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BMW Z4 vs Mazda MX-5 Roadster comparison

Compare performance (340 HP vs 132 HP), boot space and price (43,500 £ vs 29,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW Z4 or Mazda MX-5 Roadster?

BMW Z4 vs Mazda MX-5 Roadster: Key differences

BMW Z4

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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  • considerably more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably more trunk space
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Mazda MX-5 Roadster

  • significantly cheaper
  • moderately more efficient
  • considerably lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Z4

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster is significantly cheaper – starting at 29,000 £ , while the BMW Z4 costs 43,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,495 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda MX-5 Roadster uses 6.2 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the BMW Z4 with 6.9 L/100km. The difference is about 0.7 L/100km.

MX-5 Roadster

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW Z4 offers considerably more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 208 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW Z4 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster takes 8.3 s. That’s about 3.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW Z4 delivers considerably more torque with 500 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 348 Nm more.

Z4

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 2 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Roadster is considerably lighter – 1,078 kg compared to 1,510 kg. The difference is around 432 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW Z4 offers considerably more boot space – 281 L compared to 130 L. That’s a difference of about 151 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW Z4 carries visibly more – 235 kg compared to 152 kg. That’s a difference of about 83 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW Z4 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £43,500
Z4

BMW Z4

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 197 - 340 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 6.9 - 8.5 L/100km
BMW Z4
Mazda MX-5 Roadster

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is a taut, road-hugging roadster that pairs elegant, low-slung styling with a roof you can drop on a sunny whim, delivering that pure, wind-in-your-hair driving thrill few cars manage to match. It’s an ideal weekend companion for drivers who prefer engagement over practicality — bring good shoes rather than a lot of luggage, and you’ll get a grin every time you turn the wheel.

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Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 is a featherweight, open-top sports car that turns ordinary roads into a grin-inducing playground thanks to razor-sharp steering and an engaging, tactile gearbox. It won’t swallow the weekly shopping or ski bags, but for anyone after pure driving fun and sun-on-your-face weekends, few cars match its sheer charm and value.

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BMW Z4
Mazda MX-5 Roadster

Costs and Consumption

Price
43,500 - 65,300 £
Price
29,000 - 34,300 £
Consumption L/100km
6.9 - 8.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 191 g/km
co2
140 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
2
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,510 - 1,640 kg
Curb weight
1,078 kg
Trunk capacity
281 L
Trunk capacity
130 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,864 mm
Width
1,735 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
215 - 235 kg
Payload
152 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 340 HP
Power HP
132 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 500 Nm
Torque
152 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 250 kW
Power kW
97 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mazda
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.