Compare the2024 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2024 BMW Z4

The MX-5 Miata has standard tall side airbags 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 MX-5 Miata’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Z4.

The MX-5 Miata 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.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. BMW charges extra for Cross Traffic Warning on the Z4.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the Z4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the Z4. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Z4 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 54 percent more Mazda dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MX-5 Miata’s reliability 23 points higher than the Z4.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 2 places higher in reliability than BMW.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the Z4:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The Z4 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.3 feet tighter than the Z4’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 to 950 pounds less than the BMW Z4.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 4.6 inches shorter than the Z4, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata is 5.1 inches narrower than the Z4, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Z4 doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the MX-5 Miata Club is quieter than the Z4 sDrive30i (47 vs. 48 dB).

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the Z4’s standard power windows.

Consumer Reports rated the MX-5 Miata’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Z4’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Insurance will cost less for the MX-5 Miata owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the MX-5 Miata will cost $1910 to $4490 less than the Z4 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be $22559 to $27906 less than for the BMW Z4.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the BMW Z4, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the BMW Z4 by almost five to one during 2023.