2017 BRZ VS Current BRZ
 

Hey all! First post on here, thought I would wait till I had something really good to ask! Lol

So with word of the 2017 BRZ facelift finally coming down from Subaru, what are your thoughts on getting a new 2016 or new 2017? What would sway your opinion one way or another?

Also, as far as performance goes, how do you think the engine will respond to the mods and bolt ons that are on the current BRZs? Do you think we will see similar gains to the fantastic results that UEL headers and tunes have brought to the cars? I don't even have the car yet, but I've already started planning what I want to do once I drive it around stock for a while, and I'd like your opinions on how you think the new engine will respond.

And while we are talking performance, do you think the engines will respond similarly to FI? I know it's the same FA20 engine, but new parts like valves and intake manifolds and all that can potentially change the outcome.

And what are some of the positives and negatives of the 2017's in your eyes? The facelift topic has had a lot of opinions discussed, but what are some more things that haven't been touched on a whole lot?

Been following the community for quite a while, and I must say that it has been very informative and interesting, and I can't wait to own a BRZ very soon!!

Personally I would hold out for the 2017 Limited or Track Package upgrade in the Winter.
I like having the latest and greatest so I would go all in and get the Track Package. If you're on a budget, get a 2016 Limited but I'm not expecting big price cuts.

In terms of bolt ons, I don't think it will make much of a difference when comparing model years. I'm expecting really no "noticeable" difference for FI. Some perceived butt-dinos might say otherwise.

Im not a huge fan of facelift models years because they normally have about 2-3 years max before a new model generation. If I wanted something now, I would just get the latest Model Year available or wait for next generation. I enjoy getting the first MY1 or MY2 as I normally lease or sell my cars once the new generation is available (if I like it).

2017: Really the only things I don't care for much is the Dash Trim around the Deck and the Tail Lights but the Pros outweigh the cons for me.


FYI the a few things I f*cking hate about the BRZ/FRS
1) Flywheel Rattle (Manual Models)
2) Creaking panels (fixable)
3) Power (Needs a bit more [50hp])

Hope this helps,

Definitely appreciate the opinion!

As far as what I'm looking for, I'm planning to get a Limited manual model. As much as I'd like to have the performance package, I've been saving for this car for a while, and the itch is starting to kill me 😂😂 Plus, I would like to track the car, but I probably won't be there every weekend, or even month lol, so the brembos and dampers don't really appeal for me at the moment (even though they are brembos). May just have add them later on down the line.

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I like the new dashboard, that's about it. I feel like the BRZ needs a more techy interior.

The Brembo option is probably overpriced and cheaper to get it done aftermarket. They tried charging me $500 for tint when local shops charge like 300.

I do like the new headlights, but I can get that done aftermarket/myself too.

Everything new on the car looks great. In reality, you have to ask yourself:

- Do I want a 4.3 final drive with revised ratios because I want better acceleration? Or do I want to replicate this myself with an aftermarket 4.3 final drive?
- What is 5HP and (assuming) no torque dip worth to me?
- Aftermarket parts are great, but will I mod the engine? If so, 2017 improvements are pretty much moot from a car purchase POV.
- Nice gauge cluster, but how am I going to use it? Same with the head unit, am I keeping it stock or swapping it out?
- "Track mode" is pretty much the same as what we have now with higher threshold. Is it worth it? Or can I live with doing pedal dance?

All the other stuff are a toss-up. You just have to ask yourself:

BRZ Limited is close to $30k. Performance package will be at least $34-35k USD. Is the price premium worth it?

Easiest comparison is the old 350Z with the "Track Edition". It was a 350Z Enthusiast Edition with essentially larger wheels, better tires, and a Brembo brake setup for several thousands more.

-alex

Is a 4.3 final drive confirmed? I don't recall seeing that anywhere

Feel free to read all the news articles from across the web.

What is confirmed is revised gear ratios in the transmission. Without a change in the FD ratio, this will be useless and detrimental to the current EPA mileage rating, something neither Subaru nor Toyota want to mess with given the MPG scandal plaguing some of the Japanese car makers.

-alex

2017 model will be better comparing to the current brz model. If you don't want to modify yourself, then choose the 2017 model. Otherwise, find a good deal of a new 2016 model and do the changes yourself. You'll be surprised how much this car can get better even with simple changes (not including ecu, headers, fi etc.).

Without pricing, it would be incredibly hard to make a recommendation / justification. Not only is the 2017 likely to be more expensive (dramatically so with the Performance Package), but dealers will be more motivated to get rid of the 2016 BRZs (like mine was) and discount them. You could end up saving a LOT of money with a 2016 for what would likely not be very significant upgrades in the grand scheme of things (far less than the difference between the 2015 Camaro and the 2016 Camaro for instance).

So they changed it to hit 60 in second gear? :bellyroll:

Will be interesting to see a dyno comparison of 2016 motor vs. 2017 motor. Yes, only 5HP peak change but maybe the area under the curve is different and maybe that crazy torque dip has been fixed?!

Yes I am interested also.

Also interested if they changed actual components in the engine/exhaust. Or are all part # the same?

Exactly and you can have fun of your car much earlier than to wait for the 2017 model. In fact, the changes in the newer model are not so much. You can get the same gains and even more with simple and effective changes in the 2016 model. Better tires for more grip (if you want this), some STI parts from the BRZ tS model and a few smart devices like sprint booster is the secret of the story.

Thanks everyone for the replies! I think this will be beneficial to anyone who may be in my shoes as well, as far as deciding whether to wait or not.

Everybody seems to think that there won't be a dramatic increase in price for the base and limited models. The track package, however, will be pretty high like mav1178 said.

I really like all the changes, other than the steering wheel. I'd prefer the plain steering wheel for a car like this, but that's why there's aftermarket steering wheels. All the other changes are positives in my eyes.

My only concern was that once you start messing with the engine, things start to change as far as the way current mods affect performance. I've been planning the headers, exhaust and tune that I want to get with the car next year, but if I go with the 2017, I'd like to see the same gains that nearly everyone else has.

P.S. nothing to do with the topic, but I plan on buying in August, so that's why I'm a little torn between getting a steal on a 2016, or waiting for the 2017 with the new goodies, which is what I'm leaning towards right now.

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