
The 2013 Scion FR-S is nearly identical to the BRZ, and it starts about $1,300 lower in its base form compared to the Subaru, although the BRZ includes more standard equipment.
The two models have subtle tuning differences, so you might as well take them both for a drive.
In its available hardtop version, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is otherwise the most focused small sports car on the market—although the BRZ would probably be our preference for frequent commuting as the Miata is quite tight inside.
Going up the scale of price and complexity, the Nissan 370Z is very powerful and a bit heavier, but it's not as perfectly balanced as the BRZ; it's also even noisier inside.
The redesigned 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is another alternative—especially for those who want more of a comfortable touring coupe that can also be taken to the track on the weekends.
Finally, for those who are price-limited and want a sporty-looking two-door, the Ford Mustang is kind of the polar opposite of the BRZ, but in V-6 form it's surprisingly nimble and affordable.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2013 Subaru BRZ shows that simplicity and leanness can provide more driving thrills than complex, high-horsepower sports cars costing several times as much. |
Don't let the brash sound and classic looks fool you; the Ford Mustang offers some of the best performance-car bang for the buck--delivered with surprising sophistication. |
If you want a light and lean open-top sports car that's fun at legal speeds, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is it--and it's reasonably practical. |
While the performance-per-dollar value of the 2013 Nissan 370Z remains largely intact, enabling it to play with more expensive sports cars for less money, rising prices narrow that advantage. |
The 2013 Scion FR-S is the real deal: a sports car, built simply, at an affordable price. |
MSRP From | ||||
$25,495 | $22,200 | $23,720 | $33,120 | $24,500 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas Flat 4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Subcompact Cars | Compact | Two Seater | Two-Seater | Minicompact |
Style Name | ||||
2-Door Coupe Premium Manual | 2-Door Coupe V6 | 2-Door Convertible Manual Sport | 2-Door Coupe Manual | 2-Door Coupe Manual (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 |
Body Style | ||||
Coupe | Coupe | Convertible | 2 Door Coupe | Coupe |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2013 Subaru BRZ vs. 2013 Ford Mustang | 2013 Subaru BRZ vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 Subaru BRZ vs. 2013 Nissan 370Z | 2013 Subaru BRZ vs. 2013 Scion FR-S |