Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 Subaru BRZ VS 2015 Honda Civic Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the BRZ and the Civic Si have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru BRZ is safer than the Honda Civic Si:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru BRZ is safer than the Honda Civic Si:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

As tested in Motor Trend the Subaru BRZ is faster than the Honda Civic Si (manual transmissions tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the BRZ lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Civic Si doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The BRZ’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Civic Si are solid, not vented.

The BRZ stops much shorter than the Civic Si:

The BRZ’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (55.2% to 44.8%) than the Civic Si’s (61% to 39%). This gives the BRZ more stable handling and braking.

The BRZ Limited handles at .94 G’s, while the Civic Si Coupe pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The BRZ Series.HyperBlue executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Civic Si Coupe (25.7 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 26.9 seconds @ .66 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the BRZ’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the Civic Si Coupe’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet). The BRZ’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the Civic Si Sedan’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The Subaru BRZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 250 pounds less than the Honda Civic Si.

The BRZ is 1 foot shorter than the Civic Si Coupe, making the BRZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the BRZ’s trunk lid uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Civic Si’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

The engine computer on the BRZ automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The Civic Si’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

The BRZ’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Civic Si’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

Keyless Entry and Start standard on the BRZ Limited allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Honda Civic Si’s Smart Entry Keyless Remote doesn’t unlock the trunk.

The BRZ Limited’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The Civic Si doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

The BRZ’s optional rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Civic Si doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

The BRZ Limited has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Civic Si.

The BRZ Limited’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Civic Si doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The BRZ Limited’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Civic Si doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

The Subaru BRZ won two awards in Kiplinger’s 2015 car issue. The Honda Civic Si only won one award.

The BRZ was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2013. The Civic hasn’t been picked since 1996.

The BRZ was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 2 of the last 3 years. The Civic hasn’t been picked since 1997.