Best Affordable Sports Car: 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited - CAR and DRIVER

[@Heavy_Metal1982]

I drive a 2003 v6 Nissan Frontier. 3900lbs with only 180hp, I can pass on the freeway just fine. The BRZ/FRS will feel like a rocketship to me.

[@TransDerwinOverdrive]

Screw the haters...I own a 2013 BRZ Limited and absolutely love it. This review does it justice. It's RWD, almost a 50/50 weight split, lightweight, and comes well appointed for a $25k car. Leather, auto/digital climate control, RFID key, SAT/NAV, and HID/LED lights, just to name a few. I shopped around a lot before buying this and couldn't find another car this fun to drive with these options in this price range.

[@jokommentaah5947]

interesting.. what do you think of the plastic in the front grill? I think that is the only part that really really bothers me about it. The rest of the car looks nice but the front is ruined

[@TransDerwinOverdrive]

Jo Kommentaah I agree, to an extent. I think the fog light surrounds and the lower plastic would look better painted, however the upper solid piece doesn't bother me at all. It's got a nice textured matte finish and holds up better against stone chips and bugs than a painted surface would. Also, I drive a black BRZ so the unpainted plastic is much less notable. I DO have a problem with the stock fog lights. They use some eco-friendly low-wattage non-halogen bulbs. I will be upgrading these soon on mine.

[@marshallrhayes]

I agree with u but i cant get over the fact that it has only 200hp. Its not light enough to be fast either.

[@sorondoj]

marshallrhayes technically it only has around 170hp to the wheels and 130 ftp of torque, but with simple mods like full exhaust and e85 tuned will get you to 200whp and 165 ftp torque which will get you 0-60 in about 6 seconds. About not being light enough you also have options. Lighter wheels (14pounds per corner), aluminum or carbon fiber driveshaft, light clutch kit, single exit exhaust or dual straight pipe. Lighter rotors(aluminum hats). Or you could go FI turbo or SC, there are plenty of options out there.

[@AE86ofMtAkina]

I like the smile of the brz, LOL.

[@ConstantineAtByron]

My 23 year old son just bought one. I drove it 1800km from Melbourne to Brisbane. I own a 3 series BMW and this little car is brilliant. I enjoyed every minute of the drive and would not hesitate to buy one.

[@funguy2playwith]

I have the 10th Anniversary FR-S manual with 2k miles on it now... I LOVE IT. Best way to describe this car is that when you want to have fun driving, it lets you, and when you just need to get from point A to B, it will get you there effortlessly (and in style).

[@MrYoniBel]

I think many people in the commenting section missed the whole point of the car. They're still stuck with camaros & mustangs. People, this is a fun,tail happy sports car that cost 27k. How many times a day do u go 120mph? In this, you do 50 & still have fun slidin' round all day

[@sorondoj]

you are right, but you can get a premium used under 10k miles for a little over 23k, that is affordable

[@MrYoniBel]

Even better, rite?

[@MrYoniBel]

Oh okay so what is ur shape or form for a sports car? Or ur price range for a cheap sports car? Enlighten us pls...u better not mention these 10 n 20 yr old cars

[@MrYoniBel]

most of the cars u mentioned are 30k + cars and they r mostly abused n have lots of baggages with them. Cool if thats u tho.....as for the brz, sure its underpowered but it 25k brand new n its so much fun. N if pwr is all u want, spend a few bucks on it make it "a real sports car"

[@MrYoniBel]

i cud argue more on this...really...but i think u're "unconvincable" and i think u hate the car n the fact that its gettin all the praises so i give up. its overpirced underpowered "car" like u said

[@fatboy19831]

I drove from D.C. to NY to get mine (rally blue)I got tired of waiting. I love it. Most fun car I have owned.

[@RKO859]

I find it amusing in the comments. These people bitching and complaining about ,"Too slow, POS." or "Not enough power." I find it funny, because these hating idiots have probably never driven the car before ever. Also, are you dragging the car everyday in a straight line with no traffic and without speed limit? Do you even possess the skills enough to handle a car that has all power and no handling? It's all about balance, handling and pure enjoyment, simular to a miata with a hood on. Not to mention, this car is typically 1000LBS lighter than most full sized sports cars, and costs a fraction of cars with 300-400HP.

[@Channy132]

it's great how people still hate on this car even though it's won loads of awards for being a drivers car. you know, cos random guy in the youtube comments who has never driven the car knows better than professional car reviewers.

[@mr.2cents.846]

The BRZ just needs a turbo and some tuning. Than it'll be plenty fast. I have a '88 Fiero GT with turbo and phase two tuning. Roughly 300HP. One morning I smoked a 3 series Bimmer off the line. Priceless!

[@misterscienceguy]

Daniel Groulx I think it depends on what sorta driving you do with it, if you've got at least a few decent curving turns in your commute it's perfectly fine, or if you live near hills it works. You're not gonna struggle to get up to speed on the freeway or anything. The thing is a turbo model would likely cost a good deal more, but at worst you can just spend 5k and get a decent supercharger to remove the lack of torque it has in the midrange.

[@Incudius]

Mr.Science yeah and putting a turbo kit in this will add weight, a lot of it, on the front. the whole point of this, the Mazda mx5 and, yeah even the Cayman, is that it is not about straight line speed it is about balance and precision and free revving engines with a sound no turbo can match.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Annuvyn Arawn doesn't has to be a big one. Turbo are actually coming back now.

[@4N15H]

'..you're using all of the car more of the time'. Beautifully put sir.

[@MAVERICKRAIDER]

The BRZ in one of the best affordable sports cars out there + you can tune the hell out of it, engine, exterior,... This car wasn't designed for straight line but pure handeling delight ! Btw, Mustangs can't keep a straight line anyways, youtube is full of mustang crashes :D

[@autorepairbocaraton]

This is one of my favorite Subaru models. Well built!

[@brianbailey5572]

What you're really paying for is the chassis and the layout. That's the foundation. You can tune and reduce weight to other cars all you want, and you'll make them better, but they'll never quite have the balance the brz has stock. It lacks some torque due to the restrictive headers that are there to improve efficiency, but those can be swapped out if 7 second 0-60 is really too slow for you. Personally I think they struck a great balance between fun and efficiency. If all you want is affordable power, just buy a Mustang. Better yet go ahead and buy a used Porsche but your maintenance costs are going to be through the roof...

[@xAxCxTxIxVxEx]

This pays homage to the Toyota Hachi Roku AE86 if y'all didn't know. Initial D. Bunta and his Subaru, Takumi and his Toyota. 2 of the best fictional drift characters, makes more sense instead of comparing it to cars that deal more with HP. It's the new 86, it's all about balance

[@cxbra]

I am in love with this car! I would get it over the FRS simply because of the hid lights, that makes a big difference in terms of car quality/finish in 2013. Its about the same price as a WRX which has 65 more hp, 100+ ft/lb of torque more and can make 300whp with about $2000-$3000 in modifications. If I got the BRZ I would keep it mainly stock except for small bolt ons but if I got a WRX I would modify it for 300+whp. Thats a hard choice, but I think i'd take the BRZ for the light weight and hooligan nature of rwd cars!

[@AG.Floats]

The 2015 Series Blue STI BRZ looks sick. they have sold me. Picking one up brand new in the next 6 months. That's my goal.

[@ZachEads]

I challenge anyone to find a brand new car that can meet these standards for the price range: Go find another car for sub $30k with limited slip rear end, strengthened chassis, .28 drag coefficient, low center mass, 51/49 weight distribution, low weight, seating position with enough room over head for a helmet, enough room in the back for second set of wheels, factory bolt positions for seating harness, capable and ready to rev engine that has responded really well to superchargers, direct injection, dry sump, the list goes on. Sorry but anyone who cannot see this is good value needs to think about the fact that you can always add power, you can only reduce weight so much while retaining drivability.

[@Hellcat287287]

370Z... May not be quite as balanced but an extra 130hp would make up for that...

[@ZachEads]

WarmSoftKitty too heavy. Doesn't meet the lightweight requirement.

[@dumbodumbton3]

The brz is for people who know how to drive. Those people don't write in the comment section of KZbin though, so you won't get any good responses here. So stop wasting your time and go to a track day.

[@AE86ofMtAkina]

Dumbo Dumbton Track days? Those are for pussies, ever seen Takumi Fujiwara drive on a track?

[@AshritDas]

WarmSoftKitty no

[@geoffdrum]

Damn good review! Much better than the Motortrend review and that is hard for me to say. I am currently in France now (Lyon specifically) and loved that you talked about the country, it is a very lovely country! Great job CARandDRIVER!

[@rickysanowara8254]

Americans and their fetish for muscle cars will never understand this car.

[@marshallrhayes]

This comment has no validity when you're talking about a car with only 200hp. You can buy a honda accord that has more power its pathetic. I could beat a brz in my fucking grocery getter with two toddlers in the back.

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

marshallrhayes Until you hit a twisty road. That's where the fun begins.

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

It's true. I hear all the time "I can get a V6 Camaro with 300HP!" Sure you can. But the build quality sucks. It doesn't handle as well, or stop as well. You don't feel as connected to the road...and then you will find yourself in just another Camaro. No thanks.

[@marshallrhayes]

i understand and im sure the car handles great but what im sayin is if u put me in just about any decent handling 300 hp car against someone in a brz out on a track i will win every time. The car may handle very well but at 200hp that car will only do well in corners thats it. Not hating on the car. I would prefer a 4 cylinder non turbo for better gas mileage and lower insurance i just wish the car was cheaper than 25K and I would buy one.

[@rickysanowara8254]

It's for drifting (you do understand what is drifting rite?) not for drag racing in straight line

[@hectorsoy]

Love it! Could be my next car. I used to have a Porsche 944 and it had 147hp, If you know how to drive that's enough power. I enjoyed it The BRZ reminds of of that car!

[@BigSmartArmed]

My wife chose MX-5 Miata over BRZ, and I'm pissed, becasue she's right. Literally, the only reason we didn't get the BRZ, was becasue instead of the proper STI engine it has a pathetically castrated 2L. It's like this; BRZ 151 ft-lbs. @ 6,400 rpm 2,824 lbs Miata 140 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm 2,619 lbs My wife test drove the BRZ, she loved absolutely everything about it, expect when we hit the freeway onramp and while getting up to speed she asked "Does it go any faster? What am I doing wrong?" And what's up with 6th gear? On the freeway it's way to short, why? I'm guessing only becasue the 2L motor just craps out on the torque at that rage. It's that pathetic, Miata MX-5 has better torque to weight at lower RPM, better acceleration then the BRZ, and it had to be my wife making a point of it. BRZ is 50hp short of being adequate on freeway passes, and 100hp short of being a real blast to drive. We were so excited when BRZ came out, is was such a disappointment when such a serious lack of power became apperant, and my wife said that in this category, Mazda Miata 5 just made much more sense to her. I have a Subaru and love it, and soooo wanted another one in the family but no, corporate dick heads had to fuck it up, now the wife will be happily zipping around in a Miata instead of a BRZ.

[@gmartirosyan]

BigSmartArmed BRZ definitely needs more power so I'm with you on MX 5 vs BRZ verdict.

[@smumm]

gmartirosyan MX5 167hp 140tq @ 2500lbs $27500 BRZ 200hp 150tq @ 2700lbs $27700 They are almost the same with the slight edge being the BRZ

[@gmartirosyan]

Sean M 33hp is big difference!! You can even feel 10hp increase unless you are on passenger seat!!

[@smumm]

True, but considering the BRZ weighs a heavy passenger more its 33 extra HP over the MX5 is almost moot. What I was hinting at is if the BRZ needs more power then the MX5 is in the same boat.

[@BigSmartArmed]

Sean M lighter MX5 will out handle the BRZ, and Miatas are known specifically for cornering performance. BRZ is at the very least 100hp underpowered, while for a performance car it's 200hp underpowered.

[@OmegaSwitch]

The BRZ is exactly the car that I've been looking for!

[@FutureSEAL23]

This car was underpowered. Trust me on this, intake, exhaust and a decent ecu re-map and tune, will have this car in the perfect power range for its weight.

[@LoloBear7]

This is great! I think 200hp is enough for daily use & a lil fun. This car was meant to be a tuner base, so of course, if you're into more performance, there's plenty of aftermarket add-ons.

[@batsman46]

how could you even say subaru's boxer sound sucks...haven't you ever heard the STi...

[@TransDerwinOverdrive]

I couldn't believe he made that statement. This is the third Subaru I've owned and I absolutely love the sound of the Boxer engine. Sounds even better with decent aftermarket exhaust (had Cobb Tuning cat-backs on my old Impreza).

[@mike8610]

I have a BRZ limited in Silver. I absolutely love it! I traded in a big muscle car. I wanted something totally different and this car is a blast to drive. Instant classic.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

Turbo

[@BMWrapairbocaraton]

Great looking car. Dying to take it for a test drive.

[@sk8i411]

Good review! Somehow even though I've watched a lot reviews on this car, your review was balanced, touched all the bases I am interested in and added an honest perspective missing in many of the other reviews which have been released since. Keep it up!

[@BelligerentHeritage]

I'm in love with this car and the FRS. I think that those two cars are the most exciting cars of the past ten to fifteen years of car making. I can only hope that this sparks other car manufacturers to start following the same pursuit of light weight and fun to drive. I've been into rotary engines for the past decade, and every sports car I have owned has been as such. (Three Rx7s and an Rx8 currently). I think this will be my next car.

[@Ratava252]

Citroen 2CVs!. Oh, and nice drift at the end, Mike. Good review!

[@thatmuse76]

I like the comment about the seats being "all day comfortable" and I hear these are really nice cars to live with on a daily basis. I used to have a Porsche 944 and remember coming home from Pennsylvania feeling like I had just been beaten with a lead pipe for four hours. I also had a second generation Prelude Si that was even worse (there were times I wondered if that car had any suspension travel). Granted both cars were a blast to drive, but I am glad the newer sports cars are more refined.

[@TheRohBoat]

great comeback

[@natemorte]

Tuners are gonna love this when the leases start running out.This is the next 240 I wonder if performance engine parts are interchangeable with the WRX ? I see a after market turbo install in the near future

[@lauriejamesmackeson]

Great review! I especially liked how you showed/discussed road handling in the two locations. My question: if the BRZ had high performance tyres say the same as the WRX STi, would the star grip make the car better or worse because it would be less "chuckable" but quicker around corners because of the grip. Your thoughts...

[@422195]

I actually had plans to go buy the Scion FR-S/ Subaru BRZ next year when I finished bootcamp. A FR-S sits down my road. That's when I found out Toyota and Subaru both made it and have the car. They are amazing looking cars and with the turbo kits they come out with you'll have no problem getting it up to 400+ horse. But stuff happened and now I'm looking at a 2004 Subaru WRX if things go smoothly. Also a beautiful well put together car. Excited to get my hands on it!

[@TheGnarlyVideos]

The Frs/BRZ reminds me of the AE86....and I love that

[@fatboy19831]

I an 6 foot 5 inches tall and I have over an inch of headroom and just enough leg room. Outward vision is perfect. No human can sit behind me though. I have driven over 500 miles in one day and felt fine. The seats are awesome.

[@hidu57]

Once you drive a car, you will know immediately. Its just the feeling and the feedback of a car that can make it great. It doesn't have to go zero to 60 in 3 seconds to be awesome. The root of greatness can be anything from a good shifter to the engine sound.

[@39PSIOnTheDaily]

I found when driving this car that the only problem with it straight from the box was it's clutch and brakes, with a high actuation point. For someone inexperienced (or rusty) with a manual, they're going to be chirping the tires often. Also, the brakes were SUPER touchy, but when pushed hard, they tended to fade fast. Otherwise, it's a phenomenal car. I'm actually seriously looking at picking one up for September.

[@Driftuner]

wow, now THAT was a damm good review..im impressed....and yes, i would def buy this car, its seems to be a pretty amazing instrument to makes you feel amazing

[@samsam5886]

Seating position is the first thing everybody should get right when doing any sort of performance driving. The correct position is top of steering wheel at your wrist with your arm fully extended and your back against the seat. And both hands on steering wheel at all times at 9 and 3 o'clock positions :)

[@RobiticDuck]

As with anything I make a large purchase on I did my research before laying down my hard earned money for my '13 BRZ Limited. I love It, driving in this car is a blast. Reminds me of my 1993 Ford Probe GT.

[@GriffXJ]

Seriously? When did they start doing that? That's Awesome!

[@Gardus82]

Totally agree on everything. Just maybe 15 hp (not whp) will be possibile with a good full aftermarket exhaust + remap. I think that would be a good compromise, and then when it's out of warranty you can fit a HKS Supercharger kit. I think this car is a keeper and people will buy it and keep it for 6-10 years doing lots of mods.

[@ntgrimm]

Both. This version was the Subaru BRZ, but an almost identical car is sold with the Scion FR-S badge. From the research I've done, the only difference is body styling.

[@francescoromano]

Thanks for your reply. The only problem is here in Australia a base Toyota GT86 is 33K drive away whereas a focus st is closer to 43K drive away. Dealers will not reduce the price for the 86 as there is a 6-12 month waitlist. I'm guessing I won't be able to get much off an ST as well. Basically, although I think the ST is more powerful and more practical, it really shouldnt be 10K more than an 86.

[@DcEvoIX]

I have an frs and I couldn't be happier I have grown more attached to this car is the short time I had it than any of my other cars that includes 03 evo, 05 g35, 01 z28, 91 mustang 5.0, and numerous turbo honda's making over 300whp, so needless to say all my cars were faster with alot of money in mods invested in all of them. My frs is stock and I love it and can't think of much to do to it right now to make it better because I know I will be disappointed if I take away from it's balance.

[@alphanuevo]

Nice balanced review. The FR-S is a little bit more affordable from what I've seen of dealer pricing in the Seattle area.

[@was385]

That's rough. I've had my WRB BRZ Limited since June and I have never had an ounce of regret about buying it. I get excited every time I walk out to my car.

[@bytor4242]

This car has roughly the same weight, horsepower, and torque of my old RSX Type-S and I had no complaints. If I were in the market for a sports car I'd buy one.

[@lamarrider]

This reminds me of my E30. Light, rwd, tail happy, just enough power... I will own one of these.

[@fatboy19831]

A third person is quite comfortable laying across the seats. If you have two 5'-2" girls one can sit in the front passenger and the rear seat on the passengers side. When you fold down the rear seats you have great trunk space. When the seat is up the car is more silent than if it were a hatchback.

[@fatboy19831]

You are right Tim. like many I have driven light weight sporting cars. The last gen Celica,CRX, INtegra, 240. Corolla GTS. All of them had less power than the BRZ. The Mustang GT is a Wonderful Car. I love it. Ford has done an excellent job of engineering that car. Man you can feel that extra 850 pounds over the BRZ. For those of us that like the quick transitions of a light weight sporting car there is nothing else like the BRZ/FRS. We are willing to give up 200 ft lbs of torque 2 dump 850 pds.

[@StratMatt777]

Wow that is quite different from the video review I watched. What is your elevation and what was the temperature during your test? At what RPM did you drop the clutch? Do you like the car?

[@MatthewPatrickComedy]

i love mine! it just handles great. and then i go online and there are even more parts i can get to make it even better. its just great to have every day.

[@iowawrench]

3K @ 70 is also identical to the 99 Saturn SC2 with a 1.9 DOHC / 5 spd manual that I drive. My theory is they do it that way so cruise control can power you up hills or accel with the button without bogging the engine since it has little torque and can obviously not downshift since it is a stick.

[@BlaziNTrades]

I would potentially consider buying this car next, but I'm not too sure if I can handle the lack of power. At the moment I drive a 98 Subaru WRX STI, the type RA model. It weighs roughly 2730 pounds, and so by comparison the BRZ is not exactly "light weight". My car is tuned and makes around 265 at the wheels. Even if it made the full 200, which obviously it doesn't, the minimum 65 HP difference plus the loss of AWD...not sure I can handle the lack of speed I would have by comparison. There's no doubt in my mind that RWD is more fun, and that these are two different cars. In fact that's why I'm considering this in the first place (winter vehicle, summer vehicle). I also understand that straight line speed aside, this is probably the best bargain new sports car out there. Just not sure if I'm better off waiting until I can afford something more appropriately fast. I know a guy with the FRS and he has an exhaust + flash tune and apparently that makes around 25-30 more at the wheels now...that still only puts it up to the power level of a 2002 Mazda RX8. Decisions, decisions...

[@houseofsaline]

i really like this car, i just drove one today and i think its one of the better, cheap sportcars we currently have today.

[@StratMatt777]

Oh that is good to know. I had no idea about the paint. I sat in a FRS and found it too be way too small for me. I'm 6'2" and barely fit in my 240SX. I did fit in the FRS, but it felt cloustrophobic... even smaller feeling than the 370Z (which is saying a lot). I must say, as cool as I think the BRZ/FRS is, the teeny skinny tires seem dumb and the lack of turbo is extra stupid. I want to turbo my 2.4 and get 250 to 300HP. That would make me very happy.

[@RacingWorldTV202]

Pretty much, and that's about where everyone's hope for a more powerful car ends. The car serves a purpose the way it is, and it's doing a good job opening up a new market for manufacturers to break into, and a market where you can get younger people, like me, back into owning a car to have fun with and not just go to and fro, and back again.

[@doggieboy773a]

So you know how to read the brochure! Good job! Look, MSRP at the Subaru website is not the same as what dealerships are asking for. Dealers can raise the prices of the BRZ because of the demand and rarity vs a new FR-S or WRX. Plus for in addition to the six month wait for an 86 car only certain amount of BRZs are built for every 8 FR-S/GT-86 built.

[@goons123flofy]

Great review! Unlike the MX-5, this car is really well built ergonomically. I sit really upright, like the reviewer, and there is plenty of head room for me, even if I was wearing a helmet on the track. Ok, maybe with a helmet I would have to recline a notch or two from the ideal position, but for day to day use, the seating position is brilliant for me.

[@fatboy19831]

I have not noticed. I appears to be slightly faster on a mild day. What slows it down the most is the stability, traction control programming. Even in sport mode. When everything is off it feels faster and more responsive. Even just driving around town.

[@aluisious]

Thanks for telling us where the RPM is on the highway. That's something no one ever talks about. I drove with my friend in his Evo X and it was spinning 3k on 70...super annoying.

[@MotoErgoSum]

Not true. My 05 STI is really fun to drive at speeds lower than 80mph. It sticks corners and doesn't loose the rear end like a RWD, either. Also helps that it has 300hp/300ft lbs to grunt to rocket out of corners. I love the way the BRZ looks, and would appreciate the paddle automatic for stop and go traffic, but I don't think I could sacrifice 2 doors and 140hp for something almost as expensive after the navi options. Maybe if they make an STI version...

[@mardamek3]

3K at 70 mph in 6th gear sounds about right for a 2 liter engine. In fact, it is exactly what the tachometer shows in my SVT Focus, which also has a 2 liter engine paired to a 6-speed transmission. Can't say that it's a great result or something to be proud of, but it is what it is. After all it's a smaller displacement, high compression 4-cylinder, not an old bulletproof V8.

[@lvcsslacker]

I really really want to like this. I drove the FR-S, and it felt like it was a pile. The BR-Z did feel slightly better put together on the lot. If I could get a test drive in one, I'd be able to see if it felt a bit better.

[@xFlared]

the gt86 is all about being the predecessor to the ae86. it's striving towards balance, harmony between engine, suspension and transmission, about fun in driving, and a fast cornering machine. people who keep saying it's weak because of 200 hp are missing the whole point of what toyota was trying to accomplish.

[@phoenix11994466]

The BRZ is ideal for supercharging. my experience with the Sprntex (screw compressor), tells me that it would be a good match. I'd say 10 psi would be just what the doctor ordered here, which would give the BRZ about 333 hp... and massive amounts of torque. How much?

[@Tsuekasae]

I'm glad they reviewed part of it in Ann Arbor Michigan. Because our roads suck ass

[@fatboy19831]

I stripped mustang GT (still twice the Hp and Torque) . 2k less will get you the Base BRZ that still has Navigation and HIDs. All the limited adds is leather, independent heater control and a rear spoiler.

[@Driftuner]

i just drove one today..the power is enough to have fun, at any moment i was wishing for more power (consider i was on speedlimitless german autobahns!)...and unlike many people i actually did like the noise of the car..but then, as far as i can SEE, the exhaust from the car i drove looked very different to the one in the video...but i did like the sound..it was sporty, without being shouty or "look at me"

[@brandonfarrow1859]

i love my frs/brz!

[@PanikProne]

It really depends on the car. A supercharger is a viable option for people who want consistent power. Turbos, while predictable, aren't consistent. That being said, some platforms just don't like SC, the boxer engine in the BRZ actually does quite well with it. There is plenty of information and dyno reports out there to compare the two as well as great experiences with both systems.

[@fatboy19831]

Seth, the Z is an a exceptional value at 32k. The Z is fine until you drive the BRZ. The Z understeers at the limit. You have more than enough power to push the tail out. Back off, back to understeer. The BRZ is neutral at the limit. Keep on pushing it slowly moves into oversteer. Both cars need better brakes. The Z is not a bad handling car but you can feel the 450 pound difference between the two in the transitions. The BRZ is a blast but feels slow next to the Z. This is just my opinion.

[@lchivy]

The brz is designed for fun. It's rear drive so that means when you lose traction to the rear, you don't understeer and plow forwards; instead you slide out in the back making it more fun. Also, with big power cars you can't really wring it out like you could in a less powerful car. That's what makes the brz awesome, you can take it to the limit every time.

[@Brandon_Nelson92]

The Chevy camaro is also a rear wheel drive sports car. its starting price is actually a little lower than the subaru and it has 323hp. that is why i bought myself a base-model camaro and i have not had one but of regret.

[@Rlyeh_The_Dead]

do your research man. they've been turboing and supercharging the hell out the it with the stock hood. only problem is the engine's compression ratio is making it difficult to do w/o blowing the engine.

[@fatboy19831]

I almost purchased the 350z when it first came out. I have been in the 370z several times. I am 6.5 feet tall and 200 pounds (skinny). In the Z with the seat all the way back if I look to the left I see the headliner. I look forward I see the headliner. In the BRZ I can drive cross country with a hat on. There is excellent outward vision for the tall and the short. Until recently I had no idea how much room there is in the Boxter someone on line told me to try it. Plenty of head and leg room.

[@123Greekboy]

Good eye. Did you also notice he was driving the 6-Spd Manual at 6:43 and the Automatic when he said 2000rpm at 60-70? Thats why there was a rpm diference.

[@ttkid100]

Great review!!!

[@dowroa]

I do autoXes and HPDEs... and I am a Dad. The 2+2 has me considering the car, but the HP of only 200 (some people have Dyno'd it MUCH mess than that at the wheels), the fall in power/torque between 3-4k, current first year engine teething problems, lack of camber adjustment have me not picking up this car. I think with about 250 HP, some eccentric camber adjustment, and a more solid package, I would consider picking up the car. It is close, but not quite there.

[@Soob4ME]

Already is. It's about balance. Forget the numbers, that's what fun is all about!

[@Gunfreak513]

As everybody has said, I think that this could definitely use some extra grunt. I'm not a power freak, but family sedans are now making plenty more power. I think it's awesome that it's naturally aspirated, and if they could tack on an extra 50 horses than I think they could do really well. I can imagine that we will be seeing a more powerful version of the BRZ before long.

[@StratMatt777]

One of these reviews I watched they timed it at 6.2. It's the one where they drag race it next to a train yard. My '93 Nissan 240SX, which also weighs 2700 lbs, only has 155hp and it does 0-60 in 8.5 to 9 sec, depending on the temperature. And that's shifting at 5800 or 6000 RPM, well before the 6900 RPM redline. It seems conceivable that this car with 200hp could do. And it did because they show it being timed in the test.

[@Clesarie]

The coups interior quality is better than the stang or the brz. It also is a great platform to build onto as turbo cars are pretty easy to get power out of with minimal effects. Most people getting brz/frs arent even true car enthusiast. Some options for people who want sporty looking non sports cars ( the brz/frs's market ) Forte Koup SX manual fully loaded 21k Civic Si 22k Scion tc fully loaded 22k Genesis Coup R spec 26k V6 Mustang starts at 22k Ford Focus ST starts at 23k Sonic Turbo 18k

[@minazmorgul]

Such a perfect drifter :)

[@goons123flofy]

I don't know who your nan is or if she is related to the Stig, but the reviewer is sitting in the proper driving position. Upright and nice and close to the steering wheel. The check is to put your shoulders into the seat, reach your hand straight out, and if the steering wheel touches your wrist you are close enough to the wheel.

[@DieHARDmitsu]

good to see another fun RWD car on the market.

[@fatboy19831]

You need a turbo an intercooler. Beefed up clutch, rear dif and cooling system. Also larger brakes and wheels and hopefully a larger than 13 gallon gas tank. The weight adds up quickly. To cut weight somewhere else cost money. Around town at reasonable speeds the base car would still be more fun. You would not need to do much of anything to add 30 N/A hp. Just better brakes. It is always a trade off.

[@ctchrisf]

good for you. Many of us like light and nimble not fat and powerful. Personally LOVE boxers. so probably going to pick one of these up after my 330xi gets long in tooth.

[@_chipchip]

The digital clock is probably a throw-back to the clock that was in the ae86, except that was in the center of the dash. I think it looks cool, and how complicated does a clock need to be?

[@christopherjohnston6343]

Japan has the BRZ as well. Apart from the visually differences, like you, I have no idea. If I had to pick one i'd go for the Toyota 86 simply because the entry level spec is cheaper here in NZ. What are your thoughts?

[@StratMatt777]

in 1992 the Ferrari Testarossa was a supercar. It's 0-60 time was 5.8 seconds. This car does it in 6.2. :-)

[@awall2000]

Car and Driver while you are at it, do a comparo between tuned versions of the Genesis and the BRZ.

[@bobdevo]

They're not stock Prius tires, they're Michelin Primacies only available on the Performance Option Priuses in Japan. CHeck them out on Tire Rack - they're fairly highly rated.

[@mor3hawk3]

subaru is already working on 250hp version of the car confirmed intake & exhaust tuning plus more weight loss it will be a legend

[@StevenBeDrummin]

hows the suspension though? and are you still using the standard rims?

[@Mike_Martian]

Finally, I don't know how big you are, but Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear - who is about 6' 3" I believe - has a comparison test against the BMW Z4 in which you can clearly see he fits just fine. I am not trying to cause a raucous, just saying that you should do some more checking and then reconsider.