When BMW’s Battle: 135i Cabriolet Or Z4 35i, Which Will Come Out On Top?

2009 BMW 1-Series 128i

BMW has the reputation for being a driver’s car, a car of performance and precision and as such you can find a performer in just about any size. However in 2008 BMW added to the American market the 1-series, a model that has been a part of the European line-up since 2004. This means that the small car models now consists of the 3-Series, Z4 and now the 1-Series. So if you are in the market for a small car, which one do you choose?

Now I am purposely leaving the 3-Series out of this comparison because to me unless you buy the M3 you are in a slightly different class of car, especially with the 135i being named as a contender in the World Performance Car of the Year honors for 2008. Also, the Z4 and the 1-Series both are more personal cars being smaller and really only for two people. So let’s jump in.

2009 BMW Z4

The 2009 BMW 135i Cabriolet has a base MSRP of $40,150 (considered the top of the range) compared to the $51,650 MSRP of the 2009 BMW Z4 35i (the top model of the range). So as you can see the Z4 is going to cost you some more greenbacks, but it is also the full-fledged sports car. So why are we comparing them? The performance. Both the BMW 1-Series and the Z4 are available with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. Both engines put out around 300 horsepower (a confirmed 306 hp from the 135i) and can run 0-60 in the low 5-second region. As you might expect the both also get similar gas mileage as well with the 135i getting 17/26 mpg city/hwy and the Z4 35i getting 17/24 mpg city/hwy.

Both cars are given good reviews from their handling with TheCarConnection.com saying that the BMW 135i “handles well, steers beautifully, and functions nicely.” They also say that the BMW Z4 “maintains a prodigious level of grip without jostling you.” They are also both rated high in the Overall Rating at TheCarConnection.com as well—the BMW 1-Series scored an 8 out of 10 and the BMW Z4 scored an 8.2 out of 10. The BMW Z4 edged out the 1-Series slightly in the safety category.

Bottom line—If you are looking for a specific look, then you will have to choose for yourself, but if you are just looking for the performance wrapped in the white and blue BMW badge, then I suggest you go for the 135i Cabriolet. It will cost you less out of pocket and allow you to squeeze in two or more passengers in a pinch. Leave us a comment and tell us which one you would choose.

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