Compare the2024 BMW Z4VS 2024 Audi A5

The Z4’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Z4 and the A5 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the Z4 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the A5.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Z4’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Z4 has a standard 170-amp alternator. The A5’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Z4 has a standard 800-amp battery. The A5’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 29 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 6th.

The Z4 sDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Z4 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 121 more horsepower (382 vs. 261) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Z4 sDrive30i gets better fuel mileage than the A5 Cabriolet (25 city/33 hwy vs. 24 city/33 hwy).

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW Z4, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5.

For better stopping power the Z4 M40i’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A5:

The Z4’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A5 are solid, not vented.

The Z4 stops much shorter than the A5:

For better traction and acceleration, the Z4 has larger standard rear tires than the A5 (255/40R18 vs. 245/40R18). The Z4’s optional rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the A5 (275/35R19 vs. 255/35R19).

The Z4 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Z4 is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A5.

For better maneuverability, the Z4’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the A5’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The BMW Z4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 600 pounds less than the Audi A5.

The Z4 is 1 foot, 2.2 inches shorter than the A5, making the Z4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW Z4 amounts to more than styling. The Z4 offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .29 to .31 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the A5 (.32 to .33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Z4 get better fuel mileage.

The Z4 has a much larger trunk with its top down than the A5 Cabriolet with its top down (9.9 vs. 7.2 cubic feet). The Z4 has a larger trunk than the A5 Cabriolet with its top up (9.9 vs. 9.3 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 1% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the A5, the Z4 has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the Z4 the driver can close them all from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the A5 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the Z4 offers an optional remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the Z4 offers an optional remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The A5 doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

Insurance will cost less for the Z4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Z4 will cost $465 less than the A5 over a five-year period.

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