BMW vs Audi, rear drive vs front, hard-top vs soft. The stunning-looking 2.0-litre turbo Z4 faces the TT Roadster

The BMW z4 has long been one of our favourites, and that was when it was available with only thirsty six-cylinder engines. Now, though, it gets a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cuts fuel consumption and C02 by 20%. Surely that can only make it even more desirable?

It’s up against the Audi TT Roadster, which might he more than five years old, but isn’t showing a single grey hair thanks to a number of subtle improvements throughout its life.

Its scorching pace, sweet handling and superb build quality will make life seriously tough for the revitalised Z4.

What are they like to drive?

THE Z4′S NEW engine has 181bhp, which is marginally less than the old motor, but it’s a few kilogrammes lighter so there’s no performance penalty. The engine is also strong at low revs, so it’s easier to build speed quickly.

The TT also uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, which kicks out a much more impressive 2o8bhp. The Audi weighs around 180kg less than the BMW, too, so straight-line pace is brutal no matter what gear you’re in. The rear-wheel-drive BMW gets its power down better off the line, but once rolling the front-drive TT leaves it trailing way behind.

Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster

It’s a closer match in the corners. The BMW leans more than the Audi as you turn in, but it hangs on gamely and stays neatly balanced as you get close to the limits of grip. The steering is the only let-down, because it doesn’t have enough feedback.

The TT dives in eagerly with plenty of bite and hardly any body roll. Then, if you’re over-eager with your right foot the front of the car will run wide. Nonetheless, the Audi’s precise steering will have you grinning from ear to ear on any winding road.

Our test car was fitted with optional sports suspension (L435), but even with this stiffer-than- standard set-up theTT isn’t too harsh. The ride is firm around town, but brilliantly controlled on faster, undulating roads.

The Z4, meanwhile, is pretty forgiving at low speeds, but its softer set-up means it tends to float around when you pick up the pace. Mid-corner bumps also tend to send shudders through the cabin, especially when the roof is down.

Both cars are reasonably refined with their roofs up; the TT’s fabric hood allows more wind noise into the cabin, but the Z4 kicks up more road and suspension noise, so overall it’s noisier at 70mph.

BMW Z4

BMW Z4

What are they like inside?

Both cars have beautifully made cabins, with classy materials throughout and logical controls. The BMW’s dashboard is the more eye-catching, with a swooping silver face and a lower half that matches the colour of the seats. The TT’s aluminium-ringed air vents add a welcome dash of flair, but overall its interior doesn’t look as special as the Z4′s.

Disappointingly, the BMW’s steering wheel doesn’t line-up properly with its pedals, which means the driver sits diagonally. The Audi’s driving position is much better, with a huge amount of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, and all the controls within easy reach.

Audi TT Roadster interior

Audi TT Roadster interior

If you’re buying a roadster you’ll want the open air above your head whenever the sun shines; the TT’s fabric roof allows you to do that at the press of a button in just 15 seconds. The Z4′s folding hard-top takes 25 seconds to fold.

Folding the BMW’s roof eats up almost half of the Z4′s 310-litre boot, too, whereas the TT has the same 250 litres of luggage space with the top up or down. Both cars have handy storage bins behind the two seats, but the BMW’s is bigger. It also has a ski-hatch through to the boot.

BMW Z4 interior

BMW Z4 interior

Will they break the bank?

The asking prices won’t help you make your decision here because there’s just L360 between the pricier BMW and the Audi; that narrows to L134 after discounts.

You get more for your money with the Z4, though, because it has full-leather seats, Bluetooth and a USB socket to plug your MP3 player into. Audi charges an extra L435 for Bluetooth, and a USB socket ups the price by a further L185. The TT has pan-leather part-Alcantara seats, and gets a wind deflector that raises and lowers at the touch of a button. BMW cheekily charges L215 for a removable plastic deflector, which you’ll need.

Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster

Take into account running costs and the TT starts to become a significantly cheaper ownership proposition. It’ll be worth around L1000 more if you decide to sell after three years and your servicing bills will also be lower.

There’s next to nothing between the two for fuel and tax costs, but the TT is the cheaper option for leasing customers.

BMW Z4

BMW Z4

Our verdict

The Z4′s supermodel looks, swanky cabin and decent driving manners have always made it a tempting proposition, and this new four-cylinder version adds low running costs to that list of desirables without sacrificing any performance.

Against any other sub-L30k roadster, the BMW would chalk up an easy win, but the brilliant TT is just that bit better in the areas that matter. Its storming performance and sharper handling make it quicker and more exploitable on most roads and, crucially, it’s the more rewarding car to drive. Given that the Audi is also more practical with the hood down and cheaper to own, it’s impossible not to hand it the victory.

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