Compare the2023 Audi TTVS 2023 BMW Z4

The TT has standard head airbag curtains which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and front 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 TT has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Z4 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The TT has a standard blind spot warning system that 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 TT 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Audi TT’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the Z4’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The TTS’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 33 more horsepower (288 vs. 255) than the Z4 sDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the TTS is faster than the Z4 sDrive30i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi TT uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Z4 requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The TT 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 Z4 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The TT offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Z4 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

All wheel drive, available in the TT, 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.

The TT RS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Z4 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the TT has larger standard tires than the Z4 (245/40R18 vs. 225/45R18).

The TT 45 TSFI’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Z4’s standard 45 series front tires. The TT’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the Z4’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TT offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Z4’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the TT’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the Z4 (98.6 inches vs. 97.2 inches).

The TT is 5.7 inches shorter than the Z4, making the TT easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The TT Coupe has standard seating for 4 passengers; the Z4 can only carry 2.

The TT has 22 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z4 (74 vs. 52).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the TT to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Z4 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi TT has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Z4.

The Audi TT comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the BMW Z4 isn’t available as a coupe.

The TT will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the TT will retain 49.37% to 49.87% of its original price after five years, while the Z4 only retains 46.69% to 47.65%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Audi TT and the BMW Z4, based on reliability, safety and performance.