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.

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Comments

The poor Rich guy

frankly, if I want an agile car … I’ll go for a Lotus

08/07/2015 - 11:57 |
0 | 0

every car that is 2dr coupe is in "sports car" category.

08/07/2015 - 11:58 |
0 | 1
razrx8

the point of the car is to light weghit sport car like the Mx-5
it have 200 BHP ans low senter of gravity its a sport car.
its got the main thing that make a sport car a sport car:
1)its loog good
2)its just power enough
3)its have lower senter of garavity and 50:50
and 4 if jermy clarckson sey its good you shut up and buy it

08/07/2015 - 11:58 |
19 | 1
Anonymous

I owned on (BRZ) for two weeks. Not a sports car by any stretch. Not special enough and felt like it was designed and engineered by committee aka a huge compromise.

My main issue was it didn’t feel special. I didn’t have the urge to drive it and once the new car buzz wore off it was boring and very low rent, definitely not a £25,000 car.
The engine is very trashy and does not make a nice noise while stock, you have to rag the nuts off it to get any… performance is the wrong word. Ummm, Urgency. Once you were moving though I dreaded stopping as the stock brakes felt like they were made of cheese. The handling was ok, not great ( IMO an S2000 wipes the floor with it in EVERY respect and don’t get me started on what’s available the used market for the same money. E92m3’s/3.2 Caymans etc…)
I know it’s not about power it about drivability but the pedals are too far apart for accurate heel toe and you only feel engaged because of the crap tires. I put some Pilot sport 2’s on it as a last resort and it just feld dead.

I sold it and got a 08 313 350z and haven’t looked back since. Yeah its 200kg heavier and mine is 7 years old but it pulls like a train and you can really grab it by the scruff of the neck and enjoy country roads. My two cents

08/07/2015 - 11:59 |
3 | 5
Dave 12

I think it’s entry level. Nothing more and nothing less.

08/07/2015 - 12:12 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

Actually it’s a sports car with a huge potential,not a "finished" car. I mean if you buy a 911 you have an thrilling sports car right from the factory. Whereas you have to make your 86 yours: new tyres, hks induction system and a new exhaust system, eventually lowering it and you’ve got an awesome driver’s car!

08/07/2015 - 12:29 |
2 | 1
Anonymous

I’d say it’s a sports car

08/07/2015 - 12:40 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

"If you can’t go fast with 90 horsepower, 900 ain’t gonna help ya."

08/07/2015 - 12:57 |
0 | 0
gheed

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Actually, yes it does, Well depends on how you mean fast, you can’t go 400 km/h with 90 hp but you can with 900…

08/07/2015 - 13:20 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

I would buy one if I had more money to spent on car parts and add more power to the car, or if any of the companies launched a more sporty version. It’s not a bad car, but it seems too slow for the agressive car he wants to be.

08/07/2015 - 13:02 |
0 | 0
Albin Nygren

Why can’t there be a whole new genre of car called, oh I don’t know "fun car"? Or "driver’s car"? Cars whose only purpose is to be fun to drive, and not necessarily be able to win any races? Here we would find cars like the MX-5, GT86/FR-S/BRZ, the Saab Sonett, the Alfasud etc…

08/07/2015 - 13:22 |
5 | 1