Is the GT86/FRS/BRZ justified as being called a sports car?

07 Aug 2015

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

Buy it.

Must and then build it.

I mean turbo it

Before I start yes I do work for Toyota but the one thing I say to all of my customers qho raise this question is have you driven one?
The sheer grip and handling capabilities of the car are more than enough to have any petrolhead grinning like the joker. Not to mention the fact that the car has "enough" power to enjoy it everyday but also lends itself perfectly to modifications with trolley loads of power one or 2 clicks away on any good toyota or subaru tuning companies website. The only people who are butt hurt about its power are 16 year olds who don’t remember that a standard twin turbo supra only came with 274hp and it’s status is legendary…the gt86 is a future classic guaranteed

To say it isnt a sports-car is stupid. Go drive one again and see how it compares to an s2000, rx-8, or any other blue collar Japanese sports-car and you will see immediately that is deserves its title.

I would totally buy one.

I would buy one and I will buy one because it is a great car. I prefer it over Mazda MX-5 too because the new one is more expensive than the GT86. Also, it has an endless list of modifications (Started from exterior mods to Engine swap easiness). It has a big history too. Everyone knows supra and Toyota’s unicorn, AE86 (GT86 is meant to remind us of the AE86, a 128 HP beast). My question to anyone who doesn’t like GT86 is: "Would you buy an AE86 if you were in 1980’s?". If you would, think about this: GT86 is a highly modifiable, low powered, low weight sports car with great handling and a "slightly longer than a hatchback" form. Anything similar to an AE86? My answer is yes.

In Australia in the 80’s I had to register a mk2 1.6 two door escort as a sports car

Its a sports car. Under-powered, yes, but still a sports car.
Is a small caliber hand gun not a gun because its not an AR-15?

Even if i would return my e36 323i to its stock, it would eat in those corners and in straight line. It would win against gt86 in its own game :-D it looks great, corners just as well but its gutless and that handling is overrated, just like the car itself.