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2023 BMW Z4 M40i vs Audi TT RS: What To Choose?
Even the least experienced drivers will smile when driving the 2023 BMW Z4 M40i in a leisurely fashion along a twisting road. The Z4 makes up for its lack of quickness compared to its mechanically comparable cousin, the Toyota Supra coupe, or its ferocious rivals, the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, with a plush interior and a comfortable ride that make for a pleasurable driving experience. Meanwhile, The TT RS, one of Audi’s most outlandish cars, offers muscle car performance, sports car agility, and a high-end look and feel. Like the majority of other Audi models, the interior is well-appointed and packed with technology, but you shouldn’t anticipate the same level of comfort as you would in an A6 sedan. The TT RS is faultlessly easy to drive fast, but it’s less engaging on curvy roads because of its faultless handling.
| BMW Z4 M40i | Audi TT RS | |
| Dimensions | 170.7 in x 73.4 in x 51.4 in | 165.0 in x 72.1 in x 52.9 in |
| Engine | turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 | 2.5L turbocharged inline-5 |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.5 sec | 3.4 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 8.8 sec | 8.6 sec |
| Top-Speed | 152 mph | 174 mph |
BMW Z4 M40i
Engine, Power & Performance
An eight-speed automatic gearbox with sport and manual modes comes standard on every 2023 Z4. Additionally standard are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Although a conventional manual gearbox is not an option for the BMW Z4, the eight-speed automatic is one of the best ones available because of its quick reflexes, seamless shifts, and smooth functioning. BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine cranks out a strong 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque when mated to that gearbox. It takes just 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The time for the quarter-mile, during which the Z4 is moving at 116 mph, was also 12.0 seconds. Passing acceleration times between 30 and 50 mph of 2.3 seconds and between 50 and 70 mph of 2.7 seconds are both quick.
Price & Features
The Z4 Drive30i is a good value for its base pricing. It is far less expensive and provides more than enough performance for the majority of purchasers than its primary rival, the Porsche 718 Boxster. But if you want a little extra power and punch, we recommend the M40i, which starts at $66,295. Standard features include a sizable 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and free Apple CarPlay integration; Android Auto support is not offered. The most recent version of BMW’s iDrive system has clear graphics and is simple to operate. The Z4’s console’s knob, buttons, and voice commands can all be used to intuitively control the machine. Although SiriusXM satellite radio costs extra, a USB connector and Bluetooth streaming music are both standard.
Audi TT RS
Engine, Power & Performance
The strange and seductive 394 horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine of the TT RS works well with the Quattro all-wheel drive and quick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that are both standard. The TT RS’s passing ability is astounding. The seven-speed is eager to downshift whenever you need more power, and it accelerates so quickly and forcefully that you could believe you’ve entered a wormhole. With its standard adaptive dampers installed, the TT RS feels secure and planted on the road, even when that road twists and turns viciously, allowing even relatively rookie drivers to feel comfortable accelerating above the speed limit.
Price & Features
Even while it would be awesome to get one of the few Heritage Edition vehicles that will be available for purchase, it’s extremely doubtful that you will discover one at your neighborhood Audi shop. That’s okay, though, because the regular TT RS is still a lot of fun and less expensive. It only comes in a coupe and has a limited number of choices. The sport exhaust system is a free option, and in our opinion makes the TT RS look cleaner. We’d also replace the fixed rear spoiler with one that retracts electrically. Starting at $74,295 is the TT RS.