
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata brings the classic roadster into the modern era, with fantastic handling and an optional power-folding hardtop. |
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 | |||||
2-Door Roadster sDrive30i | 2-Door Roadster 3.0L | 2-Door Coupe Manual | 2-Door Coupe Automatic 2.0T FrontTrak | 2-Door Convertible Manual SV | 2-Door 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 |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class | 2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z | 2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2008 Audi TT | 2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2008 Porsche Boxster |