BMW M4 × TOYOTA SUPRA RZ

Size and weight vary greatly

The BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe, which was released on July 11, 2024, has been developed as a machine that can deliver higher performance on the circuit, as can be seen from the word “Competition” in its name.

The Toyota Supra RZ is the top model in the lineup, but it’s not as cutting-edge as the M4. As proof of this, even though it’s equipped with the same 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, it’s a different car from the one in the M4. While the M4’s engine is the S58B30A type, developed by BMW M, a company with direct ties to motorsports, the Supra’s engine is the B58B30B type, which is installed in BMW’s standard models. Another difference is that the former has twin turbos, while the latter has a single turbo.

Furthermore, if we compare the bodies, even though they are both coupes, the Supra is a two-seater, while the M4 is a five-seater. This means that the body of the M4 is inevitably larger. This influence is also reflected in the body design. The Supra has a pure sports feel with its long nose and short deck, but the M4 has a larger cabin and therefore more GT car-like proportions.

The M4 is also heavier, but there are various equipment and specifications that compensate for the body size and weight, such as wider tires and four-wheel drive. The Supra is not as spartan as the M4, but its light weight of just over 1,500 kg gives it a considerable advantage over the M4.

BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe

Body size = Length 4805mm x Width 1885mm x Height 1400mm

Wheelbase = 2855mm

Vehicle weight = 1790kg

Tire size = 275/35R19 (front) / 285/30R20 (rear)

Toyota Supra RZ

Body size = Length 4380mm x Width 1865mm x Height 1295mm

Wheelbase = 2470mm

Vehicle weight = 1530kg

Tire size = 255/35ZR19 (front) / 275/35ZR19 (rear)

Tuned engine pulling a heavy, large body

In fact, the Supra and the M4 are related. The current Supra is a sibling of the BMW Z4, and they use the same engine and chassis.

However, when comparing the engine specs, the difference between the Supra and the M4 becomes clear. In other words, the Supra’s engine is standard, while the M4’s is a tuned engine. In order to move a large, heavy body quickly, increased power and torque are essential, and the optimal solution to fully transfer those specs to the road is four-wheel drive. The M4 puts this into practice.

On the other hand, the Supra is compact and light, and its pure appearance is what makes it so valuable. Although it lacks the power and torque of the M4, the rear-wheel drive is incredibly fun. What’s more, the Supra is also available with a three-pedal, six-speed manual transmission.

BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder DOHC twin turbo

Displacement = 2992cc

Maximum output = 530PS/6250rpm

Maximum torque = 650Nm/2750-5730rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

Toyota Supra RZ

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 2997cc

Maximum output = 387PS/5800rpm

Maximum torque = 500Nm/1800-5000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = RWD

The Supra’s valuable price shines through

The price difference between the two cars is about double. The 4 Series, on which the M4 is based, is a luxury car, but tuning it to make it faster on the circuit is quite costly. It’s no surprise that the price of the car can reach 15 million yen.

In comparison, the Supra’s value shines through. Its internals are almost entirely BMW, with a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine and a 6-speed manual transmission available, yet it’s priced at just under 7 million yen, a pretty good bargain. Incidentally, the BMW Z4 M40i, which has the same engine, costs 9.4 million yen, making it much cheaper.