Those who have had 1st and 2nd gen cars - difference in ride comfort?

[AnalogMan]

For those who have owned both first and second generation BRZ's, I'd be interested in any observations/comments you might have on real-world ride comfort differences.

I drive my 2019 on relatively long trips (6-7 hours) despite not exactly being 'young' (mid 60's). It's not the most comfortable car on a long trip, but then, my seat bottom doesn't need to be coddled with 'luxury.' It would be nice to know if the 2nd gen car is more comfortable, my wife might be more inclined to go for longer trips in one.

Thanks!

[justinco]

The gen2 Premium (or ones with 18" wheels) have more feedback, or bumpy feeling, to them. Compared to the gen1 with 17" wheels, about the only observation I've noticed.

[jvincent]

For me, the gen 2 is a lot more comfy, but my gen1 was lowered on really stiff springs.

That said, we took a pretty long trip (3000km total) last summer in the gen2 and neither I or the wife had any complaints.

EDIT: Original thread here. https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150833

[Jegan_V]

I concur with @jvincent compared to my 2014 FRS my 2023 BRZ is considerably more comfortable. I do think you'll need to convince someone with one near your area to let you sit in it for a while before you'll know for sure though. My FRS had stock suspension so I am doing a stock for stock comparison. Even back in 2013 when I first test drove a FRS, it was barely tolerable for me. Had they made it as harsh as say a Acura RSX, I couldn't have it. I don't need a headache every time I drive. My issue was when road surfaces were really bad, it was pretty harsh. Only on the rare days I had a migraine driving over the bad roads where driving the car felt like punishment. Thus I did want a car that had the same traits as the old car except it eliminates this problem for me.

That said its not like the new BRZ is even midsize sedan tier of ride comfort, at best its compact car levels with IRS. I find it definitely rides better than anything with a torsion beam but the roads I drive on can be very poor and make anything with a beam suspension bounce, which I don't like, thus I refuse to own anything with that suspension.

What I can't tell you though, is whether your 2019 BRZ had enough refinement over the years that the difference is a lot smaller compared to those of us with the earliest 1st gens because I never driven a later 1st gen 86 or BRZ.

Unlike most, the comfort was what sold me on the 2nd gen BRZ. I wasn't certain what was the best route to take with a 1st gen thus I never touched the suspension on it in fear of making it worse, but for me a 2nd gen had more than enough improvements that it was worth it to me to make the leap.

[ZDan]

I just got a '23 Limited. Stock dampers are *way* more comfortable vs. '17 Performance Package Sachs, which were IMO a too harsh in high-speed compression damping.
I liked my '17s seats a lot, very supportive, seat bottom maybe a bit flat. New seats feel even more huggy/holdy but also more curved and form-fitting (to my form anyway). Very nice!

[Desertnate]

I never drove a 1st gen beyond a test drive, but did drive one nearly back-to-back with my 2nd gen. Ride-wise I don't remember there being that much difference, but the seats in the 2nd gen are more comfortable. Like someone already said, they seem to be shaped better and I noticed they are a fraction wider which allows you to shift around a bit when on a long-haul and also allow you to wear bulkier clothing in the winter without feeling squeezed.

My wife and I are in our 50's. I've done a couple 4+ hour (each way) trips in it and at least one 7 hour trip and there were no complaints from a comfort perspective. My wife's only complaint is the small number of cup holders and the feeling she's going to get squished by every 18-wheeler or giant pickup I pass on the Interstate.

[superjer]

I find the 2023 to be way more comfortable versus my previous 2016 and my wife agrees. She hated driving in the 2016 and immediately remarked how much smoother the 2023 was. I do find the 2023 is smoother, quieter and rides more comfortably. At the same time, I missed the more direct and visceral feeling with the 2016 but over the last little bit I've pretty much forgotten that and love my 2023 now as much as I loved my 2016.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Couldn't really tell you. Both my first gen and now 2nd gen were on coilovers with less than 700 miles on them.

[ACT86]

Mine both ended up on coilovers, but I’d say the 2022 was definitely more compliant than my 2017.