[bkharmony]

Originally Posted by squelchy451

I prefer the feel of a NA engine, which is why I went for the Mazda over the newly turbocharged Honda or a Volkswagen, initially. There are some days where I miss the effortless nature of a turbo engine through city driving, but those are few and far between. In fact, I'd even be happy with a GTI if they happened to sell a NA variant making similar power to my Mazda.

You should test drive it.

I wouldn't consider road noise to be a form of feedback, it's just...noise. I keep on harping on about the signal-to-noise ratio of the vehicle because if I am not getting much feedback from the steering and pedals, it better be quiet in there. I'm looking to bringing it up by cutting down on the noise (GTI) or upping the signal (BRZ).

Probably test drive it.

Lack of space won't be an issue 90% of the time...even when I have to pick someone up it's just one more person. Seats fold fine, so my bike can fit in there. The rear seats just really is a storage bench with seat belts.

Can I suggest a test drive?

I think you hit the nail on the head for what I probably value the most in a car--a feeling of connection.

Definitely test drive.

I guess the reason why I'm dilly-dallying so much is because of diminishing marginal utility. If a BRZ/86 offers 100% driver control, feedback, handling, let's just say a GTI can match 70% of that 90% of the time. How much refinement, low-end torque, usable back seats, fuel economy, etc am I willing to give up for that?

Have you thought about a test drive?

I realize that it's a question only I would be able to answer, so sorry about any frustrations you members might feel about the inanity of this question.

So, a test drive then?

I'm not expecting the BRZ/86 to be like the GTI, or the other way around.. It just boils down to do I want a car that's pretty good at everything or one that is a specialist. A Swiss army knife versus a katana, if you will.

Test drive.