RE: Driven: Subaru BRZ

[PGM]

I'm OK with the performance figures, I understand the ethos of the car.

However, I'm starting to get a little worried that it will be a rev the knackers off it hard work type of car (like s2000) rather than something more like Porsche with the torque low down that I like. Need to see the torque curve to see where it's all available I suppose. Hopefully driving it to see for myself whether it suits is not too far away.

[Johnnytheboy]

PGM said:

I'm OK with the performance figures, I understand the ethos of the car.

However, I'm starting to get a little worried that it will be a rev the knackers off it hard work type of car (like s2000) rather than something more like Porsche with the torque low down that I like. Need to see the torque curve to see where it's all available I suppose. Hopefully driving it to see for myself whether it suits is not too far away.

The engine figures sound very like those for an S2000; it has 150 lb ft which is about the same. And most reviews seem to mention having to rev it to get the power.

This peakiness rather than the headline bhp is what'd put me off. Been there, done that.

[Fire99]

Johnnytheboy said:

This peakiness rather than the headline bhp is what'd put me off. Been there, done that.

Can be fun on the track, but as a day-to-day road car, peakiness can get a bit tiring IMO. (Odd since it's focussed as a road car over track)

[dele]

IAJO said:

Thats 25% less efficient and could make this car expensive to run as petrol is only going up. Its delivers the same economy as a cayman but is considerably smaller engined and down on power and pace.

Well obviously, its also down on price, you forgot to factor that in your equations

Love the Pistonheads forums sometimes

[leon9191]

Got my name down for a test drive at Toyota Norwich come summer, might be the first new car I buy.

Of course the PH way is complain and say it should have 2 turbos, 500bhp and machine guns but I think it looks & sounds like the ideal everyday car for me at the moment.

[Stu R]

I know it sort of betrays the ethos of the launch model, and I'm sure after this post I'll be told I just don't get it and that it's all about purity and driver involvement etc, but I can't help but think it'll be all the better for having a smidgen more power than it's got now.

I don't mind having to keep cars on the boil and forever be up and down the gearbox, but when every journo I've seen describes the main reward for doing so as being a change in engine note, I have to wonder if it's not lacking a bit.

Still sounds like it's got the potential to be a great deal of fun, and I don't think they'll have a problem selling them to folks on here.

It's a shame Nissan haven't gone down this route with a new 200SX or even a lightened, pared down 370z for sub-£30k.

[anonymous-user]

I really cant put my finger on it but this car just isnt exciting me, and it should be! Not sure if its the 90's styling or the 'average performance' on paper. I really do need to have a drive in one of these.

[bobbylondonuk]

So we still dont know what the actual mechanical differences are between the 2 of them? Toyota more softly sprung and damped than the subaru? IS this the reason why subaru would be more stable and toyota more lively?

Apart from that..its all interior options that are different between the 2..i think

[gmh23]

I thought the whole point of this car was to be efficient and fun.

31mpg, 181g/km CO2 is not efficient, and thats a terrible 0-60 time, yes I know thats not the point of this car, but a clio is noticeably faster than that, a Clio!

[DanDC5]

I really want one of these in a couple of years once there's a few used ones about. As a day to day/fun car this seems spot on. Kind of a rear wheel drive version of what I have now.

[Twincam16]

PGM said:

I'm OK with the performance figures, I understand the ethos of the car.

However, I'm starting to get a little worried that it will be a rev the knackers off it hard work type of car (like s2000) rather than something more like Porsche with the torque low down that I like. Need to see the torque curve to see where it's all available I suppose. Hopefully driving it to see for myself whether it suits is not too far away.

What I think you mean is that it drives like a Japanese sports car rather than a German one.

Given that it's Japanese, that's precisely what I'd expect and what I'd want from it.

[aspen]

gmh23 said:

I thought the whole point of this car was to be efficient and fun.

31mpg, 181g/km CO2 is not efficient, and thats a terrible 0-60 time, yes I know thats not the point of this car, but a clio is noticeably faster than that, a Clio!

Thats better economy than my Clio 200 and the 0-60 times are almost identical. I will probably replace the clio with one of these in the next year or so. As much as I love the clio, its a hot hatch, not a sports car.

[Paul_B]

DanDC5 said:

I really want one of these in a couple of years once there's a few used ones about. As a day to day/fun car this seems spot on. Kind of a rear wheel drive version of what I have now.

Exactly, I've always liked the Integra Type-R but the FWD thing has always put me off. I think you're right that the BRZ/GT86 is the RWD equivalent.

And I'm sure with a few choice modifications they will be fantastic cars!

[IAJO]

dele said:

Well obviously, its also down on price, you forgot to factor that in your equations

Love the Pistonheads forums sometimes

I like these cars and am saving so that in 3-4 years i can buy a second hand one. The power and its peaky delivery will be fine for me I dont have a problem.

As you so pointed out a Cayman is a more expensive car the reason I used it is it also has a boxer engine like gt86/brz. There is only 10k difference between a brz and a cayman and doubt very much that is all in the engine cost.

My MG ZR is not more expensive and is old technology yet provides the same performance at better economy and this dissapoints me, I felt that with equal performance and much better fun/driving ability the gt86/brz was perfect. The cost of fuel will rise without me buying a car thats less efficient for no performance gain.

I also love Pistonheads forums sometimes.

[DanDC5]

Paul_B said:

DanDC5 said:

I really want one of these in a couple of years once there's a few used ones about. As a day to day/fun car this seems spot on. Kind of a rear wheel drive version of what I have now.

Exactly, I've always liked the Integra Type-R but the FWD thing has always put me off. I think you're right that the BRZ/GT86 is the RWD equivalent.

And I'm sure with a few choice modifications they will be fantastic cars!

I'm thinking full exhaust and induction for a bit more noise, maybe lowering springs just to set it at a better height, geo setup and some lightweight Rays wheels or similar. Job done.

[Yorkshirepud]

First new car to come along to make me consider swapping my ageing Mk1 LCR, must say something.

Like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/moto_club4ag/64884248...

[IAJO]

Yorkshirepud said:

First new car to come along to make me consider swapping my ageing Mk1 LCR, must say something.

Like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/moto_club4ag/64884248...

That is an awesome looking car. Is that standard scion or has it been modded aswell?

[PGM]

Twincam16 said:

PGM said:

I'm OK with the performance figures, I understand the ethos of the car.

However, I'm starting to get a little worried that it will be a rev the knackers off it hard work type of car (like s2000) rather than something more like Porsche with the torque low down that I like. Need to see the torque curve to see where it's all available I suppose. Hopefully driving it to see for myself whether it suits is not too far away.

What I think you mean is that it drives like a Japanese sports car rather than a German one.

Given that it's Japanese, that's precisely what I'd expect and what I'd want from it.

That's fair enough and a good point. Rather than saying that the car isn't good for that, I was more making the point of making sure that I am capable of enjoying it before proceeding - I have my name down for one at the moment.

[binnerboy]

i like the idea of this car and would like to give it a go. I expect that for many "hero" drivers who have been bought up on FWD, traction control, understeer and mollycoddling the revelation will be backwards through a hedge the first time it rains leading to crippling insurance premiums and very cheap second hand cars for older chaps like me

I can but hope !

[daveknott5]

Dan Trent said:

Just handed the car back to some very relieved Germans who thought we'd eloped with it!

And chatted further with Subaru UK guys on the price and spec and it seems the higher entry cost is partly accounted for by standard heated leather seats compared with the Toyota. Final specs are TBC on both yet but this would appear to be the major difference at the moment. Nav will be optional and a non-OE Pioneer unit fitted here in the UK.

Dan

So Dan, ultimate question - would you rather have a BRZ/GT86 or the perennial PH favourite - the MX5 2.0 Sport Tech? Which is more fun?