The rival

SUBARU BRZ TS $43,190

THERE ARE trade-offs to taking this coupe option: its flat-four isn’t as sweet and you lose the top-down motoring. But if the roof isn’t a concern and you don’t mind a horizontal engine with a quirky torque curve, the BRZ tS is probably a better choice. The Subaru is not only cheaper, it still wears stiffer dampers, better brakes and bracing. It’s much more conducive to oversteer if you’re that way inclined and its steering is more responsive than many more expensive cars. But if the Roadster’s soft roof is a drawcard for you, chances are none of that will change your mind.