BMW Z4 vs. BMW i8
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW Z4 and BMW i8 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW Z4 and the BMW i8.
In comparing the BMW Z4's and the BMW i8's specifications and ratings, the BMW Z4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability and overall quality score. The BMW i8 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The BMW Z4 and BMW i8 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the BMW Z4's and the BMW i8's specifications and ratings, the BMW Z4 is a better car than the BMW i8.
Pricing: A used 2020 BMW Z4 ranges from $34,478 to $49,993 while a used 2020 BMW i8 is priced between $64,955 to $94,528.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW Z4 loses 48.7 percent of its value and the BMW i8 loses 45.6 percent of its value. This means the BMW i8 retains 3.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW Z4.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW Z4 is 7.7 out of 10 while the BMW i8's quality rating is 7.1 out of 10. This results in the BMW Z4 being ranked 6 out of 27 Best Luxury Convertibles and the BMW i8 being ranked 5 out of 8 Best Hybrid Luxury Sports Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW Z4 is 8.0 out of 10. For the BMW i8 the reliability rating is 6.6 out of 10. This gives the BMW Z4 an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW i8.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW Z4’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the BMW i8 base engine makes 369 horsepower. The Z4 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 438 miles. The i8 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 337 miles.This gives the BMW i8 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW Z4 the advantage in maximum range. The Z4 uses premium unleaded, and the i8 uses electricity, premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$49,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$94,049
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$41,350 - $500,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$147,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$143,683
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$103,800 - $163,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,552
Price Range:
$34,478 - $49,993
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$80,113
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$32,174 - $182,277
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
40
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
33,428
# Good or Great Deals:
15
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$83,233
Price Range:
$64,955 - $94,528
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$76,713
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$68,156 - $83,233
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
28,907
# Good or Great Deals:
0
BMW Z4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW i8 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW Z4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
8.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
4.7 - 13.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i8
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
1.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.9 - 22.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
0.3 - 26.1
BMW Z4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 41Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 41Ranking
7 out of / 41Ranking
15 out of / 41Ranking
20 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 27Ranking
34 out of / 41Ranking
35 out of / 41BMW i8 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 8Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 20Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 28Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Plug-In Hybrid
BMW Z4 Trim Levels
sDrive 30i, sDrive M40i
BMW i8 Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
294 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.078 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
369 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
420 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.105 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
329 / 438 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 29 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
304 / 337 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
9.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
32.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
28.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.6 inches
Cargo Space:
4.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3287 lbs
Width:
79.7 inches
Height:
51.4 inches
Length:
170.7 inches
Wheelbase:
97.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3501 lbs
Width:
87.3 inches
Height:
50.9 inches
Length:
184.9 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/45R20
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Mediterranean Blue Metallic / Misano Blue Metallic
Red
San Francisco Red
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent / Crystal White Pearl Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Brown
E-Copper Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gray
Donington Grey / Sophisto Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent / Sophisto Grey Metallic w/ E-Copper Accent / Sophisto Grey Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching
Red
Magma Red w/ Black Contrast Stitching
White
Ivory White w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Brown
E-Copper Exclusive / Terra Exclusive Dalbergia Brown
Red
Not available
White
Giga Ivory White
Gray
Giga Amido
