Z4 vs 718 Cayman
This is a classic rivalry: the Z4 against the 718 Cayman, BMW against Porsche, both in sports car territory. Trade-offs cut both ways here: pick the Z4 and you gain on fuel economy & range; pick the 718 Cayman and you gain on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 718 Cayman wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Z4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- Engine & Performance2.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
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 better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the Z4 posts 28 mpg against 22 mpg for the 718 Cayman, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The 718 Cayman has 45 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 300 hp for the 718 Cayman versus 255 hp for the Z4. The 718 Cayman’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Z4 has better highway fuel economy
The 718 Cayman lists 25 mpg; the Z4 comes in at 33 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. The Z4 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
-
The Z4 has better city fuel economy
At 25 mpg versus 20 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the Z4, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Z4 starts from a better baseline.
-
The Z4 has 15 lb-ft more torque
The Z4 wins this narrowly, 295 lb-ft against 280 lb-ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
718 Cayman leads
The 718 Cayman is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The 718 Cayman takes this one with 45 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The Z4 comes with 15 lb-ft more torque. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the 718 Cayman.
Total system output
Z4: 255 hp 718 Cayman: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Z4: 295 lb-ft 718 Cayman: 280 lb-ft The Z4’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Z4 leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Z4 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. On the Z4, you get better fuel economy. The Z4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Z4 is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Z4: 28 mpg 718 Cayman: 22 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
Z4: 33 mpg 718 Cayman: 25 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Z4 and the 718 Cayman each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (7-speed PDK optional) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| 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 cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
- you mostly drive in town (25 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the 718 Cayman if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 255 hp)
- you trust Porsche and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Z4 or the 718 Cayman?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Z4 if fuel economy & range matters most, or the 718 Cayman if engine & performance does.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Z4 and the 718 Cayman. I keep coming back to one thing: the Z4 gets better fuel economy. I also like that the Z4 brings better city fuel economy. Fairness check: the 718 Cayman does come with 45 hp more power.
I think of the Z4 as the one for fuel economy & range and the 718 Cayman as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: it depends. Go for the Z4 if fuel economy & range comes first for you, or the 718 Cayman if engine & performance does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.