4 Series vs BRZ
Same class, different makers. The 4 Series (BMW) and the BRZ (Subaru) are built for the same kind of buyer. Scoring each area separately, the 4 Series comes out on top 3 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 4 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 4 Series wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
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 4 Series has better fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 31 mpg to the BRZ’s 22 mpg, the 4 Series has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. 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 111 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the 4 Series is far ahead here: 295 lb-ft compared with 184 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The 4 Series has 27 hp more power
The 4 Series nudges ahead with 255 hp, while the BRZ lists 228 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
The 4 Series’s 28 mpg leaves the BRZ’s 20 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
Not a close call. The 4 Series lists 36 mpg and the BRZ lists 27 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 101.4 in |
Engine & Performance
4 Series leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the 4 Series leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. Here the 4 Series offers 111 lb-ft more torque. The 4 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. Bottom line for engine & performance: the 4 Series has the edge.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft BRZ: 184 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp BRZ: 228 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the 4 Series isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The 4 Series answers with better fuel economy. The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. On fuel economy & range alone, the 4 Series gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg BRZ: 22 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 mpg BRZ: 20 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the 4 Series and the BRZ land in almost the same place. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
On balance, the 4 Series leads the off-road & towing section, just not by much. The 4 Series delivers available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. If this section decides it for you, choose the 4 Series.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes BRZ: no The 4 Series offers all-wheel drive; the BRZ doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The 4 Series and the BRZ list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.4L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 228 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 101.4 in |
“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 drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (255 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 20 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 4 Series or the BRZ?
On the specs compared here, the 4 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the BRZ doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: BMW’s 4 Series against Subaru’s BRZ. I think the 4 Series makes its strongest case with better fuel economy. Another thing in the 4 Series’s favor is 111 lb-ft more torque.
The 4 Series is for you if engine & performance tops your list; the BRZ is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
My pick: the 4 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.