Nissan Z vs BMW 4 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan Z starts from $76,160 before on-road costs, while the BMW 4 Series opens at $83,500. That makes the Nissan Z the more affordable entry point by $7,340.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $83,776 and $91,850 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 4 Series by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Z features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 4 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan Z stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bose audio that you will not find on the BMW 4 Series. The BMW 4 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Z gets leather upholstery while the BMW 4 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Z uses a Petrol producing 298kW and 475Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.
The BMW 4 Series responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Z is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Z measures 4,380mm long on a 2,550mm wheelbase, 390mm shorter than the BMW 4 Series at 4,770mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 4 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,078/year for the Nissan Z and $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the BMW 4 Series.
Estimated annual total: $3,078 (Nissan Z) vs $2,166 (BMW 4 Series). The BMW 4 Series saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Z) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Z if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Z takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 4 Series will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Z and BMW 4 Series?
The Nissan Z is the cheapest at $76,160 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 4 Series by $7,340.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 4 Series uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 4 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 4 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Z makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Z is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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