Verdict
At RM232,869, the Subaru BRZ ZC6 is the cheaper automatic choice and its RM379 annual road tax is far easier to swallow. The RM249,245 Subaru BRZ ZD8 costs RM16,376 more, but brings a 2,387 cc boxer four with 234 hp and 250 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 8.2 to 6.3 seconds. Its manual gearbox demands more from the driver, yet the stronger mid-range torque at 3,700 rpm, reverse camera and blind-spot monitoring make it the more complete new-generation buy.
Pick the Subaru BRZ ZC6 if you want a six-speed automatic, lower annual road tax and a lower purchase price.
Pick the Subaru BRZ ZD8 if you want 234 hp, a six-speed manual and substantially quicker 6.3-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru BRZ ZC6 RM232,869; Subaru BRZ ZD8 RM249,245.
- Engine output: Subaru BRZ ZC6 197 hp and 205 Nm; Subaru BRZ ZD8 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- Performance: Subaru BRZ ZC6 does 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and reaches 210 km/h; Subaru BRZ ZD8 manages 6.3 seconds and 226 km/h.
- Transmission: Subaru BRZ ZC6 has a six-speed automatic with paddle shifts; Subaru BRZ ZD8 has a six-speed manual.
- Annual road tax: Subaru BRZ ZC6 RM379; Subaru BRZ ZD8 RM767.
- Parking and awareness kit: Subaru BRZ ZC6 has two rear sensors and no reverse camera or blind-spot system; Subaru BRZ ZD8 has four rear sensors, a reverse…
ZC6
- Six-speed automatic with paddle shifts
- RM379 annual road tax versus RM767
- Rated fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km
- 197 hp and 205 Nm versus 234 hp and 250 Nm
- 8.2-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.3 seconds
- No reverse camera, blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert
ZD8
- 234 hp and 250 Nm from the 2,387 cc boxer engine
- 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 226 km/h top speed
- Reverse camera, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- RM767 annual road tax versus RM379
- Six-speed manual only, where the ZC6 has a six-speed automatic
- 1,289 kg kerb weight versus 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 at 7,000 rpm | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm at 6,400 rpm | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 86 mm × 86 mm | 94 mm × 86 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 | 7 (Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags) | 7 (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 outright performance and safety equipment, with 234 hp, 250 Nm, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, blind-spot monitoring and a reverse camera. Choose the ZC6 if an 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. That gap brings 37 hp, 45 Nm, a manual gearbox, quicker acceleration and added parking and blind-spot assistance.
Which BRZ is cheaper to run for road tax?
The Subaru BRZ ZC6 costs RM379 a year in road tax, while the Subaru BRZ ZD8 costs RM767. The ZC6 saves RM388 annually, reflecting its smaller 1,998 cc engine against the ZD8's 2,387 cc unit.
