Z4 vs Mustang
Choosing between BMW and Ford often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the sports car class, that pair is the Z4 and the Mustang. There is a favorite. The Mustang beats the Z4 in 2 of 4 areas, and engine & performance is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mustang wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Z4 wins
- Space & Practicality Mustang wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- Engine & Performance3.3
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
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 Mustang has room for 4 seats
At 4 seats versus 2 seats, this is a decisive lead for the Mustang, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The Mustang has 60 hp more power
If total system output is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Mustang leads clearly with 315 hp to the Z4’s 255 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Mustang has 55 lb-ft more torque
The numbers aren’t close. The Mustang lists 350 lb-ft for torque, while the Z4 lists 295 lb-ft. The Mustang’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Z4 has better fuel economy
The Z4 wins this narrowly, 28 mpg against 26 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Z4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Z4 has better city fuel economy
The Z4 has a modest edge on fuel economy (city): 25 mpg against 22 mpg for the Mustang. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Z4 starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107 in |
Engine & Performance
Mustang leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Mustang. On the Mustang, you get 60 hp more power. The Mustang’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Mustang.
Total system output
Z4: 255 hp Mustang: 315 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Z4: 295 lb-ft Mustang: 350 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Z4 leads
The Z4 wins the fuel economy & range section decisively. The Z4 delivers better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Net result: the Z4 leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Z4: 28 mpg Mustang: 26 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Z4: 25 mpg Mustang: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Mustang leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Mustang is the stronger of the two. The Mustang makes its case with room for 4 seats. The Mustang has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Prioritize space & practicality, and the Mustang is where you should land.
Seats
Z4: 2 seats Mustang: 4 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Z4 nor the Mustang has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Z4 and the Mustang part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 315 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 13.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107 in |
Price
| Spec | Z4 | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $31,920 |
“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 Z4 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (25 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you’re loyal to BMW and happy with it
Choose the Mustang if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (315 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (350 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Z4 or the Mustang?
The Mustang wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is better fuel economy.
Executive Summary
The Z4 versus the Mustang is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because BMW and Ford made different bets. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is room for 4 seats, and that goes to the Mustang. Less flashy, but still real: the Mustang brings 60 hp more power. Credit where it’s due: the Z4 offers better fuel economy.
Choose by what you’d use most: fuel economy & range leads to the Z4, engine & performance leads to the Mustang.
My pick: the Mustang, though I’d happily point you to the Z4 if your top priority is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.