Verdict
The RM1,129,755 gap puts these coupes in very different worlds. Lexus LC buyers get a 470 hp, 540 Nm 5.0-litre V8, a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a 10-speed automatic, but also RM10,991 annual road tax and 1,965 kg kerb weight. The Subaru BRZ is the lighter, manual-led alternative at 1,289 kg, with 234 hp and a 6.3-second sprint. Its 226-litre boot also beats the LC’s 197 litres. Choose the LC for pace and equipment; the BRZ for a far lower-cost rear-drive coupe experience.
Pick the Lexus LC if you want 470 hp V8 performance, a 10-speed automatic and substantially richer safety and cabin equipment.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want a 1,289 kg rear-wheel-drive coupe with a six-speed manual, 60:40 rear seats and vastly lower purchase and road-tax costs.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus LC RM1,379,000; Subaru BRZ RM249,245.
- Power and torque: Lexus LC 470 hp and 540 Nm; Subaru BRZ 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus LC 4.4 seconds; Subaru BRZ 6.3 seconds.
- Kerb weight: Lexus LC 1,965 kg; Subaru BRZ 1,289 kg.
- Annual road tax: Lexus LC RM10,991; Subaru BRZ RM767.
- Boot space: Lexus LC 197 litres; Subaru BRZ 226 litres.
LC
- 470 hp and 540 Nm from a 4,969 cc V8
- 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time and 270 km/h top speed
- Eight airbags, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and ventilated power front seats
- RM1,379,000 costs RM1,129,755 more than the BRZ
- 1,965 kg is 676 kg heavier than the BRZ
- 197-litre boot is 29 litres smaller and the rear seats do not split-fold
BRZ
- 1,289 kg kerb weight and six-speed manual gearbox
- RM767 annual road tax
- 226-litre boot with 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- 234 hp and 250 Nm trail the LC’s 470 hp and 540 Nm
- 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.9 seconds slower
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist, and the warranty is capped at 100,000 km
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM1,379,000 | RM249,245✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Luxury | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM10,991 | RM767✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 32-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated, Otto/Atkinson Cycle with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 4,969 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 470 hp at 7,100 rpm✓ | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 540 Nm at 4,800 rpm✓ | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | V 8 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 94 mm × 89.5 mm | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.3 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Direct Shift | — |
| Gears | 10 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4 seconds✓ | 6.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 8.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 270 km/h✓ | 226 km/h |
| Co2 | 267 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,770 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,345 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,965 kg | 1,289 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 82 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 197 litres | 226 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R21 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R21 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001L Run-flats | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 21" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 21" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive F Suspension - Sachs | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 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 on two rear passenger seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated and Heated | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 10.3" Lexus Premium Audio Remote Touch Controller with 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km free service | — |
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 LC & BRZ for sale
LC vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Lexus LC or Subaru BRZ better?
The Lexus LC is better for outright performance, automatic cruising and driver-assistance equipment, with 470 hp and a 4.4-second sprint. The Subaru BRZ is the better fit for buyers who prioritise a six-speed manual, 676 kg lower weight and far lower ownership entry costs.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus LC costs RM1,379,000 and the Subaru BRZ costs RM249,245, a difference of RM1,129,755.
Which has the lower annual road tax?
The Subaru BRZ has the lower annual road tax at RM767. The Lexus LC’s annual road tax is RM10,991, reflecting its 4,969 cc V8 versus the BRZ’s 2,387 cc boxer-four.
