Both the F-Type and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.
Compare the2023 Jaguar F-TypeVS 2023 BMW 4 Series Convertible
Safety
Warranty
The F-Type comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 4 Series Convertible’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.
Jaguar pays for scheduled maintenance on the F-Type for 2 years and 24,000 miles longer than BMW pays for maintenance for the 4 Series Convertible (5/60,000 vs. 3/36,000).
Engine
The F-Type P450’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 189 more horsepower (444 vs. 255) and 134 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 294) than the 430i Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The F-Type P450’s 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 62 more horsepower (444 vs. 382) and 60 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 368) than the M440i Convertible’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The F-Type R’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 193 more horsepower (575 vs. 382) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 368) than the M440i Convertible’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.
Fuel Economy and Range
The F-Type has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Convertible (18.5 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
Brakes and Stopping
For better stopping power the F-Type’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Convertible:
|
F-Type |
4 Series Convertible |
4 Series Convertible M440i |
Front Rotors |
15 inches |
13 inches |
13.7 inches |
Rear Rotors |
14.8 inches |
13 inches |
13.6 inches |
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the F-Type has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Convertible (F:255/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. 225/45R18). The F-Type R’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Convertible (F:265/35R20 & R:305/30R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).
The F-Type’s 255/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 430i’s standard 45 series tires. The F-Type’s tires are lower profile than the 4 Series Convertible’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the F-Type has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the 430i. The 4 Series Convertible’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.
Suspension and Handling
The F-Type’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.
For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the F-Type is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than on the 4 Series Convertible.
For better maneuverability, the F-Type’s turning circle is 4.5 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (34.9 feet vs. 39.4 feet). The F-Type AWD’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (37 feet vs. 39.4 feet).
Chassis
The Jaguar F-Type may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 350 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Convertible.
The F-Type is 11.9 inches shorter than the 430i, making the F-Type easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
Ergonomics
Unlike the driver-only memory system in the 4 Series Convertible, the F-Type offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.
The F-Type’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The F-Type has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer headlight washers.
Recommendations
The F-Type was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2014. The 4 Series Convertible has never been an “All Star.”