BMW Z4 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
When comparing the BMW Z4's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the BMW Z4 has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW Z4's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the BMW Z4.
BMW Z4 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing
A used 2023 BMW Z4 ranges from $51,049 to $74,261 while a used 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is priced between $28,995 to $36,879. For a new model, the BMW Z4's price is between $56,978 and $75,190, with the Mazda MX-5 Miata priced between $31,490 and $37,897.
BMW Z4 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW Z4 loses 44.4 percent of its value and the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 31.2 percent of its value. This means the Mazda MX-5 Miata retains 13.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW Z4.
BMW Z4 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW Z4 is 7.6 out of 10 while the Mazda MX-5 Miata's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW Z4 being ranked 10 out of 26 Best Luxury Convertibles and the Mazda MX-5 Miata being ranked 1 out of 9 Best Convertibles.
BMW Z4 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW Z4 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Mazda MX-5 Miata the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the BMW Z4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW Z4’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata base engine makes 181 horsepower. The Z4 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 452 miles. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles.This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW Z4 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$56,978 - $75,190
Used Asking Price:
$51,049 - $74,261
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
44.4%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$31,490 - $37,897
Used Asking Price:
$28,995 - $36,879
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
31.2%
BMW Z4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW Z4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 40Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 40Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 23Ranking
15 out of / 40Ranking
15 out of / 40Ranking
18 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 40Ranking
33 out of / 40Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW Z4 Trim Levels
M40i, sDrive30i
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Club, Grand Touring, Sport
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.077 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.077 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):
25 / 33 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
343 / 452 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
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:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3314 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:
2341 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 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:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16