Compare the2023 Mercedes AMG C-Class CabrioletVS 2023 BMW Z4

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet has standard head airbag curtains for front and rear seats which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and outboard passenger's upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The Z4 doesn't offer side airbag protection for the head.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Z4 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet offers an optional Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Z4 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Z4’s blind spot costs extra.

Both the AMG C-Class Cabriolet and the Z4 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 and rear cross-path warning.

The Mercedes AMG C-Class Cabriolet weighs 661 to 890 pounds more than the BMW Z4. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s warranty.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 130 more horsepower (385 vs. 255) and 89 lbs.-ft. more torque (384 vs. 295) than the Z4 sDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 3 more horsepower (385 vs. 382) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (384 vs. 369) than the Z4 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Z4 (17.4 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG C-Class Cabriolet, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Z4.

All wheel drive, available in the AMG C-Class Cabriolet, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The BMW Z4 is not available with all wheel drive.

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

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the AMG C-Class Cabriolet can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Z4 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’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 Z4 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s wheelbase is 14.6 inches longer than on the Z4 (111.8 inches vs. 97.2 inches).

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet has standard seating for 4 passengers; the Z4 can only carry 2.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet has 29.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z4 (81.3 vs. 52).

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Z4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower all of them with the lock engaged. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the Z4’s standard power windows.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Z4’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the AMG C-Class Cabriolet has standard extendable sun visors. The Z4 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the AMG C-Class Cabriolet keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Z4 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Z4’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

The Mercedes AMG C-Class comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the BMW Z4 isn’t available as a coupe or sedan.

The Mercedes C-Class outsold the BMW Z4 by almost 17 to one during 2022.