BRZ sold, thanks for everything ft86club!
 

Today, I signed over the title for my BRZ Limited 6MT. It remains my favorite 4 seater of all time, but after 4 years and 4 months of automotive bliss (and after much deliberation), I have decided to go back to the MX-5.

I followed the development of the FT86 since the early rumors of Toyota’s successor to the old AE86, reading every article, and even traveling to the NYIAS to see the concepts. I’m member #22 on this forum, and probably the first person in North America to place a deposit for an FT86 (the only car for which I’ve placed a deposit before test driving, or paid MSRP). This email I sent to a friend in early 2012 summed up my enthusiasm:

I went into the BRZ test drive with very high expectations, and it didn't disappoint. It was everything I’d hoped for… absurdly responsive and predictable, very easy to slide around, and the best shifter I’ve ever felt in a Subaru. For years I thought it'd be cool if Subru came out with a more efficient and (relatively) high revving boxer, and they achieved that (with some help from Toyota and Yamaha).

However, my plan was always to go back to the MX-5 once I no longer needed rear seats, and that time has arrived.

Still, it took a lot of contemplation before deciding to go through with it. I smiled every time I drove the BRZ. Every time. If something had happened to it while I still needed rear seats, I would’ve gone out and bought another one.

And it’s not as if the MX-5 overshadows the BRZ. In fact, the BRZ has several notable advantages:

1. Every input has an immediate effect (the MX-5’s steering is quite good, but it’s not as responsive)
2. Flatter and more planted handling
3. Engine output doesn't drop off like the MX-5's
4. Perfect driver position, seats, and controls layout (though this is quite good in the MX-5 too)
5. Has rear seats (good for kids, or even an adult on a short drive), significantly more storage space (larger trunk and fold-flat seats), spare tire
6. Stupid easy oil change (oil filter up top with catch basin)
7. Fixed roof = less to worry about (vs soft-top)

The BRZ is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades vehicle for those of us that value lightweight, RWD momentum cars, but need a little practicality. Even today I'm still impressed with what Subaru and Toyota accomplished, and part of me thinks I'm crazy for getting rid of it.

However, the MX-5 has its own set of advantages:

1. Though its CoG isn’t as low, the car is lighter overall
2. Shorter wheelbase makes it fun to flick around at low speeds
3. Engine punchier in the mid-range, and the car feels a bit livelier down there (though this is mostly due to the MX-5’s weight advantage)
4. Double-wishbone > struts (though the MX’5’s stock suspension is overly soft)
5. Fun at any speed (the BRZ has some of that to a certain extent, but isn’t quite as exhilarating at low speeds)
6. Slightly nicer interior
7. Open-top playfulness

Ultimately, both cars are very capable and a blast to drive. But as much as I adore the BRZ, it’s hard to compete with a roadster’s wind-in-your-hair experience. And utility aside, to me the MX-5's excessive body roll is its only really significant drawback, and that's fairly easy to remedy. Most of the other disadvantages are like comparing a grade of 96% to 98%, and that open-top playfulness beckons.

Anyway, thanks for everything! This site has been a valuable resource, and I wish all of you a fond farewell.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

tl;dr:

• Went from MX-5 to BRZ because rear seats
• After 4 years 4 months of bliss with BRZ, going back to MX-5
• BRZ more responsive and planted, MX-5 more playful, both cars capable and fun
• Thanks for everything, farewell

when can i take the ft86 vanity =p

4 years & 4 months is a good amount of time. What year MX-5 do you have/are you getting? Have you driven an S2000? They are worth checking out, if you have not...

After an amount of time (weeks or months?), it should be available. I was pretty psyched to get that plate back in 2012 :D

None yet. Will get an ND Club 6MT, though I'm currently deciding whether to buy an old NA first and go for the ND once the 2017s are out.

I've driven many AP1s, and though they're awesome, I prefer the MX-5 because it's lighter, cheaper, simpler, and more fun a low speed. If I wanted something more serious or for the track, I'd consider an S2k.

Ain't gotta say goodbye! Many of us love the Miata so no harm in staying active! If I had the money, I'd get an ND Miata alongside my BRZ!

Post pics of the ND!

Nooo

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBUz2nkOKsc"]Blackstreet - Don't Leave Me - YouTube[/ame]

Congrats on the new car! Or future congrats I guess...

Thanks for the heartfelt post, and the blog link. I read the blog link with particular interest; my previous car was an E36 which I loved, Loved, LOVED, but between the almost 250,000 miles I put on the car and our dang @#$#$ salted roads in winter, I couldn't reasonably keep it going any more so I set out to find a replacement. Originally, my intent was just to find another E36 in good shape with less miles. Couldn't find one at anything approaching a reasonable price so I started researching other RWD MT cars that I had a chance at affording. You know the rest of the story. There's still things I miss about my E36, but in many ways, as the blog said, the FR-S IS a worthy successor as a driver's car.

Again.. appreciated the post. Thanks.

Barry

Will pop in occasionally.

Could've kept the BRZ and bought an ND, but that didn't make sense for my situation (don't drive much, critters around here nest in stationary cars, have plans for family fleet, should save money).

Current plan is to buy a cheap NA and reassess the ND next year (since the 2017s, revised tranny, and RF will be out). Intend to stick with the soft-top due to it being lighter, cheaper, and (most importantly) more open, but I should at least drive the RF before dismissing it.

The RF looks awesome, and if they made a regular hardtop coupe, I would seriously consider getting it. Good luck in your search for an NA, that was the first convertible I ever got a ride in

I too am seriously considering the RF. Us 2009 OGs are dropping like flies lol.

The ND's are great cars, hard to beat from a fun factor stand point. I'm surprised you thought the interior on the ND is nicer than a BRZ?

I just bought a '17 BRZ and nearly bought an ND instead, but I thought the Club interiors were kinda crummy. I agree with all your other ND pro's though, as well as the BRZ pro's. I wish the BRZ powerband was more like the ND in the mid-range, that car never feels like it is bogging or out of grunt.

This is my second twin (also had a '13 FRS), the only other car I have bought twice was a Miata :)

The moonlight tonight made me wish i had a convertible! Congrats!