2017 Subaru BRZ vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Subaru BRZ doesn't have many rivals, but what a collective set.

It includes the Toyota 86, the BRZ's twin, recently renamed from its Scion-badged days.

It's very closely related to the BRZ—interchangeable in most ways—but it costs just a little bit less, with fewer standard items and just a slight difference in tuning.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is otherwise the top rival to the BRZ, and while it's a convertible it offers a quite comparable driving experience, with a great weight distribution, high-revving engine, and basic interior; in both models, too, you don't need to go fast to have fun.

If you're looking for more power and speed, though, the Nissan 370Z is fun, although it lacks the perfect balance and the lean driving manners that the exterior suggests.

The Ford Mustang is now offered in turbocharged 4-cylinder form, as well as with a V-6; in either of these layouts the Mustang has a surprising amount of athleticism and refinement this time around—even though it feels like a big touring coupe next to the BRZ.

The engineer in charge of the BRZ's handling drives a Porsche Cayman, which is renamed this year as the 718; it's one of the absolute best-handling cars on the planet, and a good target to aim for.