Originally Posted by Deslock
When Mazda was initially developing the MX5, they also considered FF as it's cheaper to produce. They decided RWD was more important and went with FR (MR had also been on the plate).
The RX8 is one of the most fun 4 seaters around, but it's a bit too heavy, its wheelbase is too long, and it gets horrible MPG. The Toyobaru will hopefully remedy all of that.
The S2000 was widely regarded as an exceptional value when it came out.
This car is not for the general public.
I will.
It faced the MRS, Solctice, and Sky. The latter two were sold at a loss and the MRS' impracticality prevented it from succeeding.
If the Toyobaru has approx 150 ftlbs, just shy of 200 hp, and weighs 2700-2800 pounds, it ought to be very similar to the 2012 Civic Si (201 hp, 170 ftlbs, ~2870 pounds). Obviously this is speculative, but 0-60 in ~6.8 sec and the 1/4 mile in ~15.0 sec seems in the ballpark for that weight and output.
Having driven all of those vehicles (many times in the case of the Si and GTI), I can honestly say I consider the Si and GTI to be about even. The GTI engine is the best (not as laggy as the MS3, but more oomph than the Si) but its shifter is only decent while the Si is actually quite good. The Si's chassis is more nimble and its driving dynamics are the best of the three. The MS3 engine was a let down (not responsive, didn't like to rev, and ran out of steam well before redline), but to be fair I haven't driven the 2nd gen MS3.
In any case, all three are soul-sucking FWD A-to-B cars compared to something like the MX5, RX8, or S2k.
You wrote "If you want to knock the ball out of the park, offer it with a WRX engine, for WRX money". Here in the USA, the WRX gets a 2.5T. I see you're in Germany, but I was under the impression that the WRX has had a 2.5T over there since the GE chassis was introduced in 2008.
That's 63% more engine torque than the Toyobaru's expected 150 ftlbs, which would mean needing beefier, heavier components and chassis.
That's anecdotal. Two of my friends' experiences with their GTIs were nothing like that.
I wouldn't buy a GTI or an Si because life is too short for understeer. I figure RWD adds a little cost, as does the Toyobaru being a lower volume car. If you don't value RWD and low weight, this car isn't for you (duh). To each his own.
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