Though the Subaru BRZ->ke3973 and Mazda Miata->ke1185 are very different cars, they share a customer base. Whatever the differences in body style, both of these sports cars appeal to driving purists, who enjoy a level of connectedness that goes beyond the average commuter. That may be at least part of the reason that, closely following the launch of the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru->ke86 has announced a price drop for the BRZ->ke3973.

The $25,695 MSRP of the 2016 Subaru BRZ is $300 below the 2015 model. Annual updates are limited to new options and equipment, including the Subaru Starlink Multimedia System, whose 6.2-inch touch screen enables smartphone-like gesture input. A backup camera is now standard as well. The 200 horsepower, 2.0 liter boxer four-cylinder engine, standard limited-slip differential and lightweight body have not changed.

Subaru has lowered prices by approximately the same amount across the board, so the Alcantara-trimmed Limited starts at $27,395 with a six-speed manual and $28,495 with the six-speed automatic. The BRZ Limited is also equipped with dual-zone climate control and heated seats.

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Why it matters

So what’s this got to do with the Miata? In spite of the fact that the Miata’s a dedicated convertible and the BRZ has no ragtop version, both cars are ultra-lightweight sportsters with nimble handling, diminutive dimensions and modest horsepower. The BRZ and Miata are the sorts of cars that are intended to be just as exciting at 35 mph as they are at 95. With an all-new Miata on the ground, the comparisons are already coming in droves. The BRZ has a horsepower advantage, but the Miata is lighter, so the two cars perform similarly. The Miata also starts at under $25,000. For Subaru, bringing the bottom line down a bit keeps the BRZ below the threshold of “It costs $1,000 more than a Miata,” which is enough to be a deal-breaker for some on-the-fence buyers.

2014-2015 Subaru BRZ

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