Considering BRZ and ‘15 Mustang

[Boxer486]

You're a Mustang driver, period. The '15 isn't losing any weight but it doesn't seem to matter to you based on your statements. You're just not a lightweight tossable car guy. V8 rumble, power, extra weight didn't bother you, even like that heinous Mustang interior. IMO the 86 only looks cheap without the dual HVAC. How anyone prefers any Ford/Lincoln interior to any Scion is beyond my comprehension but whatever floats your boat.

Get the Stang dude. You'll just whine about the 86 if you get one and trade it in eventually unless you like to turn a wrench and work to make the car what you want. Sounds like you'd want an LS swap anyway.

FYI- I had thought about holding out for the Stang myself last year but as soon as I got wind it was not going to be the smaller lighter pony car it originally was, I bailed on the idea. The rednecks shot down IRS for the last gen only for it to finally catch on for this gen. Now the same yahoos shot down the smaller lighter stang, so expect the next gen to implement it in another 7-10 years. Lame.

[shif7i7down]

The FR-S is like that hot, slim , double jointed aerobics instructor. Who cares if she can't bench 500lbs, you can bend her any way you want.

[kevman_101]

I have the FRS with the touchscreen and I like it. Bluetooth, connect my phone, plug in a USB, just basic stuff. Just enough convenience for me, without annoying me. You can rev the hell out of it almost anywhere and the cops can`t do anything since your under the speed limit, but it still sends a huge smile on your face.

Now the Mustang will probably be more convenient with more trunk and back seat room. Power is addicting as well . But with great power comes great responsibility. Get on it too hard and it can attract the fuzz. It`s going to be harder on gas, and probably more expensive to maintain.

The only way to completely make up your mind would be to wait and try a new Mustang. In the mean time, try to get your butt in a BRZ a few more times, and try to get some good test drives in them to really make a good judgement. Bring your phone and connect it, try out the sound system, make sure everything is either adequate or can be replaced or modded at a fair price. No use paying the extra for the touchscreen when you would more then likely swap it for another unit. Things like that.

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by Griever423

That's all good and well, but the 15' is going to be completely different in terms of suspension, weight, driving position, etc. It's too soon to say.

No, it won't. It will be very similar to the other Mustangs in seating position and the weight isn't that much less than the last model.

[fduboss302]

I have a Boss 302 and daily a BRZ.

If I could only have one car and it served both track and daily driver duty, the Boss would have to go. If you do a normal amount of driving throughout the week the gas, tires, etc all add up.

The limits of the Boss are high, and just as accessible as the BRZ but driving "fast" in the car makes you speeding ticket susceptible and becomes a white knuckle affair. For anyone who hasn't driven a track ready Mustang platform in anger, I think you should do so. To me the Boss is greater than the objective sum of its parts much like the BRZ/FRS is. That's why I have both cars.

Before my BRZ I had an NB Miata. I also find straight line speed only incredibly boring. So maybe my car preferences are a little different than your's, OP. The BRZ has more than enough pickup for freeway passing (passing, not racing)

Shameless plug, check out my thread a few posts down for an in depth comparison.

[Jaylyons1]

Some info on this subject

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49445

[trogdor007]

Originally Posted by fduboss302

I have a Boss 302 and daily a BRZ.

If I could only have one car and it served both track and daily driver duty, the Boss would have to go. If you do a normal amount of driving throughout the week the gas, tires, etc all add up.

The limits of the Boss are high, and just as accessible as the BRZ but driving "fast" in the car makes you speeding ticket susceptible and becomes a white knuckle affair. For anyone who hasn't driven a track ready Mustang platform in anger, I think you should do so. To me the Boss is greater than the objective sum of its parts much like the BRZ/FRS is. That's why I have both cars.

Before my BRZ I had an NB Miata. I also find straight line speed only incredibly boring. So maybe my car preferences are a little different than your's, OP. The BRZ has more than enough pickup for freeway passing (passing, not racing)

Shameless plug, check out my thread a few posts down for an in depth comparison.

Thanks for the input, boss! I read your comparison and you did a good job at capturing the driving experience of both. I'm thinking I may have to check out a Boss if they have any in my area.

[regal]

The FRS is such a drivers car, its not a racer. The new 4 cylinder mustang sounds a lot like the t-bird supercoupe of the early 90's: FI, IRS, medium weight, torquey. It was a good car but didn't handle anything like the FRS. I think there is a breaking point with weight. The FRS really isn't lightweight and the new mustang will surely be heavier. I hope that helps.

[Griever423]

Originally Posted by trogdor007

Thanks for the input, boss! I read your comparison and you did a good job at capturing the driving experience of both. I'm thinking I may have to check out a Boss if they have any in my area.

If you can check one out I'd highly recommend doing so. Those are amazing cars.

[CatDaddysBBQ]

I just think it's a huge difference in what you want out of the car. If you want speed, go mustang. If you want a sports car that values handling, dynamics and control over everything else, go BRZ.

[WolfpackS2k]

I wouldn't make a decision until you have driven a 2015 mustang.

[bobaab]

I've driven previous year Mustangs, I get them many times as rentals.

Comparing the 86 to the Mustang...where do I start?

1) Power. Mustang has more, but 86 has plenty. Depends what you are satisfied with.

2) Handling. Surprisingly, the Mustang does not handle "bad". It is quite fun driving that car around! But the 86 is like a surgical knife compared to the Mustang's chainsaw.

3) Being a driver. The controls in the Mustang were not bad, quite high tech if you get that Microsoft Sync deal. The sound system was better than the 86, I remember it being quieter inside too. Both cars are quite tame and very livable. I would say the Mustang is a better GT car, but the 86 is way better for the city due to its maneuverability.

5) Gas consumption. 86 wins, the Mustang is good on the highway but in traffic, the 86 fares much better.

6) Bottom line: Drive both and make your own decision. I enjoyed driving both cars, but because they are so different. In the end, I am a fan of low power, finer driving dynamics cars (my previous cars include a 91 MR2, 06 Miata) hence why I went with the BRZ. I had a 11 WRX for a little less than 2 years, didn't like it and got a Miata. In the end, listen to yourself

[trogdor007]

I think I've made my decision - I'm going to wait until the 2015 Mustang is out so I can test drive it to compare. Thanks everyone for your input. You all were very helpful.

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by fduboss302

I have a Boss 302 and daily a BRZ.

If I could only have one car and it served both track and daily driver duty, the Boss would have to go. If you do a normal amount of driving throughout the week the gas, tires, etc all add up.

The limits of the Boss are high, and just as accessible as the BRZ but driving "fast" in the car makes you speeding ticket susceptible and becomes a white knuckle affair. For anyone who hasn't driven a track ready Mustang platform in anger, I think you should do so. To me the Boss is greater than the objective sum of its parts much like the BRZ/FRS is. That's why I have both cars.

Before my BRZ I had an NB Miata. I also find straight line speed only incredibly boring. So maybe my car preferences are a little different than your's, OP. The BRZ has more than enough pickup for freeway passing (passing, not racing)

Shameless plug, check out my thread a few posts down for an in depth comparison.

I couldn't agree more. I bought the BRZ specifically because it was slow. Sounds crazy, but my other car IS crazy. So it's nice to have the big contrast between the two. I have a 750hp Corvette ZO6 as well, and it's just bonkers on smaller tracks and autocross. I did autocross with it as is and ran Mid America, but it takes a lot of concentration and slower cars still run faster. The BRZ is very refreshing in that it's a slower pace, and I feel much more comfortable driving it hard than the ZO6 depending on where I'm at. The BRZ is a rewarding car with excellent feedback.