BMW Z4 vs Porsche Cayman
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2016 Porsche Cayman
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche CaymanBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | sDrive30i | Base |
| Body style | Convertible | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2016 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche CaymanBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $56,100 | $52,600 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $24,423 (best) | $121,423 |
| Median listing price | $41,757 (best) | $121,423 |
| Highest listing price | $51,192 (best) | $121,423 |
| For sale now | 3 (best) | 1 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche CaymanBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.7 gal | 16.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche CaymanBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 275 hp (best) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | 214 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.7 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche CaymanBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 9.9 cu ft | 15 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 459 lbs | 761 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,314 lbs | 2,888 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 97.2 in | 97.4 in (best) |
| Length | 170.7 in | 172.4 in (best) |
| Width | 73.4 in (best) | 70.9 in |
| Height | 51.4 in (best) | 50.9 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche CaymanBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side pole | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z4 | Porsche Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | sDrive30i $56,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $52,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | M40i $68,400 MSRP | S $64,100 MSRP |
| 3 | — | GTS $75,200 MSRP |
| 4 | — | GT4 $84,600 MSRP |
Live inventory
BMW Z43 for sale
See all
BMW Z4 vs Porsche Cayman FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Cayman?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 BMW Z4 vs 2016 Porsche Cayman on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Cayman?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2016 Porsche Cayman starts lower at $52,600. Live BMW Z4 listings start at $24,423. Live Porsche Cayman listings start at $121,423.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Cayman?
- The 2016 Porsche Cayman leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (52,600).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Cayman?
- The 2026 BMW Z4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Cayman?
- The 2016 Porsche Cayman leads on horsepower in this comparison (385).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 BMW Z4 vs 2016 Porsche Cayman?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: BMW Z4 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Porsche Cayman (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).