Once news of that the Supra would return in 2020 broke, there’s been nothing but speculation in regards to the BMW-Toyota partnership. If you were wondering just who comes out on top in a classic battle of Supra vs BMW Z4, you aren’t alone. From the roots of the LFA to the FT-1 and now the 2020 Supra, here are some of the biggest things that set the Bavarian drop top apart.
Let’s face it, once Toyota had declared the partnership with BMW the obvious Supra vs BMW Z4 comparisons were bound to crop up. Considering the level of buzz and excitement that the new Toyota supercar generated, the BMW Z4 could set the performance bar to new levels.
Inside the Supra vs BMW Z4 comparison
Set for release in 2020, the Toyota GR Supra bucks the traditional narrative. Gone are the flashes of boy-toy modification, replaced with the sophistication and supercar refinement that’s fit for Nürburgring. But which car is better in the argument of Supra vs BMW Z4?
Before you jump to conclusions, it’s best we all understand that the partnership between BMW and Toyota had to happen. The Supra had been on a 20 year hiatus, and despite the clamor from fans across the world Toyota had other concerns, mainly staying in the black and turning a profit.
So in that this Supra vs BMW Z4 comparison is harmless fun. Toyota and BMW needed each other for this pair of supercars to exist. Without Toyota’s investment, BMW engineering and a whole lot of collaboration we might still be dreaming of the Return of the King.
But despite all that, the question remains. Which A90 chassis is better between the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4? In order to determine the answer to that question, we’ll need to deep dive into the Supra specifications we have available. And in comparing the Supra vs BMW Z4, we’ll make sure to try and check our Fast and Furious fueled fandom at the door.
Behind the Powerplant – Supra vs BMW Z4
When taking a look at the power numbers for the Supra and Z4, the question that first needs answering is the difference in power output. The US version of the 2020 Supra receives 50 less horsepower, or roughly 14 percent less power than it’s Bavarian counterpart. Will this difference be detectable for most drivers? And does this question not matter considering the large aftermarket following that’s bound to sprout up for both cars?
To answer the question which car is faster between the Supra vs BMW Z4, we’ll need to look at the curb weight for both vehicles. BMW checks their supercar in at 3,385 lbs, and with 382 horsepower the Z4 is good for a 8.9 pound/hp ratio. This puts the Z4 in the same territory as the 2017 Porsche 911, which has been clocked with a 3.9 second 0-60 mph sprint.
Meanwhile the 2020 Supra comes in at 3,300 lbs with just 335 horsepower. This puts the Japanese supercar at 9.9 pound/hp. While this isn’t as impressive as the BMW Z4 on the surface, Toyota claims that the 2020 Supra can reach 60mph in just 4.1 seconds. The Japanese 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, will most certainly herald a new age of performance products bound to unlock the Supra’s true potential.
But more on the Toyota Supra vs BMW Z4 comparison. Between the two vehicles, the power delivery seems distinct but that’s not where BMW stops. Their game of showmanship comes through in technology and the interior of the Z4.
Hop into the BMW Z4 and you are bound to see the quality, fit and form one would expect from a flagship supercar. What truly sets the Z4 apart however is the dual screen Digital Cockpit and BMW’s heads-up-display. Both have been heralded as forward-thinking propositions in the next evolution of infotainment and instruments.
What do you think is the better supercar in the Supra vs BMW Z4 battle? Leave us a comment below and let us know! For more daily automotive news and updates, make sure to subscribe to My Pro Street today.