Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the RM181,076 gap is substantial: the BMW Z4 brings 255 hp, 400 Nm and a claimed 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time, while its 280-litre boot is more than twice the Mazda MX-5’s 130 litres. It is also the easier long-distance car with an eight-speed automatic, power memory seats and dual-zone air-con. But the 1,119 kg MX-5 is 372 kg lighter, uses a six-speed manual and costs far less, while adding blind-spot monitoring and front-and-rear autonomous braking. The Z4 is faster and roomier; the Mazda is the sharper value call for manual-roadster buyers.
Pick the BMW Z4 if you want 255 hp, 400 Nm, an eight-speed automatic and a 280-litre boot for regular longer trips.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119 kg manual convertible with stronger active-safety equipment for RM181,076 less.
Key differences
- Price: BMW Z4 RM475,230; Mazda MX-5 RM294,154.
- Power and torque: BMW Z4 255 hp and 400 Nm; Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm.
- Weight: BMW Z4 1,491 kg; Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg.
- Boot space: BMW Z4 280 litres; Mazda MX-5 130 litres.
- Transmission: BMW Z4 eight-speed automatic; Mazda MX-5 six-speed manual.
- Active safety: BMW Z4 has no autonomous braking; Mazda MX-5 has front-and-rear Smart City Brake Support.
Z4
- 255 hp and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo engine.
- Claimed 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time and 250 km/h top speed.
- 280-litre boot, power memory seats and dual-zone climate control.
- RM181,076 more expensive than the Mazda MX-5.
- 372 kg heavier than the Mazda MX-5.
- No blind-spot monitoring or autonomous braking, both fitted to the Mazda MX-5.
MX-5
- RM181,076 cheaper while retaining rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual.
- 1,119 kg kerb weight, 372 kg below the BMW Z4.
- Blind-spot monitoring, collision warning and front-and-rear autonomous braking.
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the BMW Z4’s 255 hp and 400 Nm.
- 130-litre boot is 150 litres smaller than the BMW Z4’s.
- Manual front seats and single-zone air-con versus the BMW Z4’s power memory seats and dual-zone system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM475,230 | RM294,154✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 255 hp at 5,000 rpm✓ | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm at 1,550 rpm✓ | 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 82 mm × 94.6 mm | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission | 6MT-LSD |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Mazda |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.4 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 6.5 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 220 km/h |
| Co2 | 149 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,324 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,864 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,304 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Weight | 1,491 kg | 1,119 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R18 | 205/45R17 |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Super Sport | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Austria (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | M Sport Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) | 4 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | Flat Tyre Indicator | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Manual Adjustment |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 1 front |
| Audio | 10.25" BMW Navigation system Professional, iDrive Touch controller, 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | BMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Z4 & MX-5 for sale
Z4 vs MX-5 FAQ
Is the BMW Z4 or Mazda MX-5 better?
The BMW Z4 is better for outright performance, automatic ease and luggage space, with 255 hp, 400 Nm and a 280-litre boot. The Mazda MX-5 is better value for buyers who want a lighter six-speed manual roadster and autonomous braking.
What is the price difference?
The BMW Z4 costs RM475,230 and the Mazda MX-5 costs RM294,154, so the difference is RM181,076.
Which has the stronger safety equipment?
The Mazda MX-5 has the broader active-safety kit: blind-spot monitoring, collision warning and front-and-rear Smart City Brake Support. The BMW Z4 has four airbags, stability control and parking assistance, but no autonomous braking or blind-spot system.
