Honda S2000 AP1 / Subaru BRZ
The Honda S2000 AP1 makes 240 horsepower from a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder that redlines at 9,000 rpm. The Subaru BRZ makes 197 horsepower from a 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer four that redlines at 7,400 rpm—43hp less despite identical displacement. Across 83 shared tracks with 42 unique comparison scenarios, the AP1 wins by 3.41 seconds, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the AP1 wins 69.6% of battles with a 3.96-second average gap.
This is the first-generation S2000 (2000-2003) versus Subaru's modern boxer-engine sports car. The AP1 weighs 2,750 lbs. The BRZ weighs 2,862 lbs—just 112 pounds heavier, essentially identical. The AP1 costs $32,500. The BRZ costs $30,000—a $2,500 difference that's negligible. The real story is 9,000 rpm versus 7,400 rpm, and how Honda's F20C engine makes 240hp from 2.0L when Subaru's FA20 makes 197hp from the same displacement.
The 43-Horsepower Gap: 9,000 RPM vs 7,400 RPM
The AP1's F20C makes 240hp at 8,300 rpm and 153 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. Power-to-weight: 11.46 lbs/hp. Peak power lives in the stratosphere—this engine begs to be revved to 9,000 rpm with fuel cutoff at 9,150 rpm. The BRZ's FA20 makes 197hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft at 6,400-6,600 rpm. Power-to-weight: 14.53 lbs/hp—a 21% disadvantage despite weighing nearly the same.
The BRZ's 18.1-inch center of gravity (lowest in production car history) creates handling perfection, but it can't overcome the AP1's 43hp advantage and 9,000 rpm character. The AP1 rewards high-RPM commitment; the BRZ rewards smooth inputs. But when lap times matter, power beats handling balance.
What the Filtered Data Reveals
- Matched mod + matched tire (204 laps): AP1 wins 69.6%, BRZ wins 30.4%, 3.96s gap. The BRZ's low center of gravity and stable chassis can't overcome the F20C's 43hp advantage. The AP1 wins more than two-thirds of battles when everything is equal.
- When BRZ runs turbo mods: The FA20's forced induction ceiling (350-450hp) transforms the battle. A boosted BRZ at 280-300hp competes evenly with the stock AP1's naturally aspirated 240hp. The comparison data shows this in mismatched scenarios where modified BRZs close the gap dramatically.
The Verdict
Choose the Honda S2000 AP1 if you want the 9,000 rpm naturally aspirated experience and winning 69.6% of matched battles. You're paying $2,500 more for 43hp more power and Honda's legendary F20C that redlines 1,600 rpm higher than the BRZ. The AP1 is the choice for purists who value sensation over modern refinement.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if you value the lowest center of gravity in production car history at $30,000, accept losing 69.6% of matched battles, and plan to add forced induction. The FA20's turbo potential reaches 350hp for $5,000-7,000, transforming the fight entirely. The BRZ is the modern choice with better daily drivability and a modification ceiling that makes the AP1's naturally aspirated 240hp look modest.
LapMeta's 3.41-second overall gap and 3.96-second matched-condition gap show the AP1's superiority when both are stock. The BRZ's 112-pound weight disadvantage is negligible—this fight is about power and redline. For the driver who wants 9,000 rpm naturally aspirated purity, the AP1 delivers. For the driver who wants modern handling and turbo potential, the BRZ costs $2,500 less and offers a path to 350hp that the AP1 can't match without forced induction.
URLs:
View comparison: https://lapmeta.com/en/vehicle/21/193