Is the Gen 1 BRZ / 86 better than Gen 2?

Summary

In this video, Lucas and Josh compare the Gen 1 BRZ with the newer Gen 2, exploring whether it's worth upgrading to the latter for its performance. After testing both models on a track, they discover that despite the Gen 2’s enhancements, they can build an even better car by modifying the Gen 1 for less money. The duo also enjoys some friendly competition, testing their driving skills on the track, with a professional driver helping them gauge the true performance difference. Ultimately, they plan to modify their Gen 1 BRZ to take on the Gen 2's speed and style.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gen 1 BRZ is a beloved car, known for its affordability, fun driving experience, and strong JDM heritage, with ties to the AE86.
• 😀 Lucas and Josh compare the older Gen 1 BRZ to the newer Gen 2 BRZ, questioning if spending more on the Gen 2 is worth it compared to customizing a Gen 1 with the savings.
• 😀 The Gen 2 BRZ is priced around 50k AUD, while the secondhand Gen 1 can be purchased for 20k AUD, leaving room for extensive modifications.
• 😀 While testing the Gen 2 BRZ, Lucas and Josh find its handling lacking, mainly due to the tires, although the car is still fun to drive.
• 😀 The Gen 2 BRZ has better overall performance, but the Gen 1 is seen as a more budget-friendly option that can be tuned into a serious competitor with the saved money.
• 😀 The hosts have a lap-time competition between themselves. Lucas sets a slightly faster time at 60.63 seconds, while Josh clocks 60.99 seconds.
• 😀 During the skid pan drift test, Lucas, a drifting beginner, starts to get the hang of sliding the car, noting the Gen 1's responsiveness and throttle feedback.
• 😀 The professional driver, Dylan, sets a lap time of 56.5 seconds in the Gen 2 BRZ, demonstrating the car's superior performance.
• 😀 Dylan also takes his modified GR86 out on the course, recording an impressive lap time of 50.56 seconds, highlighting the benefits of modification.
• 😀 Despite being beaten by the Gen 2, Lucas and Josh are determined to use the extra funds saved by purchasing a secondhand Gen 1 BRZ to create a car that can outperform the Gen 2 BRZ.

Q & A

What is the main comparison being made in the video?

The video compares the Gen 1 and Gen 2 BRZ, specifically evaluating whether it’s worth spending more on a brand-new Gen 2 or opting for a secondhand Gen 1 and using the remaining budget to build a more customized and potentially superior car.

Why is the BRZ considered a modern JDM classic?

The BRZ is considered a modern JDM classic due to its rear-wheel-drive layout, lightweight build, and a 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer engine, offering a balance similar to the legendary AE86, an iconic JDM car from the anime Initial D.

What modifications have been made to the Gen 1 BRZ featured in the video?

The Gen 1 BRZ in the video is mostly stock, but it includes Brembo brakes, a full titanium exhaust from Nvidia, and a six-speed manual transmission.

What issue does the Gen 1 BRZ have in terms of its current condition?

The Gen 1 BRZ has a mysterious clicking sound in the back tires, and the tires are from a brand called Sport Tracks, which the hosts are unfamiliar with.

Why does Josh prefer the Gen 1 BRZ over the Gen 2?

Josh prefers the Gen 1 BRZ because the Gen 2 costs around 50k AUD, whereas they bought the Gen 1 for 20k AUD, leaving them with an additional 30k AUD to customize and potentially outperform the Gen 2 BRZ.

How does the Gen 2 BRZ perform compared to the Gen 1 on the track?

The Gen 2 BRZ shows better handling, stability, and performance, completing the track lap faster than the Gen 1. Dylan, a pro driver, sets a lap time of 56.5 seconds in the Gen 2 BRZ, while the Gen 1 struggles with stability and performance.

What was Lucas’s experience when trying to drift the Gen 1 BRZ?

Lucas, a beginner at drifting, found the Gen 1 BRZ easy to control and get sideways, appreciating the car’s responsiveness and feedback, which helped him adjust and improve his technique.

What does the pro driver Dylan manage to achieve in the Gen 2 BRZ?

Dylan manages to set an impressive lap time of 52.74 seconds in the Gen 2 BRZ, which is significantly faster than the Gen 1’s time.

What’s the difference in performance between the Gen 2 BRZ and the heavily modified GR86 driven by Dylan?

Dylan’s heavily modified GR86, which runs on E85 and is tuned for track performance, outperforms the Gen 2 BRZ by achieving a lap time of 50.56 seconds, nearly 2-3 seconds faster than the Gen 2.

What is the main challenge for the Gen 1 BRZ in this comparison?

The main challenge for the Gen 1 BRZ is its performance gap compared to the Gen 2 BRZ, especially when both are driven by professionals, with the Gen 2 showing superior speed and handling.