2023 Nissan Z vs. 2022 Subaru BRZ - POV Driving Impressions

2023 Nissan Z Specs:
-Engine: Twin-turbo V6, intercooled 24-valve w/ direct fuel injection, and aluminum block heads.
-400 hp @ 6400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm
-6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmissions
-Fuel economy: 18 City / 24 Highway / 20 Combined MPG
-Curb weight: 3536 lbs
-Pricing (incl. $1,025 destination): Base: Sport $41,105, Performance: $51,105, Proto: $54,105

2022 Subaru BRZ Premium 6-Speed Manual
Color: World Rally Blue Pearl
MSRP: $27,995
MPG: 20 city / 27 highway
Horsepower: 228 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
Curb weight: 2,815 lbs
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Dimensions: 168″ L x 70″ W x 52″ H

0:00 Walkaround
3:55 Nissan Z (Manual)
22:05 Subaru BRZ
31:37 Automatic Nissan Z

The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!

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Thanks for watching!

[sunnyvalentino]

I like the way a bunch of these cars are positioned. GR86/BRZ = Want raw and best handling? Z = Want power and GT comfort? Supra = Want a small very quick/easy to tune car w 50-50 wt balance? Golf R and Corolla GR = Need AWD, hatchback, grip for days and 4 doors? Mustang GT = Want V8 soundtrack and large cabin and trunk? N cars = Want amazing feedback FWD safe fun?

[graumail]

“The Z is a little bit heavier” thats a bit of an understatement.

[Briggsian]

In Canada, the base BRZ/GR86 can be had for about $32k. Z starts at just shy of $50k, and you have to spend $60K just to get an LSD. The price delta between the two is just two significant to really consider cross shopping the two.

[itzkrm]

Went to the dealership to put in a order for the 2023 BRZ but they ended up have an 22 in stock and got that instead. My day couldn't of had gotten any better than that.

[Kyle-tymx]

Both incredible cars! glad they both exist in 2022!!

[infidelrr]

Thanks for the oversteer!! Love watching your videos and you give us what we want. That Z is sharp looking - love the roof line! 👍

[sturat]

I am really surprised I'm digging the Z as much as I am. Nissan is really getting controls and interior design in line. Power delivery looks straight up fun. 7:10

[BlaziNTrades]

It seems like although both cars have changed, the comparison is still pretty well the same as it was before. The Z is bigger, heavier, faster and most people think it's at it's finest being driven 8/10ths. The Toyobaru is smaller, lighter, slower, and it's far more at home being driven at or near the limit. I had a 2015 FRS and loved it, so I know I would enjoy the new cars with slightly more power, but damn I would be hard pressed to pick between these two now.

[jeffkelly]

I would say the average customer that can afford both cars and only needs two seats will take the Nissan z. If you already have a powerful car I can see people buying the gr86 as a fun handling toy. I personally want a fast car when I buy a sports car not saying the gr86 isn't a great car, but I see alot of people hating on the z because they can't afford it and try to justify not having it.

[mdftx]

The blue on the interior is great looking, and overall it looks fantastic. Just a little disappointed it used a version of the vr engine, I was looking for a new powertrain for the likely last go at a sports car like this from Nissan.

[milesfathi]

Oooh I've been waiting for this. You never disappoint topher!

[erichenry]

Interesting I stumbled across this review. I test drove the new Z, was unimpressed. Currevt car is a 2003 BMW 540i Sport, after the test drive, I preferred my 20 year old BMW. 1.5 months later on a whim, test drove the BRZ - LOVED IT! Bought it 4 days later.

[HankBaxter]

As much as I didn't want to say this, I'd take the BRZ any day over the Z.

[bhearing]

Shopped MX5 RF, Brz and Civic Si. Choose the Brz pretty quickly. 2023 coming in August

[milesfathi]

Your reviews of the car have been so much more positive than throttle house and the straight pipes. It's the first time I'm seeing such a range in opinions about a car.

[wg]

I'll take the BRZ all day over higher horsepower cars. Cars are overpowered for the road. I have a Mustang GT, stock, and really can't legally/safely enjoy it.

[NEprimo]

I cant believe i actually called where you were once I saw the michigan plates and that industrial park. It's so funny how people become so familiar with their surroundings they can guess the city a person is in just by a little industrial park. Actually I used to work out at the Barwis center back in 2009 so maybe something clicked in my brain. Anyways, go blue! and great videos, love the content

[vette]

I like that both of these cars are comfortable from the factory. Most people are going to modify the suspension to taste anyways, so at least the baseline is soft and you can setup it to be as stiff/sharp as you want.

(I anticipate a square tire setup to dial out under steer, plus some mild lowering springs, will be the sweet spot for the Z)

[richardledesma]

Such a great review it touches all aspects of the cars and highlights their benefits really well with such a calm, yet lighthearted manner ! You do awesome work man

[SilverScarletSpider]

18:04 That’s how my friend always did it with his BRZ: daddy driving, mommy sits behind, and baby in child seat in the back too