2017 BRZ VS Current BRZ

[PandaSPUR]

The only reasons I would take the 2017 over the current BRZs:

1. If you reaaaally like the new headlights. OEM head lights are currently like $1.2k for the pair, so replacing the current BRZ headlights with that yourself isnt really cost effective.
2. Dash cluster and steering wheel controls. These would probably be a pain to wire yourself, or just impossible.
3. New spoiler. Unless the mounting holes match the <MY2016 spoiler, this would be costly to do since you need to fill the holes and repaint.
4. Front bumper. You basically need to go with the new headlights unless you want to lose DRLs entirely.

Everything else (suspension, interior trim, etc) are easily replaced with aftermarket.

[Mim]

The MY17 update is great if you are looking for a brand new clean ride to drive round for a while and not modify.

That said there is plenty to like about the MY16 BRZ too. I for one love the DRL's on the lower bar and also prefer its headlights over the MY17's. To me they look less fussy and cleaner as they are separate from each. I also like the general styling and look of the front bar with fog lights etc.

I'm also a fan of the clean steering wheel ie free of buttons. Otherwise the interior is the same.

You also need to consider that you will likely land a terrific deal on run out MY16's and, with just a hand full of mods, I honestly think it will blow the MY17 out of the water.

For instance why care about a minor FD ratio update when you can select a ratio that better fits your own needs? While you're at it throw in an aluminum drive shaft that is 50% lighter and improves the efficiency of your drive train?

Likewise if you're looking at a new header and tune you will gain far better improvements than those found in the MY17's with more power and torque. Why care about a smaller torque dip when you can not only obliterate it from existence but also even go for lovely options like tuning for a classic WRX worble through UEL headers or a clean supercar banshee whale via EL headers?

The way I see it, if you're smart with your money, you can easily end up with a kick ass package that better fits your needs and end up with a superior car to an MY17 by buying an MY16 and moding it.

Why not list out the specs of an MY16 and MY17 side by side and do a little spread sheet comparison, but list better aftermarket options? Why settle for near enough is good enough, as dictated by the manufacturer, when you can cherry pick amazing superior options from so many amazing aftermarket specialists?

The platform has been out so long that many after market companies are into 2nd and even third gen products like Tein with their Flex-Z suspension.

I guess you need to take a pragmatic view of where you want the car to be in the next few years and how likely mods will be part of the equation in getting you there. If you end up swapping out many of the changes found in the MY17 update then you're wasting money, unless you just don't care

[TheWatersBoy]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

Wait for the magazine reviews at least and see what the verdict is.

Also, keep in mind that buying a first year refresh could have issues like when the MY13s came out. You might have more quirks with your car than the MY18 or MY19. It should all be covered under warranty though.

Just don't get disappointed if they announce something even better a year after you get your car.

Originally Posted by nikitopo

Come on guys, they are not so many differences. It is just a model refresh. When the car first came out it was an entirely new platform. I don't expect to see any important issues. The most possible, no issues at all.

Well, when engine parts get swapped, new issues do arise that no one expected. While I doubt that will happen from any modifications Subaru did to it, only time will tell.

[TheWatersBoy]

Originally Posted by Mim

The MY17 update is great if you are looking for a brand new clean ride to drive round for a while and not modify.

That said there is plenty to like about the MY16 BRZ too. I for one love the DRL's on the lower bar and also prefer its headlights over the MY17's. To me they look less fussy and cleaner as they are separate from each. I also like the general styling and look of the front bar with fog lights etc.

I'm also a fan of the clean steering wheel ie free of buttons. Otherwise the interior is the same.

You also need to consider that you will likely land a terrific deal on run out MY16's and, with just a hand full of mods, I honestly think it will blow the MY17 out of the water.

For instance why care about a minor FD ratio update when you can select a ratio that better fits your own needs? While you're at it throw in an aluminum drive shaft that is 50% lighter and improves the efficiency of your drive train?

Likewise if you're looking at a new header and tune you will gain far better improvements than those found in the MY17's with more power and touque. Why care about a smaller torque dip when you can not only obliterate it from existence but also even go for lovely options like tuning for a classic WRX worble through UEL headers or a clean supercar banshee whale via EL headers?

The way I see it, if you're are smart with your money, you can easily end up with a kick ass package that better fits your needs and end up with a superior car to an MY17 buy buying an MY16 and moding it.

Why not list out the specs of an MY16 and MY17 side by side and do a little spread sheet comparison on your PC, but list better aftermarket options? Why settle for near enough is good enough, as dictated by the manufacturer, when you can cherry pick amazing superior options from so many amazing aftermarket specialists?

The platform has been out so long that many after market companies are into 2nd and even third gen products like Tein with their Flex-Z suspension.

I guess you need to take a pragmatic view of where you want the car to be in the next few years and how likely mods will be part of the equation in getting you there. If you end up swapping out many of the changes found in the MY17 update then you're wasting money, unless you just don't care

This. And everything else. Y'all have been awesome with this discussion.

I love the car, both the 2016 and the 2017. There are certain things I like about one over another. I like the cluster of the 2017. But I like the steering wheel of the 2016.

I've already started planning out what I want to do once I get the car. I know I should leave the car stock for a while to learn how it feels, but the mods that I'm talking about are mainly visual. The only performance mod I was looking at was headers, an exhaust, and tune for two reasons: 1) The amount of power that is squeezed out when you do this is fantastic, and 2) I love the subie rumble, so I'm looking to get UEL headers to bring that rumble to the car.

Like I mentioned, I should be able to get a good deal on either of them, so I just wanted to know some of the community's opinions on if they were similarly priced. Plus, it would suck to get the 2017 and throw all those exhaust components at it and have it be a waste of money, though that's unlikely to be the case.

[Chad11491]

Originally Posted by TheWatersBoy

Definitely appreciate the opinion!

As far as what I'm looking for, I'm planning to get a Limited manual model. As much as I'd like to have the performance package, I've been saving for this car for a while, and the itch is starting to kill me 😂😂 Plus, I would like to track the car, but I probably won't be there every weekend, or even month lol, so the brembos and dampers don't really appeal for me at the moment (even though they are brembos). May just have add them later on down the line.

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I've gotta say, nice breaks make a world of difference. I'd get them. On my car the difference between the stock 4 Pistons and the 6 piston brembos is night and day. Every other car now feels mushy and slow to stop now haha. The performance or track pack brz looks like it will be really awesome.


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[Mim]

Price being equal I'd say going for the MY17 is a no brainer. Even if you like a feature of an earlier model I imagine it will be far easier (and cheaper) simply buying an MY17 than trying to mod an older model to include some of the features of an MY17.

We have already seen discussions to this effect in the main MY17 BRZ thread where it was viewed to likely be impossible to retain all the functionality of the new speedo cluster, funky new LCD panel and its new features etc.. and make it work in an earlier model. Even if it were possible it wouldn't make much financial sense to bother as its far more than a simple cluster swap.

[Mim]

Originally Posted by Chad11491

I've gotta say, nice breaks make a world of difference. I'd get them. On my car the difference between the stock 4 Pistons and the 6 piston brembos is night and day. Every other car now feels mushy and slow to stop now haha. The performance or track pack brz looks like it will be really awesome.


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True! Actually if you think about it, the stock car is becoming even more comfortable on a race track. From a durability perspective pads and rotors last much longer with BBK's and so lower running costs.

Will be interesting to see what little else you'd need bar better brake fluid and an oil cooler now.

[raven1231]

Couldn't agree more! Breaks are even better when they're paid!

[TheWatersBoy]

BTW Just spoke with a friend of mine that works at a Subaru dealership, and he told me that they have yet to open up the building of the car which prevents them from being able to take an order/deposit.

Don't know if it's just a regional thing or what, but I wanted to throw this out there.

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[Chad11491]

Originally Posted by raven1231

Couldn't agree more! Breaks are even better when they're paid!

LOL. I can't even claim autocorrect for that one.


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[Kendallkab]

I read somewhere the MY17 has new valves, cams, and cylinder heads. If true could the motor possibly handle a little more abuse if you were to go FI on stock internals?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Kendallkab

I read somewhere the MY17 has new valves, cams, and cylinder heads. If true could the motor possibly handle a little more abuse if you were to go FI on stock internals?

That remains to be seen. Different does not always mean stronger.

"The BRZ 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine receives several internal updates for friction reduction including new valves, camshaft and cylinder heads. Accompanied with a new aluminum intake manifold and redesigned exhaust manifold for increased air flow, the engine output in models with the 6-speed manual transmission is increased to 205-hp and 156 lb-ft of torque."

http://media.subaru.com/newsrelease....s&id=956&mid=1

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

That remains to be seen. Different does not always mean stronger.

"The BRZ 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine receives several internal updates for friction reduction including new valves, camshaft and cylinder heads. Accompanied with a new aluminum intake manifold and redesigned exhaust manifold for increased air flow, the engine output in models with the 6-speed manual transmission is increased to 205-hp and 156 lb-ft of torque."

http://media.subaru.com/newsrelease....s&id=956&mid=1

Yep. Could go either way or make no difference at all.

[Sport-Tech]

All those changes could mean good news for those hoping for a modified engine/exhaust note though.