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BMW Z4 vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (340 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (43,500 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW Z4 or VW Passat?

BMW Z4 vs VW Passat: Key differences

BMW Z4

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly 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:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Passat is slightly cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the BMW Z4 costs 43,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,995 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the BMW Z4 with 6.9 L/100km. The difference is about 5.7 L/100km.

Passat

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW Z4 offers slightly more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 68 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 VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW Z4 delivers a bit more torque with 500 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

Z4

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: VW Passat offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, BMW Z4 is barely lighter – 1,510 kg compared to 1,573 kg. The difference is around 63 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers significantly more boot space – 690 L compared to 281 L. That’s a difference of about 409 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries clearly more – 577 kg compared to 235 kg. That’s a difference of about 342 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat is decisively ahead 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 km
BMW Z4
VW Passat

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

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
BMW Z4
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption

Price
43,500 - 65,300 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
6.9 - 8.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 191 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Estate
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,510 - 1,640 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
281 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,864 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
215 - 235 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 340 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 500 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 250 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
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.