To buy or not to buy BRZ??

[WRX2016]

YO guys,

Good to jump in the general section to get some opinions off of the people, the customers, the drivers them selves about the BRZ...

I got a Subaru Impreza for sale at a great price 1 year ago Standard blue color, standard Subaru rims, 2.5L straight 4 engine runs like a dream, handles like a go-kart!! love driving the motor daily it is one of my hobby's but i am looking into upgrading to the 2014 BRZ what is everyone's thoughts on this??

Does the BRZ....

Feel as good driving as the WRX
Handle like a beast like the WRX
How is the maintenance of the BRZ

Give me as much information as possible all of your experiences all of your thoughts and insight on upgrading and maybe even some pictures of your BRZ's would be greatly appreciated



Thanks

[swarb]

Originally Posted by WRX2016

Feel as good driving as the WRX
Handle like a beast like the WRX
How is the maintenance of the BRZ

Yes. Some would say better. I would agree. You should test drive them.
Yes. Some would say more beastly. I would agree. You should test drive them.
Maintenance is nothing special, every 6k miles. You have to buy the good gas though.

[raven1231]

Dear lord... What did I just read?

[Futaba]

Originally Posted by WRX2016

Feel as good driving as the WRX
Handle like a beast like the WRX
How is the maintenance of the BRZ

- Enjoyment and handling, yes. Raw speed, no.
- Depends on which WRX, but most would say yes if not better.
- No different from any modern car? very easy to work on though, you will need a lift or access to one to change the engine/dif/transmission oil easilly, though.

Test drive one, if possible on a road with lots of nice turns, don't ever buy a modern car on an assumption of how you expect it might be.

[BRZ_Prague]

You should take a test drive. Thats the only way how to answer those driving related questions. For more/other information just browse this forum, that what its for. Every question has been answered already.

[Kimsey47]

Get ready to lose some interior space!

[raven1231]

The main thing to consider when going from a WRX to a Brz is wether or not you are ok with losing space and power. If so then yes the BRZ is in my opinion a much better SPORTS car, whereas the WRX is a rally inspired performance oriented sedan. I've owned both and if you don't need the space, and are ok with losing your straight line speed, then I wouldn't hesitate to get the BRZ.

But again test driving both back to back (perhaps even several times) is the only way you will know for sure. FWIW I test drove the FRS 5 times before buying it and loved it more each time.

[bravedeer]

There's no comparison between the handling of the BRZ and WRX. The BRZ is that much better -- in the same way that the WRX has more raw power.

As for which is more exciting to drive, it's all about personal preference. I much prefer the BRZ. Having said all that I currently drive a WRX because I needed to consolidate to 1 car and the WRX to me (a dad) works better as a daily driver.

[Teseo]

I heard FRS is better...

[Yanbags]

Originally Posted by WRX2016

Does the BRZ....

Feel as good driving as the WRX
Handle like a beast like the WRX
How is the maintenance of the BRZ

I traded in my 2013 STi for a BRZ but please keep in mind the below is subjective.

- Driving dynamics and feel are a lot better than my previously heavily modified STi.
- Handling is quite impressive but stickier summer rubber is what will make it surpass the outright mechanical grip of a WRX.
- Nothing special about maintenance. Just keep up to date on your maintenance intervals and drive the car.

Obviously the BRZ is slower in a straight line but find some fun roads and then the BRZ shines. I was incredibly impressed with how sorted the BRZ is out of the box; it took a lot of modification for me to be happy with the STi - I don't feel this with the BRZ. It's really all about what you are looking for in a car. Like the others said - go test drive one and form opinions.

You wanted photos, here's 2 photos in the same location

[acetothermus]

Originally Posted by Teseo

I heard FRS is better...

Troll level = intermediate

[Tcoat]

I would never ever call the BRZ (or FRS) a "beast".
When driving they are more of a "partner".
Or a puppy that is very eager to please and interact with you.

[driftartist]

Originally Posted by WRX2016

YO guys,
straight 4 engine runs like a dream

*Flat 4

will also accept "Horizontally opposed 4" or boxer.

[VTEC]

I've driven the last gen base Impreza with the 2.5L and the current gen STI. But not the WRX

Even with the STI's suspension upgrades over the WRX, I still think the FR-S is still more fun in terms of handling and agility, although the STI is good too. The STI and WRX obviously have more power but if you are ok with the engine on the base Impreza, the BRZ will have more than enough power for you. It is way faster than the base automatic Impreza. But you do need to drive it like a Honda (ie. high RPMs) to really enjoy the power of the FA20 engine.

My FR-S has been very reliable so far. Once the engine is warmed it I pretty much rev the shit out of it all day every day. And I haven't had any issues yet *knocks wood*. I think the long term reliability will likely be better than the WRX because it has no turbo and therefore less parts that can break down. You do need more expensive fuel though. The BRZ and STI engines are designed for 93 octane, the WRX only needs 91. But the car is light and doesn't use much gas so I wouldn't worry about this.

The only thing you are really going to sacrifice from your base Impreza is the AWD and the space, especially if you have the Impreza hatchback.