Verdict
At RM249,245, the BRZ costs RM29,755 less and is the clear driver’s choice: its 234 hp, 250 Nm 2.4-litre engine, six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive cut the 0-100 km/h run to 6.3 seconds. The Outback’s 185 hp 2.5-litre CVT package takes 9.6 seconds, but the extra spend brings five seats, 522 litres of boot space, all-wheel drive and a much fuller safety and comfort kit. For Malaysian family use, its 63-litre tank, rear air vents and 360-degree camera matter more than outright pace. The BRZ is for a narrower brief.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive matter more than rear-seat access and luggage space.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you need five seats, 522 litres of boot space, all-wheel drive and autonomous braking for daily family duty.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru BRZ RM249,245; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
- Performance: BRZ 234 hp, 250 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds; Outback 185 hp, 245 Nm and 9.6 seconds.
- Drivetrain: BRZ six-speed manual rear-wheel drive; Outback Lineartronic CVT all-wheel drive.
- Practicality: BRZ has 4 seats and a 226-litre boot; Outback has 5 seats and a 522-litre boot.
- Size and weight: BRZ is 4,265 mm long and 1,289 kg; Outback is 4,870 mm long and 1,756 kg.
- Safety assistance: BRZ has no autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist; Outback has autonomous braking and steering correction lane-keeping assist.
BRZ
- 234 hp and 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Six-speed manual with rear-wheel drive.
- RM29,755 lower purchase price.
- Only four seats and a 226-litre boot versus the Outback's five seats and 522 litres.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist.
- Manual front-seat adjustment and no rear air vents.
Outback
- Five seats, 522-litre boot and powered boot.
- All-wheel drive plus autonomous braking and steering correction.
- 11.6-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio and 360-degree camera.
- 185 hp and 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time trail the BRZ's 234 hp and 6.3 seconds.
- RM29,755 more expensive.
- At 1,756 kg and 4,870 mm long, it is substantially heavier and longer than the BRZ.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM249,245✓ | RM279,000 |
| Body type | Coupe | Wagon |
| Segment | Sports Car | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767✓ | RM878 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 234 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 250 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5 | 12 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Subaru |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds✓ | 9.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 226 km/h✓ | 206 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,265 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,310 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,575 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | 1,289 kg | 1,756 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 5 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 226 litres | 522 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/40R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/40R18 | 225.60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 BRZ & Outback for sale
BRZ vs Outback FAQ
Is the Subaru BRZ or Subaru Outback better?
The Outback is better for five occupants, luggage and safety assistance, with a 522-litre boot, all-wheel drive and autonomous braking. The BRZ is better if driving is the priority, thanks to 234 hp, rear-wheel drive and a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Outback costs RM29,755 more than the Subaru BRZ. That gap brings a larger five-seat wagon body, 522-litre boot, all-wheel drive, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
Which one has more boot space?
The Subaru Outback has 522 litres of boot space, versus 226 litres in the Subaru BRZ. Its 60:40 split-folding rear seat and five-door wagon body also make it the practical choice for larger loads.