In affordable sports cars, the Subaru BRZ vs Nissan 370Z stand out as two of the most popular and widely recognised models. Both cars offer exhilarating driving experiences with their unique characteristics and designs. For enthusiasts of rear-wheel-drive sports cars, these two are often considered among the best options. However, the decision can be difficult when choosing between the Subaru BRZ and the Nissan 370Z. This article examines these iconic vehicles’ key differences and similarities, assessing everything from performance and handling to design interior features and overall value.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that was first introduced in 2012. Designed in collaboration with Toyota, the BRZ shares its platform with the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S (later rebranded as the Toyota 86). Subaru’s contribution to this collaboration was to ensure that the BRZ offered an engaging driving experience with sharp handling, a balanced chassis, and a relatively low price tag.
Under the bonnet, the BRZ features a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces approximately 228 horsepower and 250Nm of torque. This engine, combined with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission, allows the BRZ to reach 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds. The lightweight design of the BRZ, coupled with its low centre of gravity, makes it a joy to drive, especially when carving through corners and tight corners.
In terms of design, the BRZ embraces a minimalist, no-nonsense approach. The sleek, aerodynamic body is sculpted to reduce drag, while the aggressive front grille and sharp LED headlights give the car a dynamic and sporty appearance. Inside, the BRZ focuses on the essentials, offering a driver-centric cockpit with supportive sports seats, a straightforward dashboard, and a lack of unnecessary distractions.
Overview of the Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z, on the other hand, has been around for much longer. Launched in 2009 as the successor to the Nissan 350Z, the 370Z carries the legacy of the Z-series, one of Nissan’s most iconic sports car lines. Unlike the BRZ, the 370Z boasts a larger engine, more power, and a more refined design, making it a slightly different proposition for sports car enthusiasts.
The heart of the 370Z is its 3.7-litre V6 engine, which generates 332 horsepower and 366Nm of torque. This larger engine gives the 370Z a distinct performance edge over the BRZ, with the car accelerating from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, making it quicker than the Subaru in straight-line performance. The 370Z also has a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to choose their preferred driving experience.
The 370Z features a more muscular and aggressive design compared to the BRZ. With its broader stance, flared wheel arches, and bold front end, the 370Z exudes a sense of power and presence. Inside, the Nissan 370Z offers a more refined cabin with higher-quality materials and more luxurious touches than the BRZ. However, like the BRZ, the focus remains on providing a driver-focused environment with a sporty, low-slung driving position.
Performance and Handling
Regarding performance, the Subaru BRZ and the Nissan 370Z offer impressive driving dynamics. However, their approaches to performance are quite different.
Subaru BRZ Performance
The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight sports car that shines in handling. The car’s low centre of gravity, precise steering, and balanced chassis make it incredibly agile and fun to drive, especially on twisty roads or tracks. While the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine may not offer the raw power of the 370Z, it compensates with a more responsive and engaging driving experience. The manual transmission, in particular, provides a more visceral connection between the driver and the car, with smooth shifts and a natural clutch feel.
The BRZ’s rear-wheel-drive layout further enhances its driving experience, allowing the car to rotate easily around corners and providing a more connected feel to the road. Although the car’s engine output may not be the highest in its class, its lightweight and fantastic handling make it a favourite for driving enthusiasts who prioritise agility over outright horsepower.
Nissan 370Z Performance
The Nissan 370Z, with its larger 3.7-litre V6 engine, delivers more power and straight-line performance than the BRZ. The 370Z engine generates 332 horsepower, a significant step from the BRZ’s 228 horsepower. This additional power translates into quicker acceleration times and a higher top speed, making the 370Z a more assertive sports car overall.
However, while the 370Z may have more horsepower, its handling is less nimble than the BRZ. The car’s heavier weight, combined with a more front-heavy engine layout, means that the 370Z doesn’t offer quite the same level of agility in corners. The 370Z still provides excellent handling, with precise steering and a well-balanced chassis, but it feels more planted and stable rather than sharp and nimble like the BRZ.
Interior and Comfort
Subaru BRZ Interior
Inside, the Subaru BRZ is focused on functionality and simplicity. The driver-focused cockpit places all essential controls within easy reach, and the seating position is low and snug, which is ideal for sports car enthusiasts who enjoy a more connected feeling with the road. The seats are supportive but not excessively cushioned, as Subaru aims to balance comfort and performance.
The BRZ’s interior materials are functional but not as refined as those in premium sports cars. The dashboard is straightforward, with a simple infotainment system and essential driver aids, but the overall design is minimalist. While the BRZ offers a comfortable and functional driving environment, it doesn’t boast the same luxury or premium features in the 370Z.
Nissan 370Z Interior
The Nissan 370Z, in contrast, offers a more refined interior with higher-quality materials and a more premium feel overall. The cabin is more luxurious, featuring leather upholstery, a more sophisticated infotainment system, and a higher attention to detail. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the overall cabin layout feels more upscale than the BRZ.
One of the standout features of the 370Z is its well-designed cockpit. The seats are set low to the ground, and the steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and tilt, allowing drivers to find their ideal driving position. The 370Z’s interior is more suited for longer trips, offering better comfort and refinement while still maintaining the focus on a performance-oriented driving experience.
Design and Aesthetics
Subaru BRZ Design
The Subaru BRZ’s design focuses on a more compact and agile form. The car’s sleek, aerodynamic shape allows for improved performance at higher speeds, while its sharp lines and sporty stance give it an aggressive yet elegant look. A large grille, narrow headlights, and a wide lower bumper characterise the front end. At the same time, the rear features a subtle rear spoiler and sculpted taillights that complement the overall sporty aesthetic.
While the BRZ’s design is undeniably stylish, it doesn’t carry the same bold, muscular presence as the 370Z. The BRZ’s smaller dimensions and more subtle styling give it a more understated appearance, appealing to those who prefer a more minimalist design over something that demands attention.
Nissan 370Z Design
The Nissan 370Z’s more aggressive design exudes a greater sense of power and presence. The front end is characterised by its wide grille, sharp headlights, and flared wheel arches, while the rear features a prominent rear spoiler and quad exhaust outlets. The overall design of the 370Z is more muscular and bold, making it clear that this is a car built for performance and power.
The 370Z’s broader stance and aggressive lines make it more intimidating on the road. Its design speaks to a more traditional approach to sports car styling. It’s a car built to turn heads, and its design is more likely to appeal to those favouring a more striking and assertive look.
Price and Value for Money
Subaru BRZ Pricing
The Subaru BRZ is more affordable than the Nissan 370Z, making it an attractive option for those seeking an accessible sports car. The base model of the BRZ starts at around £28,000, which offers excellent value for the driving experience it provides. Although the BRZ may not have the same power or refinement as the 370Z, it gives a pure, engaging driving experience that is hard to match at this price point.
Nissan 370Z Pricing
The Nissan 370Z is priced higher than the BRZ, with the base model starting at around £33,000. While this is a more significant investment, it brings more power, a more refined interior, and a more muscular design. The 370Z offers better performance and more luxury features, making it a more well-rounded option for buyers willing to pay a premium for a more robust and upscale sports car.
Conclusion: Subaru BRZ vs Nissan 370Z
The Subaru BRZ and the Nissan 370Z are exceptional sports cars in their own right, offering unique driving experiences, distinctive designs, and solid performance. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, agile, and affordable sports car that excels in handling and driving dynamics, the Subaru BRZ is an excellent choice. Its minimalistic design, compact size, and engaging driving experience make it a true enthusiast’s car.
On the other hand, if you’re after more power, luxury, and a more muscular design, the Nissan 370Z may be the better option. While it’s more expensive than the BRZ, the 370Z offers a more refined driving experience with a larger engine and a more premium interior.
Ultimately, both cars have their strengths, and the choice comes down to what you value most in a sports car. Whether you choose the BRZ or the 370Z, you can be assured that both will deliver an unforgettable driving experience.