Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB

Hey all! I just bought a WR Blue 2014 BRZ Limited (manual, of course), and I am really excited to be a part of this community!

http://i.imgur.com/UkjPq3Vl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MbC7J3hl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aSDXTOql.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZsdieF5l.jpg

I'm coming from a 2011 Mazdaspeed3 (also a manual, but of course the 'speed3 only comes with a manual). Originally I was in love with the Mazda's crazy power (I mean, the thing made 280 lb.-ft. of torque; that's ten more than an E46 M3, which is 200 lbs. heavier!), but the interior quality left quite a lot to be desired (mostly, I think, because it's basically just a Mazda3 interior), and the ride was utterly horrific.

http://i.imgur.com/ob7VmVDl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SQKcIDEl.jpg
^A size comparison with a BRZ that I saw in a parking lot one day

http://i.imgur.com/pC1oSp4l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6pA4ugwl.jpg

Anyway, the BRZ's low center of gravity means that the springs don't have to be quite as insanely stiff as the Mazda's, and as a result the BRZ's ride is really quite good! Seriously, Toyota and Subaru have done some magic with this suspension. I can't speak to the long-term quality of the interior trim, but I have high hopes, considering that it's a Toyota/Subaru joint venture and I don't live somewhere that gets very cold. Also, as you can see from the above pictures, there just aren't nearly as many parts (= potential sources of squeaks and rattles) in the Subaru as there were in the Mazda.

And I love the transmission. This Aisin 'box is such a sweetheart. It fits the engine so perfectly, and it's a really nice departure from the longer throws and more rubbery engagement of the MS3. I just think the BRZ is the complete package. (I wrote a blog entry with some detailed thoughts on what makes the BRZ so great, to be found here.)

So, anyway, I'm looking forward to 86Expo this year! I hope to see many of you there.