The 2018 Subaru BRZ is a light sports coupe that’s exceptionally fun to drive, mostly thanks to a brisk engine and responsive handling from its composed suspension system. Drivers who prefer to row their own gears will especially enjoy the standard manual transmission. –cars.usnews
Subaru BRZ Engine and Transmission
All BRZ models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. With the standard six-speed manual, BRZ's engine generates 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque while with the optional six-speed automatic transmission those figures dip to 200 hp and 151 lb-ft.
The BRZ’s four-cylinder engine offers satisfying power resulting in quick acceleration time. Among the transmission options, the standard manual gearbox is slick and feels refined, making it a joy ride. The gear ratios are well chosen and it is certainly the most fun to drive sports cars under $30,000.
| Model |
2018 Subaru BRZ |
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
2018 Toyota 86 |
| MSRP |
$25,595 |
$25,295 |
$26,255 |
| Engine |
2.0L DOHC 16V 4-Cylinder |
2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve I4 |
2.0L H-4 DOHC D-4S |
| Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
6-Speed manual |
6-Speed Manual |
| Power |
205 hp |
155 hp |
205 hp |
| Torque |
156 lb-ft |
148 lb-ft |
156 lb-ft |
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are identical twins with the similar powertrain. The differences between the 86 and BRZ are just the styling cues and suspension tuning. Mazda's MX-5 Miata is another enthralling option but it lacks power, rated at 155 hp.
Subaru BRZ Acceleration
The BRZ's four-cylinder pushes the coupe to 60 mph from a dead stop in 6.2 seconds, which isn't class-leading but ok. It is mostly because of the lacking midrange power, otherwise, the engine is quite responsive.
| Model |
2018 Subaru BRZ |
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
2018 Toyota 86 |
| 0 – 60 mph |
6.2 sec |
5.7 sec |
6.2 sec |
| Quarter Mile |
15.0 sec |
14.5 sec |
15.0 sec |
| Engine |
2.0L |
2.0L |
2.0L |
The BRZ feels plenty energetic and is equally as fun but it's not easy to have an aggressive launch off the line. The Mazda Miata is quicker from zero to 60 even though it lacks the power in comparison to the BRZ and 86.
Subaru BRZ Ride and Handling
The 2018 BRZ is the only rear-wheel drive in the Subaru's lineup. The revised suspension tuning and extra power in manual transmission models are much appreciated. The cornering limits of the BRZ are what stand out from the rest of the class. Handling is responsive and precise, and the BRZ is extremely nimble.
The suspension is compliant enough to absorb most road imperfections but feels firm. Though the ride isn't punishable in daily driving scenarios. The Subaru's ride feels slightly harsher than the Toyota.
Subaru BRZ Braking
The Subaru BRZ's brake delivers good feedback and has a very good first impression. In the emergency stopping test, the 2018 BRZ stops from 60 mph in 120 feet, which is an average performance in the sports car class. As you foot down the pedal, it feels firm but easy to modulate, however, during spirited driving, the pedal feels a bit wooden firm.
| Model |
2018 Subaru BRZ |
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
2018 Toyota 86 |
| 60 – 0 mph (ft.) |
120 |
124 |
120 |
| Curb Weight (lbs.) |
2789 |
2332 |
2774 |
| Brake (Front) |
11.6 |
11.0 |
11.6 |
| Brake (Rear) |
11.4 |
11.0 |
11.4 |
For improved braking, Subaru also offers optional Brembo brakes, which are standard on the tS trim. The Toyota 86 needed a similar distance to stop. If we look at the curb weight, both BRZ and 86 are almost 400 pounds heavier than the MX-5 Miata, still, Mazda needed a longer distance to stop from 60 mph.
