Z4 vs AMG GT
Same class, different makers. The Z4 (BMW) and the AMG GT (Mercedes-Benz) are built for the same kind of buyer. Here the question is less “which is better?” and more “which strength do you need?” Is it fuel economy & range with the Z4, or engine & performance with the AMG GT?
At a glance
- Engine & Performance AMG GT wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Z4 wins
- Off-road & Towing AMG GT wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- Engine & Performance4.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
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 AMG GT has 161 hp more power
The AMG GT clearly leads on total system output, and 416 hp versus 255 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Z4 has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the Z4 posts 28 mpg against 22 mpg for the AMG GT, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Z4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The AMG GT has 74 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 369 lb-ft for the AMG GT versus 295 lb-ft for the Z4. The AMG GT’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Z4 has better city fuel economy
The AMG GT lists 19 mpg; the Z4 comes in at 25 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The Z4 has better highway fuel economy
At 33 mpg versus 27 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the Z4, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
AMG GT leads
The AMG GT is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. Choose the AMG GT and you get 161 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the AMG GT gets the nod.
Total system output
Z4: 255 hp AMG GT: 416 hp The AMG GT’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Z4: 295 lb-ft AMG GT: 369 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Z4 leads
The AMG GT is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the Z4 leads by a clear margin. The Z4 answers with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Z4 is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Z4: 28 mpg AMG GT: 22 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 AMG GT: 19 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Z4 has the better rating here.
Off-road & Towing
AMG GT leads
If you’re keeping score, the off-road & towing point goes narrowly to the AMG GT. The AMG GT has the edge with available all-wheel drive. The AMG GT offers all-wheel drive; the Z4 doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the AMG GT is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
Z4: no AMG GT: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Z4 and the AMG GT list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 416 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic (AMG MCT) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD (4MATIC+ AWD on V8 models) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“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 22 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (25 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (33 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Choose the AMG GT if…
- you want more power (416 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (369 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Z4 or the AMG GT?
There’s no single right answer. The Z4 leads on fuel economy & range and the AMG GT on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Z4 against the AMG GT is exactly that. Honestly, better fuel economy on the Z4 does a lot of the persuading for me. I also like that the Z4 brings better highway fuel economy. Fairness check: the AMG GT does come with 161 hp more power.
If your days lean on fuel economy & range, I’d pick the Z4; if they lean on engine & performance, the AMG GT.
My pick: it depends. Go for the Z4 if fuel economy & range comes first for you, or the AMG GT if engine & performance does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.