Is the GT86/FRS/BRZ justified as being called a sports car?
We need your help in solving an ongoing debate that is currently causing friction in the Car Throttle office. The cause of this debate? It’s the GT86/FRS/BRZ variant.
A member of the team has expressed an interest in buying one, and with that, the debate begun…
Some are arguing that it is just not special enough, that it’s too slow and a little too expensive to make it worth purchasing, "It’s a sports car with no power, in the same league as an MX-5".
Others, however, are saying "anyone that says the GT86 needs more power has completely missed the point of the car. The GT86 isn’t supposed to be a bonkers quick car, just like the MX-5 and all their predecessors. It’s a quick (enough) and cheap (enough) car for people that can’t afford 911s, Z4Ms and other more expensive German options"
So what do you think, would you buy one? It would be interesting to hear your collective thoughts, it may well shape a decision to buy one! Give us your feedback in the comments below.
Comments
I indeed agree that it is a sports car with no power. I think that there are many other options which are the same if not cheaper price which are much,much better……
Let me first start with the fact that I haven’t driven an 86/FRS/BRZ (after this refered to as "car"), but I would like to see what the fuss is about. The car looks great, there is already a big aftermarket support for it (for more power) and it is not that expensive for a new sports car. That being said, it is a new car and still it is quite a big number. For that amount of money, you can also browse the adds for a good second hand sports car. If I had the money to buy an 86/FRS/BRZ, I probably would buy an S2000 instead and use the rest of the money on wheels and bolt-ons.
I would definitely consider it a sportscar, defined thanks to the aggressive styling, low weight and decent power. When manufacturers design cars, they do so for a reason. They attempt to create a specific product with a certain appeal: whether it’s nothing but horsepower, whether they focus on handling, or they want a small sporty car. The intended purpose of this car is not power, but the handling and ‘fun’ aspect. Whether you want to fork out the cash for this, is up to personal preference.
Before the war begins:
I currently own one of these, since 2013. And yes, I am planning to supercharge it. But not for the reason you might think. If I lived in a racetrack, the car would be plenty of fun anytime.
No actually I am planning to supercharge it because as a daily It would be soooo much nicer to have more torque. I don’t drive constantly at 5500 rpm, I want a more all around type car. Solution: supercharger. That’s it. The End. Sports car… not so sports car… frankly IMHO it doesn’t matter.
I have followed this debate since it started and always thought the same thing: this car is like a recipe. I know how it taste if i follow it to the letter but everyone prefer his / her version of it.
just make your preferred version, it’s a blank board for you to write.
cheers
2 seats, engine in the front, power to the back. I’d say it’s a legitimate sports car. Entry level, but still a sports car nonetheless.
It’s not about speed, it’s about how fun it is to drive, how well it takes a corner
I agree with those who say "anyone that says the GT86 needs more power has completely missed the point of the car.". BUT I DO THINK that it can have more torque - anyone who knows the FA20 will be aware of the torque-dip from about 3500-4500rpm; making it a pain to overtake 2.0 diesel hatchbacks and family saloons. If you want more power, the aftermarket support for the 86/BRZ is HUGE. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get more power. Plenty of supercharger, turbocharger, nitrous, increased displacement strokers, E85, V8 swap kits for this platform available. Most people are not aware that in Japan, over 80% of land is mountainous. Therefore, windy + narrow roads are very common and wide + long straights are a rare sight, not to mention the 80km/h speed limit on motorways, so 200hp is plenty. So thats probably why Toyota/Subaru weren’t so concerned about power, also the AE86 wasn’t famous for its power, it was about handling AND how it can use all its power, all the time. 86/BRZ are the blank canvas for enthusiasts. Anyone can tailor their style of tuning to suit their needs. I would say people who don’t think they are sportscars do not know what they’re talking about.
I never understood why they didn’t put a turbo engine in there.
If you drive it fast on a track in high rpms it is still a ton of fun, but if you are driving normally in traffic it feels like my old 70hp Corsa.
They should have offered one model with a turbo engine and wider tires (thos Prius wheels are just awfull when cornering fast).
i agree with the people saying that a sports car doesnt have to be bonkers fast, it just have to be fun to drive and and jaw-droppingly beautiful
It is sports car. Its not about speed, its about agility. If i would buy it ? Probably no, because for me its hard to make money for a new car so i would stop half way saving up for it and buy older used cheaper sports car. But if money it not a problem i would go for it GT86 is unique modern sports car because its trying to be AE86s succesor, and it also has some of its key features transformed into modern world.