Is The New BRZ Better Than An S2000? | Real World Test Drive And Impressions 

S2’s are appreciating at a crazy rate. I think will be a car that is more exclusive and more desirable in a decade. I’m sure you’ll look back and say, “damn glad I kept it!”

Rear wheel drive, light weight, decent power 240hp, naturally aspirated boxer engine lowering the centre of gravity, focus on handling and agility. I was hoping for a bit different design in this new facelifted version, but overall... great car, we need more manufacturers going in that direction of "affordable" sports cars focused on driving experience. This and Yaris GR been definitely most interesting 'sports' cars of few recent years.

Its the shifting, the engine bay noise and the exhaust of most of these JDM cars that makes it unforgettable and enjoyable.

It's not very fair to compare a stock, automatic BRZ to a fully modded S2K.

The new generation of BRZ is growing on me, still love the old ones headlights and taillights. That blue color is super nice. Edit, I really like the gran turismo window decal on the S2000, it's a nice touch.

That's so awesome that the Japanese police decided to help you. I had the exact same thing happen to my G37. I found the matching car with matching traded paint and scratch height that parks in my same apartment parking lot. American police said it wasn't enough evidence and wouldn't help me lol. This was my door, fender, and wheel as well.

It's interesting Albo was talking about forever cars. The BRZ and S2000 share similar characteristics just with the BRZ complying with newer standards and regulations. I think that new BRZ will be a forever car...but for the younger generation as it will be the last of a dying breed.

Great video Albo, informative and fun to watch. Both the S2000 and new GR86/BRZ are great in different ways. But LETS NOT FORGET, the S2000 costed more brand new than the GR86/BRZ costs, after you do inflation adjustment from 1999 to 2021. 2009 Mazda MX-5 costed $21k and the 2009 S2000 costed about $35k. The S2000 was priced towards a Porsche Boxster, and the BRZ/86s cost similarly to a Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster, so thats a big difference in price. So if the S2000 didn't have the incredible engine that revs to 9000rpm or have such a great gear shift feel, that would be a terrible thing. Objectively speaking, the BRZ/GR86 will have better torsional rigidity and the steering feel is better, more torquey engine+aerodynamic and it will be much easier to use on a regular basis as its more practical (and has to meet current safety regulations and emissions regulations, unlike what Honda faced in the late 90s). Regardless, both the S2000 and Toyobarus are great cars in different aspects.

The BRZ is good for what it is. A sports car that is biased for the street in a way that will appeal to the widest possible audience. The S2000 was built for a specific driver. One unafraid to spin it past 6000 and experience the sound of unbridled v-TEC. I love the more connected older cars from the mid 80's to the 90's. Technology and safety are the order of the day now and sometimes it takes away from the driving experience. Its hard to find a modern reasonably priced car that doesn't feel like an appliance. That's why you should keep the S2000 and complete the journey that you started with it.

For me, it's either pay a crazy amount for a used car that's almost 20 years old, or pay $28-32K USD for a brand new car with modern features. While I think the S still has the better engine, not sure if I wanna pay these prices anymore. If I'm collecting/babying the car, the S is a no-brainer. If tracking, I'd rather get a used 86/BRZ.

man Albo... that S2000 of yours is so sick. The engine sound is super dope too.

I find it insulting comparing a brz to an S2000. Aside from the fact value is going up like hell. Not everything is about speed. The driving experience on the S2000 is just INSANE, always puts a smile on my face. Plus it looks so goddamn sexy even after 20 years!!

I have a 21 Crosstrek XV sport that looks exactly like that XV In the showroom. Same color. Slightly different trim. I’ve dreamed of an S2000 for years, but I’m not paying for a used S for what I can get for a new ND2 Miata or a BRZ.

I want that hks kit man, please get it and do a full on installation series, ecu, injectors, pump, ap2 retainers and all.. want my arvou s2000 lol Glad you are sticking with your S, I won’t let mine go ever.. love the channel man.. cheers from Denver, Colorado

my 2013 frs is my forever car! 2700lbs~, 396whp, manual, has Advan TCiii wheels, hks coilovers and soooo many more mods but I kept it simple and clean. I love it, I've owned it for 8 years now with 80k miles it will be mine even after I'm too old to get out of it lmao

Great video! love all the insight. Keepem coming:)

S2K was my dream car for a long time. The older they get the more maintenance the S2Ks will require. I don't like doing all the little things on cars like I used to when I was a bit younger. All newer cars have a less raw feel from factory because most people attribute that quieter sound to "quality". You can do things like installing stiffer motor/trans mounts, suspension, IHE, etc to increase the raw feel of these new cars. Some of those raw feel mods will be the first few things I do to my new GR86 when I can get my hands on one. I think once you see how these cars feel after a few mods it will likely change how you feel about them. The aero alone makes a huge improvement on these cars vs older vehicles.

I would definitely rather have the AP1 S2000 because it's like having a 401K plan while you are having fun driving it around 😉 My friend bought one AP1 2002 54k miles for $9,500 in 2015 and just sold it to an old fella with 112k miles on it for $23,800 cash... what a great return and now my friend misses that S2K so much 😢 I think he wished he kept it, he acts like a girl broke up with him.... I have learned that if you have a forever car that you better keep it and I'm sorry to say BRZ owners but it is not a forever car like the Formula 1 Honda S2000.

S2000 will forever be a classic and an icon, however, the new GR86 or BRZ is a better car. BRZ is easier to drive, easier to launch, more forgiving, more seating room, you can fit 2 small Japanese persons in the back if needed, quicker and easier to mod for more power, comes with hardtop, newer with warranty, more features, and lastly cheaper. We all should be happy that Toyota and Subaru are still making these, and maybe, just maybe ticked Honda off bad enough they might think about bringing back the S2000 :)

Even after all this time waking up daily in Japan still feels amazing,i wish i was financially stable to be there now

S2000 owner here, this is the exact video I have been waiting for since BRZ 2.0 dropped. Thanks ALBO dude for this content, it is actually helpful for real world decisions. Cheers!

The s2000 is in a drivers expirence league of its own. Nothing more needs to be said to answer this question.

Honda needs to bring back the S2000 and they only need to make it lighter with better handling. They don’t need to change the exterior as it has a timeless look. They can use the same engine with improvements and they will get buying them up.

I really wish I didn't buy a car last year before the gr86/brz came out because I really want it now... Not too expensive and not too "cheap" feeling

I really enjoyed this video! I’m definitely excited for the new 86 platform, and I’m looking forward to test driving one! Also, what air freshener do you have in the S2000? I love the visual aesthetic of it!

The GR86 seems to have better dynamics than the BRZ. The suspension setup makes a difference when it comes to dynamics. S2K is still great, and I still would love to own one. However, I’d rather own the GR86 since changing the headers, intake manifold, a tune, and removing the fake engine noise would make the car sound a lot better. Not to mention, the chassis is miles better than the S2K.

Awesome stuff!

Wow, Japanese Police are nice enough to come and check out such minor issue about damaged cars. In my country they don't give a damn about a guy which did hit and run on me at the busy traffic! Good to see your car being fixed :) Whether it is the new GRZ86 or GT4, they will never give the same feel as the 90s or early 2000s jdm cars. Back then I bought the FT86 (stock) and drove it daily. I have to admit that new sports cars have good balance, grip and good interior electronics which make the ride very comfortable. But they don't have the raw and rough feel like the old jdm cars. When I jump back to my s-chassis car, I feel much more excited and sometimes making me feel tougher too lmao. Really, old jdm cars gives me true feeling of every inch of the road and bumps and just the engine noise itself is so good. Unfortunately, old jdm cars don't have all the modern electronics and comfortable interior. I used to drive the s-chassis daily and it can make me really tired in long run. You know stiff suspension and loud noise can exhaust you out. My solution to this was making the s-chassis a weekend car and it became much more enjoyable. Glad you you are keeping the s2000. You will never regret it. I think when you upgrade the power of s2000, whether turbo, supercharger or even na power, you would love it even more. Hope to see more mods to s2k :)

If you already own an S2000, then the S2000 is a much better option than the BRZ/GR86/FRS. But if you doesn't, then the little Toyobaru is basically a modern S2000 that's going to be as valuable as the real one in the near future as it is now. Go get it before it's too late.

I'd probably keep the S2k till it dies, but that's me. I'm the kinda guy that keeps a car for a long time. That's my plan with the WRX Hatch that I have, not many new cars excite me (that I can' afford anyway..lol)

I feel the same about our 2015 Forester XT. It’s quick, comfy, and a really great family car but it is a bit soul less still. Nothing compares to the SG era. I would love to pick up a new 86 some time. Your channel has me looking at s2ks more than ever, but for the price they are going for in the states, I think I’d rather have the 86.

Your s2k top goes down so much faster than my 986 boxster lol I have the urge to buy one of the last first gen 86 and a brand new one and just shove them into a barn for 20 years.

Hey bro, what steering wheel are you running on your S2k? Anybody know?

Stock for Stock new BRZ/GR86 will have better performance than S2000. I have the S2000 and modified 2013 previous gen 86. Unmodified 86: feels about the same with S2000 performance-wise. 86 has better steering and handling, better seating position, lower center of gravity. S2000 has better engine and shifter modified 86(E85 and suspension mods): more usable power than S2000, more torque, better handling, better steering, better seating position, lower center of gravity. So if new stock GR86/BRZ is similar in performance as modified GT86, then it undoubtedly perform better than a stock S2000

Maybe off topic but I wonder what camera you are using especially for the night shots at Daikoku Futo

i love your s2k content. i just bought an ap1 a few months ago with only 40k miles. I've already put 3k on it and feel bad that im stacking miles on it, but i love the car so much and i hate to see it sit.

What wheels are those on your s2k?

I love that you made a video on the new brz I just ordered one in red (limited trim) and I hope that it’s as fun as it looks!

PLEASE HELP, what infotainment screen is that? Icant find them anywhere online

S2000 will probably be more of a sports car but the brz is much more practical for daily driving and the fact that it drives extremely well (from what others say) I would definitely choose it.

its cool how you left the spoiler on but the placement of the wing just doesnt seem right

Man never get rid of that S2000 you love it so much!

Where did you purchase your underglow lights ?

Great stuff

20 years old?????? I never knew time flies so fast…….😔😔

Sweet vid, I might be getting a S2000 this weekend if everything checks out well. What radio do you have installed if you don't mind me asking?

Haha I love it that we both have the same TPMS on our cars

Which underglow did you use ?

Hello, Albo! Thank you for ur videos!!! Can u share with us what type of side steps u used ? Wich brand exactly ? Thank you for ur time and attention

dope what roll cage is that?

I recently started listening to your podcast at work,and Im interested in the guests you have on but it's hard to listen to while you make dinner in the background and God knows what else

the s2000 with the under glow looks so sick!

Ooo caught the premier right on time at the "kono bangumi" part. Fan boy rubbish aside, the new BRZ is a very nice car. Very neat.

As an owner of a 2019 BRZ I gotta say if I would have to choose between new BRZ and a S2K... I would go for the S2K. The linear design on it just makes it look way more like a true JDM car. The wave-like lines on the BRZ on its sides just distort the silhouette of the car and make it look worse imo Hyped to see what's gonna be in stock with the potential HKS collab in the future!

Could you do a later vid on car insurance in japan as an enthusiast?

What cup holder is that??

JDM BRZ infortainment system definitely looks different and is better and larger than 2022 US BRZ!

Under glow is not awesome,! Great video and thank You Albo 😎👍🙌🙏 love the S2000

MT driver for 17 yrs; it's always almost funny culture shock when I need to get an AT rental car for whatever. The first panic is either the clutch or the stick LOL. xD I have an '01 Forester. Maybe I'll upgrade to yours next.

Not sure if this is a fair comparison, let's assume we get one s2k for 20kusd, plus all the mods that you put on the s2k to modernize it. I have a feeling that it will be well over the stock price for the brz. Should be a stock vs stock, or modified vs modified. As well as the fact that you remove personal bias with your own built car. However, I do own a second gen brz, without driving the s2k, id say that the brz gives me great amount of joy when im driving it around. But one I do want to get my hands on a s2k

Damn I’ve bought my new car in 2004 and now it’s only worth 2000. You live and you learn about buying new cars and is it worth it at the moment. Once you have it then you’ll be like I’ve should have not purchased a new car.

I think they can be both forever cars. I owned a 2012 BRZ and 2002 AP1 s2000. Bought the s2000 used and the BRZ new. Still owned both. They are both good cars and feels very similar. S2000 has a nice bonus because of its appreciating value. And the 9k redline and VTEC changeover never gets old. For new buyers lusting for an s2000 but wants a new car, just get GR86/BRZ or MX5 or RF. In manual transmission. You'll get pretty much the same experience with a little difference in flavor.

I like the new 86, but I don't like the stock tail lights. That is an easy fit will all of the aftermarket parts.

I would get the GR86 over the S2000K just because it would be my only car and I need a certain amount of practicality.

Well, one is better at this and one is better at that. Do you like this or that more? Is this more important to you than that, or is that more important? Where do you do most of your driving ...below 5k rpm or above 5k rpm? Do you prefer a convertible? This or that, you can't go wrong... but, which one fits your life/likes better?

You mention you don’t think the brz is a forever car but it’s one of few cars that had to stop production cause they couldn’t keep up with orders (at least in America) and that’s saying something.

Albo I enjoy watching your video and is true what you say I have a friend that owns and S2000 I drove it one day and I was amazed how fast it was and pull whenever I floor the car amazing car not for me consider I too big for it but hopefully I will get a 370z soon

Your car is very beautiful, definitely prefer it to the new BRZ. I picked up an ITR over summer and I love it, but the S2000 looks another step up. I wonder how difficult it would be to get an older BRZ and make it more raw?

thoughts on the fk8?

How is the low end torque of the new BRZ compared to the S2000?

I ordered the new BRZ in black. Still waiting for delivery. Should be some time in December.

wow just driving there is just heaven

Does it come in v6 in Japan i believe in the U.S you can only get the 4cyl

lets gooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! new video upp !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The S2000 is great car but I just to tall to comfortably fit in it at 186cm but no problems fitting in the brz.

I cant believe you had so much attention from the police for a scratch. In the UK if we had cctv of a car deliberately and repeatedly smashing your car, the police would do nothing, zero.. If you pesster them to death and get them to come out, they would still do nothing!

This video made me appreicate my JZS171

underglow FTW dude! :D

You are truly an inspiration brother💯

coming from a big turbo kit on my S2000 back to NA I really forgot how enjoyable the car is with stock power. The SC kit would be great but only if it was 6-8psi so it just enhances what the S2000 already offers.

Both cars are cool, but I feel like the S2K has stuck around you so long that I can’t see you in any other car than that Yellow Machine

Very nice I like 👍

Wish I could live in Japan I love the Japanese culture and I love your s2k I was able to buy a celica gt4 imported from Japan with 60k miles and I love it.

LOL! The police in America would hang up the phone on you if you asked them to do this.

was that BRZ stock exhaust??? holy sh*t it was roaring.

Albo you are right, the Honda is timeless and already is an icon from Japan. The BRZ will just be another civic like car on the road.

havent even watched and i know its good

I have always liked the S2000 and would probably enjoy driving one. But honestly the cars go for so much that I'd be getting into the price range of a few cars I'd rather have. A really low mile S2000 will sell for around 32-37k. At that point I can get a mint Dodge Viper GTS. To each their own.

AYYYYY MY BOIS GOT UNDER GLOW!!!!

im thinking of buying a 2023 Z but whenever i see the new brz or gr86 makes me think that a it would be better than the Z(minus the power) then this video came up, i forgotten bout the s2000 but maaaaaaaaan i still want an s2000 PS: rumours say that the manual 2023 Z wont have an LSD out of the factory, like wait, hold up

I regret selling my s2000's. There is no other car with such personality and experience.

4:15 The new BRZ is nice, but don't think I'd switch from my turbo FRS ( 19:04 It's my forever car )

Subarus were always quirky but never felt cheap. The latest lineup feel like they're old just sitting in the dealership. That newer Forester Albo showed looks terrible imo.

What underglow and foot well lights did you go with? I love it the younger me still loves it

Nothing wrong with a love letter to an S2000

Your s2000 is still desirable compared to the yellow Porsche you showed on ur other video.

underglow is amazing

is that the new Aston Martin DB9....lol. im a huge fan of the 86 but im not a fan of the rear end of these new version

More house music in the videos please 😎

S2k is a real keeper