Comparable test drives?
 

Hey all - I know there really arent any cars comparable to the BRZ offered right now, but I want to try and get a feel of the general size of the car before I put in my preorder. What would be a car that is available right now that I could test drive to get the feel of a smaller car? Right now I drive a 2004 Civic Coupe and I dont think its TOO small, but I just worry that I'll preorder this bad boy then on delivery day I'll be taking delivery of a matchbox car.

Would a Miata be a good one to test drive? Used S2000? Seems like a Genesis Coupe would be too big to compare to.

Test drive s2k, Miata, & Altima coupe for the feel of inside. GC doesn't feel anything like BRZ

What about the Z4? Looks like it has very similar dimensions and somewhat similar power.

If you're looking for a pure size comparison, try a 370z. It's within 3" of the BRZ in every dimension. Just keep in mind the BRZ will have rear seats, which will make a big difference in terms of how spacious the interior seems.

Z-car, 1-series?

I agree the 370z is way closer to the BRZ than a miata...in size. Other than that, there is no other car out there to compare the BRZ and FR-S too.

In terms of overall size, the closest vehicles would be the 370Z, S2000, or RX-8.

The 370Z is the closest overall in dimensions, being a bit bigger: Length(+0.5"), Width (+2.9"), Height (+1.2"), Wheelbase (-0.8"), and Ground Clearance (-0.06"). However, it's noticably heavier (by ~500lbs) and far more powerful.

The S2000 is a bit smaller car, but still close: Length(-4.5"), Width (-1.0"), Height (-.6"), Wheelbase (-5.7"), and Ground Clearance(-0.7"). It's much closer to the performance of the BRZ, having nearly identical weight, though it's a bit more powerful.

The RX-8 is also a bit larger: Length(+8.9"), Width (-0.2"), Height (+2.2"), Wheelbase (+5.2"), and Ground Clearance(-0.2"). However, it's very similar in that it has 4 seats, is the closest of the 3 in terms of performance, and is only a bit (~200lbs) heavier.

Also of note: RX-8s with model year 2004-2008 were actually 1.4" shorter than the later models. A 350Z is also a viable comparison in terms of size, though it's a bit larger.

In conclusion, I would really pick RX8 > S2000 > 370Z in terms of giving you a good idea of what to expect.

My girlfriend owns the altima. It's a little big.

A 370z might work as well.

370Z and BRZ has in common is how useless rear quarter windows are. Rest, I didn't feel much common

I think the interior is roughly a similar size to the Mini Cooper, at least by volume. The exterior is approximately like a 2-seat 300zx or a 370z. I guess for a test drive, there have been comparisons to the Miata.

Thanks for the replies guys - looks like I'll try to find a 370z, s2000, and r8 for comparison. Hopefully none of them are so good that I'll want it instead of the BRZ ;)

If it happens, it happens.

Please report back if you don't want the R8. :drool:
(I could understand not wanting a Mazda)