Quote:
Originally Posted by venturaII
I understand the value of 'feel', but let's not forget that it's the result of measurable engineering differences between the cars. There was no magic pixie dust used when designing the 86, so the differences would still quantifiable and measurable. Having one car beat another on measured criteria, only to lose overall based on a vaguely defined parameter is akin to pronouncing the winner due to a better looking color.
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No, I don't think you do understand how 'feel' is made. It's everything from the gear ratios chosen to the outdated HVAC controls to the shifter throw. You can't really measure 'these brakes feel good, I don't like those brakes' 'this shifter is too notchy, but this one is too vague!' because everyone is different, one could stop 20 ft sooner than the other but if they suck to modulate in traffic you bet your ass it's going to lose the street car comparison. Yes you can measure the amount and speed of body roll, but saying which one is 'better' is 100% subjective here.
I rode in an ND for the first time this weekend, still had the window sticker from the dealer while it waited for license plates, it was at an autocross. On a totally stock car even in the passenger seat you can feel that it just begs to be throttle steered at 10/10ths, it was incredibly forgiving and willing. The Mini Cooper I drove at the event was nearly 6s faster, my 86 puts up slightly quicker times, I would absolutely say the ND was the best chassis I had been in all weekend.
The 86 won many comparisons based on feel, the ND legitimately stepped it up over the NC to take that crown back in the under $50k segment, end of story. I'm honestly really surprised that the BRZ put down better performance numbers, like you there are many reasons why the 86 is right for me, I will likely not own an MX-5 any time in the near future, but it's a damn great car.