this car is not underpowered it has done exactly what Toyota wanted it to do on so many levels.
Many many immature kids flock to this car. That's why its tail happy and an idiot can drift it. Also why it doesn't have a lot of power.
Its a momentum car and favored by very skilled drivers. Much like the Miata and its cult following. It forces you to get better at the track.
Its cheap and durable. Spawning spec class racing. Like the Miata.
It attracts die hard enthusiast that know what it is and want to modify the hell out of it and make 500whp. Which then spawns a MASSIVE aftermarket/marketing/drifting/drag raceingish/hillclimb(evasive motorsports) culture that is the rockstar of the 86 world and shuts up the naysayers that its not a capable car. Remember, Toyota WANTS this car to be modified. That's why it has a scion badge in the US.
The car did it all.
also what @
Mikengrace said. I come from the 2 wheel world and id rather ride a Honda cbr250r on slicks at 10/10ths on the street flat out (at the speed limit, lol) than ride my 220whp Suzuki at 1/100th or my ducati. They are monsters, but are frankly boring, exhausting and a waste.