How quick is a Subaru BRZ?
In its modern form, the Subaru BRZ delivers brisk acceleration for a lightweight sports coupe: about 5.6 seconds to 60 mph with the manual transmission, roughly 6.0–6.3 seconds with an automatic, and a top speed around 145 mph. Real-world results vary with tires, elevation, and weather.
Performance figures by generation and transmission
These numbers reflect the latest generation’s typical factory performance under standard testing conditions. They can differ based on tires, trim, and testing methods.
- 0-60 mph (6-speed manual): roughly 5.6 seconds
- 0-60 mph (6-speed automatic): roughly 6.0–6.3 seconds
- 1/4 mile: about 14.0–14.2 seconds at around 100 mph
- Top speed: electronically limited to about 145 mph
Across transmissions, the BRZ’s lightweight design and rev-friendly engine help it feel quick off the line. The manual is typically the faster option for the 0–60 sprint, while the automatic emphasizes convenience and smoothness in everyday driving.
Technical factors that shape speed
Several core specs influence straight-line speed and overall quickness, especially in the current generation introduced for 2022 and onward.
- Engine: 2.4-liter FA24D flat-four delivering 228 horsepower and about 184 lb-ft of torque
- Weight: curb weight roughly 2,800–2,900 pounds, depending on transmission and trim
- Driveline: rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential on most trims; six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters
These specifications combine to produce a nimble, driver-focused experience rather than a straight-line drag car. The extra displacement versus the original 2.0-liter BRZ helps improve mid-range response and in-gear acceleration, especially noticeable when you’re pulling through gears at higher revs.
How the BRZ vs. its sibling shapes speed perception
In practice, many buyers compare the BRZ to its close sibling, the Toyota GR 86. Both share the same chassis and powertrain in the latest generation, yielding similar acceleration figures. The emphasis for both cars is balanced handling and a communicative driving experience rather than a blistering top speed, with performance most effectively realized on winding roads and track days.
What the numbers feel like on the road
Independent tests show that the BRZ’s speed feels sharp, especially in manual form, where revs climb quickly and gear changes are direct. The car’s light weight means its acceleration is punchier than its horsepower alone would suggest, and the rear-drive setup offers a predictable, engaging throttle response that enthusiasts value for cornering and-feel.
Turbocharged rivals can sometimes eclipse the BRZ in outright straight-line speed, but the BRZ excels in handling balance, steering feel, and driver engagement—traits that many buyers prioritize when choosing a small sports coupe over a pure dragster.
Variant differences and what to expect by model year
The biggest shift came with the 2022 refresh, when Subaru adopted a 2.4-liter engine for the BRZ, boosting horsepower and torque and improving mid-range acceleration. Earlier 2.0-liter BRZ models (2012–2020) were naturally aspirated with around 200 horsepower and somewhat different torque characteristics, leading to slightly different 0–60 timing and in-gear feel.
For prospective buyers, the manual remains the quickest pathway to 60 mph in the current lineup, while the automatic offers easier daily driving with similar top-end pace. Tire choice, gearing, and climate can noticeably affect the numbers you observe in the real world.
Summary
The Subaru BRZ is a compact, agile sport coupe whose speed is best described as brisk and engaging rather than dump-truck fast. With the 2.4-liter engine in the current generation, you can expect about 5.6 seconds to 60 mph with a manual, around 6.0–6.3 seconds with an automatic, and a top speed near 145 mph. For enthusiasts, the real reward lies in the chassis, throttle response, and steering feel that make the BRZ feel quick in daily driving and on winding roads, even if it isn’t the fastest car in a straight line.
