How the Luxurious BMW Z4 Differs From the Iconic Mazda Miata
The 2023 BMW Z4 is a popular luxury roadster that’s been on the market for a while. However, the 2023 Mazda Miata is one of the best small cars and comes at a much lower price than its luxury counterpart. These two cars also have quite a bit in common, which leads some to wonder how the BMW Z4 differs from the icon that is the Mazda Miata.
Both are among the best small cars for performance
People love the BMW Z4 and the 2023 Mazda Miata because these are incredibly fun cars to drive. The 2023 Mazda Miata uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that makes 181 horsepower and has a torque of 151 lb-ft. The Miata is a rear-wheel drive with manual and automatic transmission options. The Mazda Miata takes only 5.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
The Miata delivers solid performance, but the 2023 BMW Z4 beats it. For starters, it has two different powertrains for buyers to pick from. The base trim uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter with a maximum output of 255 horsepower and a torque of 295 lb-ft. However, the more powerful version has a 382 HP 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
According to MotorTrend, the six-cylinder version takes only 3.9 seconds to get from 0 to 60. The 2.0-liter does it in 5.2 seconds. This means that the base trim of the Z4 isn’t that much faster than the 2023 Mazda Miata. However, the Miata narrowly comes out on top for fuel economy as it averages 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
The 2023 Mazda Miata has a similar interior to the BMW Z4
The interiors of these cars are a significant point of comparison. This is partly the case because there is only so much you can fit into either. Both seat only two people. The main difference is that the 2023 Mazda Miata interior is straightforward, with only the essentials. This allows for a clean and down-to-earth look. However, BMW filled its small car with top-of-the-line materials.
These cars are also comparable when it comes to interior technology. The 2023 Mazda Miata uses a seven-inch full-color display, while the BMW Z4 has a 10.3-inch unit. Both systems have both knobs and hard buttons for easier use.
Size comparison
| 2023 Mazda Miata | 2023 BMW Z4 |
| Length: 154.1 in. | Length: 170.7 in. |
| Max Cargo Capacity: 4.6 cu.ft. | Max Cargo Capacity: 9.9 cu.ft. |
| Curb Weight: 2,341 lbs. | Curb Weight: 3,314 lbs. |
| Head Room: 37.4 in. | Head Room: 38.9 in. |
| Leg Room: 43.1 in. | Leg Room: 42.2 in. |
Overall, both the 2023 BMW Z4 and the Mazda Miata have much to offer people who want a modern day roadster. However, they also have their differences. In most ways that matter, the Z4 is just the faster and more luxurious version of the Miata. Still, those wanting a more straightforward small car will probably go for the Mazda. The 2023 Mazda Miata starts at $28,050, while the Z4 has an MSRP of well over $50,000.
