I was looking to buy a BRZ or the GR86 before I bought my VB. I was unable to even find a BRZ in stock and all the 86s had a large mark up. The VB WRX was and still is available under msrp. In my mind it’s still the best value out there.
That makes sense. It's a traditional sports car. I knew the Gr86 were flying off the shelf but wasn't sure if the BRZ was experiencing the same. If I get one I'll just order it. Who knows?!
Car and Driver ran both cars on the same track at Virginia International Raceway and the results show that they are pretty even performance wise. The Edmunds drag race results were influenced by their drivers inexperience with launching the WRX and keeping the WRX on boost in the corner of the race. The VIR race times for the BRZ and WRX show that the cars are pretty even and the WRX has the faster recorded lap time. WRX: Lap Time: 3:11.6 BRZ: Lap Time: 3:12.4
@@theredsalmon612 Well, I would say, if you live in a place where you can't floor your car at least once every time you drive, then is not the best option for a fun daily. Even in the rain, the WRX hooks and can overtake. It might spin a bit but you don't go sideways. On the other side, even with a Miata, you will go sideways in the rain if you floor it. Best thing would be to have both, but is not realistic for many people.
I live in west Washington. We are lucky if we get a week worth of snow neither are good cause their gas mileage and is so bad. I get 24mpg year round on my wrx 2018
WRX was clear choice for me, I’ve wanted one forever. Plus where I live (Oregon) I have snow, ice and rain and I drive a mountain road to and from work every day.
Tell you who is a good resource for the real nerdy tech specs on cars is Sarah-N-Tuned. She will tell you what material the undercarriage is made out of, the diameter of the rear struts, the material the control arms are made out of etc etc. It helps she's very easy on the eyes and makes fun videos. Before you STI swap a BRZ you can easily LS swap it. I think the BRZ is better and I would rather have it, but 2 doors isn't realistic for me, I need 4.
A few days ago I test drove the 2023 BRZ and 2023 WRX back to back, and the BRZ felt very much slower. The trouble was, that I was not going to thrash a brand new car so I didn't wind out the power band (i.e. not beyond 5k rom). WRX was almost instant power however. BRZ Limited was 31k (1.8k below msrp) WRX Premium was 33k (2.3k below msrp). The interior and seats in the BRZ were wayyyyyy better. I much preferred the manual controls of the BRZ, the seating, and the feel of the steering. It was also more comfortable a ride. Gearbox was also wayy better. The skinny slipperly steering wheel has to go though. Overall the WRX won out. I wasn't prepared to give up the power delivery and grip in all weather. The WRX for the name of it needs more options. Heck if the Koreans can do it with gauges... So can Subaru.
I know man. I had all this planned the day I saw your FB post. I had races the BRZ already and was like "damn". It hurt me a little inside buuuuut I still pick the AWD WRX any day! You also made a great choice and you'll know that everyday.....especially when you get tuned.
I came from the 1st Gen Brz. I've never driven the 2.4 one but my Vb would smoke the 1st Gen. I was so happy to finally have torque and not downshift 20 gears lol I do miss that steering feel though it was perfection.
I had my 17 wrx 400 hp, my 13 Sti 503 hp and now I’m building my 2020 Veloster n witch has a limited slip. I’ve never drove the bed and I’m one to always mod my cars so I’d go with the wrx but some that have the brz supercharged and love it
I will use my Base WRX as a project car to take off road and play in the snow. My 24 Corolla is my daily, and maybe I’ll look into a new BRZ to tool with and see if I can find aftermarket one day just because it is so lightweight.
I think that the BRZ is easier to launch due to weight and RWD. The WRX is notoriously difficult to launch, and Subaru's "clutch protection" features for the new one has made clutch dump launches even slower than before. That being said, I think the WRX is still going to be faster in practice. Out on the open road, the turbos will do their thing, especially on the top end. Also, a stage 1 tune on a STOCK car will raise the Rev limit to 6500, making 0-60 in 2nd gear possible and generally improving acceleration to FAR beyond the BRZ's capabilities. Also, the "Seat of the pants" feel of the WRX is significantly faster. The BRZ feels nice in an N/A sort of way, but the WRX gives you the tummy rise that the BRZ simply cannot produce.
As someone who went from an sti (light mods, little over 300 awhp on a mustang) to a gr86 i can tell you the power is irrelevant in this comparison. My GD sti is obviously very different from a VB wrx but they are still in the same family. The brz/86 twins could not be more different to drive and that's really what matters. Speed can be bought, grip can be added etc etc.. but you can't change that one is a more practical, 4 door, sedan vs a low slung (my lowered sti still felt like a monster truck vs a stock ride height twin), far less practical sport coupe. That is the real difference between the wrx and twins, not power. Side note for people shopping for twins: the autos have a longer final drive compared to the manuals. So if you want quicker and livelier go manual, if you want more relaxed and better mpg get the auto.
While all your info is true. I was in the same boat and with a wife and child wrx was a no brainer. When i got my 23 wrx back in April brz was backordered for 18 months so that’s another issue to worry about. When it comes to tuning and the minimal amount of money to get power in the wrx is worth it if you’re looking to tune. Brz tuning isn’t worth it on N/A unless you’re gonna supercharge or turbo charge it.
Should also be noted that the 22+ BRZ is very likely under rated. They claim 228bhp, but I compiled a list of 40 stock dyno runs and the average wheel horse power is 214whp. I have the spreadsheet on Google docs and have posted it many places. If you want to see it, let me know and I'll send it over on Facebook.
That's fantastic! I think that has been happening with a lot of newer cars. The manufacturer power figures just haven't been matching up with what the dyno says. It's been the same for the WRX, GR Corolla, and Type R. I am really curious where Subaru has been pulling these HP numbers. .
If it wasn’t for snow I probably would’ve gone with a BRZ, but also at that point I’d almost consider just another car brand all together grab a hellcat or something similar lol
BRZ is an awesome car. If I was younger and didn’t have a kid I’d probably get one. I did read about them having oil starvation issues under certain turns/Gs
Yea I have seen that video. I think it was the first release set. I think after that set of cars it was fine but I haven't heard of any more engines blowing.
Overblown hysteria, one quart overfilled basically solves the issue, but it only ever effected hardcore track guys fast enough to sustain long +1.0G right-hand sweepers. 99% of people worried never had a chance of blowing anything.
I think it comes down to climate and use case. If you daily drive in a place that gets snow, frequent rain, or other slippery conditions…the WRX will be better. My neighborhood entrance gets very slippery when it rains and many mustangs/rwd cars have crashed when trying to pull into traffic. For a pure sports car experience, the BRZ is better and likely a bit more reliable because it’s N/A. They are also different flavors of sports car. One is rally inspired and the other is more traditional.
It's interesting that Subaru made the BRZ and WRX even in performance. The WRX offers more space, AWD, and it's going to cost less to mod because it's turbo from the factory. The BRZ is alot lighter, RWD fun, and more of a dedicated sports car. WRX will probably be better for straight line speed, while the BRZ is a dream in the corners.
I like your videos, you make a lot of valid points in this one! These two cars have completely different driving dynamics. Weight is the enemy. I am VERY surprised at the WRX's governed top speed! My 2018 Civic Si was governed at 138. ( as indicated on the digital speedometer ) Anyways, I've been keeping an eye on RUclipsrs that bought the new WRX and have tuned and modded them to see how they hold up. It just might be my next car someday! OK, TIME FOR MY RANT. I admit, the title of this video lured me in. You got me, and I'm not even mad! However, the one thing and probably the biggest thing I see thrown around in automotive enthusiast groups are the words, or phrases: "FAST", "FASTER", "FASTER THAN", "SLOW", "SLOWER", and "SLOWER THAN". By definition, a car can go fast, but not have a very good 0-60 or quarter-mile. A quick car can get to 60 or run the quarter-mile quickly, but not reach a very high top speed. Then you have cars that are quick out of the hole AND have a high top speed. There ARE differences. People need to learn to use the proper words accurately and quit using FAST or SLOW as universal replacements for what should be used. Stock for stock, on paper, the BRZ is quicker AND faster than the WRX. But not by much. Go test drive one for yourself and see what puts a smile on your face! CHEERS!
Generally I don't like referring to cars as tools but in this case it fits: The WRX would be the best multi-tool money can buy, and the BRZ is a medical grade scalpel.
BRZs are awesome but its basically a two seater and not practical unless you are a single guy. OH! I just looked up Car and Driver lap times and the WRX ran a 3:11 vs BRZ 3:12
I sold my GR86 which is still my profile picture for my VB. Last winter I couldn’t drive my 86 for months and I’m just over it. But if I lived somewhere else, I never would’ve got rid of the GR86. It was such a great car and felt more put together than the wrx. That being said, the wrx is faster.
Dude I had to leave town for a bit and Heavy Metal Santa got cut from the schedule. All my videos did 😭. Then when I got back I've been busy with family. I have a few things planned for Heavy Metal Santa....he's not done yet !!
@@matthewwain9958 exactly. I hope in the future I can still own one for a little bit. I didn't get a chance to drive my friends BRZ but I will next time. I plan on doing a full review.
For some reason, you don't really see people going forced induction on the BRZ. The BRZ aftermarket is lagging. Not to mention it has those oiling issues on the track that seem to be absent from the WRX as well. A quick tune will definitely leave the BRZ in the dust for much less effort... Lack of limited slip is a good point. Never really considered it but I still think the WRX is a better value and also more practical in terms of daily driving.
@@moldyrefrigerator Sorry to break it to you, but your also 30kish car is also regular traffic. You can say its arguable that the BRZ looks better but taste is subjective. The new WRX looks great with some paint matched fenders, and a wing, and wheels like any other car you want to modify.
I would LOVE the BRZ as a third car for us. Wife has a Forester, i have the Rex, and a BRZ would be amazing for some fun as well. Tuning on the WRX is great, but yeah the weight is pretty annoying haha
When I first saw it I thought the shape was beautiful. I still believe this and the Z car are such traditional looking sports cars I would love to have either.
@@HeavyMetalWRX 100%. In my opinion, the BRZ is the best looking attainable vehicle out there. Yeah, I think a 911 is super sexy, but I'll never have one haha.
I was looking to buy a BRZ or the GR86 before I bought my VB. I was unable to even find a BRZ in stock and all the 86s had a large mark up. The VB WRX was and still is available under msrp. In my mind it’s still the best value out there.
That makes sense. It's a traditional sports car. I knew the Gr86 were flying off the shelf but wasn't sure if the BRZ was experiencing the same. If I get one I'll just order it. Who knows?!
Me too. Couldn't find a BRZ at all, but the VB's were discounted to invoice. Got a limited and I'm extremely happy with it!
Car and Driver ran both cars on the same track at Virginia International Raceway and the results show that they are pretty even performance wise.
The Edmunds drag race results were influenced by their drivers inexperience with launching the WRX and keeping the WRX on boost in the corner of the race.
The VIR race times for the BRZ and WRX show that the cars are pretty even and the WRX has the faster recorded lap time.
WRX: Lap Time: 3:11.6
BRZ: Lap Time: 3:12.4
Great info. Thanks.
For California, the BRZ is better. For Oregon/Washington or any place with cold weather and occasional snow, the WRX is king.
Ok. what about somewhere in between such as Missouri
@@theredsalmon612 Well, I would say, if you live in a place where you can't floor your car at least once every time you drive, then is not the best option for a fun daily.
Even in the rain, the WRX hooks and can overtake. It might spin a bit but you don't go sideways. On the other side, even with a Miata, you will go sideways in the rain if you floor it.
Best thing would be to have both, but is not realistic for many people.
Exactly why I went wrx for NH, otherwise brz or gr86 would be a really fun car wish I could’ve grabbed one. Maybe grab one for summer later on
I live in west Washington. We are lucky if we get a week worth of snow neither are good cause their gas mileage and is so bad. I get 24mpg year round on my wrx 2018
Only thing is it does rain a lot so its nice to have awd here. But really all you need is good tires
WRX was clear choice for me, I’ve wanted one forever. Plus where I live (Oregon) I have snow, ice and rain and I drive a mountain road to and from work every day.
Tell you who is a good resource for the real nerdy tech specs on cars is Sarah-N-Tuned. She will tell you what material the undercarriage is made out of, the diameter of the rear struts, the material the control arms are made out of etc etc. It helps she's very easy on the eyes and makes fun videos. Before you STI swap a BRZ you can easily LS swap it. I think the BRZ is better and I would rather have it, but 2 doors isn't realistic for me, I need 4.
A few days ago I test drove the 2023 BRZ and 2023 WRX back to back, and the BRZ felt very much slower. The trouble was, that I was not going to thrash a brand new car so I didn't wind out the power band (i.e. not beyond 5k rom). WRX was almost instant power however.
BRZ Limited was 31k (1.8k below msrp)
WRX Premium was 33k (2.3k below msrp).
The interior and seats in the BRZ were wayyyyyy better. I much preferred the manual controls of the BRZ, the seating, and the feel of the steering. It was also more comfortable a ride. Gearbox was also wayy better. The skinny slipperly steering wheel has to go though.
Overall the WRX won out. I wasn't prepared to give up the power delivery and grip in all weather.
The WRX for the name of it needs more options. Heck if the Koreans can do it with gauges... So can Subaru.
I know man. I had all this planned the day I saw your FB post. I had races the BRZ already and was like "damn". It hurt me a little inside buuuuut I still pick the AWD WRX any day! You also made a great choice and you'll know that everyday.....especially when you get tuned.
@@HeavyMetalWRX will go some appearance and handling mods/brakes first 👍 maintain warranty for a while.
Tbf when you compare the same trim of both the wrx interior is nicer. I do miss the shifter from the brz but that’s mainly it
@@Jpowers_wrx I realize the tilt, but the alacantra BRZ seats in the WRX would be really nice.
love my 22 brz 6mt, it's so fun punching it around corners and it's surprisingly practical!
I came from the 1st Gen Brz. I've never driven the 2.4 one but my Vb would smoke the 1st Gen. I was so happy to finally have torque and not downshift 20 gears lol I do miss that steering feel though it was perfection.
BRZ is the better track car and involved driving experience. WRX is the better daily but only a mother could love that face lol
I had my 17 wrx 400 hp, my 13 Sti 503 hp and now I’m building my 2020 Veloster n witch has a limited slip. I’ve never drove the bed and I’m one to always mod my cars so I’d go with the wrx but some that have the brz supercharged and love it
In winter with rain and/or snow, you would appreciate more that you picked a WRX over a RWD or FWD as daily.
I will use my Base WRX as a project car to take off road and play in the snow. My 24 Corolla is my daily, and maybe I’ll look into a new BRZ to tool with and see if I can find aftermarket one day just because it is so lightweight.
Very honest and informative video. Thank you.😁
both are sweet cars. I guess deciding AWD or RWD........WInter WRX! Summer BRZ!
I think that the BRZ is easier to launch due to weight and RWD. The WRX is notoriously difficult to launch, and Subaru's "clutch protection" features for the new one has made clutch dump launches even slower than before.
That being said, I think the WRX is still going to be faster in practice. Out on the open road, the turbos will do their thing, especially on the top end. Also, a stage 1 tune on a STOCK car will raise the Rev limit to 6500, making 0-60 in 2nd gear possible and generally improving acceleration to FAR beyond the BRZ's capabilities.
Also, the "Seat of the pants" feel of the WRX is significantly faster. The BRZ feels nice in an N/A sort of way, but the WRX gives you the tummy rise that the BRZ simply cannot produce.
I bet it’s not faster than my VB
As someone who went from an sti (light mods, little over 300 awhp on a mustang) to a gr86 i can tell you the power is irrelevant in this comparison. My GD sti is obviously very different from a VB wrx but they are still in the same family. The brz/86 twins could not be more different to drive and that's really what matters. Speed can be bought, grip can be added etc etc.. but you can't change that one is a more practical, 4 door, sedan vs a low slung (my lowered sti still felt like a monster truck vs a stock ride height twin), far less practical sport coupe. That is the real difference between the wrx and twins, not power.
Side note for people shopping for twins: the autos have a longer final drive compared to the manuals. So if you want quicker and livelier go manual, if you want more relaxed and better mpg get the auto.
While all your info is true. I was in the same boat and with a wife and child wrx was a no brainer. When i got my 23 wrx back in April brz was backordered for 18 months so that’s another issue to worry about. When it comes to tuning and the minimal amount of money to get power in the wrx is worth it if you’re looking to tune. Brz tuning isn’t worth it on N/A unless you’re gonna supercharge or turbo charge it.
2021 FA20 WRX ex-owner here, The Subaru Trans is disgustingly bad. BRZ's Toyota Transmission is so much superior. (both manual)
Should also be noted that the 22+ BRZ is very likely under rated. They claim 228bhp, but I compiled a list of 40 stock dyno runs and the average wheel horse power is 214whp.
I have the spreadsheet on Google docs and have posted it many places. If you want to see it, let me know and I'll send it over on Facebook.
That's fantastic! I think that has been happening with a lot of newer cars. The manufacturer power figures just haven't been matching up with what the dyno says. It's been the same for the WRX, GR Corolla, and Type R. I am really curious where Subaru has been pulling these HP numbers. .
If it wasn’t for snow I probably would’ve gone with a BRZ, but also at that point I’d almost consider just another car brand all together grab a hellcat or something similar lol
We already knew this bro >;3
But nice to know it applies to the newest generation as well :P
Lmaoo get out of here, you! 😂
That said.... 4wd + Tune = RALLY RACER > Drift car
Live in north county, sold my type r for a wrx, tired of storage for winter, 5 months of no fun
I had a gt86 and let me tell you my wife is much happier that I got the wrx. Much more usable space and functionality.
Oil pressure drops are a concern
BRZ is an awesome car. If I was younger and didn’t have a kid I’d probably get one. I did read about them having oil starvation issues under certain turns/Gs
Yea I have seen that video. I think it was the first release set. I think after that set of cars it was fine but I haven't heard of any more engines blowing.
Overblown hysteria, one quart overfilled basically solves the issue, but it only ever effected hardcore track guys fast enough to sustain long +1.0G right-hand sweepers. 99% of people worried never had a chance of blowing anything.
I think it comes down to climate and use case. If you daily drive in a place that gets snow, frequent rain, or other slippery conditions…the WRX will be better. My neighborhood entrance gets very slippery when it rains and many mustangs/rwd cars have crashed when trying to pull into traffic. For a pure sports car experience, the BRZ is better and likely a bit more reliable because it’s N/A. They are also different flavors of sports car. One is rally inspired and the other is more traditional.
It's interesting that Subaru made the BRZ and WRX even in performance. The WRX offers more space, AWD, and it's going to cost less to mod because it's turbo from the factory. The BRZ is alot lighter, RWD fun, and more of a dedicated sports car. WRX will probably be better for straight line speed, while the BRZ is a dream in the corners.
I like your videos, you make a lot of valid points in this one! These two cars have completely different driving dynamics. Weight is the enemy. I am VERY surprised at the WRX's governed top speed! My 2018 Civic Si was governed at 138. ( as indicated on the digital speedometer ) Anyways, I've been keeping an eye on RUclipsrs that bought the new WRX and have tuned and modded them to see how they hold up. It just might be my next car someday! OK, TIME FOR MY RANT. I admit, the title of this video lured me in. You got me, and I'm not even mad! However, the one thing and probably the biggest thing I see thrown around in automotive enthusiast groups are the words, or phrases: "FAST", "FASTER", "FASTER THAN", "SLOW", "SLOWER", and "SLOWER THAN". By definition, a car can go fast, but not have a very good 0-60 or quarter-mile. A quick car can get to 60 or run the quarter-mile quickly, but not reach a very high top speed. Then you have cars that are quick out of the hole AND have a high top speed. There ARE differences. People need to learn to use the proper words accurately and quit using FAST or SLOW as universal replacements for what should be used. Stock for stock, on paper, the BRZ is quicker AND faster than the WRX. But not by much. Go test drive one for yourself and see what puts a smile on your face! CHEERS!
Generally I don't like referring to cars as tools but in this case it fits:
The WRX would be the best multi-tool money can buy, and the BRZ is a medical grade scalpel.
Just drove home in a snow strom being the only car on the road doing the speed limit an not 20 under i know i picked the right car
BRZs are awesome but its basically a two seater and not practical unless you are a single guy. OH! I just looked up Car and Driver lap times and the WRX ran a 3:11 vs BRZ 3:12
I sold my GR86 which is still my profile picture for my VB. Last winter I couldn’t drive my 86 for months and I’m just over it. But if I lived somewhere else, I never would’ve got rid of the GR86. It was such a great car and felt more put together than the wrx. That being said, the wrx is faster.
WRX's subaru tranny was dog shit.
Great video
I'll take the wrx. BRZ is nice, just not practical for me.
What happened to heavy metal Santa! ?
Dude I had to leave town for a bit and Heavy Metal Santa got cut from the schedule. All my videos did 😭. Then when I got back I've been busy with family. I have a few things planned for Heavy Metal Santa....he's not done yet !!
Interesting.. but the BRZ is too small IMO
It all comes down to what you need tbh. If it was just my wife and I would have gotten a BRZ. I still want a BRZ as a third car.
@@HeavyMetalWRX If I didn't have a teenager, I would likely have caved and got the BRZ.
@@matthewwain9958 exactly. I hope in the future I can still own one for a little bit. I didn't get a chance to drive my friends BRZ but I will next time. I plan on doing a full review.
For some reason, you don't really see people going forced induction on the BRZ. The BRZ aftermarket is lagging. Not to mention it has those oiling issues on the track that seem to be absent from the WRX as well. A quick tune will definitely leave the BRZ in the dust for much less effort... Lack of limited slip is a good point. Never really considered it but I still think the WRX is a better value and also more practical in terms of daily driving.
WRX also looks like regular traffic. Whereas I distinctly remember the last few BRZs I've seen on the road, it actually feels like a special car.
@@moldyrefrigerator Sorry to break it to you, but your also 30kish car is also regular traffic. You can say its arguable that the BRZ looks better but taste is subjective. The new WRX looks great with some paint matched fenders, and a wing, and wheels like any other car you want to modify.
I would LOVE the BRZ as a third car for us. Wife has a Forester, i have the Rex, and a BRZ would be amazing for some fun as well.
Tuning on the WRX is great, but yeah the weight is pretty annoying haha
When I first saw it I thought the shape was beautiful. I still believe this and the Z car are such traditional looking sports cars I would love to have either.
@@HeavyMetalWRX 100%. In my opinion, the BRZ is the best looking attainable vehicle out there. Yeah, I think a 911 is super sexy, but I'll never have one haha.
You click baiting sob.... haha
Just wait till tomorrow!