For years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been playing a serious game of leapfrog in the roadster market, challenging one another with each new model. The Z4 was a huge improvement on the dowdy Z3, which was not much better than a Mazda Miata -- and uglier, too. Currently, the SLK350 outguns the Z4 slightly, but it costs a lot more at the dealership and at the pump.
Simply put, the Z4 is a better value. Its toothy, shark-like grin can't be beat for looks, either. BMW further upped the ante with a high-power M version of the Z4, which rides on 330 horses and gets to 60 in 4.9 seconds. That extra power comes at a ballooned cost, though. Count on adding an extra 20 grand for the upgrades.
Advantage: BMW Z4 3.0Si
>>>>>>>>>BMW Z4 3.0Si-----MB SLK350<<<<<<
Base Price -----------$42,100 -------- $47,725
Engine ---------------3L V6 ----------- 3.5L V6
Output (HP)------------255 ------------268
0-60 MPH -------------5.6 ------------5.4
Fuel (City/Highway)---20/30 ---------18/25
TCO ------------------$65,981---------$75,303
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