2017 86 vs 2013 BRZ - What you need to know | Everyday Driver

We're big fans of the 86 platform (FR-S, 86, BRZ). With the release of the mid-cycle refresh for 2017, we set out to see and feel the changes side by side. A 2013 Subaru BRZ represents the car as it was first released, and a brand new 2017 Toyota 86 represents the refresh. We were surprised by what we discovered.
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[@Tamaquashad]

Isn’t the point of this car to not be powerful? Like the AE86? Great handling and drivers car? Does no one see this?

[@braaapindustries9190]

Ikr

[@cmhidalgo]

Maybe but also if BRZ had more power it would compete more with wrx. I dunno. I would just get a miata or a wrx. This is like a practical miata subaru?

[@mixalisbeez2856]

These cars are powerful enough, you just have to unleash the power, car s come out from factory with alot of power restrictions.

[@yeetusdeletus9]

@@cmhidalgo that's exactly why I want one. Miata would be cool but aside from myself, I cant fit anything in it.

[@yanboa]

People just want more power, that’s it. NOBODY talks about this on the MX-5, and yet...?!

[@jamesmata2945]

The 86 is supposed to be a fun car not fast. I think it's awesome.

[@GastonMaqueda]

Actually is very fast in mountain windy roads.

[@dariusfabian6404]

@gilbert martinez i'm so sick of guys like you that thinks every sports car should have a minimim of 500 bhp and who thinks others aren't entitled to like different things.

[@GastonMaqueda]

@@dariusfabian6404 Mee?? I'm not like that. I own a 86 and its a pure sport car. Purest than many overpower cars I never says somthing like this

[@villereinerlabuga7858]

@@GastonMaqueda he meant the other guy

[@dariusfabian6404]

@@GastonMaqueda my bad it was meant for that tool Gilbert Martinez

[@TheJavonplayer]

Who cares about features in a sports car? As long as you have a cup holder and an aux port. You have nothing to whine about.

[@brandedhoomuns9563]

javon player umm, I care about the features in a sports car, it adds to the models.

[@sporkinstien6571]

Features would help make up for the complete lack of power lol

[@giampieroilbello5373]

@@sporkinstien6571 have you driven one?

[@dape1007]

@@giampieroilbello5373 obviously not

[@2grmr2]

I don’t have a cup holder lol

[@LeeVai666]

these motors rev out to 7500... if you at 3krpms and you "dont have enough power" DROP A GEAR!!!!

[@mrpmj00]

Drop the car

[@EdwintheMagicEngineer]

As a BRZ owner I can testify this IS the case. Just drop a gear!

[@ToastyClam]

7400*

[@Somerandom18]

ToastyClam mines 7650 :)

[@GrayFox370]

Hmm.. a 370z also revs to 7500rpm (8000 with a reflash) and yet you don't need to drop a gear when you wanna overtake someone on the highway. Why? Because it has this thing called "torque"

[@gumbilicious1]

The lack of hp was kinda a feature for me. I wanted something that was fun to drive, meaning shift gears and make turns. To get the most outta this car you need to shift I also like how I don’t accidentally go way too fast, it is not fast but I have no problem getting to whatever desired speed quickly. I don’t want to rack up tickets Also this car wouldn’t come in this price point with much more hp, I am very happy to have something this fun to drive at this price

[@BayAreaRushHour]

I feel this, sometimes I like to wring out a car without going too fast, I drove a mazdaspeed3 and I actually wished it had less power because I can’t stay on the turbo for very long before I’ve gone from 60 to 80. In the city I can barely step enough to get the turbo in the ideal spot for sound. I’d like more time to hear the turbo spooling without going that fast.

[@eduardojlino]

Exactly this. This is a fun car not a overdone car.

[@franciscomonterrosa7889]

For years and years I was dead inside. I had forgotten the sweet sensation of ripping on a back road. After buying my Brz. I have rediscovered the love for driving again. I feel the love for cars again. Every time I get behind the wheel I fall in love all over again and remember than not just a machine but a deeper connection. The simple thing to just drive on back country road is my happy place. Awesome video guys. Love your work!

[@johnss2k434]

I really like the brz. But the problem is you go to a Subaru dealership and see you can get a WRX for the same money. They need to get the price down to help sales.

[@johnss2k434]

Youn Gu I totally agree with you there. My sister has a brz, and I like it. I almost picked one up when they first came out, but ended up with an s2000.

[@chrxx4327]

Same can be said for the wrx. becomes the same problem. The WRX is just a more appealing car to most people. 4 door, more power, awd... etc

[@MChronicleSword]

agreed. After test driving a BRZ and FRS back in the day I've concluded this car feels more like ~$20k than $27k

[@MChronicleSword]

Youn Gu my problem with it was that as a whole, the car basically felt like any other cheap japanese economy commuter except the interior has tackier plastic than usual and happened to be rwd. didn't feel special at all to justify the price

[@johnss2k434]

Youn Gu I see your point. It was a 3rd car for me so it didn't need to be practical. If you are going to daily drive it the brz is a better choice. But for a weekend/track car the s2000 is the better choice.

[@captaindrake3340]

They drive the poor 86 like it's a Corvette! Haha 3000rpm and petal to the metal? No! Drop 2 gears and on 7000 rpm just before the turn you will see the unicorns :-P

[@jrzez]

You'll see the taillights of cars passing you. Unless you mean better, more fun cars when you say unicorns.

[@meganjay30]

I'd spend my whole time driving that just trying to get to the fkn speed limit... not exceeding it... I gap them all the time in my 100% stock Fiesta ST... They hate it lol

[@dionisi9961]

I totally agree, sure its not a fast car but cmon i was thinking the same thing, they overexxagerated by not downshifting.

[@kevingonzalez6778]

jrzez it's because the 86 is a driver's car not for Americans who like straight line speed 😂

[@MuShinnen]

@@kevingonzalez6778 You have to stop generalizing americans as if other people around the world haven't had the same complaint.

[@RealTrashPanda]

its a freaking NA engine... 4500rpm and up is where you want to be... it is not a drag car... it needs tight roads with plenty of turns not more power... made up issues guys, made up issues. this is simply not understanding the car and where it comes from...

[@j.o.t.b3017]

Mike G 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 THANK YOU!

[@ellisjackson3355]

"The new 86 looks *TOO* good"

[@ellisjackson3355]

"Why doesn't it have a turbo? No AWD? Ugh...it doesn't sound gurgly enough...it handles too well."

[@martinhernandez5491]

Mike G YESSSS!! FINALLY SOMEONE SAYS IT!

[@joseraynortibor334]

Yes! Finally! Someone who gets that the BRZ/FRS/86 is not for drag!

[@SirBrass]

Chassis and balance is very hard to improve, so them perfecting that from the get go is more important. Simply adding good tires and doing an engine back exhaust + tune takes away almost all negativity from this car. Yeah it's still low on power, but it's always meant to be a momentum car. Keep speed up, drop a gear, and turn in. That's how this was meant to be driven and as you said, it's a blast to drive.

[@edv5918]

You guys have the best car reviews in my opinion, the least biased and most informative for the everyday driver.

[@The_Clint_Beastwood]

I appreciate that your production quality keeps getting incrementally better :thumbsup: constant improvement!

[@Nbobxiii]

I just bought a 2017 Toyota 86M without test driving it, I've had it for about a week AND I FREAKING LOVE IT! You guys and your FRS series literally sold this car to me not the salesman. DON'T WORRY I'M PUTTING MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORTS ON IT!

[@EverydayDriver]

Congratulations! We're very glad to hear you got an 86 and so enjoy it, and pleased to have been part of the process. Thanks for watching and enjoying what we do.

[@chosenideahandle]

You sound pretty happy with two guys who spent a whole video telling you that you made a mistake.

[@eddiesuen8370]

flooring it at 3k rpm in 5/6th gear? do you not know how to drive a stick?

[@rehabjunkie7758]

Eddie Suen he was doing it as an example. Showing that the 86 isn't a torque monster especially down low. Also showing the terrible torque dip. Im sure he knows lugging the engine is bad etc.. etc... and down shifting is more efficient etc.. etc..

[@jasonbrown31485]

UEL header and an ECU tune basically eliminates the torque dip. UEL and tune was the first pair of mods I did to my 2017 BRZ.

[@Dr3am9553]

if you've driven this car you would realize this would happen in any gear. If you floor it in 2nd or 3rd between 3500 and 4500 it just gets louder but you don't accelerate any faster. It's so weird that people who have never looked at the torque curve have asked me about it without any prompting after they drive it. The reason they used 5th was because they were trying to show the torque dip for video. If they did it in 3rd or 4th it would get through it pretty quick and it wouldn't come across correctly.

[@cappuccino3444]

The Jacoyay it's not supposed to be the same as the ae86 is just gets half of its name from there because it's sort of a spiritual successor in that it's relatively lightweight, naturally aspirated and has an FR layout. The other half of the name comes from the 2000GT, which it's also slightly based on

[@leodoingthings1706]

my non turbo bmw perfectly accelerates from 2k rpm, why toybaru cant? its a petrol with valvetronic, disa and two vanos systems that let me have max torque from 2,2k rpm. brz is performance oriented vehicle, why they showed some nissan micra engine in it?

[@iyelawolf2196]

"Hmmmm I'm in 6th gear going 45 lemme floor it and it should go up to 80 almost instantly"

[@JasperTheFluffyFox]

Got a 2016 GT86 myself. Bought it as its my dream car but also for fun and yes my daily car. For me its perfect. Got big enough boot/ trunk I never have back passengers I just use the back seats for extra storage if needed. Car has more than enough power for me and super fun to drive. Mostly go down twisty roads on my way to work and the car is perfect for that.

[@tedboggs4569]

I drove a 2016 and a 2017. I ended up buying the 2017 because the handing was better, and it had steering wheel controls for infotainment and information screen. The newer car also seemed better assembled. No rattles and squeaks. The power complaint is not entirely without merit, but you just learn to drive it right, and then it doesn't really matter. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Of course, I would keep my 2003 Miata hardtop if I could go back in time, and these guys aren't NB fans either, so clearly we like different things.

[@phattyhales]

Actually, Todd owned one of these and I still own one, so we definitely love the platform. We just don't think the new one is different enough to pay the premium for differences that in many ways made the car worse (torque dip for example). It's still a great car and we highly recommend them as well as the NB Miata. We just don't fit in those.

[@ET_Videos]

Drive the car in Japan and most of Europe....no problem. Drive it in most of North America.....big problem. As an 86 owner in Texas I can say it’s slow as balls except in the winding roads outside of Austin.

[@Medienmechaniker]

too many straights?

[@HeyBigChriss]

Well people in America like racing in straight lines and V8's lol.

[@Tactical_Turtle]

Here in TN those cars dominate roads like the Dragon and Devil's Triangle.

[@hiroanz]

I live in the Pacific Northwest and love my BRZ. I'll take an 86/BRZ over a V8 muscle car any day.

[@christianb4797]

We really don't have many curvy roads here in Texas they're mostly straight highways. I wish we had more curvy roads to be honest.

[@glennbucc7107]

I drove the car and though the power is only average, its the most fun I had driving a car in a long time. The way the steering tells information of the road, and the ride is just outstanding. Yes there is a lag with the engine around 3,500 rpm, so you just down shift to 2nd gear and there you go. A couple of things to mention that improves the car performance and enjoyment. 1. The 86 offers the 18" wheels which I would take over the standard 17" tires. 2. TRD (Toyota Racing Development) brakes, TRD air filter and intake are options to add to the car which will provide enough improvement to notice, though not a big difference. 3. There is also a TRD exhaust system which helps the engine sound more like a sport car without being too loud. I will take the 86 in red please.

[@DelBarcaDePuraCepa]

I am happy with my Frs, I changed tires and put some lightweight wheels! Feels very light and balanced. Sometimes the torque diff is there but, the happiness I have riding it it’s more.

[@6rimR3ap3r]

The interior of your BRZ is like my '13 GT86 (German spec) and I like the climate controls a lot better than the new ones on your 86. Also I agree with your thoughts about the steering wheel: old one, no controls, better!

[@Borchert97]

So I own an 86 and can say it's a blast to drive, I also work at Subaru so I've driven BRZ's of essentially every model year, trim, special edition, you name it. There's enough improvements that you should go for a 2017 model year of whichever body style or interior you like better.

[@hermittanimoto9325]

@mcharleau I got the cheaper of the 2...which was by far the BRZ in my Canadian area...wonder what you ended with?

[@abeau2731]

You guys give such informative reviews. Great job

[@jamesdunn9714]

I love the reviews you guys do. I also really like these cars.

[@86Speed]

Owning both and working on Zenki and the new Kouki models - The new one is much improved and has a lot of upgrades. I think back to when the 2002 WRX first came out and it was released with 227 and everyone was so excited - This car is not about the power - Yes it can use more power and thats what mods are for :)

[@dropdead9948]

This ^

[@derk702]

I wish they were more specific about the changes and less opinionated, it's a comparison not a review.

[@chikokpong]

86 is my daily drive now.. 😌 Just waiting for the time to tune it.

[@98thebishoy]

OMG SOMEONE FINALLY THINKS THE SAME THING I currently own a 14 frs ... I was worried putting 225/40/18 with more grip the car won’t be fun .. I can nail it with so much confidence thro corners this car still puts a smile on my face even after 2yrs of ownership ... I test drove the new 86 and it felt slower and indeed that torque dip was worse and whenever I told anyone about they were like no way it’s not possible because of the shorter gears ... overall great car love it

[@phattyhales]

People don't seem to understand that gears don't change the where the car makes power, they jsut help you get through the power band quicker or slower. Curious what tires you went with? I have Conti Extreme Contact DW on mine (the white one). They aren't PSS but they are a lot better than those Primacy o-rings.

[@riffmeister101]

First thing I did was put 235/45/17 pilot sports on my BRZ and I couldn't agree with you more. There's two specific corners on my daily commute: A slightly cambered 90 degree sharp-ish bend and an off-camber slightly uphill 90 degree sweeper. Where other cars need to slow to 35 km/h and 60 km/h I'm happily going through at 55 and 80. And not a tire squeal to be heard. I also changed the stock rims for traklite rims. Can't say for certain but they feel about half the weight of the stock rims. Less rotational mass = better acceleration and braking and with 200 hp ... every little helps :D

[@alexl.102]

exactly, I did the same along the pch 1 to malibu in my gen3 cam driving spiritedly with my buddy's frs and we were rolling along some long sweepers and short switchbacks no problem. fun drive if you haven't done it

[@MikeJones-in3uk]

Did you coilovers ?

[@MikeJones-in3uk]

Bishoy Kamel did you coilovers ypur car ?

[@hreb]

Look at me! I can floor the throttle in 4th gear from 35 mph! For no reason! Measuring acceleration of the car when driven in the wrong gear as just as much of a "only makes difference on paper" comparison as Toyaburu's decision to add 5 horsepower. *Of course* if you're the kind of driver who's going to drive that way this is the wrong car for you today just as much as it was in 2012.

[@EverydayDriver]

We agree with you that long pulls in one gear are not where this car excels, or the best way to drive it. However, it is an effective way to discuss the full extent of the torque dip, and the fact that it's grown - so that's the reason we did it here. If you've seen any of our other many pieces on our long term 86/FR-S, then you know how much Todd liked his car and drove it to maximize the strengths of the platform. Thanks for watching!

[@ellisjackson3355]

@@EverydayDriver lol..."Damn this torque dip is annoying. Let's floorboard the car in 6th gear at 3000 rpm to exacerbate it."

[@matthewschoenberg1119]

@@EverydayDriver Just picked up a used '13 FRS in H8R orange "hot lava" and agree with Todd's assessment. What a fantastic car for 2 lane backroads in Wisconsin. Does not pull like my '04 wrx with a worn out 5 speed shifter. Even used, the 6 speed is tight and driving position more sports car like. I have an old S14 240sx that has the same wheelbase, weight, etc. but can't compare to the driving experience. The previous owner had installed an ARK exhaust system that sounds amazing when you wring out the NA engine to redline.

[@gman1912]

Toyota doesn't want to invest the money to give it more power because it hasn't been a big enough sales success. But, it hasn't sold in great number BECAUSE it needs more power.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

But it's not like it would take much R&D for Toyota to increase the power in this car; they already purchase the resources in bulk. They could easily share a turbo that is used on a different model or go bonkers and put the Camry V6 in.

[@moldyrefrigerator]

When has Toyota ever made stock high horsepower cars? Not counting Lexus. Also, V6 would NEVER happen, as this car's crown feature is it's Ferrari 458-beating super low center of gravity, which is possible only due to a flat Boxer engine mounted very far back and very low in the engine bay. Nevermind the extra weight a V6 would add to a car that is designed to be very lightweight.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

To your first question, well, actually they have and still do for normal cars. My 2007 RAV4 has 269 hp, a 2018 Camry can come with 267hp. These, of course, aren't really impressive numbers today, but they are high for normal cars. Now, I agree, these cars should stick to the 4 cylinder engine; it just needs turbo power. Although, ask anyone who has V6 swapped a miata and they'll tell you how enjoyable it is.

[@onemortal]

gman1912 The current WRX uses a variant of this engine with turbo boost to make 268 hp. Put that engine in this car with good tires and you have a rocket on wheels. Release it as a more expensive "STI version" or something similar. The parts are already there without the need to do expensive engineering. But... I'm not sure how much better it would sell with more power. How many people would take this over a Mustang or Camaro if it had 268 hp? Or even 300? You buy a pony car because you want a pony car. The Nissan Z no longer seems to be very relevant. So the 86 is only really competing with the Miata, which is also a momentum car. The gap to the next "level" becomes pretty steep -- Stingray and Cayman. The reality is that sports cars don't sell because y'all don't buy them.

[@cindervile]

Ah, the old catch-86. Oops, I mean catch-22.

[@sophisticated]

I was actually wondering if it was worth picking up the refreshed car. This video was useful! thanks!

[@NC-hi6ql]

Love your videos , thank you

[@Simon74]

Am I the only one who likes the new 86 design?

[@kylemunoz4769]

I do too

[@Reflection_Wave]

86 is cute looks car.

[@martinhernandez5491]

Don’t care what anyone says my 2019 86 is far from slow period.

[@josephdevine8040]

Same!

[@reiiz9942]

Except the tailight Buddyclub tailight looks nice but has a problem with the plastic,its melting and not durable in long term Valenti is the only choice

[@EdwintheMagicEngineer]

Used BRZ + Turbo = The Win

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

= Blown motor.

[@Iamdesignproducts]

that's why you build the motor LOL

[@computiNATEor]

The Edlebrock supercharger would work nicely, too. 50 state legal.

[@jo23bulls]

BRZ+Built Motor+ITB= S2000 killer

[@EdwintheMagicEngineer]

@ImBarryScottCSS Not if you shoot for a reasonable 300 HP setup.

[@burakoshimazaki]

9 months later still love these cars.

[@officialpradana]

Owner of an 86 here. Yes, there is a torque dip. Do I mind? No. If you understand the concept of this vehicle, that is designed to whip around corners and use it as such, you absolutely have a TON of fun with it! In corners I can easily keep up with some (bad) M3 drivers ;)

[@nunyabusiness896]

Try driving it at sea level and it won't feel so slow. Any naturally aspirated car will struggle in high altitudes.

[@jasonbrown31485]

True

[@bobbg9041]

Thats what I loved about my supra turbo. However, my 2012 scion tc didn't do bad on hills at all.

[@bullsfan2021]

when will you guys start reviewing cars again? i feel like I haven't seen one in forever

[@Ziogref]

To solve the torque dip problem drop it back a gear. Yesterday I took my car out a drove it for hours above 5k rpm. Even after 2 hours of revving the gut outs of it, my fuel usage was better than daily driving it (small city driving). I have a 2017 BRZ and I love it. oh, and I don't live in North America so I actually get corners.

[@JakobusVdL]

Great call for a second generation car, and from your reviews of the GR86, they nailed it.

[@TwoInfinityAndBeyond]

The 2013 looks better lol...

[@RRCsteve]

I'm on my second set of Pilot Super Sports in stock tire size for the BRZ. Corners like a beast but if you want to still kick it out, just push it harder.

[@vision1707]

Shambler you kept the rim stock ? I'm seriously thinking about upgrading the stock tires to those pilot super sport. Huge difference when hard long cornering ?

[@vision1707]

I don't like to kick it out.

[@RRCsteve]

Yes. Unfortunately I don't have any hard numbers, but what I can tell you us that with the Primacys I couldn't keep up in the corners with my friend that has a 2011 335i. With just changing out to PSSs in the same size, I take corners faster than him now. It provides that extra level of grip but still lets you have fun. If you really want it "on rails" though, you may want to up the tire width (I believe 225 is the widest you can go on the stock rim), or possibly go for wider wheels and tires overall.

[@vision1707]

Shambler thank you !

[@phattyhales]

Todd's old FR-S had PSS tires on it. They were 225/45r17s. The white BRZ here (mine) has Continental Extreme Contact DW in the same size. The PSS are better but the Contis are a little less expensive.

[@teddjacobs2071]

love my 2012 GT86. its fun and does everything i need to have fun and enjoy it.

[@Acemedia574]

Interior tracking shots 👍🏻

[@BrianGlenn]

I would rather spend $25,000 to $27,000 for a stock FRS/BRZ/86 and spend $5000 on a top of the line turbo kit than spend $30,000 to $32,000 on a half baked OEM turbo solution and I am sure that most enthusiasts would agree.

[@85corolla]

Brian Glenn I would rather spend $12k on a used zenki FRS/BRZ/86 and spend $12k on a 2jz transplant, rather than a $27k stock 86. Added: Putting a turbo kit on a stock BRZ/86 high comp engine will last you about 50k miles...if you are lucky.

[@BlakeJoy]

Yeah put a big heavy brick in the front of a well balanced car, that sounds like a great plan. Also the compression is static. if you boost this car you are changing the valve timing to adjust the dynamic compression ratio. I personally know someone with a supercharged BRZ that has over 75k on it and it's still running great and superchargers increase intake temp more than a proper turbo kit.

[@85corolla]

BlakeJoy Any motor including the famous BRZ with the Ferrari motor is better than that POS boxer motor, imo. If you increase hp, you will need to upgrade to a heavier and beefier rear end. Go whine about balancing to Ken Gushi's FRS competition car with a 2jz brick why don't you? It's been proven for he past 5 yrs.

[@fatboy19831]

Buy the time you finish tuning it and upgrading parts you are looking more like $9000 and even then it is only a matter of time before you brake something and you will still get smoked by a 32k Mustang GT. If you want a more powerful car.......just buy a more powerful car. For 32k you can buy a sweet used Boxster or a new BMW2. The 2 is better than the BRZ in every way till you max both cars out. Then and only then does the BRZ have a slight edge.

[@kevingonzalez6778]

85corolla 2jz swap? You should never drive an 86 or even own one if you only drive for the straights, a true driver attacks corners, not straights

[@Kaydje]

I think what the 86 needs is a smaller engine with a turbocharger slapped into it. Don't need a huge amount more horsepower but it needs a fair bit more torque. If not it's gonna get the shit kicked out of it by MX-5s still.

[@pcguru2000]

On a road race, adding a turbo removes the linearity of acceleration. It's make it harder to control the throttle to the exact level needed to get the fastest road time. You're thinking of a drag race. Even when guys strap a turbo and race non turbo time, the time margin is very small, which proves that a turbo is not what this car needs for a road course.

[@hileutewie]

@@pcguru2000 To me it looks like this car needs nothing but a good driver. It's 100% a drivers car with everyday driving qualities. The spirit of the 86 was never to be fast, it was always about momentum and 200hp isn't too shabby for a car that weighs like 1200kg and has such an amazing chassis. The original miata barely made 100hp and yet it was beloved by everyone who owned one. The "lag" at the 3500-4500RPM rev range is greatly exaggerated as well. Does it exist? Yes. Is it a problem if you want to go fast? No. Odds are, if you want to push the car to its limits, you will be at 5000RPM+ at any given time. The whole point of a low HP sports car is that you are the one doing that heel toe down shift into 2nd gear, floor it out of the corners and rev it to the limiter. I've driven AMGs, M3s, M5s and so many other performance cars, but the magic behind a low HP sports car is something else. Flooring it on the highway gets boring eventually, pushing your own limits doesn't. I've had more fun in my Peugeot 206 on B roads than in any other vehicle. Slow car fast is always more fun that fast car slow. Drag racing from traffic light to traffic light involves no skill and is only about bragging that you have a fast car.

[@pcguru2000]

@@hileutewie totally agree

[@blcrawford1]

thanks for this video. i heard about the torque dip and assumed it would have been fixed. probably saved me money. i really want the brz but i think ill go for the older model

[@jacktheinsanekendo]

I bought the BRZ last week. This video helps to choose between BRZ , 86 and WRX. Ta

[@codylust8894]

As a car enthusiast that recently left the comfort of my mothers free living and was looking for a newer dependable car to get me to work that also had to be sporty and manual, I opted for a 2013 frs. After many previous miatas I am very happy with my decision. It has done everything i have asked of it from groceries to backroad blasts to my highway commute to work while getting 30mpg. As far as everyones gripe with power, As I have come to learn the car and the torque dip (for now). I think its still extremely useable and fun. Even for the 13 grand i paid for it. I am very pleased and look forward to modifying the car. Ive owned miatas, 350z, mazdaspeed 6. And this FRS is still my favorite.

[@EverydayDriver]

We're thrilled you like your '13 FR-S. Great choice, and Todd loved his as well. Thanks for watching!

[@angelamaral3934]

This car does not need more power it’s a modern corolla 86 the point is if you want to make it fast and as a drift car you can do that because it’s a very easy car to mod and if you don’t then you don’t need more power for a daily driver

[@TheFringes.]

As a 2013 owner, I would love to own a 2017 BRZ only because of how many little issues and reliability concerns that the early years had

[@joshcaine2938]

I love my 13 plate brz hands down the best car I've had. Am looking forward to adding some boost to it though! 280bhp should be just what it needs

[@boblast5582]

the car doesn't need more peak power (although that would be nice), it really needs a broader torque curve. Miata's (NC and ND, 86's most direct competition) kill it in this department, their powerband are at least twice as big

[@B10401]

I agree. It has a hayabusa power curve almost. Not quite, but it also doesn't quite weigh 500 lbs.

[@socalsupercars420]

Emoji for constipation 😂

[@SonOfTamriel]

made me spit out my coffee :D

[@PR1NCETD0T]

haha this one had me rolling.

[@vision1707]

Looks good to me and the back looks sexy as heck.

[@myemimiese]

😖😖😖😖

[@Danscettenuit]

I was offended but it was still funny haha

[@koendeleersnijder]

Just as I was thinking of buying one you guys release another video on them. Thanks!! Great channel, and you guys have great character, personal opinions & interaction. keep it up!

[@Naota_]

Great job on the FR-S videos guys, really enjoy them thanks.

[@thenerdycanadian7172]

they need to bring out a WRX/STI trim with the imprezza engine, it would actually make it a worthwhile car

[@yohan1902]

In Japan, they're gonna get a BRZ STI BUT with only upgraded suspension and handling. No power still. lol

[@motormusique]

I own one of these cars and I think it's the last video you should make of them. Too much coverage! Although it was interesting to know that the new one feels slower. We owners know how cool these cars are. If you want more power, it is an easy fix.

[@JavierCR25]

1. As usual I really like your reviews. Great video. 2. The damn BRZ/86 has fallen victim to the perennial Subaru/Toyota struggle: Their cars hardly change at all over time. It’s like the STI, same car different shape like 20 years later.

[@oreomoon1998]

I love racing FRS, BRZ, and 86 in my Focus ST :)

[@vision1707]

Someone mentioned that in San Diego , the Mazda rx gets head turns and the Toyota 86 is generic but it's the opposite here in the East Coast . It's the Mazda RX that's generic. The west coast and east demographic is different . My Toyota 86 turns heads and begs question like "what kind of car is this ?" I swear , when my Co workers first saw it 11 of them ( females and males, yes I counted ) was like "wow, this is nice " or "I'll drive the hell out of this car" that was their reaction. My ex - boss who owns three Porsches did a double take. And complimented the car. He caught me off-guard. No joke. Two days ago , I was at hooters as I was walking towards my car I saw an older couple looking at my car , the husband had his hand and face pressed against my window as he was trying to see if it has back seats. And the kicker is this, they have a red Mazda rx. I have no regrets. This is a bad ass car for the price point. It's not perfect. Dear Toyota : bigger rims and better tires should be standard for this car, better speakers, and add 50 HP would be wonderful. I will but it again.

[@dowroa]

+EverydayDriver while I understand the view of this piece, I was hoping for more. There is a Performance Pack BRZ. There is a tS coming. THAT would have been the conversation I wanted to hear. Still hearing about the increased torque dip was an interesting point, as I would have thought it would have lessened. One more with the PP and the Chance's BRZ flashed... all of them with good tires? :)

[@phattyhales]

dowroa normally mine is flashed. I have OFT stage 1. I thought the car felt broken when I flashed it back to stock lol

[@tirekicker100]

Too bad the ts didnt add power

[@FatSack0fCrap]

As an owner of a 2013 FRS I have to agree that the lack in torque and power leaves a lot to be desired with this car. Other than that it looks and handles beautifully, I still love it.

[@boohowdoy]

Scca hall of famer Randy Pobst definitely doesn’t think this car is boring. The episode he did on motor trend was pretty good when they compared track times to the hellcat.

[@vision1707]

Dave dubbleu trust me this car is not boring. I own one.

[@phattyhales]

Definitely not boring. Every time I drive mine in the canyons, like in this video, the car is awesome! But then I get out of the canyons and get my doors blown off by a mid-sized sedan... Bump the power to 240-260 and I think it'd be a world beater for under $35k.

[@TheWolvesCurse]

shift to a lower gear for fucks sake! it ain't a friggin audi turbodiesel. "torquedip torquedip blablabla" it doesn't necessarily need more power, you just need to understand how to drive it. i'm not even a 86 owner, but i've driven one more than once and it's great and powerful enough for what it was made for. I, as a porsche owner and fanatic, couldn't think of a better new car to buy at around 30grand. though i'd also prefer the "pre-facelift" version.

[@EverydayDriver]

Keep in mind that Todd owned and drove one of these daily, commuting, canyons, and track for two years. If you've seen any of our other films on the car you know how much he enjoyed it. The intention here was to stay in one gear to show the engine's characteristics and how they relate to each other. Of course downshifting is the way to go - but that wouldn't have allowed this demonstration. We hope that clarifies. Thanks for watching!

[@jborcz1014]

TheWolvesCurse I was thinking the same thing, it’s suppose to harken back the low budget underpowered Toyota’s of the 80’s. Third gear was the only gear for hills.... SHIFT.

[@jborcz1014]

Up the power, up everything seems to be the review, until it’s what competing with jags and m3’s?

[@jsquared1013]

Nobody is suggesting something that absurd. The car would be significantly better with the turbo version of its current engine, which already exists in the WRX with nearly 270 HP.

[@nicholasclark1935]

For around 30k? Get a 370z, a wrx, a 2015+ mustang.

[@Kraigmire]

1:05 - "The front end of this car looks like the emoji for constipation" HAHAHAHA! I totally see it!

[@chosenideahandle]

I guess a bumper styling discussion is a more important thing to know than the debacle of the 2013 valve spring recall.

[@justinc470]

This is a awesome car and the customization you can do is what makes it that. Put a wide body kit on,wide wheels and tires,a mean exhaust system,air suspension, and a turbo or super charger and you got a kick ass ride. You will turn heads and break necks after that lol!

[@benschrader5797]

Had an FR-S myself for roughly nine months. Had it not been in an accident and totaled, I probably would have driven it until the wheels fell off. It’s slow and uncomfortable on long road trips, but it gives you so much confidence drifting around corners. Such a fun little car, and I hope Toyota and Subaru agree to a second generation... hopefully with a turbo?

[@brianbbgun54]

Ben Schrader what car do you drive now that the frs is totaled?

[@SammyDoesMC]

If I am not correct, please correct me but did Subaru released BRZ Turbo.

[@B10401]

I'll now correct you by saying no they didn't release a turbo brz. It's engine the fa20 has been released in a turbo form in the wrx, though.

[@benschrader5797]

brian b I seriously thought about just getting another FR-S, but settled on a Mustang Ecoboost.

[@B10401]

Would it be accurate to say you drive on lots of straight roads and can have almost as much fun pushing a mustang to the handling limit, and obviously more straight line fun?

[@drunkpolack7612]

the 86 would be awesome with like 250, 260 hp

[@saturnanomaly951]

Yes

[@cedric182]

Which would add $5k

[@javierrosario6372]

Toyota is making a new one it’s coming out with 260

[@kuromurasaki5273]

It's a manual, downshift, an auto would've. It's more power than most cars 20 years ago, the TII RX-7 had about the same power, it is still loved to this day. Chris Harris didn't trope the powerband, and what he did on the track shows what the car is built for, and the smile on his face in and after the drive is all you need to see. The tires were intentional. Now the only thing I wish auto makers would realize, is give us a real overdrive gear, one for low rpm interstate cruising.

[@OJXFilms]

Spitting straight facts🔥

[@theeeMitchi]

If only this car would've had a 2.5 with, let's say, 40hp and 50nm more, people would've loved and bought it way more

[@fatboy19831]

Not me .......take 20 hp and get rid of the torque dip. Make it 200 pounds lighter and I am happy , I am glad they snatched the awful nav out for 17. If going to a 2.5 adds weight or and cost Subaru can keep it. I am the target demographic.

[@FC-oh3ho]

A snail atleast

[@MoreKevinLiang]

Subaru probably has to think about selling the STI at a different price point, too. If they made the BRZ TOO good, then that might take away sales from the STI. It's a market segment decision and not a performance decision, I'm guessing.

[@TrueBlueEG8]

We know more about chassis dynamics, and power to weight ratios,weight distribution, damper stiffness, spring rates, gear ratios, final drives, coefficient of friction, and aerodynamics, than the entire R&D departments of Toyota and Subaru combined. Ok.....

[@matthewdh123]

I owned a 2013 brz limited. In the end, I felt it was too small and didn't have enough power. Traded it in 2 years later for a 2013 subaru sti. Now that was a fun car, plenty of power. And nice and spacious.

[@DriftmanX]

Sounds like your afraid of oversteer.

[@matthewdh123]

@DriftmanX lol, my 2013 brz didn't have enough power for that ever to be a problem. About to purchase a 2023 3.0 GR Supra MT. A bit worried about the over steer in that one. But I'll manage.

[@cycho84]

So I sold my FRS and got a 996 911. +300 lbs +145 hp +122 ft/lbs torque. With the IMS/RMS resolved for what I sold my FRS for I loved the car but there are better options.

[@Malficion]

Welp, just boost to 250whp and it should be fine.

[@SINIS0RSA]

True fan boys would take out the turbo and sell it if these were fitted with turbos..

[@peachyspalace]

I’m glad someone else said it, the front design of the 86 is definitely a downgrade

[@pcguru2000]

It's definitely an upgrade to me. Bought the 86 over the brz because of it. More people buy 86's over brz. For 2019, brz sold 2334 cars vs 86 sold 3,398.

[@0501marcos]

BRZ and the 86 the Twin-Brothers I love em

[@RGHTBrainDesignDrive]

My co-worker with a highly modified BRZ commutes home at a pretty good pace after work at 3am whilst I cruise in my Integra. One night I left early, he catches me 30mins into the commute, and we do a simple roll race from 50mph-90mph. We could not believe how bad his car lost vs. a STOCK H23A swapped Integra. It was terrible, like a dozen car lengths terrible...

[@ImperviouslyGaming]

lol you just stated you vs'd the care on the one thing it is meant to not do... race in a straight line.. lmfao its common sense, this care isn't for speed and you just think that what, it is somehow going to beat ur car cause it looks cooler or somehting lmfao? its about handling. the brz would destory your car on a track, track times are what matters unless your some hick who likes to drag race. such a stupid comment lmfao. or try to drift ur integra vs the 86 lmao. like each car is made for certain things, not just go fast in a straight line. cant mention how stupid your comment sounds my god.. EVERYONE KNOW ITS SLOW ON STRAIGHTS LMFAO. u must be so impressed with your integra lmfao.

[@RGHTBrainDesignDrive]

Patrick De Freitas You think a momentum car from 1994 should be faster? Not sure what rock you grew up under, but Integras are slow...built to commute and handle well.

[@RGHTBrainDesignDrive]

Sergio Aguirre You crack me up. Go rub your Honda pillow to sleep.

[@farhan007]

Probably didn't downshift.

[@daiheadjai]

Let me guess: by "heavily-modded", you mean Rocketbunny wide-body kit, heavy 19 inch wheels with 10 inch tires, an air intake and a catback.

[@kyracoach]

The 2013 brz looks better, looks like a porsche. The 2017 on the outside I do not like the design.

[@ThePinoyMamba]

My Favorite Duo... truth Be Told

[@Elosee]

i wanted to like these 2 years ago, the lack of power and cheap interior made me look elsewhere and I grabbed a (euro) e36 M3, the s50b32 does everything this thing should, the interior is everything this thing should be... its 21 years old and still EXCELLENT!!! best car I have ever owned.

[@davidly8059]

Anyone seen the new 86 generation 2 design loool I like this better tho

[@SkitzyFrenix]

David Ly it looks good but its still concept cause its 2 years out but i am all in for the 2.4 L engine

[@Kelvinjan]

And this is why I got a WRX...lol.

[@yvsevyse4562]

Kelvin Jan good decision!

[@chosenideahandle]

makes no real sense comparing the two. The WRX isn't a sports car, and I don't think anyone goes rallying with a BRZ.

[@konjiki240sx]

Probably one of the more honest videos I've seen out there about this car. When I sat in one of these and hit the gas all I could feel was sadness...

[@eternalglow6483]

As someone who came from driving an old 20 year old beater with probably less than 100 horsepower all my life this car feels like a lambo to me 😂 it’s PLENTY fast enough and if you accidentally press the gas too hard it will snap your neck back a little

[@conormcdonagh5165]

I prefer the 86

[@shinigami1925]

Odd that you're complaining about a lack of power and flat spots without mentioning YOU ARE AT FLATFOOTING IN A HIGHER THAN CORRECT GEAR AT 8200-9000 FEET ALTITUDE in the relevant shots. That will always be an issue in a NA vehicle. Downshift, problem solved.

[@phattyhales]

Shini Gami yes, the elevation plays a hand in loss of power but it doesn't make a difference with where power comes on in the rev range.

[@doriangray2347]

uhhh... when i cruise at 78 mph, the RPM is in the edge of the torque dip on a 2017. Any downshift skips the dip. It also has a better final drive so that downshift does more and cruising is at a higher rpm

[@doriangray2347]

Youn Gu Passing in new york city means aggressively cutting someone off and dominating them like a bitch. You need burst acceleration. We dont pass on highways here. There is no mandatory lane and we have no passing lanes. It all in and out cutting off and psychology. Always drop the gear sometimes two gears and punch it.

[@brianbailey904]

Dorian Gray LOL so true about driving in NYC. No rules or passing lanes. You wanna pass, you basically push other cars around with your mind.

[@Kalikid98]

Absolutely love my 2013 BRZ! Driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway touge style (with caution of course) is an amazing experience. (Her name is Veronica)

[@chosenideahandle]

was your car brought in for the recall?

[@Kalikid98]

Chosen Idea Yes! The engine valve spring? It was a nightmare. My baby had no issues whatsoever before the recall however a week and a half AFTER getting it back from getting the recall work done I had severe engine knock and took it back to the dealership and they told me it had nothing to do with it. Got in contact with higher ups and they got back to fixing it at no charge. Then 2 weeks latrr had the same issue again. Took it in again and they finally got it right. Was in and out of a loaner car for about 5 months.

[@chosenideahandle]

Kalikid98 I’m happy to hear you eventually got it resolved! I haven’t heard much about what happened to those like yourself.

[@Iceman78ize]

i took one for a drive i loved it!! they do have a take off faster than a mazda 3 n people say they are quick for a small car

[@F10PeterC]

Clearly the hosts lack engineering knowledge. The 86 is not a hot rod

[@charliewatts23]

Throw a flat 6 in there

[@GlassStatus]

Or flat 4, like the original 86

[@chosenideahandle]

@@GlassStatus that's what's in it.

[@GlassStatus]

@@chosenideahandlethat's a 4 cyl boxer engine

[@chosenideahandle]

GlassStatus a boxer is flat lol.

[@GlassStatus]

@@chosenideahandle no shit I'm talking inline

[@larphraulen]

Fantastic intro.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Id get one of these for the way they look and handle. Its enough power for UK roads, and they are a fairly rare sight over here. Ive had a couple of Abarth 595s, got a turbo something else currently, in bright blue so it stands out. I get bored with cars that look the same, and i love boxer engines so hoping to get a Subaru next as a long term car.

[@Reddsoldier]

The origins of the "not enough power" are Americans from what I can see and then its parroted by other motoring journos who don't want to make their own mind on things or are aware of what the majority of their audience expect to hear is what I've noticed after watching basically every video on the car before deciding to get one and then as of Wednesday last week actually opening the door on my very own one. The car was clearly designed for the backroads of Japan where the original AE86 lived and which we in Europe are fortunate enough to have a similar environment of in the right places. The car is just so engaging and fun on those twisty tight roads. It's OK on your standard A road or M road, in fact I think the ride is sublime in comparison to its chief rival as someone whose been shotgun in his mates' MX-5s many a time. But it is just such a waste of a car for these to be sold to people who'll drive them almost exclusively on straight main roads and then moan about the lack of power not realising they are driving a go-kart, not a dragster.

[@camxiong]

That new front is gorgeous.

[@masterwhopper414]

The torque dip got even worse? Only Toyota!

[@Toyota4Life]

masterwhopper414 Supra... lfa... yeah nothing Subaru ever made beat those cars

[@doriangray2347]

i truly believe it is better. It is more flat, which makes you not feel the exiting of the dip. it has 5 more torque, within that range as well, and the lowest part of the dip is less pronounced. It is a really easy car to drive not in the dip. Regular traffic it has power from 2500-3500. About to pass? it revs safely to 7400. Dropping a gear at 3500 will put out pass the dip. Every car I have driven that has even 350+ hp i dropped the gear to pass, preparing it. IT just cant do long pulls in first to 7400 for dragging.

[@phattyhales]

Power definitely comes on later in the new car.

[@fatboy19831]

Not true at sea level on 93 octane. The new car has a slight dip of about 600 rpm with more top end.

[@phattyhales]

While power is effected at higher elevations, the curve remains the same whether you are at sea level or 9000ft like this was.

[@streetsandpeaks3013]

I’ve had 2 FRS and I agree completely... but a used one and step it up with wheels and tires ... and hey guys, for @$300 get a plug in Sprint Booster and eliminate that lag. 👍

[@hiroki_rinn]

I was actually quite curious about the 2017 ‘86. I got a 2016 FR-S and pondered on the improvements called out. Thank you for this video! I am a tad curious on the 2017 ‘86s; got crickets?