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So since everyone here has seen a white BRZ about a million times, I figure I might lend this short impression on the car vs the others I've had.
This car feels almost identical to my 944 in every way. I feel like if the 944 got the extra 50 hp, and modern suspension and interior, this would be it. It is crazy how much they resemble each other in feel. Where the 944 has a smooth acceleration curve, this has the impressive torque down low, dies in the middle, and a push up top, with the BRZ being a much quicker car in general. The gearbox and clutch are worlds better on the BRZ, and have a much more connected feel. I don't particularly love the clutch pedal on the BRZ, as it doesn't have much feel, but I DO like that it is so light. The handling feels so comparable it is impressive. They both are so flat and nimble it is very enjoyable going around a corner at speed and just feeling it stick and turn in with almost no body roll, and just feeling in control at all times.
What I will say in the 944's favor is that it feels incredibly solid, and more substantial (it is almost identical in size and weight) in a good way. You feel like everything is just built like a bank vault, and to it's credit, my 30 year old 944 feels just as solid and quality as my BRZ. They really were extremely well built cars. You close the door, and it closes with a very solid reassuring thunk. The BRZ feels just as good , and it feels very high quality (to me), just lighter. The doors surprised me the first time I closed them how light they were.
VS my 280zx
I know a lot of people poo poo the 280zx as being the bloated luxo barge Z. Well they haven't driven a properly sorted one. The 280zx was lighter, wider, lower, more powerful, and more stable than the 280z it replaced. What sullied it's name was the super soft, squishy stock suspension and the engine strangled down with first generation smog units.
My Z was damn near 200hp after ported and polished intake, shaved head, megasquirt, headers and full exhaust, 240sx throttle body, and a new air intake (not really necessary) , and handled great on tokico shocks and springs.
To this day, it is probably my favorite car that I've ever owned. It just spoke to me the ways the 944 has failed to. It feels soulless compared to my Z and BRZ. I don't think I'll ever find a car that just makes my hair stand up like the howl of a well tuned L series straight six. My god, the sounds they make.
But the minute I stepped into an 86 I felt immediately at home. It feels exactly like how I always wanted my Z to feel. It is near perfect power levels for playing around and being able to get on it and not instantly be in very dangerous territory, and still being a great DD as well. I tried to convince myself to get into a 370z, but it just feels numb compared to the 86 twins, which feel like a playful go-kart riding around. I haven't had the BRZ for long, a week to date, but I am already in love with the car. It's just the perfect blend of handling, power, and has a lot of spirit. and I think we'll have a good time together.
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