Is The New BRZ Better Than An S2000? | Real World Test Drive And Impressions

[Ash_89]

I haven't watched that much of this channels content so can't say if this video will be worthwhile, might be worth a look as I have seen a lot of comparisons between the two cars on here.

Also maybe there should be a stickied thread for these sorts of videos - I hope I didn't miss it if it already exists.

[nikitopo]

The video is still live. Some first comments on the Forester STI are exactly up to the point (i.e. this car doesn't exist anymore and the new Forester is just a straight SUV and it's huge if you put it beside the Forester STI). I'll check the whole content and in more particular the S2k comments and I'll let you know.

[nikitopo]

As expected ...

"To me BRZ just feels like a new and improved version of the older car", but he cannot compare it to the S2k. Especially when his S2k looks in such a good condition and under 60k miles!

Hope you won't get too much hate over here pal.

[Yoshoobaroo]

So basically my modded S2000 is better than a stock BRZ because I like it better? Alright I’ll skip this one then.

[Ash_89]

I just watched it, keep in mind I haven't driven either. His thoughts seem to be in line with what other owners have said.

Also his drive was just around town so perhaps he didn't get a full impression of it compared to his car which he is familiar with.

His thought on the rawness (NVH I suppose) of the S2000 is a little unfair given it's a convertible and I'm sure the BRZ is designed to a daily driver. It's a valid point to make though depending on your usage.

Lastly the specialness aspect that he highlighted would be dependent on how you view the ownership proposition of a used S2000 versus a new BRZ, each has its pros and cons which you need to evaluate for yourself.

Edit as pointed out by Yoshoobaroo above mods will probably get the BRZ to where you want it, so it's basically a matter of preference.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Also let’s not forget the S2000 was a 50K USD car in today’s money. The fact that the BRZ is beating it in a straight line at 29k is a testament to the fantastic job Subaru has done, let alone single-handedly keeping this segment alive in the last 10 years.

I get that people are invested in the S2000, I remember desperately wanting one in 2008-2009. But now it’s an overpriced 20 year old car that it is starting to be hard to find parts for. I’ll take the car with a warranty and 2 extra seats that performs near-as-makes-no-difference the same.

[Ash_89]

Agreed, generally speaking I can't get my head around worshipping older cars and realistically wanting to own them - not that I am financially able to anyway.

The new Twins are as good as we could realistically hope for and they are new, to some this makes it a no brainer.

[wbradley]

Why not just compare it to a Cayman? The price disparity is so great between the two cars it's a wonder they are comparable at all. In it's time I'm not sure anything was comparable to an S2000 aside from a Boxster, which also was more money.

Most people that would consider a twin could not live with an S2000 every day.

[tiger1964]

One good aspect of the S2000's enduring reputation -- for some, anyway -- is resale value. Even our well-used example holds enough value to help fund its replacement.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by tiger1964

One good aspect of the S2000's enduring reputation -- for some, anyway -- is resale value. Even our well-used example holds enough value to help fund its replacement.

Agreed, it being the only RWD Honda product in the last 20 years does make it desirable. I can’t help but feel that most of the valuation of the S 2000 these days is artificial though. If you look at it objectively it is nowhere near a good value for money in the light weight naturally aspirated rear wheel drive sports car segment.

[wbradley]

There was a nice Japan import clown shoe Z3M coupe for sale nearby a few years ago. Compare that to an S2000.

[MyHybridBurnsGasAndTires]

Originally Posted by wbradley

There was a nice Japan import clown shoe Z3M coupe for sale nearby a few years ago. Compare that to an S2000.

as someone who owned an s52 Z3MC, the s2k is definitely the better sports car of the two.

but i was too tall for the s2k so the z3mc was the next best option for me

[wbradley]

Originally Posted by MyHybridBurnsGasAndTires

as someone who owned an s52 Z3MC, the s2k is definitely the better sports car of the two.

but i was too tall for the s2k so the z3mc was the next best option for me

Sports car, or car in general? This one that a Japan importer had on his lot had lots of stuff in it, a big strut tower brace and I'm sure lots more. It looked ready for weekend track use.
Too bad distance and other concerns make weekend track visits not viable for me anyway. I just thought that oddball BMW was a keeper for longterm value wise much like the S2000.
I had a cooworker who purchased a Z4M coupe new when it came out. I didn't love the dash/interior but I do like the *idea* of a responsive n/a inline 6.

[nikitopo]

I believe his comment on rawness is not related just on sound or NVH. You can install in the BRZ a better exhaust and stiffer bushings and you can have a comparable feeling. Main problem is how to achieve an engine rev up to 9k RPM. S2000 AP1 is pretty unique in this area and an achievement of the 90s. So, there is a reason to be so overpriced and desirable nowadays in Japan. Autobacs ASM tried pretty hard to give some love to the 86/BRZ too, but the user acceptance wasn't really the same.