2011 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (244 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 243 kg more than 2011 BMW Z4.
Because 2011 BMW Z4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW Z4. (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW Z4. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW Z4 | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z4 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4239 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2497 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
