Verdict
The Subaru BRZ ZD8 costs RM249,245 against RM232,869 for the ZC6, and the RM16,376 gap buys a 2.4-litre manual package with 234 hp, 250 Nm and a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time. The ZC6’s six-speed auto is easier in traffic and its RM379 annual road tax is RM388 lower, but it needs 8.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h. For a Malaysian buyer chasing the newer BRZ’s pace, tyre package and camera-equipped cabin, the ZD8 is the clear pick. Choose the ZC6 for automatic convenience and lower running costs.
Pick the Subaru BRZ ZC6 if you want the six-speed automatic and RM379 annual road tax rather than outright pace.
Pick the Subaru BRZ ZD8 if you want 234 hp, 250 Nm, a six-speed manual and a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h sprint.
Key differences
- Engine output: ZC6 1,998 cc, 197 hp and 205 Nm; ZD8 2,387 cc, 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- Acceleration: ZC6 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds; ZD8 in 6.3 seconds.
- Transmission: ZC6 six-speed automatic; ZD8 six-speed manual.
- Annual road tax: ZC6 RM379; ZD8 RM767.
- Wheels and tyres: ZC6 17-inch alloys with 215/45R17 tyres; ZD8 18-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/40R18 tyres.
- Boot and parking assistance: ZC6 218-litre boot with two rear sensors; ZD8 226 litres with four rear sensors and a reverse camera.
ZC6
- Six-speed automatic for easier urban driving.
- RM388 lower annual road tax.
- Ventilated front seats and front foglamps.
- 37 hp and 45 Nm down on the ZD8.
- 8.2-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.9 seconds slower.
- Six-speaker CD audio lacks the ZD8’s 8-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
ZD8
- 234 hp, 250 Nm and a 226 km/h top speed.
- 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
- Reverse camera, blind spot information system and rear cross traffic alert.
- Six-speed manual only, where the ZC6 gets an automatic.
- RM16,376 dearer and RM388 higher in annual road tax.
- 1,289 kg kerb weight versus the ZC6’s 1,253 kg.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM232,869✓ | RM249,245 |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with direct injection and variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 197 hp | 234 hp✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed auto | — |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.1 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 226 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 164 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,240 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,425 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,253 kg | 1,289 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 218 litres | 226 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 4 three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Xenon projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 6-way manual adjustment driver, 4-way manual adjustment front passenger, ventilated | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Single-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone automatic climate control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | Centre console, glove box | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | Two front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with CD, USB, AUX, 6 speakers | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver and front passenger auto up and down | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless push start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| 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 cars for sale
ZC6 vs ZD8 FAQ
Is the Subaru BRZ ZC6 or Subaru BRZ ZD8 better?
The Subaru BRZ ZD8 is better for performance and modern convenience kit: it has 234 hp, reaches 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and gets a reverse camera. The ZC6 makes more sense only if its automatic gearbox and lower road tax matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru BRZ ZD8 costs RM16,376 more than the Subaru BRZ ZC6. It also incurs RM767 annual road tax, compared with RM379 for the ZC6.
Which BRZ has an automatic gearbox?
Only the Subaru BRZ ZC6 has a six-speed automatic with paddle shifts. The Subaru BRZ ZD8 is a six-speed manual, so it suits drivers who specifically want three pedals.