So... is it sluggish?
 

The primary concern for me, and I am sure countless others when the 200HP was announced, is will the car feel sluggish and/or underpowered. Now that some of you have your mits on them, let's answer that question.

Why not test drive and see for yourself?

Oh, i'm still waiting for them to arrive here. I do have an appointment to test drive the FRS on monday though.

I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the car. My RSX, which is pretty much rated the same, is more than sufficient for my liking. It goes when I want it to go. While I have not driven a FR-S/BRZ, i have a feeling it won't be too sluggish. Of course, if you're coming from a car with 300+ whp, then it will be sluggish.

I test drove the AT FRS and it felt very sluggish to me

That's not good to hear... I will be going manual, hopefully that has more life to it...

Did you drive with out the nannies on and in sport mode? Thats where the fun is.

What dealer are you getting the test drive from?

Hollywood Scion.

I test drove an MT today and it felt a lot torquier than my 02 WRX at low RPMs. I didn't get a chance to wring it out since it wasn't broken in yet but even keeping it below 4k and just blasting around the back roads by my dealer I thought it was great, but that's just me. I defintiely prefer the power delivery of the BRZ to my WRX, even if it is less power you don't have to wait for it like you do in the WRX so it feels faster. If you want straight line speed it doesn't have it but it seems to have the perfect power and delivery for twisty back roads.

^^^What he said. I was surprised how much power it had compared to what I expected. Haven't had it over 5k yet, but it just wants to run!

The WRX takes off around 3,200rpms.

I did try with the auto/manual mode and it was a little bit better, but as for the power it felt a little bit faster than my sentra which only has 127 or so hp. It handled great and I liked how it was so low to the ground and the lower point of view.

Almost full level torque output at just over 2000 rpm and willing to rev motor = not sluggish...and good fuel economy. And don't forget the vehicle weight component to go with the power... the handling alone is the antithesis of sluggish...

Watched a few videos from NOLA raceway with professional driver taking turns at 100 mph. I think any sluggishness will be on hills but the handling should compensate for the lack of power.

Just my two cents.