Head-To-Head Resale Comparison
BMW 4 Series vs Subaru BRZ: resale value, depreciation and costs
We compared 1,070 listing observations from the 2026 market cycle to see which model retains more value, costs less used, and brings the stronger ownership numbers.
Subaru BRZ
Full model guideThe Short Answer
One market cycle, incomplete five-year evidence
Both models were observed in the 2026 market cycle, but at least one side does not include the five-year cohort required for a defensible smoothed retention score. CarResaleValue does not fill that gap with a synthetic rank. Use the shared model-year rows, used prices, fuel economy, repairs and safety evidence instead.
Comparison Scorecard
The numbers that change the decision
Green cells mark a measurable advantage, not an overall verdict. Price and coverage are shown without declaring a winner because the right tradeoff depends on your budget and the exact vehicle.
| Metric | BMW 4 Series | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| 5-year value retainedSmoothed estimate in the 2026 market cycle | Not available | Not available |
| 5-year depreciationEstimated share of original value lost | Not available | Not available |
| Average used asking priceMedian asking prices averaged across covered model years | $18,453 | $20,163 |
| Average original MSRPOriginal sticker prices averaged across covered years | $54,749 | $35,338 |
| Latest combined fuel economy2020 BMW 4 Series vs 2018 Subaru BRZ | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Average annual repair costRepairPal model-level estimate | Not available | Not available |
| RepairPal reliability ratingOut of 5.0 | Not available | Not available |
| Latest NHTSA overall ratingLatest rated year vs 2015 | Not available | 5 / 5 stars |
| Listing observationsEvidence behind the model-level curves | 942 | 128 |
Year By Year
Compare overlapping model years
These 5shared model years make age-matched shopping easier. Depreciation compares each year's normalized asking price with its original MSRP.
| Model year | BMW 4 Series depreciation | BMW 4 Series median price | Subaru BRZ depreciation | Subaru BRZ median price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 55.0% | $23,220 | 28.1% | $25,128 |
| 2018 | 65.0% | $17,457 | 39.7% | $21,070 |
| 2017 | 64.7% | $21,626 | 43.8% | $20,629 |
| 2016 | 71.0% | $14,997 | 49.9% | $17,463 |
| 2015 | 74.4% | $13,744 | 53.1% | $16,525 |
Buyer Fit
Which one should you buy?
Start with the tradeoff you care about, then verify the exact year, trim, mileage and service history. A model-level advantage can disappear when two individual used cars are not equivalent.
Choose the BMW 4 Series if...
- Its average median used asking price is $1,710 lower across the covered model years.
- You found a specific example with the stronger year, trim, mileage, condition or service history; those details can outweigh a model-level average.
- Its $18,453 average median asking price fits your budget after you check the same-year rows below.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You are targeting one of the 5 shared model years where it posted lower measured depreciation than the BMW 4 Series.
- You found a specific example with the stronger year, trim, mileage, condition or service history; those details can outweigh a model-level average.
- Its $20,163 average median asking price fits your budget after you check the same-year rows below.
Beyond The Score
How these models fit the used market
Resale value is only one part of the choice. Segment role, supply and the mix of years on sale help explain why two similarly priced vehicles can depreciate differently.
BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series is a compact luxury performance family led by two-door coupes, with convertible and Gran Coupe variants plus the high-performance M4.
Market context: Five qualifying cohorts span the 2017 facelift and include coupe, convertible, Gran Coupe, rear- or all-wheel drive, four- and six-cylinder engines, and M4 variants; body style, powertrain, options, mileage, and service history must be compared within each year.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight rear-wheel-drive 2+2 sports coupe with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and Premium, Limited, and tS variants.
Market context: The qualifying 2015 and 2018 cohorts sit on opposite sides of the 2017 chassis and engine update; transmission, trim, performance options, mileage, modifications, tire condition, accident history, and maintenance materially affect resale.
Go Deeper
Open the full model-year research
Compare trims, mileage, recalls, fuel costs and current listing examples before deciding on one specific car.
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See the comparisonFrequently Asked Questions
Which holds its value better, the BMW 4 Series or Subaru BRZ?
Both models use the 2026 observation cycle, but at least one does not have the observed five-year cohort required for a model-level retention score. CarResaleValue therefore does not declare a five-year winner or extrapolate beyond the available evidence. Compare the overlapping model-year depreciation rows, asking prices, repair indicators, fuel economy and safety data, then verify the exact year, trim, mileage and condition in current local listings.
Is the BMW 4 Series or Subaru BRZ cheaper to buy used?
Across the model years in this dataset, the BMW 4 Series has the lower average median asking price at $18,453, about $1,710 below the Subaru BRZ average. That broad average is a starting point, not a like-for-like quote, because each model can have a different year range, trim mix and mileage distribution. The year-by-year table is the better place to compare vehicles of the same age before checking listings near you.
Which is less expensive to maintain, the BMW 4 Series or Subaru BRZ?
The available model data does not provide a complete annual repair-cost estimate for both vehicles, so this page does not name a maintenance-cost winner. Use the RepairPal ratings where shown, review recalls and complaints in each model-year guide, ask for service records, and budget for an independent pre-purchase inspection. Age, mileage, powertrain and previous maintenance usually matter more than a single broad reliability score.
How does CarResaleValue compare the BMW 4 Series and Subaru BRZ?
CarResaleValue normalizes observed used-car asking prices to a standard 12,000 miles per year, applies a 5% asking-to-sale adjustment, and compares the result with original MSRP references. A smoothed retention curve produces the five-year estimate when the data contains an observed five-year cohort. This page combines 1,070 listing observations across 11 model-year records, then adds EPA fuel economy, NHTSA safety data and RepairPal ownership indicators where available.
Comparison methodology
This page combines 1,070 listing observations across 11 model-year records. Asking prices are mileage-normalized to 12,000 miles per year, adjusted by a 5% asking-to-sale estimate, and compared with original MSRP references. Five-year figures use a smoothed curve only when an observed five-year cohort exists. EPA, NHTSA and RepairPal fields are shown independently and may cover different model years. Read the full CarResaleValue methodology. You can also browse the coupe resale value ranking.