2016/17 BRZ vs Miata vs WRX STI
 

Just wanted to post my experience as I am thinking about making a purchase and want to understand the potential of each vehicle. Listed below will also include my stock ride experiences and thoughts. Only option for me is manual as that is the only car I will drive

Current Car: 2015 Modded Civic SI (tuned naturally aspirated)
Past Car: 2007 Modded Civic SI (tuned naturally aspirated)

So for my current and past car experience I don't find any real differences between the 07 and 15 civic si except the interior and exterior. In terms of driving they both feel very much like the same vtech powered car. The shifting is very smooth (smoother than all three of these cars). It's very much an economy ride. I am not looking past and am definitely going to sell the SI as against the BRZ/Miata/WRX the fun factor isn't there at all to me.

2016 BRZ: I test drove this car and enjoyed how stiff the suspension is. The low center of gravity makes you feel every bump and makes you feel like you are on a track no matter where you are. The turns in this car are so sweet and so is the acceleration versus the SI. I am definitely interested in the tuning and fixes this car has for the torque dip and give it a little more pep potentially with a turbo. Least expensive but would be waiting for the 2017 as it looks like a badass. ONe thing to note is that the shifting on the BRZ is very stiff.

2016 Mazda Miata Sport w/ Brembo package: This vehicle's ride is very smooth. Almost scary smooth as you don't feel anything while driving the car. However in the turns the body roll is insane but you the car never lets you lose control. The acceleration on this beast is also amazing. I mean with a turbo on this bad boy i think it would be too much and the suspension would need to be tweaked. Would be waiting for the 2017 RF because it looks really awesome with the rf top. The shifting on the Mazda was the smoothest out of the three.

2017 WRX STI: I have to say this car is quick and stupidly fast. Tapping on the accelerator make this car get up and go. Turns are definitely sharp and not as fun as the BRZ or the Miata but man the straight aways are just beast. The most expensive of the three the shifts were smoother than the BRZ but I felt the BRZ was a funner car. Major downfall for me is the looks however I don't really know besides a proper tune you would need to add to this car.

Just taking everything into consideration and adding mods this is what a price scale might be for the differences. Overall tough choice but was wondering if anyone had a reason to choose the FR-S over the BRZ?

2017 BRZ Limited estimated price $27-28k (f/i mods probably around $10k total for stage 1)

2017 Mazda Miata Sport RF with brembo package estimated price $30k+ (f/i mods probably $10k+)

2017 WRX STI base model with Nav Package price estimated $38k (maybe only thing it needs is a tune???)

Just throwing this out there as well but why the FR-S? It's more expensive when you consider Toyota has extras like $900 stereo/nav system that is standard in BRZ as well as spoiler.

Anyway just things to consider an comments as always I guess it's a long road ahead but at least I have some time to consider my options. All these are better than my civic si so at least i know i will have something funner.

If you are looking for more power right out of the gate, along with good handling I would go STI, Focus RS, or Golf R. Also consider Mustang GT w/performance pack or a Camaro SS.

velvetex, I'm curious how you put together test drive observations. By your own words the only differences you noted between a 2007 Si and 2015 Si are the interior and exterior designs. However the biggest difference between these two cars are the engines! The '07 Si has an 8000 rpm screamer of a K20A engine with VTEC operating on the intake and exhaust valves. Meanwhile the 2015 has a rather pedestrian K24A with a 7100 redline and VTEC on only the intake valves. As far as engine differences go for Hondas, this is pretty big. :iono:

Your comment about the BRZ's low center of gravity making you feel every bump in the road makes no sense. A low center of gravity has nothing to do with feeling bumps in the road. In fact a lower center of gravity enables the suspension designers to use softer suspension settings while still achieving high handling targets, which means all things being equal you'd feel fewer bumps. In actuality you feel the bumps because the car has a stiff sporty suspension. Though by all accounts a WRX STI has a stiffer suspension - you should feel more bumps driving that car.

To help you pick a car its helpful to know what you'll be using it for. Do you plan to track your car? Autox events or HPDEs? Or just for daily driving and the occasional spirited weekend drive?

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91845

I wrote this article after switching from a '13 FRS to my '16 STI. If you ask anybody on the forums here who have talked to me, I think they'd easily say that I'm pretty unbiased.

The FRS/BRZ and STI are both great vehicles, albeit for different reasons. I miss my FRS occasionally, but I'm more than happy with what I have now. It all just depends on what you're looking for in a vehicle.

As far as the ND Miata goes, I've only briefly driven one. It's a fun little car for sure, but I wouldn't ever own one as my DD. It's just too damn small. Same reason why I don't have an S2000. I'd love to own one, but not as a DD. That's just me though.

Pretty much ditto this but with my 16 wrx. Definitely miss the FRS at times for sure, but I am also very content with my WRX.

Flex fuel all the things!

That was, literally, the first thing that went onto my WRX.

Been waiting on cobb with the rest of the world ha ha. Might go with Delicious though as I don't see cobb actually ever following through.

I don't see the point when one is more feature rich, and tested ;)

Word from Cobb is flexfuel is on hold for now. They will not release a FF kit till the HPFP issues have a solution. I dont think they want a customer service headache of uneducated E85 users complaining of sticking/not pumping HPFPs.

However, all you need to do is swap in 91/93 ever few tank fulls and your fuel pump should be alright, more or less. That being said, i think an FF kit would allow for this greatly.

Still, Cobb has decided to hold off till E85 is more friendly with the current HPFP on the FA20T.

EDIT:

Where as DT I believe is all but already selling their FF kit for the WRX, even if you are tuned with an AP. But, I may be
early on the AP claim.

AP = AccessPort

Those new Miata RFs look exotic. I'm also looking at those too. Haven't actually test drove a miata, but I have done a BRZ and a WRX and had way more fun in the BRZ. Fun factor is definitely important

OP:

BRZ vs Miata - it comes down to personal preference. They both have great support. If you go Miata, check out Goodwin Racing for aftermarket go fast bits and many others.

BRZ is a mod/tuners dream. I personally would prefer a BRZ over the Miata, but that doesnt mean i am right.

As for the STI. I have owned 3 WRXs and 1 STI. Usually I would say the STI is the way to go, but with the latest gen. I have to highly recommend going with the WRX, unless you plan on serious tracking/rallycross. The STI is not worth the premium. The new WRX is quite a bargain. I promise the DCCD on the STI is something you will likely never exploit. Save 10k+ and go with the WRX over the STI. My only true complaint of the WRX is the shifting action.

But if you dont need 4 doors (your an SI guy)then maybe the BRZ is the right car. Not as fast, but more fun to drive and play with.

Figured as much. Hpfp is a concern of mine as well. Hopefully we get a solution soon.

To OP,

Look at the two front bumpers and choose whichever you like more.

I'm personally a big big fan of the FRS bumper over the BRZ. I bought the BRZ however due to it's package and more "high-end" brand. I am in the process of doing a front bumper swap though into the FRS.

My WRX is on a DT FF kit, and AP tune :)