[BRZPDX]

"people" say things from their own prospective all the time, hence critics and journalists are opinion writers. I think if you categorize cars in different aspects, and label your self where you fit in those categories, other opinions start to not matter so much.

Fun factor - What is fun to you? Top Speed, Acceleration, Cornering, Drifting, Looks, Response, etc.

Performance factor - Do you look for specific numbers? Track time, 0-60 time, 1/4 mile time, Auto-X classification, lateral G force, etc.

Bang for your Buck factor - Do you think this car has the best bang for your buck as a sports car/DD? - Fuel economy, performance to cost ratio, resell value, etc.

I'm assuming "outhandle" meaning those cars you listed had faster track times than the 86. Hence these "people" are focused on performance factors and negating the fun factor. Although "fun" is a very subjective feeling, I think a majority of car enthusiasts would agree that an FR car is usually more "fun" than FF cars.

If shaving seconds off the track time is your goal, a used Corvette Z06 and $10,000 will net you far better lap times than a brand new stock 86.