In today’s market of new convertibles, we find plenty of intriguing models that draw the attention of open-air driving enthusiasts. Two of them: the third generation of BMW Z4 and the also third-gen Audi TT Cabrio, stand out against the competition by offering a unique combination of style, power, and innovative technologies. The BMW Z4 has returned to its roots as a small roadster (back to the soft top), while the Audi TT has ended its production after three generations, leaving behind a lasting legacy, with its continuation under question… Audi is scheming something, but reliable news is scarce.
Design and Style
Regarding design and style, the current BMW Z4, first showcased in 2018, is a testament to the modern stylistic direction of the brand, maintained in the form of a small roadster. Collaborating with Toyota in creating this model (with its technological twin being the Supra, though that’s a coupe with a hardtop), BMW merged a sporty character with elegance, visible in the subtle facelift in 2022. This facelift introduced minor but significant changes, like the rearranged grille and additional decorative elements, accentuating the car’s sporty character – in my opinion, they did well. Personally, I still favor the second generation of the Z4, but I miss the fabric roof – it came from the factory only as a hardtop coupe-cabrio.
On the other hand, the Audi TT Cabrio, which debuted in 2014, impresses with its flattened grille and modern LED headlights, an innovative virtual cockpit, and ergonomically arranged climate control elements, speaking to the modernity and functionality of this model.
Technical Parms
In terms of technical parameters, comparing the cheapest versions of both models, the BMW Z4 with a two-liter engine generates 197 HP, allowing for an acceleration to 100 km/h (about 62 mph) in 6.8 seconds (a nice result for such an engine combined with over 1400 kg of weight). On the other side, the Audi TT starts slightly better, with an acceleration of 6.6 seconds with the same engine power also from 2 liters capacity (it’s lighter – starts from 1230 kg, but it’s front-wheel drive!).
The top versions of both models also show differences. The BMW Z4 M40i with an R6 engine of 3-liters offers 340 HP and acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The Audi TT RS Cabrio reaches new heights with an R5 engine of 2,5-liters, achieving 400 HP and an astonishing acceleration to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds – here, the quattro drive does its job.
From the perspective of the availability of these models in April 2024, it’s worth noting a significant difference between the BMW Z4 and Audi TT. While the BMW Z4 can still be configured as a new vehicle, giving potential buyers the freedom to choose specifications according to their own preferences, the situation with the Audi TT presents differently: the Audi TT is no longer in production… the available stock of new convertible models is already limited and likely getting more so by the day. In early April, there were only about 100 new (all versions) Audi TT Cabrios available, but that’s just for Germany. This means those interested in purchasing this model should make a decision quickly to enjoy the unique design and driving experience that a brand-new Audi TT offers from the showroom. It’s also worth noting for those flipping a coin between Z4 and TT: when a certain car ends its production life, it often becomes an investment, increasing in value from 2nd day.
In the context of continuing automotive traditions and historical comparisons of models, it will also be interesting to look at the price comparison of the progenitors of the contemporary models, namely the BMW Z3 and the first generation of the Audi TT. Both of these series initiated the era of modern convertibles for their brands, offering a unique combination of style, power (except for the BMW 1.8/118 HP), and innovation, which over time evolved into the currently available versions of Z4 and (still) TT. In the next comparison, I’ll delve into how the prices of these iconic models were shaped at the time of their premiere, and what their market situation looks like today (I might even mention the Z3 wagon… I mean coupe).
Comparative table of individual versions (prices include VAT)
| Brand / Model | BMW Z4 (2.0 R4) | BMW Z4 M40i (3.0 R6) | Audi TT (2.0 R4) | Audi TT RS (2.5 R5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 197 PS | 340 PS | 197 PS | 400 PS |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h | 6.8 sec | 4.5 sec | 6.6 sec | 3.7 sec |
| Price | 42,184.87 € | 58,235.29 € | 41,487 € | From 64,600 € to >87,000 € |
| Maximum Speed | 241 km/h | 250 km/h (electronically limited) | 247 km/h | 250 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive (Quattro) |
