The Battle of the Four-Banggers
The United States and Canada are the two most important countries in the world. Z4 BMW’s latest roadster model has a simpler lineup than other models. The BMW Z4 is available in the 30i or the M40i with either a turbocharged four cylinder or straight-six engine. It’s easy enough. If you live outside the United States, you will have at least two versions of the four-cylinder engines to choose from. They are the 20i or 30i. Each tune has its own horsepower and torque figures. For those who are curious, there is a forthcoming Toyota Supra In four-cylinder guise It is the same engine that powers the 30i.
You want a BMW Z4, but want to keep it simple with the entry-level engines. The 30i’s 255 horsepower, 295 pound-feet torque, and 189 horsepower is a big improvement over the 20i. But what about in the real world? The Cars On Autobahn guy wanted to know if the 30i is faster than the 20i. He did this by comparing the two on the same road with the same conditions and no speed limits.
The gauges have been placed on top of one another so that you can see real-time comparisons. We can immediately tell you that the 30i completes the sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds. The 20i takes 6.7 seconds. This is a difference of 1.7 seconds. The speed difference between the cars increases as they get going, with the 20i barely reaching the 163 miles per hour target for the test. How often will you reach those speeds every day? A sub-200 horsepower car can still get close to 163 mph in less than a minute.
Exterior-wise, the UK and Germany have almost identical engines, with the exception of any optional wheels or M Sport bits. This allows you to mix and match any engine. Interior features are also heavily dependent on the spec. Is the 20i worth it? Or should we all opt for the minimum 30i?