Z4 vs BRZ
In the sports car class, the Z4 and the BRZ are natural rivals. This one has a front-runner. The Z4 wins 2 of 4 compared areas, and fuel economy & range is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Z4 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Z4 wins
- Space & Practicality BRZ wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
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 BRZ has room for 4 seats
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the BRZ makes its strongest case: 4 seats against 2 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The Z4 has better fuel economy
The Z4 clearly leads on fuel economy (combined), and 28 mpg versus 22 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Z4 has 111 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Z4 posts 295 lb-ft against 184 lb-ft for the BRZ, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Z4 has 27 hp more power
The Z4 gets a small bonus on total system output, with 255 hp against the BRZ’s 228 hp. The Z4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Z4 has better city fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 25 mpg for the Z4 versus 20 mpg for the BRZ. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Engine & Performance
Z4 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Z4 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Z4 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. Weighing only engine & performance, the Z4 comes out ahead.
Torque
Z4: 295 lb-ft BRZ: 184 lb-ft The Z4’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Z4: 255 hp BRZ: 228 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Z4 leads
This is one of the Z4’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the BRZ falls well short. The Z4 adds better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Z4 is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Z4: 28 mpg BRZ: 22 mpg The Z4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Z4: 25 mpg BRZ: 20 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Z4 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
BRZ leads
On space & practicality, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the BRZ. On the BRZ, you get room for 4 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the BRZ.
Seats
Z4: 2 seats BRZ: 4 seats The BRZ has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Z4 and the BRZ part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | 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 |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Z4 | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
“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 often drive loaded up or with a trailer (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 (25 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
Choose the BRZ if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you already use other Subaru products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Z4 or the BRZ?
We’d point most buyers to the Z4. The main exception is if what you want most is room for 4 seats.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Z4 and the BRZ chase the same buyer. In the details, BMW and Subaru made different calls. The Z4 has better fuel economy, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the Z4 offers 111 lb-ft more torque. I’ll admit the BRZ has a point with room for 4 seats.
The Z4 makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the BRZ for anyone who values space & practicality.
My pick: the Z4 for most people, with the BRZ as the smarter choice if you need room for 4 seats, which only the BRZ offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.