Subaru BRZ: 1st Gen Vs 2nd Gen - What's New?

Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the awesome world of the Subaru BRZ, specifically pitting the first generation against its second generation sibling. If you're a fan of affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes, you've probably been eyeing the BRZ. But what's changed between the generations? Is the new one that much better? Let's get into it!

The OG: First-Generation Subaru BRZ (2013-2020)

The first-gen BRZ, co-developed with Toyota (where it was known as the GT86 or Scion FR-S in the US), was a breath of fresh air when it launched. It brought the joy of a lightweight, balanced, and rear-wheel-drive platform to a more accessible price point. Its design was sleek and purposeful, with a low-slung profile that screamed 'sports car'. Under the hood, it packed a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four boxer engine. Now, let's be real, guys, this engine was known for its lack of low-end torque. It loved to be revved high to extract its power, which made for an engaging, albeit sometimes frustrating, driving experience. Hitting the power band felt like unlocking a secret level! The chassis, however, was where the first-gen BRZ truly shone. Its near-perfect weight distribution and communicative steering made it an absolute blast on twisty roads and track days. It was a driver's car through and through, rewarding skill and offering pure, unadulterated fun. Maintenance-wise, it was pretty straightforward, and being a Subaru, reliability was generally good, though that boxer engine could be a bit thirsty if you were constantly keeping the revs high, which, let's face it, you probably were! Parts were relatively easy to find, and the aftermarket support was, and still is, massive. You could find everything from suspension upgrades to engine tuning parts to make your BRZ truly unique. The interior was functional, if a bit plasticky in places, but focused on the driver with clear gauges and supportive seats. It wasn't luxurious, but it didn't need to be; its purpose was to connect you to the road. The infotainment system was typical for its era – functional but basic by today's standards. Overall, the first-gen BRZ carved out a special niche for itself, proving that you didn't need a supercar to have incredible driving dynamics. It was an accessible gateway into the world of RWD sports coupes and a beloved platform for tuners and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features of the First Gen:

• Engine: 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four Boxer
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
• Focus: Lightweight, Balanced Chassis, Driver Engagement
• Pros: Affordable RWD sports car, excellent handling, huge aftermarket support.
• Cons: Underpowered low-end torque, basic interior, dated infotainment.

The Evolution: Second-Generation Subaru BRZ (2022-Present)

Fast forward to the second generation, and Subaru really stepped up its game. The core philosophy remains the same – lightweight, RWD, and driver-focused – but almost everything else has been improved. The most significant upgrade? The engine. Gone is the timid 2.0-liter; in its place is a much more potent 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four boxer engine. This engine provides significantly more torque across the rev range, making the new BRZ feel much more responsive and quicker off the line. No more desperately searching for power! This engine also sounds a bit beefier, adding to the overall driving experience. The chassis has also seen substantial revisions, making it even stiffer and more responsive. The steering is sharper, and the suspension has been retuned for better feedback and control. Subaru also incorporated some clever tech, like a Torsen limited-slip differential as standard, ensuring power gets to the ground effectively. Visually, the second-gen BRZ is a more mature and aggressive evolution of the first. It retains the coupe silhouette but features sharper lines, a more prominent rear spoiler, and a wider stance. The interior also gets a much-needed refresh. While still driver-centric, it boasts a more modern design, better materials, and an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The digital instrument cluster is a fantastic addition, providing crucial driving data at a glance. Safety features also get a boost, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology available on automatic models. This generation feels more refined, more powerful, and frankly, more complete. It takes everything that was great about the first gen and dials it up to eleven, while addressing its main shortcomings. The increased power and torque make it more forgiving and enjoyable in everyday driving, not just on the track. It’s still a car that rewards you for driving it properly, but it’s less demanding when you’re just cruising. The updated interior makes it a more pleasant place to be for longer journeys, and the improved tech keeps you connected. For many, this is the BRZ they always wanted.

Key Features of the Second Gen:

• Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged Flat-Four Boxer
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
• Focus: Enhanced performance, modern tech, refined driving dynamics.
• Pros: Significantly more power and torque, improved handling and chassis, modern interior and tech, better overall refinement.
• Cons: Higher price point than the first gen, still not the most luxurious interior, turbo can add complexity.

Power and Performance: The Heart of the Matter

Let's talk about the juicy stuff: power and performance. This is arguably the biggest differentiator between the two generations. The first-gen BRZ famously came with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produced around 200 horsepower (depending on the market and year). While this was enough to make the lightweight car feel nimble, it was often criticized for its lack of torque, especially in the lower rev range. You really had to work for the power, pushing the engine to its redline to get the most out of it. This made for an engaging, almost visceral driving experience, where you felt intimately connected to the machine, but it could also feel a bit anemic in daily driving situations or when overtaking. Think of it as a pure, raw sports car experience that demanded your full attention and input. It was like a scalpel – precise but requiring a skilled hand. The second-gen BRZ, on the other hand, received a substantial power bump thanks to its new 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine. This powerhouse churns out around 228 horsepower, but more importantly, it delivers a significant increase in torque – roughly 258 lb-ft compared to the first gen's 151 lb-ft. This torque makes a world of difference. The second-gen BRZ feels considerably quicker, more responsive, and more flexible. You no longer need to drop a gear and hold on for dear life just to accelerate briskly. Overtakes are easier, merging into traffic is less stressful, and the overall driving experience is more effortless and enjoyable, even at lower speeds. The turbocharger adds a satisfying surge of power when you put your foot down, and the engine note is a bit more aggressive, too. It's still a naturally aspirated feel in its power delivery, thanks to clever tuning, but with the usable grunt that the first gen lacked. Subaru managed to give it more power without sacrificing the balanced handling that made the original so special. It's a win-win situation for performance enthusiasts. This leap in power and torque transforms the BRZ from a car you have to drive hard to enjoy, to a car that's fun and engaging no matter how you drive it.

Handling and Driving Dynamics: The BRZ DNA

Subaru has always prided itself on its handling and driving dynamics, and the BRZ is no exception. The first-generation BRZ was lauded for its near-perfect weight distribution (53/47 front/rear) and its lightweight construction. This, combined with a precise, communicative steering rack and a well-tuned suspension, made it an absolute joy to drive on a track or a winding back road. It felt incredibly balanced, predictable, and eager to change direction. You could toss it into corners with confidence, and it would stick like glue, offering gobs of grip and fantastic feedback through the steering wheel and chassis. The steering was so direct, you could almost feel the texture of the asphalt. It was a driver's car that rewarded smooth inputs and punished sloppy technique, making it an excellent learning tool for aspiring racers and a blast for seasoned drivers. However, its relatively soft suspension could lead to noticeable body roll during aggressive cornering, and the limited-slip differential wasn't always aggressive enough for some enthusiasts. Now, the second-generation BRZ takes these legendary dynamics and refines them further. Subaru engineers have increased the chassis rigidity significantly – by about 50% over the first gen – leading to sharper turn-in and even better responsiveness. The suspension has been retuned with larger diameter dampers, providing better control and compliance. While it still has that signature RWD feel and an excellent weight balance (now closer to 50/50), the second gen feels more planted and confident at the limit. The steering is even quicker and more precise, giving you an immediate connection to the front wheels. Subaru also made a Torsen limited-slip differential standard on all models, ensuring that power is distributed effectively between the rear wheels, especially when exiting corners. This enhances traction and allows for more dynamic driving. While the first gen was a scalpel, the second gen is a finely honed surgical instrument. It maintains that playful, RWD character but adds a layer of maturity and capability that makes it even more competent and confidence-inspiring, whether you're setting lap times or just enjoying a spirited drive on your favorite road. It feels more grown-up, more substantial, and ultimately, more rewarding to drive fast.

Interior and Technology: A Modern Makeover

Let's be honest, the interior and technology of the first-gen BRZ were… functional. It served its purpose, housing the driver and a passenger comfortably enough, but it wasn't exactly a luxury experience. The materials were often hard plastics, the design was a bit dated even when new, and the infotainment system was basic at best, usually featuring a small touchscreen with limited connectivity. While the driving position was excellent, with supportive seats and good visibility, the cabin felt a bit utilitarian. Now, the second-generation BRZ brings a welcome modern makeover to the interior. It's still focused on the driver, but the overall ambiance is significantly improved. You'll find better quality materials throughout, with softer-touch surfaces and more premium-feeling accents. The dashboard design is cleaner and more contemporary. The star of the show is the new digital instrument cluster, which is fully customizable and provides essential driving information like speed, RPM, G-forces, and lap times in a clear, crisp display. This is a huge upgrade for track enthusiasts and daily drivers alike. The infotainment system has also been brought up to speed. It now features a larger touchscreen display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it much easier to connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. While it might not be the most cutting-edge system on the market, it's a massive improvement over the old unit and makes the car feel much more modern and connected. Subaru has also improved the ergonomics and storage solutions within the cabin, making it a more practical place to be. Even the rear seats, while still best suited for very short trips or extra storage, feel a bit more usable. Overall, the second-gen BRZ offers a much more pleasant and technologically advanced cabin experience, bridging the gap between its pure sports car performance and the expectations of modern car buyers. It feels like a complete package now, both inside and out.

Which BRZ Is Right For You?

So, the million-dollar question: which BRZ is right for you? If you're a purist who loves the raw, analog feel of a naturally aspirated engine and a more basic, no-frills driving experience, and you're on a tighter budget, the first-generation BRZ is still a fantastic choice. Its massive aftermarket support means you can endlessly customize it, and its legendary handling will never get old. It's the perfect canvas for those who love to tinker and build their dream car. You can find great deals on used first-gen models, making it an incredibly accessible entry into the world of RWD sports cars. It's a car that rewards your effort and skill, and there's a certain charm in its simplicity and the demands it places on the driver. It's a car that makes you feel more involved in the act of driving. However, if you crave more power, modern technology, a more refined interior, and a car that feels more complete and capable straight from the factory, the second-generation BRZ is the clear winner. The significant increase in power and torque makes it more versatile and enjoyable in a wider range of driving conditions. The improved chassis, sharper handling, and updated tech make it a more compelling package overall. It's the evolution that many enthusiasts dreamed of, addressing the weaknesses of the first generation while enhancing its strengths. It offers a more mature, potent, and user-friendly experience that appeals to a broader audience, from track day regulars to daily commuters who want a bit more excitement in their lives. It’s the BRZ for those who want the best of both worlds: thrilling performance and modern conveniences.

The Verdict

Both generations of the Subaru BRZ offer that special, infectious rear-wheel-drive sports coupe magic that's increasingly rare these days. The first-generation BRZ was a brilliant, affordable entry point, praised for its handling and pure driver engagement, even with its power deficit. It's a car that will always hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts for its raw, unadulterated fun. The second-generation BRZ is, by almost every objective measure, the superior car. It takes the beloved formula and significantly improves upon it with a more powerful engine, a stiffer chassis, updated technology, and a more refined interior. It's the more complete, more capable, and frankly, more exciting car to drive for most people. If your budget allows, the second-gen is the way to go for a more modern and potent experience. But hey, if you find a killer deal on a first-gen and love the idea of a project car with a massive aftermarket, you won't be disappointed. Whichever you choose, you're in for a treat. Happy driving, guys!