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BMW Z4 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (340 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (43,500 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW Z4 or Subaru Forester?

BMW Z4 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

BMW Z4

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • moderately more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more trunk space
details

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:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Subaru Forester is clearly cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the BMW Z4 costs 43,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,323 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW Z4 uses 6.9 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 1.2 L/100km.

Forester

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 clearly more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 204 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW Z4 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 7.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW Z4 delivers substantially more torque with 500 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 318 Nm more.

Z4

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Subaru Forester offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, BMW Z4 is somewhat lighter – 1,510 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 183 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers clearly more boot space – 508 L compared to 281 L. That’s a difference of about 227 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries considerably more – 492 kg compared to 235 kg. That’s a difference of about 257 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW Z4 holds a decisive overall lead 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
Subaru Forester

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.

details

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

details
BMW Z4
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption

Price
43,500 - 65,300 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
6.9 - 8.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 191 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,510 - 1,640 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
281 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,864 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
215 - 235 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 340 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 500 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 250 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
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.