| 14stu |
02-12-2019 12:44 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by matttheboatman
(Post 3184915)
Great reply 14Stu.
There is new thinking on this subject. Mfgs have discovered that with faster onboard computers, and quicker AT shifts, it is ultimately faster to downshift to any gear that leaves some RPMs available in the torque range. Weird I know, but when I converted from auto to manual, and followed the lessons taught from the auto's computer, I was faster than other manual drivers.
Mathematically speaking, if a paddle shifts milliseconds faster than a manual, it will be faster (all other things being equal). Porsche engineers have determined that all is not equal, and that the reason an most autos are quicker on the track is due to reduced driver workload.
If not an 86, then what? I do want to be happy when done.
My parameters are it has to look like sports car (no 4 door hot hatches), lightweight (no muscle cars like Vette, Mustage, Camaro). And, must be built for a reasonable price. I have come to a point where I need added the safety of a cage. Porsche's are wonderful track cars, but when you really analyze the cost of a new, caged auto Porsche, the cost delta is substantially more than $100k. The GT4 is manual. If you want an automatic, you either need buy a factory-built Cayman Clubsport or build it yourself. Either way you are talking $150k ish. That's just crazy stupid money.
The videos I see online of 86s, are within 4 seconds of the fastest GT4 at Buttonwillow, and 2 seconds at Barbers. I can live with that. And, I like be an underdog. ;)
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From the GT4 I would have gone with an 987 Cayman or Boxster (either S or non-S), there is a sizable straight line performance difference from the GT4 to an 86. The 987 gen's are on within a couple of grand of the cost of the twins and are more track capable stock vs stock (probably still looking at pads, fluids, and an oil cooler though). Or, a 997 911 (since you've vetoed all the American cars).
Hell, a spec Boxster goes for $25k-$35k and that's fully prepped with all the work done. If you're looking for a dedicated track car you'd be hard pressed to find something more fun and better suited than a spec Boxster.
The GT4 is a ton of car and it's just a huge step to an 86 from there. I love my BRZ and I throw down with much faster cars and love the underdog aspect, but I would trade my BRZ and a testicle (maybe even a kidney) for a GT4. An automatic 86 is slower than one with a manual, I've got a buddy with an AT FRS and it is at least 1s a lap slower over a 1.3 or 1.7mi course (we've done both, lap times are about 1min and 1:30s respectively). The lap times are a bit irrelevant though, since you're going to the track to learn and you won't learn as much with an AT. Sure, it'll be easier but you'll also be limited earlier and end up fighting the car more.
Every time you pull the paddle and the car decides you're 500rpm too high for that downshift and makes you wait you'll curse your life choices. And every time someone looks in the car and is disappointed with its 2 pedals you'll feel a twinge of shame.
If you were coming from a Dad car, or already had an AT 86 I'd encourage you to take it to the track (I'd still recommend buying the MT even if your last car was a Toyota Previa). But for the love of all things related to speed, don't buy an automatic to turn into a track car. |
