Top Gear Coupe of the Year Comparo: GT86 vs BRZ

[pkny]

Originally Posted by 86BRZ

Same here. Toyota 86 yes! Own the legacy. The FRS interior and the badge is something I cannot get past. BRZ limited is the remaining choice here.

In this case, Can someone confirm the spring rate and tuning for GT86 is = FRS? Therefore the 2 car drive the same?

UK and EU spec both have the 23 N/mm front spring rate, which is the same as the FR-S. Don't know the rear and the Japanese spec though.

source:
http://corporatemedia.toyota.eu/news...d=1820&mid=186
http://media.toyota.co.uk/wp-content...ullrelease.pdf

[YW-Slayer]

Originally Posted by stockysnail

Is that stereo from the 90s? Where's the tape deck or even the 8 track player?

That's why I swapped mine out (in Hong Kong the BRZ comes with the same stereo) after less than a week for an Alpine. Not very user-friendly, but still much better.

[ShoNUFF]

I guess the interiors in the UK differ from here.

I test drove both FRS & BRZ.

The FRS felt a little cheap and I was instantly turned off by it.

I went to Subaru looking for a WRX/STI and ended up sitting in a Limited BRZ. I fell in love instantly.

Either way the twins are some great cars.

[gily25]

Originally Posted by Chauntalei

That's correct, the base BRZ in the UK has this, instead of satnav:



Satnav is an option over there for the Subie.

Barf...if my BRZ came with that stereo it would be negotiated away before delivery...I actually considered trying to like the FR-S head unit if I bought one but there is no taking that ugly thing home.

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by Achpoques

I don't mind the subaru stock radio - yea, it's slow, but functional and has the features there.

The stock stereo on the Subaru is different in Canada, USA and the UK. We each get a different Pioneer deck. The Canadian one is excellent, the only minor complaint I have is the lack of up and down arrows in the MP3 browser (MicroSD card). The capacitive touch screen is difficult to scroll and arrows would make it much easier. The NAV is awesome, I use it every day but I want to disable the nanny so I can punch in a destination (or my passenger) while driving.

Sound quality is solid for a stock deck and speakers.

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by rusty959

Agreed. If I wasn't in the US Id probably go with the gt86, but in 'Murica the extra features of the BRZ compared to the base FRS wins out, especially in limited trim.

This. I was all for going with Toyota's GT-86 until they announced it would be released as a Scion and be heavily de-contented here in America.

[86BRZ]

Originally Posted by PMok

Give it some 95 octane and it will be more playful.

Pmok, there is a gas station in San Jose selling octane 100. I wonder how much more playful the puppy would be after feed her that s**t? Lol...

[mechaghost]

Originally Posted by 86BRZ

Pmok, there is a gas station in San Jose selling octane 100. I wonder how much more playful the puppy would be after feed her that s**t? Lol...

Won't do anything unless you get a tune ;p

[ducatichick]

"Put it this way: the Toyota meets each corner like a puppy greeting the postman. The BRZ grabs the letter right out of his hand."

Yep, I'm a BRZ owner!

[Khazzy]

Originally Posted by Enemies

I would have bought a GT86 over a BRZ but not an FR-S. Obviously just my opinion, but GT86 > BRZ > FR-S. I don't really get when people say GT86 = FR-S.

EXACTLY how I feel and I am glad I am not the only one.

[fatoni]

after reading all that initial bias, im surprised the author chose the toyota.

[YW-Slayer]

Originally Posted by gily25

Barf...if my BRZ came with that stereo it would be negotiated away before delivery...I actually considered trying to like the FR-S head unit if I bought one but there is no taking that ugly thing home.

I asked about doing the same thing, but the car would have cost me the same anyway. That's why I decided to just see what it sounded and looked like in the car for a bit. I now have it sitting in our bedroom for re-installation if I ever sell the car.

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by pastuch

The NAV is awesome, I use it every day but I want to disable the nanny so I can punch in a destination (or my passenger) while driving.

I don't recommend punching in your passenger while underway, could have some nasty consequences...

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by pkny

UK and EU [GT86] spec both have the 23 N/mm front spring rate, which is the same as the FR-S. Don't know the rear and the Japanese spec though.

Interesting, because there is conflicting info on a thread here showing the FR-S to be far more tail-happy than the GT86- to whit:

SPRINGS Front/Rate Rear/Rate Part # MSRP
OEM Toyota 86 0.0"/3.0k 0.0"/3.3k TBD $---
OEM Scion FR-S M/T 0.0"/2.3k 0.0"/3.8k F:SU003-04144 $83.90
OEM Scion FR-S A/T 0.0"/2.3k 0.0"/3.8k F:SU003-04145 $83.90
OEM Subaru BRZ M/T 0.0"/2.7k 0.0"/3.5k F:20330CA010 $79.70
OEM Subaru BRZ A/T 0.0"/2.7k 0.0"/3.5k F:20330CA020 $79.70

This from a semi-official WoW FAQ. If this is correct, barring differences in the struts, the UK/Euro GT86 should actually understeer more than the BRZ given its harder front springs and softer rears.