2009 BMW Z4 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.2 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Trevor Wild

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Aug 6, 2009

The new BMW Z4 has taken on a retractable hardtop, several hundred pounds of weight, and some useful new high-tech equipment, and altogether it's a joy to drive.

But it doesn't feel nearly as edgy as former versions did.

The new Z4 is now heavier than the Mercedes SLK; while the SLK used to feel heft in comparison, they're now on equal footing.

The new Audi TT has a much more aggressive feel, with rear-biased all-wheel drive, than the models they replace, and it arguably comes across more like a full-fledged sports car than the Z4.

Those who want a true sports car should consider the Porsche Boxster, which just this year got an all-new engine lineup.

The Nissan 370Z is another possibility, though the Nissan Z has a loud, sometimes uncomfortable cabin with generous helpings of road and engine noise that don't make it a good traveling companion.

The Z4 weighs about 1,000 pounds more than a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and you can now get two Miatas for less than a base Z4; those who want that lightweight roadster feel might want to keep it basic.

2009 BMW Z4 Browse Used Listings	2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Browse Used Listings	2009 Nissan 370Z Browse Used Listings	2008 Audi TT Browse Used Listings	2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Browse Used Listings	2008 Porsche Boxster Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.2 The 2009 BMW Z4 isn't a lightweight, basic roadster anymore, but it's a comfortable and exhilarating touring sports car that leaves a lot of flexibility.	8.2 The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class combines the romance of a small roadster with grand-touring comfort, as well as the poise and performance of a larger sportscar.	7.8 The Nissan Z has never occupied the top spot in the performance world—and it doesn't now—but it's still a great performance car that starts just under $30,000.	8.2 The TT is a little more engaging to drive than before, but it doesn’t stand out in the crowd quite like the original one did when it was new.	8.4 The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata brings the classic roadster into the modern era, with fantastic handling and an optional power-folding hardtop.	9.2 The 2008 Porsche Boxster performs brilliantly, and looks and feels the part, delivering a modern take on the classic roadster experience.
MSRP From
$45,750	$45,950	$29,930	$34,800	$20,635	$45,800
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Turbo Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas Flat 6-cyl
EPA Class
Two-Seater	2 Seater	Two-Seater	Mini-Compact	Two Seater	Two-Seater
Style Name
2dr Roadster sDrive30i	2dr Roadster 3.0L	2dr Coupe Man	2dr Coupe Auto 2.0T FrontTrak	2dr Convertible Man SV	2dr Roadster
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
2	2	2	4	2	2
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
2 Dr Conv	2 Door Roadster	2 door coupe	2 Door Coupe	2 Door Convertible	2 Door Roadster
Transmission
Manual	Manual w/OD	Manual	Automatic w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual