Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 BMW Z4 VS 2016 Jaguar F-Type Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the Z4 and the F-Type have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, front parking sensors and available rear parking sensors.

The Z4’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the F-Type’s (12 vs. 6 years).

There are over 2 times as many BMW dealers as there are Jaguar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Z4’s warranty.

Regenerative brakes improve the Z4’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The F-Type doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Z4 stops shorter than the F-Type:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Z4 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The F-Type doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Z4 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The F-Type’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Z4 is 9.1 inches shorter than the F-Type, 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 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .34 Cd. That is lower than the F-Type (.35 to .36). A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Z4 get better fuel mileage.

The Z4’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The F-Type doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Z4 easier. The Z4’s trunk lift-over height is 27.2 inches, while the F-Type’s liftover is 33.3 inches.

If the windows are left down on the Z4 the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder or the keyless remote; on a hot day the driver can lower the windows. The driver of the F-Type can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the Z4 has a standard remote convertible top which can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. The F-Type 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.

The Z4 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the F-Type.

Insurance will cost less for the Z4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Z4 will cost $2590 to $7560 less than the F-Type over a five-year period.

The Z4 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the Z4 will retain a greater percentage of its original price after three and five years than the F-Type.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW Z4 will be $23431 to $40691 less than for the Jaguar F-Type.

Intellichoice recognized the BMW Z4 as a “Best Value of the Year” for the 2015 model year.

Strategic Vision rates overall owner satisfaction with vehicle quality. The BMW Z4 is ranked second in the Premium Convertible/Roadster category. The Jaguar F-Type Coupe is ranked below average.