Evo Magazine - GT86 better than BRZ

[faz1]

After causing a little controversy last month when I posted scans of Evo Magazines group test where the BRZ came last, the boys from Evo are at it again.

My early subscribers copy dropped through my letterbox this morning.

GT86 Road test of final production version: 4 Stars

I quote from the article "It's a better car than the BRZ. This is nearly the car we've all been dreaming about" . OOPS!

[mines13]

uh oh. It is about to get rowdy up in here.

[ESBjiujitsu]

WOW!!!!!!

[SunnyD]

[Memphis]

Oh boy. So a Cooper S will murder it.

I wonder how a Veloster Turbo will fair against it.

[DarkSunrise]

After all the backlash from their last article, it sounds like they're looking for reasons to back-track, placing the blame instead on the BRZ's suspension tuning. I doubt the difference in tuning can "transform the experience from frustrating to life-affirming" as they say, but who knows, I haven't driven the BRZ yet.

Also interesting he found the FR-S understeered more steady-state, (but was more willing to slide its tail out under power).

[Spaceywilly]

Auto vs. manual

[blu_]

I would also vastly prefer a manual gt86 over an auto brz.

[StuttterButtter]

There should be some good post in hear in 3,2.....

[faz1]

Originally Posted by mines13

uh oh. It is about to get rowdy up in here.

Crash helmet ready...

[Memphis]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

After all the backlash from their last article, it sounds like they're looking for reasons to back-track, placing the blame instead on the BRZ's suspension tuning. I doubt the difference in tuning can "transform the experience from frustrating to life-affirming" as they say, but who knows, I haven't driven the BRZ yet.

Their last article was somewhat of an eye opener. This article opens the other eye.

Its performance is all handling and that alone is not enough to allow it to overtake cars like the Cooper S. Forget that they are front wheel drive. They still can beat the twins and from what EVO is saying, do it handily.

People will argue aftermarket wheels and tires will shave this or that off of the twins but the same can be said about cars like the Cooper S.

[faz1]

Originally Posted by Memphis

Oh boy. So a Cooper S will murder it.

I wonder how a Veloster Turbo will fair against it.

My GT86 is due next month

My wife drives a new Cooper S

[mines13]

Originally Posted by Memphis

Their last article was somewhat of an eye opener. This article opens the other eye.

Its performance is all handling and that alone is not enough to allow it to overtake cars like the Cooper S. Forget that they are front wheel drive. They still can beat the twins and from what EVO is saying, do it handily.

People will argue aftermarket wheels and tires will shave this or that off of the twins but the same can be said about cars like the Cooper S.

Horse beating time; dollar to dollar a WRX will cream this car if you are playing the numbers game. That said, you are buying an experience, not lap times.

[Memphis]

Originally Posted by faz1

My GT86 is due next month

My wife drives a new Cooper S

Lol she will be laughing at you in her rearview mirror.

Careful you don't let her see this review. She might frame it and hang it over your bed.

[Draco-REX]

So a few more lb/in in the rear will turn this car from zero to hero? Whatever.

As above, Auto vs Manual.

/thread

[tripjammer]

Originally Posted by mines13

Horse beating time; dollar to dollar a WRX will cream this car if you are playing the numbers game. That said, you are buying an experience, not lap times.

The WRX may cream it in the straights, but not on the track. Same thing with the Mini Cooper S.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by SunnyD

Have enough for 125 pages?

[mines13]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

The WRX will cream in in the straights, but not on the track. Same thing with the Mini Cooper S.

I'm sorry but this is one hell of a blanket statement. There are so many variables here that it is not even funny.

[dsgerbc]

Pathetic attempt to save their face.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by mines13

Horse beating time; dollar to dollar a WRX will cream this car if you are playing the numbers game. That said, you are buying an experience, not lap times.

Speaking of which, anyone want to guess whether the FR-S's will get under the 3:20 mark at VIR in Lightning Lap? I think it'll be difficult, with a car like the NC Miata up at 3:29. Still, I had more fun driving the Miata and FR-S on the track and backroads than a good number of the quicker cars on the list.

[mines13]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Speaking of which, anyone want to guess whether the FR-S's will get under the 3:20 mark at VIR in Lightning Lap? I think it'll be difficult, with a car like the NC Miata up at 3:29. Still, I had more fun driving the Miata and FR-S on the track and backroads than a good number of the quicker cars on the list.

Exactly, I have a lighter more powerful car that will easily put down a faster time then the FR-S. But dynamically, it would be no where near as enjoyable.

[SUB-FT86]

Why do people rip on the interior quality? When me and ZGrinch was at the auto show just about every part of the interior was top notch soft touch plastics(75%). The areas you touch is the best areas. That's the only part of this review that baffles me. My RSX has 5% soft plastics so 75% in the BRZ/GT86 Premium is a step up.