That’s a rather interesting fact, considering that BMW claims to be a sporty-oriented brand for spirited drivers. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz, a company that is more comfort-oriented, has a lot more 2 seaters in its line-up. Just food for thought.
Getting back on point here, we should mention that the Z4 is a big longer compared to the TT, measuring 63 mm more at 4,239 mm (166.9 inches) but narrower with a width of 1,791 mm (70.5 inches) compared to Audi’s 1,831 mm (164.4 inches) and lower, sitting at 1,290 mm (50.8 inches), 64 mm closer to the ground. The wheelbase is nearly identical, with a slight, 7 mm advantage for the Audi TT that has 2,504 mm in between the wheels.
The exterior design
The BMW E89 Z4 is now in its final years of production. Last year, the model received what the company calls a Life Cycle Impulse or LCI for short. That’s just Bimmer-lingo for facelift but the changes aren’t easily noticeable.
That means, in this battle, BMW goes in wearing a design that’s 5 years old. Even so, from the outside it looks just as on par with the trends as on the day it was released. The short overhangs offer it a sporty allure while the creases in the body make it seem aggressive without trying too hard.
On the other hand, the Audi is a good-looker. It’s very well hooked in the 21st century and it’s showing a fresh face compared to all the other models in the line-up that basically look the same. The front fascia is where the magic happens while the back looks more like an evolution.
What about inside?
Inside the win goes to the Audi, hands-down. Everything is brand new, from the air vents and digital instrument cluster to the brilliant seats inside the TTS version. Everything looks magnificent and worthy of a car that folds its roof to reveal its insides.
On the other hand, the Z4 is not bad at all. Out of the entire line-up of cars made by the company, this is probably the most ‘rebel’ design you can have today. While all others seem to be exactly the same, making it hard to distinguish between a 3 Series and a 5 Series, the Z4 has a fresh look. Even so, its age is starting to show and compared to all the tech stuff inside the Audi, it’s nowhere close.
The BMW has a lot more engine options available
When it comes to engine/transmission choices, things tip in the favor of the BMW. Sure, the Audi is a new model for now and just 3 engine options were revealed just yet but even so, the TTS was already announced and things aren’t looking good.
The only diesel available for the TT is the 2-liter TDI making 184 HP and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, hooked up to a manual 6-speed transmission. On the other side of the fence, the Z4 doesn’t offer a diesel and never did.
Going over the top of the line models, the TT S has a 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine making 310 HP and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. It can be hooked up to a manual or automatic 6-speed gearbox but the fastest choice (the auto) can be had with the quattro all-wheel drive system, turning the roadster into a 4.9 second car to 100 km/h (62 mph).
On the other hand, the Z4 sDrive35is is a beast. It has a trademark 3-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine making 340 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, connected to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. With launch control, the rear-wheel drive car will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.
