Got the itch...
 

Well it seems like this feeling rears its ugly head just about every 2 years for me, and that feeling is an itch that only a new car can scratch...

This is my 9th car in 14 years of driving, so I've (stupidly) changed cars at a pretty good clip. Lot's of classics in my previous stable: Merc 190E, e46 M3, e86 M-coupe, 135i, vw GTI, 5.0 mustang, etc.

I've owned my BRZ for almost 2 years now and it's a great car, love it to death, I just wish I could easily get more power out of that 2.0 engine.

I've done the basic bolt-ons and currently run E85 gas to eek the most out of the engine in its current state, but with the engine right under 200whp, I feel like it's still lacking.

When I picked up the BRZ I traded in a 2012 5.0 Mustang with a few bolt-ons. It was very fast, but large, too large. So I know I want something light, small and nimble (do not ever want kids, so 2 doors is perfect), a couple cars have my interest currently - and I want something that can be tracked occasionally without issue.

Focus RS:
Pro's - great engine (easily 400whp with tune and bolt ons - see MAPerformance's experience with ecoboost mustangs), sounds like a rather advanced AWD system, badge heritage (so hopefully they don't mess it up), rare, tech gadgets

Con's - shares a body with a rental fleet special, jury is out on the transmission, not sold on the e-diff for the front wheels (tends to burn up brakes at the track, would rather mechanical), looks good not great, too large/heavy, possibly price (if 40k+)

Newer body Cayman S / 997 CS:
Pro's - it's a Porsche, looks, reliability (newer P-car's have been much improved), performance, size, weight, slick gearboxes, heritage, pretty much perfect out of the factory

Con's - it's a Porsche, finding a used model with the spec you want is very difficult / pricey, worry about leaving the car unattended (guilty of this for every car I've owned though), pretentiousness

The Unknown:
- Next gen BRZ



What would you choose and why? Or am I just crazy and I should enjoy the BRZ? :cheers:

turbo brz.. easily 300WHP with turbo and 350++WHP with ethanol

Yes sir and just keep a few engines and trannys on hand just in case!

I'd go for the Focus RS, it looks to be the most different and interesting comparing to the previous cars you've owned.

Depends on your usage, current garage and realistic budget. I see your in SoCal which means owning a sports car is a much easier ordeal, otherwise I would almost unanimously say Focus RS.

Hell, I have been going through the same used Pcar dilemma and its a big change in monthly/yearly costs. Purchase price is slightly higher, maintenance and insurance run higher. If you're in a comfortable place to do that, go for it!

THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Jaden

Gotta deal with Smog laws and that chance of getting caught.(Not a cheap ticket!)

This is the reason why FI isn't really a great option for me. If I wasn't in SoCal, I'd do a turbo and be done with it.

But my only options are a few superchargers that are good, but not great.

Engine swap. Less than buying a car

:party0030:
I'm working on this.... :snicker:


:happyanim::happyanim::happyanim:

Jaden

I'm eagerly anticipating a fa20dit swap. if it is feasable or not in cali.

wait for the civic type r instead of the focus rs.

honda > ford

Focus RS might very well be the next Evo killer, but I wouldn't preorder it. A test drive will definitley be needed.

but AWD > FWD.