|
As a Miata owner, I can see the comparison but if Toyota got it right, GT 86 will be a better car overall.
On the plus side there are:
- More power and more torque. Miata critics always complaint about the car being way too underpowered for the potential of the chassis.
- A boxer engine. It is very important on many things. Linear delivery, smoothness of operation, more rev happy.
- Coupe body. More rigidity which helps handling and more safety. Long distance cruising also will be more quiet and more comfortable. Ask Miata owners about road noise in long trips...
- 2 more seats. For those who want only one car, it is quite important, even if the rear seats are a bit small and suitable for smaller people and/or children.
- Bigger boot. Adds to the total practicality/usability of the car.
-Low center of gravity. A primary goal of every suspension/chassis designer/engineer. Keeping low solves many problems for the dynamics of the car.
- Performance. Both top speed and acceleration will be better than the Miata and this makes the sport feeling enhanced.
On the minus side there are:
- Front suspension. Struts are a compromise for the boxer engine to fit although the rear tilting forward lower arm may be a good feature giving the car a "wishbone" feel.
- Larger dimensions. Miata's agility cannot be matched by a larger car no matter how well setup it is.
- Weight penalty. Weight is the holy grail of fun to drive cars, actually of all cars. You cannot change laws of physics.
There are both rwd sport cars with Torsen diffs aimed at those looking for driving fun, to those who want to control the car themselves and not by electronic gadgets.
Ultimately it is a trade off between agility and practicality/usability. It remains to be seen if the Toyota has that special feeling when you are behind the wheel, that rare connection you get by being one with the machine. Miata has it in tons. No press kit, no spec can tell you that. This is something each and everyone of us will find out when eventually we will drive the car.
I am not going to sell the Miata. I want to buy the GT 86 and give the Miata to the wife (she loves it). If GT 86 is even close to how the Miata drives and feels, then...Toyota take my money too.
|