Compare the2022 BMW Z4VS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The Z4 has standard Post-Crash Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Z4 and the C-Class Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Z4’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the C-Class Cabriolet’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the Z4 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the C-Class Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 18th in initial quality. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 30th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The Z4 sDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 21 lbs.-ft. more torque (294 vs. 273) than the C-Class Cabriolet’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Z4 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 127 more horsepower (382 vs. 255) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 273) than the C-Class Cabriolet’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Z4 gets better mileage than the C-Class Cabriolet:

Regenerative brakes improve the Z4’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the Z4 M40i’s brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Cabriolet:

The Z4 stops much shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet:

For better traction, the Z4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Cabriolet (F:255/35R19 & R:275/35R19 vs. F:225/45R18 & R:245/40R18).

The Z4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG C 43 Cabriolet’s optional 40 series front tires.

The Z4 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The C-Class Cabriolet’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Z4 is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 2.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the C-Class Cabriolet.

The Z4 M40i handles at 1.02 G’s, while the C 300 Cabriolet pulls only .94 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Z4’s turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the C 300 Cabriolet’s (36 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The BMW Z4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 600 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The Z4 is 1 foot, 1.8 inches shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet, making the Z4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Z4 has .1 inches more front headroom and .2 inches more front legroom than the C-Class Cabriolet.

The Z4 has a much larger trunk with its top down than the C-Class Cabriolet with its top down (9.9 vs. 7 cubic feet). The Z4 has a much larger trunk than the C-Class Cabriolet with its top up (9.9 vs. 8.8 cubic feet).

Insurance will cost less for the Z4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Z4 will cost $2455 to $4550 less than the C-Class Cabriolet over a five-year period.

The Z4 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Z4 will retain 45.43% to 47.2% of its original price after five years, while the C-Class Cabriolet only retains 38.12% to 38.61%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW Z4 will be $2072 to $14599 less than for the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet, based on reliability, safety and performance.