My dealer has said we will all get to drive the test mule - the dealer will only have it for a few days so scheduling will be a pain but whatever. I will be able to drive it before a factory order goes in. And if it doesn't fit me, then I get the deposit back. No brainer.

Because it has a similar ethos behind it's design.

Sure the mx5 has two less seats, but it's similar sized, 2l n/a rwd sports car... Apart from the lack of seats and the retractable roof, it's got alot of similarities ;)
They are definitely comparable cars.

Oh and RX8 ws a good car.. The renesis motor was quite reliable if looked after correctly, made reaosnable power for an n/a, the car drove well and handle VERY well.
Ever driven a GT with the recaros and bilsteins?? Definitely a sports car ;)

My US Subaru dealer said there's going to be a test-mule around in May, but did not promise test-drives when asked. Usually these test-mules are for dealer staff training purposes, driven by a regional Subaru rep and do not carry the insurance necessary to allow for customer test-drives.

I like Subaru and Toyota.

My main concern was size. I'm 6'3"

I just sat inside the BRZ at the DC auto show and today I am going to put down a deposit on an FR-S.

It's perfect.

You just made my day. I'm 6'-3" 220lb and I've been concerned about fit with the FR-S. So, my question is:

How was the legroom for the driver? With the seat all the way back and down, how was the reach to the pedals? what about distance from your knees to the steering wheel?

Also, headroom... is there enough for a helmet? :burnrubber:

The Miata is a 157.2 inches long and the FR-S is 166.9 inches long...big difference. There is much more room in the FR-S than any miata.
The wheel base is 101.2 inches on the FR-S vs 91.7 on the miata. BIG difference. The FR-S weights anywhere from 200 to 300 pounds more than a Miata.

The only thing similar is that both are RWD and both have a 2.0 liter N/A 4 cylinder engine. But even the engines are vastly different....the FR-S having a flat 4 with 200 HP vs the miata's inline 4 with 167HP.

Interior room/seats
 

Me too!! I hated my 135i, helmet was about on headliner...my Subaru's have been good, but seats are way wide/non supportive. I hope these hold you tight and not sliding in seat doing an Autocross.

Good to hear!!

Let us know!!

Just talked with the dealer and he was under the impression that the stripped down version would be coming to the states. But as with all rumors YMMV.

Yes physically, they aren't similar. However, they were both designed around one thing: bringing joy back to driving. They are lightweight, similarly priced, and nimble sports cars. Incredibly similar in execution.

Well, I gotta say it's pretty much what I was hoping for.

If you have ever owned a 240sx and liked it, you'll be right at home in one of these.

Back seats are just for show. More like storage area for whatever (books, jacket, etc) I put the seat about all the way back and it was just right. I like to be able to fully extent my leg when I push the clutch in and even in that position my arms werent reaching for the steering wheel.

Seems like a helmet wouldn't be a problem at all. No sunroof so theres plenty of room... I also sat very low to the ground it felt like. Something about the tall dash and interior setup makes it feel pretty cozy in there.... heh

^^^^ thanks a lot for that... BRZ was in Montreal, but couldn't sit in it or even look in it (was on a stage)... I've owned a few silvias, rx7, skylines... and I CAN'T WAIT to have a brand new car with no problems/weird stuff from previous owners