Both the Camaro and the 4 Series Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.
Compare the2023 Chevrolet CamaroVS 2022 BMW 4 Series Coupe
Safety
Warranty
Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Camaro 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 4 Series Coupe. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 4 Series Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.
There are over 8 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Camaro’s warranty.
Reliability
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.
Engine
The Camaro has more powerful engines than the 4 Series Coupe:
|
Horsepower |
Torque |
Camaro 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder |
275 HP |
295 lbs.-ft. |
Camaro 3.6 DOHC V6 |
335 HP |
284 lbs.-ft. |
Camaro LT1/SS 6.2 V8 |
455 HP |
455 lbs.-ft. |
Camaro ZL1 6.2 supercharged V8 |
650 HP |
650 lbs.-ft. |
430i Coupe 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder |
255 HP |
294 lbs.-ft. |
M440i Coupe 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid |
382 HP |
368 lbs.-ft. |
As tested in Car and Driver the Camaro LT1/SS 6.2 V8 is faster than the 430i Coupe 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder (automatics tested):
|
Camaro |
4 Series Coupe |
Zero to 60 MPH |
3.9 sec |
5.2 sec |
Zero to 100 MPH |
8.9 sec |
14.2 sec |
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start |
4 sec |
6.3 sec |
Passing 30 to 50 MPH |
2.3 sec |
3.2 sec |
Passing 50 to 70 MPH |
2.7 sec |
4 sec |
Quarter Mile |
12.3 sec |
13.9 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
116 MPH |
99 MPH |
Top Speed |
165 MPH |
155 MPH |
As tested in Car and Driver the Camaro ZL1 6.2 supercharged V8 is faster than the 430i Coupe 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder (automatics tested):
|
Camaro |
4 Series Coupe |
Zero to 60 MPH |
3.4 sec |
5.2 sec |
Zero to 100 MPH |
7.4 sec |
14.2 sec |
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start |
3.7 sec |
6.3 sec |
Passing 30 to 50 MPH |
1.8 sec |
3.2 sec |
Passing 50 to 70 MPH |
2.1 sec |
4 sec |
Quarter Mile |
11.5 sec |
13.9 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
124 MPH |
99 MPH |
Top Speed |
190 MPH |
190 MPH |
Fuel Economy and Range
An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Camaro V6/V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.
To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Camaro uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The 4 Series Coupe requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.
The Camaro has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Coupe (19 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
The Camaro has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.
Transmission
The Camaro offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer a manual transmission.
A 10-speed automatic is available on the Chevrolet Camaro, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 4 Series Coupe.
Brakes and Stopping
For better stopping power the Camaro ZL1’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Coupe:
|
Camaro ZL1 |
4 Series Coupe |
4 Series Coupe M440i |
Front Rotors |
15.35 inches |
13 inches |
13.7 inches |
Rear Rotors |
14.4 inches |
13 inches |
13.6 inches |
The Camaro stops much shorter than the 4 Series Coupe:
|
Camaro |
4 Series Coupe |
|
70 to 0 MPH |
137 feet |
149 feet |
Car and Driver |
60 to 0 MPH |
91 feet |
109 feet |
Motor Trend |
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the Camaro has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Coupe (245/50R18 vs. 225/45R18). The Camaro ZL1 1LE Coupe’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Coupe (F:305/30R19 & R:325/30R19 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).
The Camaro SS 1LE/ZL1’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4 Series Coupe’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Camaro SS has standard 20-inch wheels. The 4 Series Coupe’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.
The Camaro has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.
Chassis
The Chevrolet Camaro may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 250 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Coupe.
Passenger Space
Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Camaro Coupe a Compact car, while the 4 Series Coupe is rated a Subcompact.
The Camaro Coupe has 7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 4 Series Coupe (93 vs. 86).
The Camaro Coupe has .5 inches more front headroom and 2.1 inches more front legroom than the 4 Series Coupe.
Ergonomics
The Camaro (except LS/LT1)’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
The Camaro’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 4 Series Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.
To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Camaro (except LS/LT1) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.
Economic Advantages
The Camaro will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Camaro will retain 47.18% to 53.66% of its original price after five years, while the 4 Series Coupe only retains 43.34% to 45.62%.
Recommendations
The Camaro was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 7 years. The 4 Series Coupe has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.
Motor Trend selected the Camaro as their 2016 Car of the Year. The 4 Series Coupe has never been chosen.
The Chevrolet Camaro outsold the BMW 4 Series by 12% during the 2021 model year.