By now, you’ve probably heard the online torment of Toyota GR Supra fans vis a vis its sibling car, the BMW Z4. However, at the root of the ridicule is a big bonus for fans of both vehicles. Specifically, Toyota and BMW partnering to make any kind of performance vehicle is a goldmine of engineering excellence. Still, if you like the lovechild Supra but wish it had a convertible top, you should consider the sibling BMW. 

Is a BMW Z4 worth buying?

If you want a front-engine convertible roadster with performance credentials and elegant styling, the BMW Z4 is in a class of its own. For instance, a comparable 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster starts at $63,950, around $13,000 more than the entry Z4. Also, the Z4 is much more performance-oriented than a 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 

If you choose a 2022 BMW Z4, you’ll have a convertible sports car capable of hitting 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. That’s nearly half a second quicker than the Boxster and just as quick as the Toyota GR Supra 3.0. Of course, the similar performance is due to the vehicle’s shared heart, a 3.0 inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower. 

How much does a BMW Z4 cost?

Unlike the collaboration-born GR Supra, the BMW Z4 demands a premium for its Bavarian badge. The 2022 BMW Z4 has a starting price of $50,895, but for the Supra matching M40i, you’ll have to spend more. Specifically, the 3.0L-powered M40i has a starting price of $64,695. That starting price puts the BMW convertible in the neighborhood of the 718 Boxster. 

Is the BMW Z4 the same as the Supra?

The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 and the BMW Z4 M40i share a powerplant, namely a 3.0L turbocharged DOHC inline-six-cylinder engine. That engine slingshots both vehicles to sixty in sub-4 seconds sprints, making both vehicles top sports car performers. Also, Car and Driver says BMW and Toyota developed the vehicles in collaboration, meaning they’re very similar in construction. 

However, the Supra is a hardtop-only sports car, and the BMW roadster is a sun-soaked convertible with sports car performance. It’s unlikely that the GR Supra will gain a convertible top and similarly unlikely that the Z4 will incorporate a coupe. Also, due to a shift in demand, BMW has stopped making significant updates to its roadster, suggesting it will either electrify or disappear altogether. 

Should you buy a Toyota GR Supra instead?

The Toyota GR Supra is sharp, fast, and with its 3.0L engine offering, quick enough to go toe-to-toe with the likes of a Nissan Z Performance or Ford Mustang Mach 1. Also, with more popularity than the posh BMW Z4, the Supra will likely stay more marketable in the near future. However, the BMW roadster is the best choice if you want something more elegant, with nicer interior materials and a soft top. 

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