Z4 vs MX-5 Miata
Different logos, same mission. The Z4 and the MX-5 Miata both want to be your next car. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the Z4 versus the MX-5 Miata is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Z4 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
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
-
The Z4 has 74 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Z4 makes its strongest case: 255 hp against 181 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Z4 has 144 lb-ft more torque
The Z4 clearly leads on torque, and 295 lb-ft versus 151 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 90.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Z4 leads
The Z4 dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. In its favor, the Z4 has 74 hp more power. The Z4’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 Z4.
Total system output
Z4: 255 hp MX-5 Miata: 181 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Z4: 295 lb-ft MX-5 Miata: 151 lb-ft The Z4’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on fuel economy & range; the numbers are close throughout. Both cover fuel economy & range well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 181 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 151 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 4.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 90.9 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 Z4 if…
- you want more power (255 hp vs 181 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how BMW does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Z4 or the MX-5 Miata?
On the specs compared here, the Z4 makes more sense for most buyers; the MX-5 Miata doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Z4 and the MX-5 Miata are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. The Z4 wins me over with 74 hp more power.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the Z4, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the MX-5 Miata), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Z4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.