10 Cars That Fill the Void Left by the BMW Z4

If you loved the BMW Z4’s blend of sporty handling and open-top fun, you don’t have to settle for less. These 10 cars capture that same thrill, offering responsive drives, stylish designs, and the joy of hitting the road without compromise. Perfect for enthusiasts looking for a worthy alternative to the iconic Z4.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Alright, first up, the Miata. You knew this was coming, right? It’s like the Z4’s lowkey cousin who never stopped believing in manual gearboxes. Super light, not crazy powerful, but the smiles-per-mile thing is off the charts. Around $35k new, and it’s honestly one of the most fun cars you can drive at normal speeds. Feels pure, like it doesn’t care about lap times, just vibes.

Toyota Supra

I mean, yeah, obviously. It’s literally half-brother to the Z4 since they share DNA and engines. Some people roast it for that, but whatever, it’s fast, loud, and looks cooler every time I see one in person. Straight-six turbo, sharp steering, $57k-ish starting price. It’s less “drop the top” cruising and more “let me show you what I can do,” but the spirit’s kinda there.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Not gonna lie, this one hits real close to what the Z4 did. Mid-engine balance, that low seating position, the flick of a wrist around corners so good. The base version’s around $75k, but it feels like a proper sports car experience, not just a fancy convertible. You’ll miss the Z4’s comfort maybe, but the Boxster makes up for it with feel. Like, actual steering feel remember that?

Jaguar F-Type Convertible

So, the F-Type is like that emotional rebound car. Loud, dramatic, drop-dead gorgeous. Around $79k to start, and when you fire it up wow, the noise alone feels like therapy. It’s heavier and not as sharp as a Z4, but it’s got way more presence. It’s more “look at me” than “let’s go carve mountain roads.” Still, if you miss feeling special behind the wheel, this’ll do it.

Audi TT Roadster

Okay, hear me out. The TT is underrated. It’s stylish, small, and feels premium but approachable. The interior is super clean very Audi and the quattro system gives it that grippy confidence. Base models hover around $56k, and it’s just… easy to live with. Not the wildest performer, but it has that playful vibe like the Z4, only more polished.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

I know, totally different energy, but stay with me. The new mid-engine ‘Vette is shockingly refined. It’s quick, balanced, makes you grin every time you downshift, and even though it’s like $74k-ish, it feels exotic without the exotic-car drama. If you wanted the Z4’s fun and a bit more theater, this’ll check that box, no question.

Mercedes-Benz SLC 43 AMG

Kinda the “grown-up” choice. Twin-turbo V6, quick-shifting 9-speed, comfy but still sporty. Prices float around $65k when you find clean used ones because they stopped making them, sadly. It doesn’t dance like a Miata or a Boxster, but it’s smooth, mature, and still lets you drop the roof and pretend life’s simple again for a bit.

Nissan Z

Oh man, the new Z totally surprised me. Manual, rear-wheel drive, twin-turbo V6, and that nostalgic look. Starts at around $43k, and it feels like a back-to-basics sports car that just wants to play. It’s a little heavier, sure, but it’s got that spirit that “yeah, I’ll take the long way home” mood that the Z4 nailed.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Now this one’s a bit extra, okay? It’s big, it’s showy, it’s like a grand tourer that studied design in Italy. 471 horsepower, a V8 that sings and I mean sings. Pricey though, around $106k, but it’s one of those cars that makes you feel stuff. Top down, sun setting, music low… it’s more romance than track day, but who cares. It’s beautiful.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

This one’s a bit wild. Light, twitchy, feels like a go-kart that did a semester in design school. Carbon tub, mid-engine, turbo power. They stopped selling them, but used you can find one for like $70k–$80k. It’s not comfy, not really practical, but you sit so low and close to the road that every drive feels like you hacked into a simulation. The Z4 was fun; this is flat-out nuts.