Fiat 500 vs Subaru BRZ

The Fiat 500 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 34 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Subaru BRZ, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Fiat 500 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2023

Fiat 500

Minicompact Cars · 33 configurations

34mpg combined (best)
All Fiat 500 specs

2015–2027

Subaru BRZ

Minicompact Cars · 26 configurations

28mpg combined (best)
All Subaru BRZ specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricFiat 500Subaru BRZ
Best combined MPG34 mpg28 mpg
Best city MPG31 mpg24 mpg
Best highway MPG38 mpg33 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,250$2,700
Lowest CO2 output264 g/mi321 g/mi
Engines offered1.3, SIDI, 1.4SIDI & PFI
TransmissionsAutomatic 9-spd, Automatic 6-spd, Manual 5-spdManual 6-spd, Automatic (S6)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, PremiumPremium
EPA classMinicompact CarsMinicompact Cars
Years covered2015–20232015–2027
Configurations on record3326

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

500 vs BRZ: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Fiat 500 or the Subaru BRZ?

The Fiat 500 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 34 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Subaru BRZ, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Fiat 500 runs about $2,250 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,700 for the Subaru BRZ — a difference of roughly $450 per year.

What engines do the 500 and BRZ offer?

Fiat 500: 1.3, SIDI, 1.4. Subaru BRZ: SIDI & PFI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Fiat 500 and the Subaru BRZ as Minicompact Cars, so they compete directly.

More 500 comparisons

Comparison id: fiat-500-vs-subaru-brz