4 Series vs GR86
Different logos, same mission. The 4 Series and the GR86 both want to be your next car. On balance, the 4 Series is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 4 areas, most clearly 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 & Range2.8
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
When it comes to fuel economy (combined), the 4 Series wins comfortably with 31 mpg against 22 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 4 Series has 111 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (295 lb-ft for the 4 Series, 184 lb-ft for the GR86) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 4 Series has 27 hp more power
A narrow win for the 4 Series. With 255 hp to 228 hp, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 28 mpg on the 4 Series versus 20 mpg on the GR86. Expect to notice it. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 4 Series has the better rating here.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the 4 Series makes its strongest case: 36 mpg against 26 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,811 lb Lightest in class |
Engine & Performance
4 Series leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The 4 Series leads where it counts. The 4 Series brings 111 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. That makes the 4 Series the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft GR86: 184 lb-ft The 4 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp GR86: 228 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
In this area the 4 Series has a lead the GR86 can’t close. Here the 4 Series offers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the 4 Series has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg GR86: 22 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 GR86: 20 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
By a small margin, the 4 Series is the stronger of the two in this area. The 4 Series delivers 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. For off-road & towing, the 4 Series is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes GR86: no The 4 Series offers all-wheel drive; the GR86 doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (6-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,811 lb Lightest in class |
Price
| Spec | 4 Series | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $31,200 Lowest price 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 22 mpg)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (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 mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 4 Series or the GR86?
On the specs compared here, the 4 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the GR86 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the 4 Series’s and the GR86’s) so you don’t have to. To me, the standout is that the 4 Series offers better fuel economy. And the 4 Series doesn’t stop there; it also offers 111 lb-ft more torque.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The first answer means the 4 Series, the second means the GR86.
My pick: the 4 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.