BMW Z4 M40i vs Audi TTRS Roadster 2019 *New Cars

[@icebreakertech]

Normally I would go straight for the Audi but the Z4 is one of those cars which is very spec dependent, really like it in white or blue. It is growing on me and would be the one to buy, a man can dream :)

[@xIcarus227]

Funny, I arrived to similar conclusions when I crossed shopped the TTRS with a Z4 M40i. I simply found it unacceptable that a 60k EUR (used) roadster doesn't have options like memory seats, heated steering wheel and more importantly a HUD. I went for a Z4 because I got a hilarious deal for a barely touched one, and looking back it's just like you said: if they costed the same, the TTRS would have a chance. But since they don't, there's just no comparison. Thanks for the review.

[@markrhoden68]

Totally agree and that HUD simply not avaliable on the TT. Also I wanted different coloured seats which again aren't avaliable on the TT. My spec'd Z4 apart from adaptive headlights is fully loaded a TT would cost nearly 70k new, like for like thats just nuts

[@peterwalkling-roberts3521]

@@markrhoden68 In the past I have owned two Z3 convertibles, a Z4, a Boxster S (which was my favourite). I now own a Peugeot RCZ. In a couple of years, I'll be going back to Audi to get an Audi TTS Roadster, which is my overall preference. Good luck with your Beamer.

[@MarkJT1000]

Would the TTS have been a better comparison as its closer in price and performance than the TTRS? I guess a big factor is that the Z4 is brand new and the TT is 5 years old now and coming to the end of its life. What put me off the Z4 a bit was that its quite wide for a roadster with a long bonnet but undoubtedly the Z4 represents better value for money.

[@666DW]

MarkJT1000 my thoughts too. However, with the TTRS at £68k you would be mad not to consider the cheaper Porsche Boxter 718 GTS

[@simonmamo4177]

Bmw z4 handles better

[@1Dustin]

This guy is a BMW fanboi. Bad comparison, obvious result.

[@xIcarus227]

@@1Dustin copium

[@markrhoden68]

Z4 m40i 340bhp and sum. As a m140i owner who loves the 6 pot engine and gearbox the new m135i just doesn't appeal. So for me and as I don't need the practicality of rear seats the future for me would most likely be the Z4 m40i. Great review...... love that Tshirt #23mpg 🙈

[@davidhobson7851]

Ive a M140i and after having seen the interior of the new 3 series, ill be going for a M340i after a couple of years

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

You’re the first person I’ve heard to hate the steering wheel. I love it. Can’t please everyone I guess.

[@MotechPerformance]

Nice shades ..! 😎😎 Great vid and I love the new Z4

[@cyrose1935]

We all know your a BMW man but your comparision videos are always on point. Props to you man 👊🏼

[@jameshegarty1097]

Another great video. When will you be trying out the M340i?

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks man, no idea re the M340i, hopefully Berry BMW get their demo in the next few months.... 👌

[@jameshegarty1097]

I just ordered mine and should get it mid September. Can’t wait 😀

[@rajclaire339]

James Hegarty

[@lavery0365]

BMW M version here I come, so glad you tested both and gave your input. I would really like to see how both illuminate @ night, perhaps in the future you could possibly provide. Thx again.

[@15october91]

40i FTW!

[@Twistedmetallic]

TTRS coupe looks soo much better than the TTRS roadster

[@petersothern2909]

i think it's the other way round

[@ELALGUACILLAMPIÑOS]

Roadster Looks like a barbie car

[@Swolecat17]

@@ELALGUACILLAMPIÑOS😂

[@BobbyDazlerRS]

The bmw steering wheel....Some of us have had a life time to get familiar with something that thick Joe :D

[@phvondel]

BobbyDazler88 did it hurt? :D

[@BobbyDazlerRS]

@@phvondel pahahaha it did mate.

[@colla555]

Personally, I'd take the Z4 M40i. Although I don't like the new front that much, every else looks good and I like the 6 cylinder sound.

[@Gez492]

Well most of us could have concluded that outcome even before he left the garage in the BMW.

[@STRampo500]

Probably never buy a z4 or ttrs cab. But.. it's a Joe Achilles video so still couldn't wait to watch it!

[@Iamneverright]

Bmw all day long,I would spend the extra £15000 on mods and have a great two seater sports car !!!

[@NickthaGeek]

Could put some of the money towards slippers, a flat cap and a pipe too....

[@rblauson]

TTRS is significantly faster and in my opinion better looking. TTRS for me !

[@thadgiannetti790]

Love the dark frames, 😎 never quite got used to the light ones. anyway..... The exterior styling is what holds the TT back for me. it's always had a whiff of beetle about it, esp the wheel openings and the general shape, Like maybe the beetle's cooler hipper faster cousin?. They're very fun cars to drive but wouldn't own one for that many £'s. I think I"d rather have a Boxster than either Z4 or TT. great video! 👍

[@fregre553]

Hello The TT RS is a baby R8. It s the legendary 5 cylinders. BMW is attractive for the M4 only.

[@henryhealy]

At that sort of money for the TTRS, a new 718 Spyder is only £4k more expensive and when you put it like that, it's a no brainer. Between the two, I'd have to go for the Z4.

[@JoeAchilles1]

True, but you can't just go and buy a Spyder without sucking off porsche for serveral years beforehand

[@mohammadabu-milhem8206]

All cars in garage are bmw 😍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yep it was filmed at a BMW lock up 😉

[@grjlynch]

Thanks Joe, I have just bought a 2019 M40i, I did think about getting another TT (I had the original) but having seen your video, I am glad I saved the money. BTW I love the fat steering wheel, but agree the steering is too heavy in Sports/Sports+ mode so good tip about adjusting in setup!

[@MrElthan]

Great review and comparison! Z4 is really great car, Im definitely into buying one once my lease on m4 finishes. The only thing I'm missing is that raw, punchy M feel that we get on m2 comp and m4. But it's m40i not full M so it's expected. Cannot wait to see Z4M (hopefully they will make it).

[@officialbabbybuck4858]

J J hey can you give me advice is it better to lease or finance

[@MrElthan]

​@@officialbabbybuck4858 depends on your needs. In finance it's your car, in lease leasing company is the owner. If you want low monthly fee and don't want to keep the car, leasing is good choice. No hasse to sell it, no need to think about resale value etc. I decided to lease, because i want to change my car every 3 years and I don't care if I'm officially the owner or not. Hope this helps.

[@michaelkroll4118]

I like the sun glasses ;-) - and the Z4 of course

[@Blckpaw]

First, @joeachilles I thought you were taking a "brake" from cars being on vacation. ;) Second, I saw an identical Z4 M40i at the local BMW dealer, when I went to get my winter to summer tires changed and thought it was stunning.

[@user-ef7qh6qm5w]

That Ttrs has the clicky auto cancelling indicator same as mine did drove me nuts

[@TheMystro1971]

BMW all the way. RWD is just more engaging and the BMW interior and exterior build quality is better. Audi TT is still just too much Golf GTI in its DNA.

[@lash9400]

I love both these cars, but even though I own an Audi TT coupe, I think the Z4 has the edge, especially with the price advantage.

[@tredfxman]

Does both of these cars come with some Dynamic chassis control? Imean theyr bond to at least have as option, at this price point right? Cannot live without it on my GTI Clubsport... Using it every single day! 👍

[@Abhi-qr6hb]

3DFX audi tt come with dynamic control Dont know about z4

[@julianB93]

I bought a TT now with quattro and 230hp Im really excited to get mine, but there is one thing that still bothers me at the car. And that being the wheel archs. It is a design taken from the first TT but it looks like it doesnt belong to the car. I would have liked if audi did change that too with the new r8 like front and the new taillight. A complete change in design like Bmw did. But the 2019 z4 ist still to pricey for me and i had to decide between the E89 and a 2016 Audi. So i checked both dealers, bmw and audi and after a testdrive i decided for the TT. To be honest it was a tough decision since the car i got right now is a first gen Z4. I already knew most of it quirks which where positive and negative at the same time and i wanted to get some experience in owning an audi.

[@phillipchandler8862]

Similar cars and probably down to personal taste which one you would choose, that is of course if they were the same price. As they are not the Z4 is easily the winner for my garage. Or would I have our old Alpina Z4 back?

[@deveshmayani3495]

pretty good detailed review. helps a lot. thanks.

[@inflatable2]

For me BMW Z4 with 6 cylinder and RWD all day if I had to choose between these 2.. I do not care if the Audi is faster or whatever.. Designwise the BMW is also a proper roadster, the Audi just a convertible version of a coupe.. It's all about emotion with cars like this for me, so yeah BMW Z4..

[@colla555]

It's astonishing to me how the frozen orange on the Z4 looks very red and not orange at all on video. I've seen one at bright daylight in real life already.

[@barrierankin2234]

Loving you showing my new m140i in the background

[@JoeAchilles1]

Ahh yes sorry hope you didn't mind 🤦🏻‍♂️👌

[@barrierankin2234]

Am bloody over the moon. Best look at it yet before mine gets built! Nice vid by the way. Shame I live in Scotland no way I could have a drop top. PS: may Watson video on m135i vs m140 was pretty good but would love you take on it.

[@Sold_a_dummy]

Dunno, haven't driven either! More than likely RS. Looks and sounds better. Is faster. Plus I believe Android Auto

[@OKeefeist]

That old 8 series is 🔥

[@Tracertme]

great Video Joe...nice to see the comparison....actually for driving feel, smaller 19 inch rims would probably help as well, thick steering wheels are an issue. I would take the Z4 which is predictable given its a newer design, it should win. The engine and handling in the 40i is a big improvement over the e89 35is....I have driven them all over the same road and have 1000'skm experience driving convertibles. Summer winter you name it....tip, as speeds come down and there is more legislation against it, to maintain general driver involvement at lower speeds, convertibles are a really good answer. I am not saying they are the complete answer, but they help. Soon all cars with have GPS on them and being able to speed just won't be an option ever. Some manufactures are even restricting speed directly, so we will all need to find our fun in different ways. Also all modern cars have become completely anesthetised which is a shame.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Not in germany

[@ShogunsDojo]

All I can look at is the beamers in the background. Most of them are more interesting but they’ve been covered to death, great video as always joe 👍🏾

[@SandbaggerJoe]

BIMMERS

[@stevesloan6775]

I’m an owner of a Mk1 TT... and I have to say I’m impressed by the top tear versions.. 2021. 👽🙏🏻😂🍀🍀🍀🤜🏼🤛🏼😎🇦🇺🌞

[@Captainrave]

The Z4 doesn’t even come close to a TTRS, I’m not sure it’s even a fair comparison.

[@1970boggy]

Jesus Good luck discounting them both down to shift units 🤣 That’s Porsche money Great video as always Joe loads of relevant information as always👍

[@xIcarus227]

That's base Porsche money you mean. Spec up a Boxster S to the same spec as the Z4 and you're getting north of 90k EUR. I cross shopped in this segment so I'd know - but don't take my word for it, go play with their configurator a bit and you'll see.

[@RKsnoozer]

Subjective not Objective for the looks lol

[@elvinrashid1327]

I would go for ttrs to be honest !

[@roustabout4fun]

i dig da shirt~ and enjoyed the vide0!

[@adambrown743]

Wonder how the basic tt stacks up against a basic z4, both whatcar and autocar say the Audi has better handling, much lighter and agile etc. I’ve driven the z4 and it just feels heavy

[@adambrown743]

The TT rs is a 10 second car after a stage 1 😂 that’s good value for money!

[@TheMystro1971]

Both will be significantly faster with a flash tune but you can say bye bye to your warranty and that would be insane to do with a new car at this price point.

[@adambrown743]

It’s doesn’t stop some people...and the 5 pots more tuneable

[@adambrown743]

sasquatch didn’t say it was...but it helps though 👍🏻

[@xIcarus227]

​@@adambrown743 lol, the 5pot absolutely isn't more tuneable. The internals in the 5pot are only good for around 550-600HP or so, while the B58 in the M40i is good for 700-750HP. If you're investing in new internals, both engines make over 1000HP so there won't be much of a difference there. You've got a lot of 700HP M140is on the street with minimal investment, if you want value for money that's your first choice, not the overpriced TTRS. It's really baffling to see so many overhyped but uninformed opinions about Audis in general.

[@adambrown743]

@@xIcarus227 reliability issues with the B58, Audi 5 pot much more reliable, had more investment into it. Audi is lighter, better handling and more potential. Not hatin on the beemer but Audi the much better car in this instance. Peace ✌️

[@xCobi]

I'm a BMW Fanboy but I have to say the TTRS is the better car

[@JoeAchilles1]

You should make a video about them

[@xIcarus227]

I mean when you draw the line the TTRS is much more expensive, has fewer options (no memory seats and HUD? wtf?), struggles to be faster on a track than a car with less power and isn't that enjoyable to drive. Its only redeeming quality is straight line speed, which is really good indeed. How does that make the TTRS the better car? These cars were genuinely on my shortlist and I went for the Z4 because the flaws of the TT are objectively unacceptable at that price.

[@JakeeeMTB]

Things Joe mentions every car review: Height: 6'4 Weight: 100kg give or take South Bucks roads: fucking shit Hands: huge

[@nickrogers2294]

It's that look of the RS ! The BMW still looks like it's 10 years old ..

[@Kingmdatta]

Top review mate

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you ♥️

[@fayezcorolla]

Great video mate, i luv the new Z4 and i will take anything that have a B58 engine xD

[@teamloony]

Brilliant ‘Noddy’ reference, showing your age there Joe! Hang on, so have I by say that. Ha ha

[@peterscheffer4521]

Cold start sounds just like my E89 35iS :)

[@METALNOJ]

Love my Z4 M40i definitely wouldn't change it for a TTrs

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

TTRS a far better car - you should swap 👍

[@METALNOJ]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 I used to be an Audi technician, I'm currently a BMW technician that said I would never buy Audi over BMW. In my opinion BMW's are far better.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@METALNOJ fair enough, I have an M140 so cant argue how good the B58 & ZF8 are 😎. Audi interior is very good and the way the TTRS gets the power down is hugely impressive - although the M40i is more of an entertaining drive

[@blademanx]

Good!!

[@xIcarus227]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 reviewers constantly berate the TTRS for not feeling like much of a sports car, so I wouldn't say it's the better car. The options are a joke (can't get memory seats or HUD? wtf?), the weight distribution is a pretty pathetic 60/40 and the AWD system is Haldex which can only send 50% power to the rear, hampering the car's track potential. And it's easy to see what these decisions lead to - the TTRS Roadster barely manages to outpace the Z4 M40i on a track despite having 20% more power. Look, I'm a mega fanboy of 5-cyl engines but if you draw the line the TTRS is noticeably more expensive, faster in a straight line, worse equipped, has similar track performance and is way less fun to drive because of the budget chassis and subpar AWD system. It's really hard to justify the TTRS.

[@brucekendall52]

Great analysis,thks.

[@bmw3842]

Love your reviews. but everyone has been using the word massive literal literally and you don’t have to use it all the time you can just say the car is red you don’t have to say the car is literally red you can say I’d like to give a huge shout out you don’t have to say a massive shout out massive sound so ridiculous when you listen to it and you hear it spoken so other than that you are good.

[@phantom2k10]

great comparison joe,but 68k for that roadster is just ludacris tbh.gtr/911 and even r8 territory

[@ct4928]

I agree with you joe, tt s still too short and awkward shape (kinda round all together) , engine amazing but overall z4 better

[@CatCutCigarette]

Audi is precision, bmw is something less...

[@soamjena]

Had it the stock audio or harman ? If stock, how good was it ? Is the bass good ?

[@JoeAchilles1]

HK, it was decent!

[@stevesloan6775]

That roof was fast! As fast as it could.😂

[@johndyble3604]

I think the base RS would have provided a fairer comparison on price as its least 11k cheaper. In my opinion the RS wins hands down visually externally and internally. The cockpit of the RS is simply superb . I've recently purchased a pre registered 20 plate RS at a great price with less that 300 miles on the clock. I haven't experienced any of the physical issues you have encountered but thats probably down to your build and shouldn't influence your final opinion. A long test drive sealed the RS for me and 6 weeks later I still think its a terrific car.

[@JoeAchilles1]

I'm glad you're enjoying your TT. I was actually being too polite, the TT roadster has a massively compromised driving position for anyone over 6ft, something I am very critical about in all cars being a taller chap. How would that not sway my final opinion, it's my channel and that was my verdict.

[@johndyble3604]

@@JoeAchilles1 Your review and the above response totally contradicts the comments you made in your review of the TT 245 roadster you test drove in January 2019 in which you said the driving position was fine! As these two cars are physically basically the same why would they be any different in terms of the seating position ?

[@j.drenthe2090]

Nice review! Bmw forever!

[@richardallen8041]

Z4 looks better in my opinion . I've had 4TTs all couples as better looking I've have 2 z4s and just bought this model after also test driving both Z4 easier to use by far , tec, set up, drive daily, does more re tec

[@nohedes]

I’d take the Z4 out of the two, but prefer a Boxster to either. Great video as always Joe 👍🏻😎

[@grjlynch]

I probably would prefer a Boxter S too, but they are so expensive at the moment. For the same price as my Sept 2019/6500m/high spec M40i I all I could get was a 8/10 year old low spec BoxterS, I really couldn’t justify it.

[@xIcarus227]

Boxster's hella expensive, I crossed shopped in this segment. Reviewers like mentioning the starting price of the Boxster compared to the Z4 but completely ignore how much that car costs when specced up to the same level. If a fully loaded Z4 is north of 70 grand, a spec-for-spec Boxster S would be an eye watering 90 grand. Not even close in price.

[@finn.hermansen]

Great video - Great review 👍🏻

[@JohnSmith-cx4bu]

Your good at doing a car review

[@ivorproblem1332]

Joe does talk about rim and girth an awful lot....

[@ManlyHK1]

I think you meant looks is SUBJECTIVE?!?!

[@scottfromengland2303]

Good to see you putting out more content Joe 👍🏻 I would go for the Z4 but I just can't get my head out of the BMW bucket to be fair.. TT has always been a hair dressers car lol 😁

[@fayezcorolla]

haha xD the new miata with TT badge

[@RyneLanders]

Given the performance figures and price difference, wouldn’t the Audi TTS have been a more direct comparison?

[@davidnemirow5476]

Great video. Thanks for posting. Do you know if the z4 exhaust note is synthetic and coming into the cabin via the speakers?

[@TheAMalik89]

Most probably does

[@ohgivemeabreakfeller]

Great review Joe - I think I need to try these two :)

[@ffpsffps6766]

are these after or before the european 2020 PPF filter regulations?

[@maxfrederick7703]

Id draw exactly the same conclusion..... out of the 2 id pick the Z4 but as I like driving and if it had to be new M2 Comp... otherwise id save and get the m2 lci which I have....Convertibles are great but unless they do a full fat M they aren’t my cup of tea, especially considering the practicality which is sacrificed.

[@en_noah4615]

TTRS always has been and always will be the superior car. People have their preferences but you can’t get better then that engine. It’s truely a shame that they will be discontinuing the car.

[@AnupC]

Wow £68,500 TTRS, lots of money...but guess that’s the way the car world is going 🤷‍♂️

[@DHODN]

Depreciation is massive though.. they are already some for £40k used and like 10k miles

[@oodle42]

Agree Zed4 Wins and would be even better as an "M" Zed4!

[@Eddison548]

Audi for me.

[@jspope2008]

Does that seat go back far enough?

[@bmarkyt132]

What’s the actual colour of the TT please? And does that rear wind break do much?

[@JoeAchilles1]

Nardo Grey, electric wind deflector helps a little

[@bmarkyt132]

Joe Achilles thank you!

[@cjelnegritodelsanandreas2255]

The audi ttrs is a lil audi r8. 🙂

[@tan9640]

Even though direct comparison is the tts (not hating, obviously man like joe knows his stuff) id still have the bmw

[@raveutcars]

does this not have the new system where you can set individual options? i.e have sport mode and traction mode at the same time, and set the steering, throttle, dampers to whatever you want? drove a new 530d tank the other day and this could do that. edit: ok just got to the bit where you say you can do that :)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yes it does, I do say that in the video 👌

[@Scrabbl84]

The review might be right, the only problem is, the Z4 is (at least in germany) a car for the dentist's wife :D

[@Droid0804]

I think ttrs should compete with z4m, if bmw is going to launch a true m model

[@FISS007]

i think what joe was trying to say is that the audi is a pure scam :) No screen and no rear camera, 5 cyl engine, less horse power and less torque, less comfort and less character and 15000£ more... c'mon joe say the word say the word :)

[@xIcarus227]

The funniest part is that Audi knows it, this is why they're putting out the Iconic edition with a big ass markup without any real improvements. They know their fanboys will gouge it up.

[@petermayes2110]

With trepidation Joe im looking forward to your 135i vid because im thinking of it re getting out of my F30 30d but seeing the car wow vid of it being munched by a M140i on 0-62 and 2 rolling road tests dampened my enthusiasm,,,re the BM here onc again the heavy steering puts me off ever going in Sport it feels horrible...ah further on you say with this one you can configure comfort steering with sport thats good

[@santana9537]

Bmw all day

[@meanvecktor1900]

BMW for life

[@Swolecat17]

I just traded my cayman for a ttrs coupe so I’ll go with TTRs 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

TTRS all day long for me (in coupe form though)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah but then it would be TTRS vs M2 Comp or M4 CP. This test is convertibles.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@JoeAchilles1 I hear ya Joe, still prefer the TTRS over the M40i (if considering both convertible's) power delivery and overall ability is better in the TTRS, as for the most entertaining I guess it depends on driving style. Perhaps a bit like the RS3/S3 vs M140 debate, the TTRS and RS3/3 are perhaps too predictable and do everything a bit too well (if that's possible 👍)

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

TTRS coupe vs Supra is something I'm sure you will do at some point 👌

[@juniorcars1222]

Great vid when are you supposed to be driving the mulgari m240i

[@nikolacurcic4967]

Z4 has horrible front look, while ttrs look perfect from every angle.

[@Enhanced94]

one of them actually can do turns, guess which one it is

[@carlos081282]

My Jag F-Type blows them both away soundwise with closed exhaust valve 😅

[@vedadrokkor]

It's sad that BMW does NOT have any other steering wheel. It can be M or even M3 csl or M8 they all look the same round boring shape as in 318i.

[@JoeAchilles1]

I don't have an issue with them being round, in fact I would take round over anything, I just don't ever why manufacturers make their "sporty" rims so thick 😕

[@onkouth]

You can have an M Performance wheel which is flat bottomed, Carbon fibre and alcantara, it even has a 12 o’clock marker and it is stunning. It’s always worth checking out the M Performance parts for a BMW as I find that not many people know about them and the dealers don’t really seem to push them but there are some lovely upgrade parts available if you ask, including aero parts and wheels!

[@coffeytnmilk]

So wish Audi would allow the ttrs convertible in the states…..

[@avernerfilms1969]

Sold an rs3 cause seat position too high. It can sadly, truly spoil a car.

[@sb8536]

Could you do a review on the 2011-2017 bmw 640i? 😁