My New BRZ

Zaggeron · 08-06-2012, 09:11 PM

Obviously I still have that new car euphoria and the car is still in the break-in period, so it is too early for a serious review. But here are a couple of things

1. While the Nav unit might be fine, it is the most unintuitive system I've ever used.

2. No trip computer functions available on the Nav -- no miles left in tank, average MPG, etc. (or I haven't found them yet. See point 1)

3. There are some trip computer functions available in a display below the tach, but the same display is shared between ODO, trip A, trip b, and trip comp display. You have to toggle between them -- e.g. you can't show ODO and outside temp at the same time or miles per gallon and trip miles at the same time. Makes me appreciate the funky game boy display to the left in my Z

4. Music through the speaker system via bluetooth is not good -- but that might be my phone's fault since it is streaming the music not the file.

5. The auto climate control is on par with my Z's -- a bit better because it is dual zone, but dual zone is probably not strictly necessary in the BRZ or Z.

6. While I like the interior and it is nice with the alcantra and leather trimmed seats. My Z interior is nicer with more soft-touch areas.

7. The shifter throws are nice and short and it shifts beautifully, but the shifter itself seems to be a bit less solid feeling than in the Z.

8. The warble of the boxer (I know it is only 4 cylinders) as the power comes on is a beautiful sound and I haven't even revved it high yet.

crazyyankfan · 08-06-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaggeron

2. No trip computer functions available on the Nav -- no miles left in tank, average MPG, etc. (or I haven't found them yet. See point 1)

3. There are some trip computer functions available in a display below the tach, but the same display is shared between ODO, trip A, trip b, and trip comp display. You have to toggle between them -- e.g. you can't show ODO and outside temp at the same time or miles per gallon and trip miles at the same time. Makes me appreciate the funky game boy display to the left in my Z

4. Music through the speaker system via bluetooth is not good -- but that might be my phone's fault since it is streaming the music not the file.

5. The auto climate control is on par with my Z's -- a bit better because it is dual zone, but dual zone is probably not strictly necessary in the BRZ or Z.

6. While I like the interior and it is nice with the alcantra and leather trimmed seats. My Z interior is nicer with more soft-touch areas.

7. The shifter throws are nice and short and it shifts beautifully, but the shifter itself seems to be a bit less solid feeling than in the Z.

8. The warble of the boxer (I know it is only 4 cylinders) as the power comes on is a beautiful sound and I haven't even revved it high yet.

I could care less about trip computer you know. Cars back in a few yrs did not have it, but still did fine, right?

The silly part I found is that the BRZ (FR-S too) has both digital and analog speedometer, which is completely redundant.

I freaken hate the climate control on the Z. Why can't I have the circulation without A/C on? Stupid...

Interesting view on the shifter. Most reviews have commented on the shift throw being very short and precise.

Since this is a Toyota-modified boxer engine, I don't feel it sounds as great as those on the STi

Zaggeron · 08-06-2012, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyyankfan

I could care less about trip computer you know. Cars back in a few yrs did not have it, but still did fine, right?

The silly part I found is that the BRZ (FR-S too) has both digital and analog speedometer, which is completely redundant.

I freaken hate the climate control on the Z. Why can't I have the circulation without A/C on? Stupid...

Interesting view on the shifter. Most reviews have commented on the shift throw being very short and precise.

Since this is a Toyota-modified boxer engine, I don't feel it sounds as great as those on the STi

Do you have touring or base Z. In the touring, you just set the temperature and it turns the AC off and on to keep it at that temp. I like it fine.

As far as the engine, Toyota is only responsible for the fuel injection system. The rest is Subaru. I've never driven a boxer before so maybe others sound better, but I'm loving the "warble" as you get on the gas.

crazyyankfan · 08-06-2012, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaggeron

Do you have touring or base Z. In the touring, you just set the temperature and it turns the AC off and on to keep it at that temp. I like it fine.

As far as the engine, Toyota is only responsible for the fuel injection system. The rest is Subaru. I've never driven a boxer before so maybe others sound better, but I'm loving the "warble" as you get on the gas.

I have the base, but I don't think the climate control system is any different. It doesn't matter of the auto mode or temperature tho. As long as you turn the circulation on, the A/C compressor will start. When it reaches the set temp, the system would adjust the air flow and the air temp, but the compressor is still on when circulation. Only when turning the circulation off can you have the air flow w/out compressor on.

As for the engine sound, don't make my word for it. I have only heard either one from sound clips. Never got a chance to actually sit in a STi or BRZ and drove it. What I know is, the STi stock exhaust sounds more badass than our Z for sure. I have heard couple on streets. Maybe the BRZ does sound as good as STi.

Zaggeron · 08-06-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyyankfan

Maybe the BRZ does sound as good as STi.

I dunno. Never heard an STI up close. Anyway, I'm not talking about the whole exhaust note ... there is this characteristic boxer growl/warble as it starts to gain RPMs that is very nice. Heheh, for all I know it might sound like crap at 7k RPM, but I won't know for 765 more miles

Isamu · 08-06-2012, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaggeron

Do you have touring or base Z. In the touring, you just set the temperature and it turns the AC off and on to keep it at that temp. I like it fine.

As far as the engine, Toyota is only responsible for the fuel injection system. The rest is Subaru. I've never driven a boxer before so maybe others sound better, but I'm loving the "warble" as you get on the gas.

08-06-2012, 09:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zaggeron A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,951 Drives: '10 370ZR '13 BRZ Rep Power: 19	Obviously I still have that new car euphoria and the car is still in the break-in period, so it is too early for a serious review. But here are a couple of things 1. While the Nav unit might be fine, it is the most unintuitive system I've ever used. 2. No trip computer functions available on the Nav -- no miles left in tank, average MPG, etc. (or I haven't found them yet. See point 1) 3. There are some trip computer functions available in a display below the tach, but the same display is shared between ODO, trip A, trip b, and trip comp display. You have to toggle between them -- e.g. you can't show ODO and outside temp at the same time or miles per gallon and trip miles at the same time. Makes me appreciate the funky game boy display to the left in my Z 4. Music through the speaker system via bluetooth is not good -- but that might be my phone's fault since it is streaming the music not the file. 5. The auto climate control is on par with my Z's -- a bit better because it is dual zone, but dual zone is probably not strictly necessary in the BRZ or Z. 6. While I like the interior and it is nice with the alcantra and leather trimmed seats. My Z interior is nicer with more soft-touch areas. 7. The shifter throws are nice and short and it shifts beautifully, but the shifter itself seems to be a bit less solid feeling than in the Z. 8. The warble of the boxer (I know it is only 4 cylinders) as the power comes on is a beautiful sound and I haven't even revved it high yet. __________________ 2010 Platinum Graphite 370z Roadster:Touring/Sport 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited