Subaru BRZ vs Honda Prelude
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru BRZ starts from $43,790 before on-road costs, while the Honda Prelude opens at $65,000. That makes the Subaru BRZ the more affordable entry point by $21,210.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $48,169 and $71,500 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda Prelude by roughly $7,410 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Honda Prelude holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru BRZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda Prelude packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru BRZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Subaru BRZ and 8 in the Honda Prelude.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru BRZ features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda Prelude gets a 9-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru BRZ stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Honda Prelude. The Honda Prelude counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Bose audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru BRZ uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Honda Prelude responds with a Inline 4 making 110kW and 182Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Subaru BRZ has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru BRZ measures 4,265mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 428mm shorter than the Honda Prelude at 4,693mm (2,735mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda Prelude generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 284L in the Subaru BRZ and 281L in the Honda Prelude, giving the Subaru BRZ a 3L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ and $1,226/year for the Honda Prelude. That is a $1,482 annual difference in favour of the Honda Prelude.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Subaru BRZ) vs $1,226 (Honda Prelude). The Honda Prelude saves you roughly $1,482 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda Prelude). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda Prelude if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru BRZ takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda Prelude will save you roughly $1,482 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru BRZ and Honda Prelude?
The Subaru BRZ is the cheapest at $43,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda Prelude by $21,210.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda Prelude uses the least fuel at 4.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Honda Prelude has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru BRZ has the largest boot at 284L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru BRZ makes the most power at 174kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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