Quote:
Originally Posted by Type[R]+
it's a shortened impreza with lowered springs! 
Come on man, you know enough about the car by now, $43k is instant fail!
I don't care how you slice it, WRX/GTI/ralliart > FT86. But hey, I'm just a realist. |
I am a BIG WRX STi fan, in fact I would of bought one last year. But put off, until I see how the FT-86 turns out.
And then I saw the next gen 2013 WRX STi and WOW, rumours saying its going to be about length of a Yaris Hatch with width of the current WRX and powered by a 1.6 turbo charge boxer.... pushing over 300hp.... thats INSANE.
In regards to the "shortenned" Impreza platform.
Shortenning a platform, changes the dynamics of the chassis.
Lowering it to the ground, further adds to the dynamic changes. Then you change from 4WD to RWD, then its a whole new ball game.
Manufacturing wise its cheaper, because most parts can be carried over... but performance/handling feels like a new chassis altogether.
I like to compare it to a human athlete...
Would a 6'5, 200 pound, 5% body fat who has high fitness level perform the same way as that 5'5, 200 pound, 30% body fat guy who hasnt run for 2 years?
no....
But guess what, same skeleton structure, with varying lengths in limbs and height.
All cars have the same skeletal structure, well MOST of them anyways. Dynamics and handling are adjusted based on Drive train (RWD, AWD, FWD), length, track width, ride height (center of gravity) etc.
And Dont get me started on the GTI.... its the lazy, non-enthusiasts man's sports car.
Its won many awards because its daily driver friendliness.... which means its SOFT.
Its Front Wheel Drive, tiny cabin space, nice engine, 50K AUD drive away with decent options... and people buy them because they are euro snobs and its a trendy thing at the moment.
The Golf R, is the minimum car I would buy from VW.... its 4WD, nice engine... still tiny cabin, but the 4WD atleast makes it drivable in the snow and long drives.... and only 5-7K extra over the GTI.
So, HELL NO, 50K for a GTI.... WRX is a good purchase, but I would prefer the STi....
lets compare the GTI and "Rumoured" FT-86
- Hatch - Coupe
- 3/5 doors - 2 doors
- 2 liter, 155kW/280Nm Turbo - 2 liter, 150kW/225Nm NA
- 1360kg - 1150kg (rumoured)
GTI is also 6-7K AUD more expensive.
Performance wise, not too far off from each other.
Looks wise, hatch or coupe?, traditional sports cars are coupe...
FT-86 is lighter and lower center of gravity, easier to throw around corners and swerve around traffic at high speeds.
Servicing cost?, my friend paid $3000 AUD for his 30K kilometer sevice for his GTI and most of the changes required fluid replacement... I'm still shocked by this one.
I have this motto.... Coupes or Convertibles are better weekend drivers due to their uniqueness, sportiness. My MR2 still most fun car to drive down the mountains.
By next year, hopefully I can have the FT-86 next to either a WRX Sti or a Liberty/Legacy Wagon GT.... need space for the dogs... and oh, the family. :-)