2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible Reviewed - Worth the $$ over Miata?

The sDrive30i is the most affordable version of the all-new 2019/2020 BMW Z4 Roadster. In this video we look at the tech and driving dynamics in the sDrive30i Z4 to see how it compares against the less-expensive Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, the OG roadster.
#BMW #Mazda #Z4
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[@mpc007]

My two cents after driving an ND Miata for three years and having the new Z4 on rent for a few days now: It's 1.5x times the car, definitely. Performance is a lot better, interior quality, interior space, road presence, and suspension wise. However; it's not neccesarily 1.5x times the FUN. Miata ND has better direct feeling steering, a wonderful manual box (BMWs auto is really good, but not always the same fun as a good manual), and the soundtrack of the naturally aspirated Mazda engine with the top down wasn't bad either. Still, for people like me who loved the Miata but liked a bit more 'car' around them, the Z4 is a solid upgrade. In order to make it the same fun however, some upgrades might be advisable - or pick the Z4 M40i which of course is more like 2x the price instead of 1.5x.

[@notoriousMrP]

Funny absolutely every other z4 driving video/ review I have seen and I have seen plenty during my pre buy looking have said the seats are fantastic and you can spend hours in them on all sorts of roads and definitely use as a daily . You’re the only vid to say they are hard !!!

[@JoeArn1]

Yeah, and this guy has a body like mine, making me think my lower back might hurt after an hour of driving

[@stephenhendricks103]

Beautiful car (imo). All the performance needed in what amounts to an "ultimate tanning machine." If one is looking for scalding 0-60 and quarter mile times, any roadster is a poor choice. Price is seldom irrelevant so I'd opt for a Miata for a weekend vehicle in the real world, especially since the RF is an excellent choice for the wet season (about 8 months a year) in the Pacific NW. BTW, before moving from the "Eastside" of the Puget Sound to the South Sound I spent many happy hours on two and four wheels on the roads in the video. We're very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.

[@georgearmerding]

I'd rather have this then the "coupe" version 4 banger and all. The front end reminds me of the z8. I don't hate it.

[@JGV_IX]

Great review! Thanks! Speed limiter? You can more than double exceed the average speed limit for most countries - that being said - I’ve only ever seen the button in my M40i - not really had the desire to use it 😌

[@fredfrancium]

Not bad, Do they have discounts for students?

[@w.s.371]

You should compare the softtop Z4 to the softtop Miata, not the RF. The softtop Miata is cheaper, lighter en (a bit) faster than the RF.

[@TheBishop12]

All are convertibles 2019 Fiat 124 Abarth: $25k 2019 Mazda MX-5 Base: $26K (1) 2019 Ford Mustang Base: $27k 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF Base: $32k (2) 2019 BMW Z4 Base: $47K 2019 Porsche Boxter Base: $59k

[@drivingsports]

The answer is always Miata. 😂

[@steveharvey6421]

M 1 tanks Apache helicopters drones no game plan all talk.

[@Aikynbreusov]

Sure the Z4 is light years ahead un terms of technology, but it also lights ahead into the repair shop.....and the Z is also light years ahead to bankrupt the owner when the repair bills come due...

[@Kiss__Kiss]

63k for a 4 cyl. Sure it's a convertible RWD sporty vehicle, but NO. I wouldn't take either one.

[@stevenr6279]

I had 3 MX-5 great cars. However, over time you can grow out of a Miata. To small, not fast enough, and back breaking drop-in driver seat. If you get to this stage a Z4 is the ticket.

[@aquaworldresort4581]

Agreed

[@TheBanjoFlyBoy]

Title of this vid is very misleading! I was expecting more time on the Mazada in a fair comparison to the BMW. "Where's the beef"?

[@johnwuschner6389]

I have one of these and it's great for all the reasons you point out. The speed limiter I find useful for small town centers (or my neighborhood HOA) with overly aggressive speed enforcement...

[@kevinlee3597]

I don't understand why this channel doesn't have more subscribers and views. Great content as usual, and Ryan is a great presenter! Keep up the good work! Oh, ans I'd take the Miata! Stick shift FTW!

[@RandomOMV5869]

Speed limiter is so useful in the UK, London for the long roads with average speed limit cameras!

[@mentalman1369]

1:20 Sorry, but you would *never* expect to find a V6 in a BMW. They are known for making *inline* 6 engines... it’s basically their trademark engine design! At least this is acknowledged/corrected at 1:36 👌😇

[@K03sport]

Such a nice car, but a bit much imo. $44-50k seems the sweet spot, but then I don't buy fully optioned, all-in models/trims. 4cyl drop tops are where it's at. 3 pedals would be a bonus and only add to the experience. I'd still take a stripper base 30i over the Supra, but not over the miata/mx-5

[@davidp7071]

you can put your side down for the arm rest with your cup still inside the holder. But if you have a passenger well they dont need an arm rest ;)

[@mgqfashion]

what a ridiculous comparaison

[@johnablettbooth5691]

You certainly would want a speed limiter in the UK. Mobile speed cameras everywhere. By the time you see them they’ve got you.

[@andrewkinsella3509]

I hired a car in the UK a few years ago when I was there on holiday, felt like 1984 with all the speed cameras everywhere! Don't know how you guys put up with it

[@kentcurrie7326]

Nice review. I seriously looked at this car, which has the options that I would consider. The red in person is beautiful. I liked the interior and trunk, but I found the seats uncomfortable for me. AND I HATE the German nickle-and-dime philosophy for options. I wanted a convertible roadster to drive in Colorado. Ultimately, all-season drivability and price lead me to purchase a 2019 blue MX-5 RF GT with AT with Apple CarPlay. I am loving it.

[@rodneylw10]

Coming from a BMW to an ND2 Miata I recently bought used, I have come to realize how much fun driving can be. Some of your gripes of omission on the Miata tested and even on the BMW tech now, a few years later, are dealt with on the ND2 Miata with more power and wireless CarPlay, etc. I am a bit bias now though owning a Miata. I was really burned by BMW and their severe service costs. When I questioned it I was told at the dealer that about 80% of owners were leases so they didn't really care?! Makes no sense. One MAJOR thing to me is reliability and Miatas are winners in that realm.

[@SoA-Horseman]

I'm looking at buying one of these real soon. Hard part is FINDING ONE lol ... likely will have to get it built. So excited. Thanks for the video... having a hard time deciding if i want white with red seats or Red with black seats.

[@SoA-Horseman]

This video showed up on recommended again. Fast forward 2 years, I loved my 30i!! I ended up with the white with ORANGE (not red) seats. Been having a blast and LOVE the Z4. NOW.... I'm in a position where I am in the process of upgrading to the M40i. Can't wait to take delivery in a couple weeks.

[@bmsamson]

BMW has had speed limiter since at least my e30 (1987); I find it useful when I want to avoid a ticket on a long drive when tempted to open it up. Now, how about a comparo with some of its peers like the f-type jag, boxster......

[@drivingsports]

If money was irrelevant, which would you take; a BMW Z4 sDrive30i or Mazda MX-5 Miata?

[@ALMX5DP]

I would seriously consider the Miata, but I’m definitely biased.

[@Kemigon]

Miata

[@blitzbbffl]

BMW Z4

[@Snow1e]

M.I.A.T.A - Miata is always the answer

[@ryansmithza]

C8 Corvette for me rather.

[@peribe438]

Having got caught speeding a number of times, I really appreciate the speed-limiter.

[@krakenkill]

irregardless! oh no! Most Miata's from 2019 onwards come with andoid auto/apple carplay, if the nav option is selected you also get Nav.

[@drivingsports]

This was a 2019 and it didn’t have it yet. I know Mazda has been very slow to roll it out. Fact is, their whole system needs an upgrade - even beyond the CarPlay omission. Those screens and cameras are poor quality compared to... pretty much anything.

[@krakenkill]

@@drivingsports I think region is a factor too in what cars get what bits available, optional and standard. From what I understand, the new cx5 has an upgraded infotainment system, so maybe a future facelift will see the mx5 get that

[@TheSandipDev]

You consistently find some beautiful WA roads to film your videos. As a fellow seattleite, i am constantly trying to see if I know any of these roads

[@henninglysdal]

As for the speed limiter. It is useful in cities in the first few weeks of driving the car until you get used to it. ... to avoid speeding tickets

[@duncanmeech4731]

Irregardless! Noooooooo.

[@paulm6481]

The previous generation looked so much better roof up or down. This version can be almost any vehicle, not bad looking but not the flowing feminine line inside and out of prior version. Too bad. Now it’s so generic it can be confused with a Miata or Fiat whatever version of Miata.

[@isaiahj117]

I love the Miata RF more than Z4. Miata RF is a "fun car" as well as a car that let you enjoy the moment driving on the road.

[@nicholasmeal7446]

Jimmy WangGuitar personally I think it looks horrible

[@MotoAnthony]

Speed limiter for valet drivers? Or maybe for beginner drivers [teens]

[@jdmspiritturkey]

I'm using the speed limiter on city for not passing the speed limit

[@joellarrysr9977]

v6???

[@swanblake]

Speed limiter is for vallet

[@drivingsports]

Finally, a reason that makes sense.

[@bongk9623]

well, If I had the money I would still buy M3 it's almost the same price ....

[@dev1lm4n63]

It isn't a convertible

[@pelewads]

Speed limiter would be good for valet.

[@swanblake]

I'd take the non-RF, manual equipped Miata over this all day. $60 to $65k for a 4 cylinder is quite ridiculous especially for a non mid engined car

[@1compaqedr8]

porsche gets away with charging that much!!

[@jonathanmarmol327]

Técnicamente es motor central, pues está situado detrás del eje delantero. Por eso tiene un reparto de pesos tan equilibrado (50% cada eje).

[@jasonchongym123]

speed limiter is for the eco pro

[@Mexxx65]

100th Like :)

[@RP-mk7ye]

BMW plain (no options) is quite boring in terms of appearance and performance. This is the one to compare with miata. And even then the price would be far away. So, for fun and as a second (third) car, miata is the one to go for. In RF guise is nice to see and fun to drive.

[@KareemKayy]

i'm so mad, i just picked up a 2021 bmw m235i gc, if i had been patient and kept looking around i would've def gotten this instead! :(