Quote:
Originally Posted by g e
I went from a 2009 GTI to the 2013 Limited BRZ.
Both cars are stock; both with manual transmissions
The GTI was a great car but I found it’s handling limits in even spirited suburban driving. It excels as a freeway driver. 700 mile drives are a breeze. Ergonomics were very good
The BRZ is a far more entertaining driver. Although it lacks in outright speed, the handling is exceptional. The seats are better than those in the GTI and ergonomics are superb. All switches, controls, shifter are perfectly placed. The one exception is the audio control unit. Who signed off on those damn soft touch switches?
It is noisier than the GTI
I was concerned enough about the noise that I brought a pair of ear pugs for my first road trip of 1,000 miles. They proved disorientating so I didn’t use them much. The surface of the road has much to do with road noise. In the end I did not find it excessive or fatiguing. Sound absorption can be added if it desired.
The BRZ has decent cargo capacity and with back seat down it’s amazing how much stuff will fit. I bought an 8 foot ladder and only had a couple feet sticking out the back.
I have Michelin all seasons on it now, and the handling is decidedly softer than with the Primacies. this spring will get some Summer tires.
Unless you need to fit 4 adults in your car, theBRZ is the driver’s choice
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Thank you for the detailed write up!!
It is nice to hear an opinion comparing stock, to stock driving dynamics. I am really looking for a knock around town / HPDE track car and that's about it. I would take my other cars on a longer trip, so it sounds like this is a car I would really like!
The good news is that they improved the power of the car substantially for the 2022 model year. They increased the engine size a little, aded HP and more importantly flattened out the torque curve. comparing 2022 BRZ/GTI, now, the BRZ is actually faster off the line, but after they are at speed, the GTI is faster. So realistically, I can call them about the same. Obviously compared to my tuned 2015 GTI, it will be slower, but I feel that the improved handling dynamics will make up for it in driving pleasure (Or at least I hope, lol)