Subaru BRZ: Is It A True Sports Car?

The Subaru BRZ has carved a niche for itself in the automotive world as an affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupe that emphasizes driving pleasure. But the question remains: Is the Subaru BRZ a true sports car? This is a topic that ignites passionate debate among car enthusiasts. To answer this question definitively, we need to delve into what defines a sports car and then evaluate how the BRZ measures up against those criteria.

Defining a Sports Car

What exactly makes a car a sports car? It's not just about speed or horsepower, although those are certainly factors. A true sports car embodies a specific set of characteristics that contribute to an engaging and dynamic driving experience.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): RWD is often considered a hallmark of a sports car because it provides a more balanced feel and allows for better control during spirited driving. By sending power to the rear wheels, the front wheels are free to focus solely on steering, resulting in sharper turn-in and more predictable handling.
• Lightweight Construction: A lighter car is more nimble and responsive. It accelerates quicker, brakes more effectively, and changes direction with greater agility. Sports cars typically prioritize weight reduction through the use of lightweight materials and a minimalist design.
• Balanced Handling: A well-balanced car inspires confidence and allows the driver to push the limits with precision. This balance is achieved through careful weight distribution, a stiff chassis, and a finely tuned suspension system. Sports cars are designed to feel planted and stable, even when cornering at high speeds.
• Engaging Driving Experience: This is perhaps the most subjective, but also the most crucial, aspect of a sports car. It's about the connection between the driver and the machine, the feeling of being in control, and the sheer joy of driving. Factors such as responsive steering, a manual transmission, and a communicative chassis all contribute to this engaging experience.
• Responsive Engine: A sports car needs an engine that responds quickly to throttle inputs and delivers power in a linear and predictable manner. While outright horsepower isn't everything, the engine should provide ample thrust to make the car feel lively and exciting.

The Subaru BRZ: A Sports Car Contender

Now that we've established the criteria for a sports car, let's see how the Subaru BRZ stacks up.

The Subaru BRZ, co-developed with Toyota (who sells it as the 86/GR86), was conceived with the express purpose of delivering an authentic sports car experience. From its inception, the BRZ was engineered to be lightweight, balanced, and fun to drive. It boasts a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a low center of gravity, and a nimble chassis. These attributes immediately place it in the sports car conversation.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): The BRZ unequivocally checks this box. Its RWD configuration is fundamental to its character and contributes significantly to its playful handling dynamics. The rear-wheel-drive setup allows drivers to experience the thrill of controlled oversteer, making it a favorite among those who enjoy drifting and spirited driving.
• Lightweight Construction: The BRZ is relatively lightweight, especially compared to many modern cars. This contributes to its responsiveness and agility. Subaru engineers prioritized weight reduction throughout the car's design, resulting in a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds, depending on the model and options.
• Balanced Handling: The BRZ is renowned for its exceptional balance. Its low center of gravity and near-perfect weight distribution (53% front, 47% rear) make it incredibly stable and predictable in corners. The suspension is tuned to provide a firm but not harsh ride, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road without sacrificing comfort. The BRZ's handling prowess makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads and a capable performer on the track.
• Engaging Driving Experience: This is where the BRZ truly shines. The steering is precise and communicative, providing excellent feedback to the driver. The availability of a manual transmission (a six-speed) further enhances the driving experience, allowing drivers to feel fully engaged with the car. The BRZ's playful nature and willingness to rotate make it a rewarding car to drive at any speed. Whether you're carving up a canyon road or simply commuting to work, the BRZ offers a level of driver involvement that is rare in modern cars.
• Responsive Engine: In its first generation, the BRZ was powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Subaru boxer engine. This engine delivered adequate power, but it was often criticized for its lack of torque, particularly in the mid-range. The second-generation BRZ addresses this concern with a larger 2.4-liter engine, which provides a noticeable increase in torque and overall performance. While it may not be the most powerful engine on the market, it is responsive and rev-happy, encouraging drivers to explore the upper reaches of the rev range. The engine's character complements the car's overall driving dynamics, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.

Addressing the Power Debate

One of the most common criticisms leveled against the BRZ is its relatively modest power output. While the original 2.0-liter engine produced around 200 horsepower, some felt that it was not enough to truly classify the BRZ as a sports car. However, it's important to remember that horsepower isn't everything.

The BRZ's focus has always been on handling and balance, rather than outright speed. Its lightweight construction and nimble chassis allow it to make the most of its available power. The second-generation BRZ's 2.4-liter engine offers a significant improvement in torque, addressing many of the criticisms of the original model.

Furthermore, the BRZ's accessible performance envelope makes it a great car for learning and honing driving skills. Its predictable handling and forgiving nature allow drivers to explore the limits of the car without fear of getting into too much trouble. This makes it an ideal choice for novice drivers who want to develop their skills and experienced enthusiasts who appreciate a well-balanced and engaging car.

The Verdict: A Sports Car, Undeniably

So, is the Subaru BRZ a sports car? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes.

It possesses all the key characteristics of a sports car: rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, balanced handling, and an engaging driving experience. While its power output may not be class-leading, it offers plenty of performance for most drivers, and its accessible nature makes it a joy to drive at any speed.

The BRZ is a car that rewards skilled drivers and encourages them to push their limits. It's a car that puts a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. If you're looking for an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car that delivers an authentic driving experience, the Subaru BRZ should definitely be on your list.

Guys, it is a true sports car in the sense that it prioritizes the connection between driver and machine, and the sheer joy of driving.