Poll: Subaru BRZ Premium or Ford Mustang Fastback V6?
The Subaru BRZ and Ford Mustang are both stylish and sporty coupes but is one of these models a better choice for enthusiasts than the other? You decide!
Both of these cars feature sporty rear-wheel-drive architectures, offer manual transmissions and are available with just two doors, similarities that make them logical rivals, though there are plenty of differences between them.
Starting with the BRZ, it features a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that’s good for up to 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of twist (when equipped with a six-speed stick, that is), and that’s it. Only one propulsion unit is offered in this car.
Fortunately, thanks to the engine’s horizontally opposed configuration this Subaru has a very low center of gravity and overall weight, tipping the scales at less than 2,800 pounds, making it minuscule by 21st century standards. Really, the BRZ is more precision instrument than jackhammer, especially when equipped with the new Performance Package, which adds Brembo brakes and Sachs shock absorbers.
Focusing on the Ford, it’s quite different from the Subaru. For starters, it offers a multitude of engines, from an EcoBoost four-cylinder to a duet of high-strung V8s to a base V6. And that latter option is what we’re focusing on here, the most cost-effective offering (read: cheapest).
Aside from being a larger car, the Mustang is also heavier, tipping the scales at around 3,526 pounds with a V6 and manual transmission, some 741 more than the BRZ. But partially offsetting this mass disadvantage is more power. This car is endowed with 300 horses and 280 lb-ft of twist from a 3.7-liter engine. A manual or automatic transmission are offered, both with six forward speeds.
As for pricing, out the door this Ford starts at a few bucks less than $25,600. On the other hand, Subaru’s offering kicks off at around $26,200, including destination fees.
Which of these cars do YOU prefer? Compare them directly right here and please, make sure to vote in our poll!
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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Depends... Do you need a toy or something that is better to own every day? If it is a toy then the BRZ, but if you want a more well-rounded car then the Mustang will be better in leaps and bounds.
I'll take my Mustang V6 over the BRZ every time. I've driven the BRZ and it's handling is amazing, but my Mustang with the "W" Speed Top of the line BF Goodrich A/S tires handles a lot better than one would think. Not quite as good as the BRZ, but not too far behind it. As far as speed, it's not even close. My Mustang has slight mods, but even without them, the BRZ doesn't stand a chance. The BRZ struggled to get to high speeds and worked harder to maintain it, while it didn't take much effort for the Mustang. If Subaru, or Toyota with the 86, ever puts more horsepower in there, I might change my tune.