Verdict
The BMW Z4 costs RM475,230 to the MINI Convertible’s RM318,888, a RM156,342 gap that buys far stronger performance: 255 hp, 400 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds versus 204 hp, 300 Nm and 6.9 seconds. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, eight-speed automatic and 280-litre boot suit the buyer after a focused two-seat roadster. The MINI is the more useful daily convertible, with four seats, a longer 2,495 mm wheelbase, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous braking. It is the rational choice; the Z4 is the fast one.
Pick the BMW Z4 if 255 hp, 400 Nm, rear-wheel drive and a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time matter more than rear seats and driver-assistance kit.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you need four seats, stronger active-safety equipment and RM156,342 left in your pocket.
Key differences
- Price: BMW Z4 RM475,230; MINI Convertible RM318,888.
- Performance: BMW Z4 255 hp, 400 Nm and 5.4 sec to 100 km/h; MINI Convertible 204 hp, 300 Nm and 6.9 sec.
- Driveline: BMW Z4 rear-wheel drive; MINI Convertible front-wheel drive.
- Seating and boot: BMW Z4 2 seats and 280 litres; MINI Convertible 4 seats and 215 litres.
- Dimensions: BMW Z4 is 4,324 mm long with a 2,470 mm wheelbase; MINI Convertible is 3,879 mm long with a 2,495 mm wheelbase.
- Driver assistance: BMW Z4 has passive cruise control and no autonomous braking; MINI Convertible has active cruise control and autonomous braking.
Z4
- 255 hp and 400 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.
- Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
- 280-litre boot and power front seats with memory.
- Only two seats, against the MINI Convertible’s four.
- No blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking or active cruise control.
- RM156,342 more expensive.
Convertible
- Four seats, ISOFIX and 50:50 split-folding rear seats.
- Active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous braking.
- Head-up display and 360-degree view monitor.
- 204 hp and 300 Nm trail the Z4’s 255 hp and 400 Nm.
- 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.5 seconds slower than the Z4.
- 215-litre boot is 65 litres smaller than the Z4’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM475,230 | RM318,888✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | B-Segment |
| 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, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 255 hp✓ | 204 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 300 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission | 7-speed Steptronic Transmission |
| Gears | 8 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.4 seconds✓ | 6.9 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 6.5 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 237 km/h |
| Co2 | 149 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,324 mm | 3,879 mm |
| Width | 1,864 mm | 1,744 mm |
| Height | 1,304 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 mm | 2,495 mm |
| Weight | 1,491 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | 44 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres✓ | 215 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Super Sport | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Austria (CBU) | United Kingdom (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | M Sport Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Flat Tyre Indicator | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" BMW Navigation system Professional, iDrive Touch controller, 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active 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 | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | BMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 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 & Convertible for sale
Z4 vs Convertible FAQ
Is the BMW Z4 or MINI Convertible better?
The BMW Z4 is better for outright pace, with 255 hp, rear-wheel drive and a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time. The MINI Convertible is better for carrying people and assistance systems, thanks to four seats, autonomous braking and active cruise control.
What is the price difference?
The BMW Z4 costs RM156,342 more than the MINI Convertible. That is a substantial premium for 51 hp more, 100 Nm more torque, rear-wheel drive and a 1.5-second quicker 0-100 km/h time.
Which convertible is more practical?
The MINI Convertible is more practical for passengers, providing four seats, ISOFIX and split-folding rear seats. The BMW Z4 has the larger boot, however, at 280 litres versus the MINI’s 215 litres.