2020 BMW Z4 20i v 2020 Toyota Supra GT
The third-generation Z4 continues a long lineage of sporty BMW roadsters, while Toyota has rekindled the Supra name after a 17-year sabbatical to continue the Japanese brand’s sports car resurgence.
While one is a convertible and one is a coupe, they make for a fascinating comparison, as not only are both designed for keen drivers, but were co-developed as part of a joint venture between the two carmakers.
We find out which is best…
How do they compare on price?
You can spend as much as $124,900 on a Z4, though here we have the entry-level $84,900 sDrive20i model that is priced identically to the most affordable Supra.
However, whereas that money gets you a (BMW) 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder in the Toyota, it gets you a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the BMW.
Matters are closer when it comes to technology and convenience features. In both cars you will find dual-zone climate control, electric sports seats in leather (accented in the Supra), navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, wireless smartphone charging, and keyless entry and start.
The Z4 offers the bigger infotainment display of two BMW systems, using the latest 10.25-inch display, whereas the Supra gets the smaller, 8.8-inch version.
Toyota gives Supra buyers a couple of significant mechanical extras as standard in the form of adaptive dampers (optional on the Z4) and a limited-slip differential (available only on more expensive Z4 models).
BMW charges $2000 for metallic paint – four times what Toyota asks for premium paint (with the exception of a special matt grey for the GTS that costs $2500, though is currently unavailable).
What are they like inside?
The previous Z4 had some distinctive cabin elements compared with other BMW interiors. This time it’s more homogeneous, looking familiar in design to the likes of the new 1 Series and 3 Series.
The upside is that interior quality is another step forward, and the Z4 makes you feel like you’re sitting in a proper luxury sports convertible. The 10.0-inch digital displays for infotainment and instruments also ensure the Z4 cabin has never looked more sophisticated.
Striped M seatbelts ($560) are worth a tick for a small but cool sporty flourish.
Storage is about as good as you could hope for in a compact two-seater convertible, and of course you can access open-air motoring by lowering the roof – a process that takes just 10 seconds.
BMW components are obvious inside the Toyota Supra, although the design execution isn’t identical. It doesn’t look as premium and isn’t as practical, but the quality compares with the inside of a Nissan GT-R that costs more than twice the money.
Bespoke Supra features include an upright, thin-rimmed steering wheel, a large singular Sport button on the centre console instead of multiple drive-mode buttons in the Z4, and a differently styled instrument panel.
Which is the safest car?
Neither car has been tested by ANCAP yet, which isn’t uncommon for sports cars. However, the Z4 received the maximum five stars from Europe’s equivalent, Euro NCAP.
Both share driver aids such as lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, current speed-limit notification and various parking aids.
The Supra has more airbags, adding side curtains and driver’s knee airbag to the front and side airbags shared with the Z4.
The Toyota also includes adaptive cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring as standard.
How much do they cost to maintain?
Toyota charges $385 for every annual service, or every 15,000km. Surprisingly, BMW’s five-year (80,000km) maintenance plan works out slightly cheaper at $313 per visit.
Toyota’s factory warranty covers you for five years, however, whereas BMW remains on the outdated three years.
What do they have under the bonnet?
The Z4 sDrive20i’s four-cylinder turbo is inevitably outgunned by the Supra’s six-cylinder turbo when it comes to performance.
With 250kW and 500Nm, the Toyota sprints from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds – making it 2.2 seconds quicker than the base Z4 that has to make do with 145kW and 320Nm.
On the road it feels like all that difference and more as the Supra’s bigger engine delivers the great tractability and flexibility we’ve come to love about the BMW 3.0-litre. It sounds great when revved hard and is significantly more effortless than the Z4’s 2.0-litre.
Want the six-cylinder in the Z4? You’ll need the M340i variant that costs another $40,000.
Which is the most economical car?
No prizes for guessing the four-cylinder sports car here uses the least fuel, though even the Z4’s advantage in official consumption – 6.5 litres per 100km versus 7.7L/100km – isn’t likely to influence a buyer’s choice.
And in real-world testing, trip computers calculated a smaller difference: 10.5L/100km for the Z4 sDrive20i and 11.2L/100km for the Supra GT.
The Z4’s four-cylinder turbo also requires 98RON unleaded, whereas the six-cylinder turbo in the Supra is happy to accept regular unleaded (if you’re happy to put that into your performance coupe).
Which is the best car to drive?
The Supra, without question – and for reasons beyond the Japanese coupe’s inherently stiffer construction.
The Toyota’s superior steering is fast and precise, and also smoother and more involving than the BMW’s.
There’s still satisfaction to be gained on a winding road in the Z4 that offers a confident mid-corner balance, but it simply can’t match the Supra’s directional responses or near-unflappable composure.
Despite the Supra’s handling nous, the Toyota provides surprisingly supple ride comfort whether you’re driving around town or along freeways. Its seats are also excellent.
Our Z4 test car featured optional adaptive dampers, yet even in Comfort mode with the dampers at their most relaxed, there isn’t the smooth ride you would expect from a luxury convertible, even one with a sporty bent. The larger, optional 19-inch wheels wouldn’t have helped.
Any problems I should look out for?
The Supra currently has limited availability. The initial online allocation was sold out, though Toyota Australia says some models are still available from dealers owing to some cancelled orders as well as some ex-demos coming into play.
Which one should I buy?
It depends on exactly what type of sports car you want. The Z4 convertible fits the bill if you want the option to feel the wind in your hair while motoring along, or want to own a compact sports car with a properly premium cabin and a rich heritage.
It’s great to see the Supra name back in Toyota showrooms. And while some of the nameplate’s fans remain disappointed by the extent of the BMW crossover, especially the inline six-cylinder, the Supra offers great bang for your buck, even at about $90,000 with on-road costs added.