 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
4 Series leads
If space & practicality is high on your list, the 4 Series makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The 4 Series has the edge with room for 4 seats. The 4 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. In short, the 4 Series is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Seats
4 Series: 4 seats Z: 2 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
This area is close, with the 4 Series just ahead of the Z. The 4 Series makes its case with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. On off-road & towing alone, the 4 Series gets the nod.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes Z: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the 4 Series and the Z each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (9-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 172.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 100.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,486 lb Heaviest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 4 Series if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 18 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 24 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Z if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (400 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (350 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Nissan does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 4 Series or the Z?
The 4 Series makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you value 145 hp more power above everything else.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the 4 Series and the Z. What I like most about the 4 Series here is better fuel economy. There’s a bonus as well: the 4 Series has room for 4 seats. The Z has a trump card of its own in 145 hp more power.
For fuel economy & range, the 4 Series fits better. For engine & performance, the Z is the better match.
My pick: the 4 Series is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you know that 145 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.