8 Series vs BRZ
The 8 Series and the BRZ are two different answers to the same sports car brief, each with its own set of priorities. This one has a front-runner. The 8 Series wins 3 of 4 compared areas, and engine & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 8 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 8 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 8 Series wins
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 8 Series has 107 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 335 hp against 228 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 8 Series. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 8 Series has 184 lb-ft more torque
The BRZ gives up a lot on torque: 184 lb-ft, compared with 368 lb-ft on the 8 Series. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 8 Series has better fuel economy
The 8 Series is slightly stronger on fuel economy (combined). The gap, 24 mpg versus 22 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 8 Series has better highway fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the 8 Series: 29 mpg against 27 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The 8 Series has better city fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The 8 Series’s 21 mpg beats the BRZ’s 20 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 101.4 in |
Engine & Performance
8 Series leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The 8 Series leads where it counts. The 8 Series brings 107 hp more power. The 8 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the 8 Series gets the nod.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp BRZ: 228 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
8 Series: 368 lb-ft BRZ: 184 lb-ft The 8 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
8 Series leads
In this area the 8 Series has a lead the BRZ can’t close. On its side, the 8 Series has better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the 8 Series is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg BRZ: 22 mpg The 8 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
8 Series: 29 mpg BRZ: 27 mpg The 8 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
8 Series leads
The 8 Series takes off-road & towing by a nose. The 8 Series wins here with available all-wheel drive. The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive; the BRZ doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Weighing only off-road & towing, the 8 Series comes out ahead.
AWD / 4WD available
8 Series: yes BRZ: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the 8 Series and the BRZ differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.4L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 228 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 Series | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 101.4 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 8 Series if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (368 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better combined fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 27 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 8 Series or the BRZ?
On the specs compared here, the 8 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the BRZ doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or Subaru. I only care that you end up with the right one of the 8 Series and the BRZ. The 8 Series has 107 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Plus, the 8 Series gets better fuel economy, which I wouldn’t overlook.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the 8 Series, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the BRZ.
My pick: the 8 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.