Why The GT86 Proves That Big Power Doesn't Get You More Fun

When Toyota and Subaru first unveiled the FT-86 concept in 2009, the motoring world went into a frenzy. These two iconic manufacturers were pairing up to make an affordable, rear-wheel drive sports car that was easy to drift.

Predictably, we all rubbed our hands together with glee. But once the GT86/BRZ twins hit production, it didn’t take long for motoring journalists to bemoan its lack of power. Internet keyboard warriors - used to seeing 500bhp in family saloons - also couldn’t understand how a sports car could have less power than a hot hatch.

Now I’ve never much cared for numbers; they only tell half the story. So I borrowed our Toyota GT86 long-termer for the best part of a week to see if I would come away with a hankering for more power. Besides, crazy-fast cars are pointless in the modern world; we've got 'safety' cameras, traffic, roadworks and speed limits to contend with, after all... And this is why the GT86 is the perfect performance car in 2014. It laughs in the face of posers who need to ram big numbers down your throat and provides perfect B-road thrills. I took her out the first night I had her, up towards Goodwood Motor Circuit. The surrounding roads are tight country lanes with poor visibility and even poorer surfaces. Exiting a small roundabout, I planted my foot in third. Nothing. Damn, that was disappointing. But I kept my foot planted and at around 5500rpm there was a noticeable kick.

I approached the same roundabout again, in second this time. With the revs hovering around 6000rpm, I planted my foot. This time it was loud, the back wheels squirmed a little and the rev limiter flashed red to indicate I should probably find third. Up one gear and that kick is still noticeable. I knew the road well and began to anticipate the gear I’d need to be in to keep the revs high. This little Toyota handles like a dream, and it’s so easy to place confidently on the road.

It wasn’t intimidating, but it was still a challenge. In more powerful, more expensive cars you’re always left with the distinct feeling that the car is more capable than you; that the road or traffic is holding you back. With this, I felt like I could reach the edges of its performance in a thrilling, accessible way.

Before I continue, let me tell you a quick story. As young petrolheads in the ’70s, my dad and his friends frequently jumped a humpback bridge in the centre of Portsmouth town. There was never any fear that something might be coming the other way, despite the crest being completely blind.

The point of this is that forty years ago four young men were having the time of their lives in clapped out motors that barely made 100bhp. Last Saturday night I was having just as much fun, on the only quiet roads in Sussex, wondering how any more horses could possibly make my smile bigger.

If you want to shout big numbers and burn away from traffic lights, this isn’t for you. People will mock your measly 200bhp. But stand tall and confident, perhaps let out a knowing smirk. I promise they aren’t having half as much fun as you.