Verdict
These are radically different Malaysian purchases. The Mazda CX-80 carries six seats, a 258-litre boot and a 65-km electric range from its 17.8-kWh plug-in-hybrid battery, so it has the practical brief covered. Its 2,342-kg kerb weight and 189-hp petrol engine tell a different story from the Subaru BRZ. The 1,289-kg, rear-wheel-drive coupe has 234 hp, a six-speed manual and a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. Pick the Mazda for people and plug-in commuting; pick the Subaru for the driving-led two-door experience.
CX-80
Pick the Mazda CX-80 if you need six seats, AWD, a 65-km EV range and far more family-oriented equipment.
BRZ
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want a 1,289-kg rear-wheel-drive coupe with 234 hp and a six-speed manual.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-80 RM296,610; Subaru BRZ RM249,245.
- Powertrain: Mazda CX-80 has a 189-hp 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid with one 172-hp motor; Subaru BRZ has a 234-hp 2.4-litre petrol boxer four.
- Driveline and gearbox: Mazda CX-80 AWD with an eight-speed automatic; Subaru BRZ rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual.
- Kerb weight: Mazda CX-80 2,342 kg; Subaru BRZ 1,289 kg.
- Accommodation: Mazda CX-80 has five doors, six seats and a 258-litre boot; Subaru BRZ has two doors, four seats and a 226-litre boot.
- Dimensions: Mazda CX-80 is 4,995 mm long with a 3,120-mm wheelbase; Subaru BRZ is 4,265 mm long with a 2,575-mm wheelbase.
CX-80
- 65-km EV range from a 17.8-kWh battery
- Six seats and a 258-litre boot
- 360-degree monitor, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control
- 1,053 kg heavier than the BRZ
- 189 hp versus the BRZ's 234 hp
- Costs RM47,365 more
BRZ
- 234 hp and a claimed 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual
- Lower annual road tax at RM767 versus RM830
- Four seats versus the CX-80's six
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
- No rear air-con, panoramic roof or powered front seats
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM296,610 | RM249,245✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Coupe |
| Segment | Executive | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM767✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and plug-in hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,488 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 189 hp at 6,000 rpm | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 261 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 89 mm × 100 mm | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 172 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 270 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 17.8 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 65 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.2 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 226 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,995 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,705 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,120 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 2,342 kg | 1,289 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 258 litres✓ | 226 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 6 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for second row seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Heating, Ventilation and Memory Function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Individual Captain Seat Middle Row with Heating & Ventilation, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sliding Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Middle, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 2 Front |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade, Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000-km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-80 & BRZ for sale
CX-80 vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-80 or Subaru BRZ better?
The CX-80 is better for carrying people and everyday utility, with six seats, five doors and plug-in-hybrid capability. The BRZ is better for a driver seeking a lighter rear-wheel-drive coupe, manual gearbox and 234 hp.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-80 costs RM47,365 more than the Subaru BRZ.
Which has the lower annual road tax?
The Subaru BRZ has the lower annual road tax at RM767. The Mazda CX-80 is RM830 per year, a difference of RM63.