Why BRZ Over GR86?
 

I have a Subaru dealer nearby but have to drive 1 1/2hr over a mountain pass and down into Denver for a Toyota dealer. Still, the front bumper and stiffer rear springs are tempting me toward the GR86. Before I pull the trigger I'm curious what made you get the BRZ.

P.S. Why is this forum split? Nearly every topic pertains to both cars so it would be nice to have them combined into one page.

It has a Subaru heart, therefore has to be a Subaru...

It's the difference between Oldsmobile or Buick. Not much really.
Same people on the assembly line. Same bolt patterns.
Something goes past and they put a part on.

For us Canadians it a $2K savings in MSRP. Plus if you ordered at the right time there was an extra $500 off from Subaru.

$2.5K less is was a no brainer even though I prefer the GR86 front.

For me, it was the interior stitching, the more daily tuned suspension, and it being a Subaru.

But I really want that GR86 Front bumper. I'm like 95% certain I'm going to swap it out.

hehe...

I went BRZ for the stiffer rear stabilizer mounting points, stiffer bushings, more linear throttle map. Like the white BRZ front bumper best as well as the headlights. That was my reasoning anyways. Japanese press day videos are another reason I went BRZ. Better oversteer characteristics vs the 86. No brand allegiance to either. Had a first gen FRS.

My reasons for choosing BRZ
- Base model seats look much better
- Base model wheels look better with the dark finish than machine finish
- Base model gets aluminum pedal covers I think
- Aluminum knuckles
- Revised rear rollbar design
- Headlights look better

If I were to get a GR86, it’d be mainly for the front bumper design and the gorgeous seats on the upper level trim. Also the ducktail spoiler is not bad too. And that Neptune blue color :wub:

For me, it came down to finding the dealership that can deliver the customer experience I was looking for. I wanted the GR86 to begin with (AE86 connection) but had a tough time getting the service I was looking for from a Toyota dealership. Owner of my local Subaru dealership connected me with his team and bought a BRZ (they delivered fantastic experience). For anyone in the Seattle area, I definitely recommend Carter Subaru.

World rally blue.

I guess I'm in the minority but I like the styling of the front of the BRZ a lot better. As some people have said, it really does look better in person. There's an aspect that's lacking from photos which is how the styling looks comparative to the size of the car. The car is tiny, and the front looks a lot tighter in person. There are a couple of YouTube videos out there that capture this better than most, where they show the exterior of the cars driving along normal city streets so you can understand perspective and scale better if you don't have one you can physically see around you. I think the giant grill on the 86 and the way it integrates with the front vents just looks cheap to me.

I also like the interior colors, wheel color, and WRB paint option a lot on the BRZ.

This is the first I've heard of different throttle mapping. I HATE non-linear and aggressively mapped throttles. It makes it hard to be smooth and controlled at small throttle openings. So you're sure about this?
As for oversteer, my concern was the BRZ would understeer too much in some situations (with stock alignment and suspension). Not a concern?

There is a cool Subaru culture around brand loyalty and their relationship with their customers.

1) I prefer the BRZ front bumper and grill.
2) I don't care for the duckbill rear spoiler on the 86.
3) Don't like the oversize look of the 86 front grill.
4) I expected higher markups on the Toyota side.
5) Most youtube influencers stated preference for the Toyota - I prefer to be a contrarian.
6) BRZs became available first.

Looks that way to me. Lmk if im wrong. Subaru engineers have stated that they delivered a linear car that seems to be more home on track in stock configuration. "You get out exactly what you put in." To me, it looks like Toyota's marketing team then got a hold of the car and changed it. But not necessarily for the better or for the more nuanced driver. My opnion of course and I haven't driven a GR86. Marginal but God is in the details and it's more than just different bumpers. There is initial stabilizing understeer but the BRZ is fairly neutral. No, understeer is not a concern. I'm about to go Bilstein B8/Swift Spec R/Raceseng Camber plates and Cusco LCAs. I'll let you know how that set up vs stock 👍