Roadsters and coupes are not only fancy cars, but they are also fast. Additionally, these cars perform better than sedans and are easier to handle. Among the various roadsters and coupes being offered on the market, BMW Z4 and Supra are some of the most outstanding. But which one is better?
On paper, the BMW Z4 may seem like a superior car, but these two cars are very close. Yes, the BMW Z4 performs slightly better than the Supra, but they have almost the same speed. Additionally, the Z4 has a more luxurious interior than the Toyota Supra, but Toyota Supra looks more elegant on the outside than the BMW Z4.
It is vital to note that the BMW Z4 and the Toyota Supra come with the same platform and powertrain. Surprisingly, their exterior and interior designs are very different, which ends up confusing many people. Besides, the Toyota Supra is a coupe, while the BMW Z4 is a convertible.
How does the BMW Z4 compare to Toyota Supra?
Exterior and interior appearance
If you’re a sports car lover, you will like the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra. These two cars look spectacular and perform exceptionally well on the road. However, the Toyota Supra looks more appealing on the outside than the BMW Z4. Thanks to its sharp lines, big hips, and overall agile design that attracts the eye.
Unlike the Toyota Supra, the BMW Z4 comes with a subtle and conservative design, which is good but not on the same level as the Supra. Hence, if you want a car that will create more attention as you cruise down the highway, Toyota Supra is the answer.
When you turn to the interior, BMW Z4 takes the day. This is because it boasts several top-notch and luxurious features, such as Sporting Magma Red Vernasca leather seats, a 10.25-inch screen, and an advanced iDrive infotainment system. On the contrary, Supra comes with a smaller 8.8-inch screen and some lesser features compared to BMW Z4.
Performance
As expected, these cars have similar performances. The BMW Z4 has two trims: the standard 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine (racier M40i model) that delivers up to 382 ho and 368 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the Toyota Supra also has two variants: the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces a maximum of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that delivers a maximum of 335 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.
Note that the higher trims from Supra and Z4 can both accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. Nevertheless, BMW Z4 has a better top speed of 165 mph, compared to Supra’s 160 mph. Overall, these cars have almost the same speed as the BMW Z4 is much heavier than the Supra.
Fuel efficiency
Despite being heavier, BMW Z4 still is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Supra. This car has an EPA rating of 25mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. On the contrary, the Toyota Supra has a rating of 25mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway.
Price
The base price of the Toyota Supra is $44,300, while the base price of the BMW Z4 is $50,800. So, the BMW Z4 is much costlier, considering they share most of the features.
FAQ
Where are BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra parts sourced?
BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra share most parts under their hood. Most of these parts are sourced or built by Magna Steyr in the same plant in Graz, Austria. However, the body and most of the interior parts are sourced from their respective companies. That’s why these cars have varying exterior and interior finishes.
Why did Toyota use BMW for Supra?
Toyota used BMW for Supra because BMW already had the equipment that Toyota required for its new coupe. Notably, BMW had a powerful 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. So, instead of making their engine, Toyota decided to outsource from BMW.
Therefore, Toyota Supra has two engine options from BMW. The first engine is the 382-horsepower version of BMW’s B58 3.0-liter engine, and the second one is the 255-horsepower version of BMW’s B48 2.0-liter turbo-four engine.
Which car is cheaper to maintain – Toyota Supra or BMW Z4?
Toyota Supra is cheaper to maintain than the BMW Z4. Even though these cars are fitted with the same engine, the Toyota Supra parts are much cheaper than the BMW Z4, and it does not break down often. So, the cost of repair and maintenance for the BMW Z4 is much higher compared to that of Supra.
Furthermore, the cost of maintaining a BMW Z4 annually is around $895, while that of maintaining a Toyota Supra is about $345. Besides, as these cars get older, so does the cost of maintenance rise as well. Note that these two cars will also need some major repairs over the years, meaning that the cost will be even higher.
Which car will last longer – BMW Z4 or Supra?
Since these two cars feature the same engine, they are likely to age at the same time. So, on average, they should last over 250,000 miles. However, since Toyota Supra is slightly more reliable than BMW Z4, it will last somewhat longer.
Besides, the overall durability of the car is determined by the driver’s driving habits, how well they maintain their car, and the area they live in. What’s more, cars tend to age faster in harsh conditions than in moderate conditions.
Which car is fun to drive – Toyota Supra or BMW Z4?
Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are not only fast but also easier to handle and drive. Nonetheless, the Toyota Supra is noisy over rough pavement and it also produces a lot of tire noise. On the other hand, BMW Z4 is quiet and easier to handle than Toyota Supra. So, BMW Z4 is much more fun to drive.
Conclusion
BMW Z4 is ideal for people who love roadsters, while the Toyota Supra is best suited for coupe lovers. Furthermore, BMW Z4 offers more luxurious features than the Toyota Supra. In terms of appearance, the Supra is more handsome looking on the outside, while the Z4 is better looking and comfortable on the inside.
Overall, these cars have a sporty look, are fast, and perform outstandingly. Nonetheless, since the BMW Z4 is much costlier than the Supra, yet they share lots of features, the Supra seems to be the best deal.