S2000 or BRZ, I want your personal opinions

[jrcoreymv]

Awesome guys, thanks a lot. I'm glad I got a some opinions from s2k owners, I was a bit concerned about the bias on a brz forum. I'll most likely go for the s2k. Im starting a good job right out of school, so it won't be long to get something different if I have a change of heart. Besides, maybe a turbo version will be out by then, at which point my mind will be made up. My mom, on the other hand, isn't too happy with me getting the s2k.

How hard is it to get a test-drive from a subaru dealership?

[FakeWhiteMan]

It would be silly not to take the s2000. Like others have said, drive it around and test drive the BRZ, if you feel like the BRZ is $10k better than make the trade.

[phm14]

It's different for everyone, and all boils down to your 1st priority of use for the car. I sold my S2000CR to build a NC MX5 track/street car. I loved the year I had the S2K, but I found the Vtec "hit" was less than ideal for my driving style on a road course, and brakes could be an issue. The MX5 inspired more confidence on track, and had no brake issues. The "broomstick test" requirement for convertibles was an issue for taller drivers even with racing seats. I'm thinking the 86 will be great on track, and have more utility on the street than either roadster. There just aren't that many top down days in my neck of the woods anyway. Having been upside down in a car before can dampen the ragtop fun as well.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by phm14

It's different for everyone, and all boils down to your 1st priority of use for the car. I sold my S2000CR to build a NC MX5 track/street car. I loved the year I had the S2K, but I found the Vtec "hit" was less than ideal for my driving style on a road course, and brakes could be an issue. The MX5 inspired more confidence on track, and had no brake issues. The "broomstick test" requirement for convertibles was an issue for taller drivers even with racing seats. I'm thinking the 86 will be great on track, and have more utility on the street than either roadster. There just aren't that many top down days in my neck of the woods anyway. Having been upside down in a car before can dampen the ragtop fun as well.

What's the broomstick test?

[WingsofWar]

go with the s2000 IMO, its a very fun car...sure it has its hassles..but you learn to deal.

I only say this because for many of us we are coming from s2ks, STIs, Supras, etc, and we are appreciating the BRZ much more because of what it offers that those cars do not.

During the initial process, BRZ/GT86 was built on the ideals of dulling down performance that are made of todays sports cars and to peel away the layers to get to the rawer form of driving. And to me, if we do not understand those layers with our own hands and feet, we cant understand the full nature of what makes the BRZ/FRS special, like the Miata.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by ayau

What's the broomstick test?

A broomstick (or other straight object) is placed between the top of the windshield frame and the rollover protection (roll bar/cage). If the drivers head goes past that line, it fails and won't be allowed on track for many tracks and organizations.

It prevented me from enjoying my S2K on track quite a bit. It's one of the reasons I sold my S2K.

[dsgerbc]

Support the world economy, buy a new car

[Laika]

As a very proud BRZ owner, I still have to say you should absolutely get the s2000.

[zberch]

Something's missing here, the OP said "Now I realize that it comes down to whether the extra practicality is worth the 10 grand" I read this as your parents are giving you the S2000 or $20k. Is this the case?

Take the S and sell it if or when your ready, it's a great car. Resale it crazy high, especially with the low miles.

[bsk]

I'm a current s2k owner and I was counting the days till the brz would be released. once I drove it I was so disappointed. Sure the handling is nice (so is the s2k) but the car really felt under powered to me so I kept my sk2. The seats in the brz are way more comfortable, the cabin feels a lot roomier but the lack of power and soft clutch killed the deal. I would Take the free sk2. Who knows 2-3 years from now maybe they will release a STI version then you can upgrade.

[quik1987]

wish there was a brz/fr-s vs s2000 thread

[Tbomb 25]

Originally Posted by jrcoreymv

Awesome guys, thanks a lot. I'm glad I got a some opinions from s2k owners, I was a bit concerned about the bias on a brz forum. I'll most likely go for the s2k. Im starting a good job right out of school, so it won't be long to get something different if I have a change of heart. Besides, maybe a turbo version will be out by then, at which point my mind will be made up. My mom, on the other hand, isn't too happy with me getting the s2k.

How hard is it to get a test-drive from a subaru dealership?

You have a headstart more than most in the market for a S2000 you know all this cars particular orgins and its mint....TAKE THE S2000...buy a BRZ/FRS in a year or so and have both....wish i still had my 1st gen Miata the S2000 is 1 of the cars i havent got around to owning yet it most resymbles the 1st gen Miata but with steroids BRZ/FRS is the other side of the 1st gen Miata personality with great steering feel and practacality...you'll love having both!

[GirlyScions]

Take the s2k. This way it'll be one less person with sour grapes when a turbo'd version comes out.

[jrcoreymv]

Originally Posted by zberch

Something's missing here, the OP said "Now I realize that it comes down to whether the extra practicality is worth the 10 grand" I read this as your parents are giving you the S2000 or $20k. Is this the case?

Take the S and sell it if or when your ready, it's a great car. Resale it crazy high, especially with the low miles.

Sorta. Basically I was given a choice of my dad's s2k, or the money that it's worth. I'm not sure why I got this deal, but I'm not unhappy about it. I'm not spoiled by the way, but it is a pretty awesome graduation present.