2024 BRZ vs. Competitors

2024 BRZ for sale in MA

Overview

Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination. This sentiment explains the enduring relevance of coupes and roadsters in a world dominated by crossovers and SUVs. There’s a common misconception that two-door sports cars are only for drivers with money to burn, but this isn't always the case. Take the 2024 Subaru BRZ as an example. With a base MSRP of just $30,195, the BRZ is more affordable than many conventional sedans, making it a fine option for performance enthusiasts who want to inject their daily drives with a little fun.

The 2024 BRZ competes against rivals like the Nissan Z and Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, and it stands out with a compelling blend of attributes that give it a distinct edge. It also goes head-to-head with its mechanically similar counterpart, the Toyota GR86, and, to a lesser extent, its Subaru WRX sibling. In addition to a broader comparison with the Nissan and Mazda models, we’ll provide a dedicated section at the end comparing the BRZ with the GR86 and WRX.

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Pricing and Accessibility

As mentioned earlier, the Subaru BRZ is an affordable option for thrill-seekers for a better driving experience. With MSRPs ranging from $30,195 to $35,345, every BRZ trim remains comfortably under the $40,000 mark. In contrast, the Nissan Z has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $42,970, as does the MX-5 Miata RF with its $40,210 base price. In this way, the BRZ is a gateway for performance cravers who don’t necessarily have deep pockets.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The 2024 BRZ comes with a lively 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. While the Nissan Z boasts a higher output engine (400 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque), it also comes with a hefty price tag. The MX-5 Miata RF is the least powerful of the bunch, generating 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. All three of these models are appropriately old-school, with a six-speed manual transmission still offered and a standard rear-wheel drivetrain.

The newest BRZ also stands out with its standard limited-slip differential, a component that calls for an upcharge on the already higher-priced Nissan Z. What’s more, the BRZ is eligible for high-performance Brembo brakes, another added-cost upgrade for the MX-5 Miata RF. Brembo brakes are not even available with the Nissan Z.

Fuel efficiency is another area where the BRZ shines. According to EPA estimates, it returns 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which improves to 21 city/30 highway with the optional automatic transmission. The Nissan Z’s more powerful engine results in reduced efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of 18 city/24 highway with the manual gearbox and 19 city/28 highway with the automatic.

Premium Amenities

The ‘24 BRZ offers excellent value, especially with the range-topping tS trim, which is reasonably priced at $35,345. This premium option includes upscale features such as heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with blue contrast stitching, leather upholstery with Ultrasuede trim and blue accents, a 7-inch STI-inspired digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and steering-responsive LED headlights. For entertainment and connectivity, the BRZ tS comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and an eight-speaker sound system. To put this into perspective, some of these features aren’t even available in the Nissan Z and MX-5 Miata RF, despite those competitors’ higher pricing.

Versus the WRX and GR86

While the two-door Subaru BRZ and the four-door Subaru WRX are technically in different vehicle classes, both may have caught your eye in your search for a new sports car. If practicality is your aim, the WRX stands out as the more suitable daily driver with its sedan design, standard all-wheel drive, and more spacious interior. But if your goal is to maximize driving enjoyment at an attainable price, the compact BRZ fits the bill with its refined handling and traditional sports car properties.

Although the BRZ and Toyota GR86 might seem identical, they do have subtle differences. This collaboration between Subaru and Toyota yielded fraternal-twin coupes that are more alike than they are different. Their primary distinctions lie in the design details, particularly in their headlight design/fascia and interior upholstery, with blue contrast stitching in the BRZ and red in the GR86.