BRZ tS vs. GR86 Premium Ownership Comparison

[Veloist]

Originally Posted by dowroa

Since you do have this unique perspective, do you have separated feelings on the My18 vs the MY20 tS, @Veloist?

I believe the Gen1s lifecycle had a more raw initial feel to the final models which appeared to be more refined (sachs dampers, stickier rubber, brembos). It feels like a page from the Porsche playbooks to have return customers to a brand through the lifecycle of a model / generations.

While it has been mentioned that the tS is more cosmetic changes than a rebuild like an WRX --> WRX STi or S209, did you experience the Gen1-base to Gen1 tS? PP models with Sachs + Brembos? While this can be seen as splitting hairs and ineffective changes relative to just STX / SCC prepping a Gen1, I think there is some good discussion to be had in the micro as well, if you have insight here.

To give back some:



I think the simple answer here is to add caster and more "factory" stock camber here. Other S209-like changes with pillowball changes and overall suspension rate changes + good dampers (adaptive / magnetic) could really give more feel back.

And, by the time the tS is ready, maybe tS-specific steering modes / adjustment could be something to give back more feel which you can't just do with bolt-ons.

Thanks for your time and insight, @Veloist.

I did not feel any differences between the ‘18 and ‘20 tS.
However, the differences between the standard BRZ (with & without the Performance Package) and the tS are still apparent (steering feel, turn-in, and confidence from grip). Most of those online/YouTube journalists pretty much say the same thing I did. If you’re familiar with theTopher he even drove a tS against his modified BRZ (13 or 14 I forgot) and consistently got 1 second faster lap times on the track he drove on with the tS.

[dsc_pat]

That is obviously a tire difference, because you do not get 1 second from braces, a spoiler and so little spring rate differences. If you get this much from so little, do not get camber bolts, 200tw tires and coilovers...you won't sleep for a week.

I read this topic like the tS is a Honda Type R equivalent, while it is not at all. Most competitive classes do not even account for the tS mods...because they barely have any effect.

[Veloist]

Originally Posted by dsc_pat

That is obviously a tire difference, because you do not get 1 second from braces, a spoiler and so little spring rate differences. If you get this much from so little, do not get camber bolts, 200tw tires and coilovers...you won't sleep for a week.

I read this topic like the tS is a Honda Type R equivalent, while it is not at all. Most competitive classes do not even account for the tS mods...because they barely have any effect.

Definitely not a type R equivalent, more like the BRZ tS is to the S2000 CR.

This was the mod list of theTopher’s BRZ vs the stock BRZ tS:

2014 Subaru BRZ Mod List (in this video):
225/45/17 Falken Azenis RT-615k Tires
Corsa Performance Catback Exhaust*
2017+ Subaru BRZ Front & Rear Spring/Shock assembly
2017+ Toyota 86 Rear Stabilizer Bar: # SU003-06461
2017+ Toyota 86 Rear Stabilizer Bar Bushings: # SU003-06462
2017+ Subaru BRZ Limited Rear Differential 4.3 Ratio #4111018030
FT86 Speedfactory Catted UEL Header
OpenFlash Tablet FT86 SF Header Tune (Stg 2 91 v3.0)
Corsa Powercore® Closed Box Air Intake PN 185206
17x7.5 SSR GT2 Wheels
Cosworth StreetMaster R90 Fast Road Brake Pads (Front/Rear)
DBA 4000 Front Rotors
StopTech STR-600 Brake Fluid
Whiteline Front Camber Bolts (set to -1º)
Clutch pedal helper spring removed for improved weight/feel
Engine oil: 0w20 Eneos Sustina
Differential fluid: Motul Gear 300
Transmission fluid: Redline MT-90

2018 Subaru BRZ tS:
MSRP: From $33,495
Horsepower: 205 hp
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Wheel size: 18″ diameter, 7.5″ width
Curb weight: 2,798 lbs
MPG: 21 city / 29 highway
Torque: 156 lb-ft

[rennlistuser3]

Just wanted to say huge thanks for this post


Absolutely incredible read

[raisingAnarchy]

What a fantastic write up! Every time someone like you posts such beautiful pics of California, it makes me want to put my head in the sand and forget gas prices are a thing and move there!

[Ernest72]

Great write up. These cars are real close so no point fighting about what’s better, it’s very subjective. I do wonder how much time I could save on my 1 hr highway commute driving mostly straight lines, if I had gotten the TS. Get the TS because it was limited and you like it.