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
Its not about 0-60 times, its about the feel of the car. I feel special everytime I slip into the wonderfully bolstered driver seat of my BRZ. I feel special when the RPM’s climb and I shift into 2nd, 3rd, 4th. I feel special everytime I turn into a sharp corner and the car hugs the curve perfectly, giving little to no body roll. I feel special when I can kick out the back end and do it confidently because the car is so consistent I know what’s coming.
Women, jobs, houses, friends, they all come and go… but the love I have for my BRZ will remain forever.
Buy it, turbo it.
The GT86 is a sports car, nuff said. I would buy one.
I feel like it’s the sports car they left basic for you to tune. It looks nice but it’s too slow my friend beat an auto frs with a 99 miata. So do I call it a sports car yes I do.
200HP , RWD , Top speed of 230 km/h , 1340kg , Sounds like a sport car for me :)I have seen one at the Subaru DealerShip , and in white it just looks amazing ! :D
But …. in second hand markets you can find some very nice Audi TT for this price ^^
I think people these days confuse sports cars with engine specs or purpose built performance cars, from what I understand a sports car is sacrificing practically and economy for a quicker car with good handling characteristics, the brz/gt86 does this, its not overly practical or economic, its been designed to have a low centre of gravity with good handling and 200hp should be more then enough to come out of corners. Performance cars are the crazy high HP cars that should scare you, there were faster cars that the mgb at the time, but it was still a sports car. All that said sports car shouldn’t be confused with a sporty car such as a st’s or vxr’s.
I wouldn’t buy one, it doesnt serve my purpose.
But it does serve A purpose, exactly as you you explained. If the guy is going for lightweight and fun - it’s a good choice, though I’d still recommend a Miata over it.
The moment I’ll afford it, I will have it. I really really like this car, and even tho it doesn’t have 124908BHP, it seems to me like it’s got everything I’ll ever ask for.
Sure it is a sports car !
Its as fast as a normal Z4 or SLK200..
It’s one of the few modern cars i would actually buy. The point of the entire car is FUN. not FAST. If you buy it for speed, you’re better off with a hot hatch. "If you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb trees, It will live it’s entire life thinking it is stupid."