Why the Toyota 86 is a Great Car.

[xxBrun0xx]

I think if you want to see how fantastic these cars are, you only have to ask what cars people have owned before. Tons of people coming from porsches, gtr's, sti's, evo's, mustangs, and all sorts of other high-hp cars that are for the most part, significantly more expensive. Those are the people who appreciate the car for what it is. It's tough to accept that it isn't fast when it's the fastest thing you have ever had, so I understand some of the complainers. But really, bone stock, the car is absolutely incredible.

[Purdue FR-S]

I'm semi-convinced the only reason Japanese sports cars didn't bloat up to being 400+ HP monsters is because of the 275/80 HP limits they introduced (or, unspoken rule that they followed).

Putting this sort of restriction on the car mean that manufacturer's had to focus on different aspects other than raw power to make them attractive to consumers. It would be fairly interesting if they did something like that today.

In the end though, everyone's opinions will vary, and no one car will be "the best" car. There is simply far too much subjectivity getting in the way. A buddy of mine brought up the question "What makes a car a 'good driver's car' " ... and we had a difficult time coming to a conclusion. In much the same fashion, it's nearly impossible to give a car the title of "best [insert category here]" given that (unless we're talking about 0-60 times), you can only define the given categories to a certain objective extent.

I've often debated my point with a bunch of Mustang fans . . . and we always end up with something like "we must agree to disagree based on the subjectivity of the argument at hand"

What we are right about however, is being happy for the fact that this car (which obviously has some sort of emotionally connected appeal to us) exists and that we are able to obtain it.

[Silver Ignition]

Well-written and dead-on accurate. Nice work.

[FRSupra]

Originally Posted by Silver Ignition

Well-written and dead-on accurate. Nice work.

Thank you.

[AznKirby]

Originally Posted by Fortis

2001-2007. Long enough.

I was just poking fun at what the CRSX forum is like. Probably more whiners and complainers than here.
And a LOT of long-time jaded members.

[Deep Six]

Originally Posted by xxBrun0xx

I think if you want to see how fantastic these cars are, you only have to ask what cars people have owned before. Tons of people coming from porsches, gtr's, sti's, evo's, mustangs, and all sorts of other high-hp cars that are for the most part, significantly more expensive. Those are the people who appreciate the car for what it is. It's tough to accept that it isn't fast when it's the fastest thing you have ever had, so I understand some of the complainers. But really, bone stock, the car is absolutely incredible.

Agreed 100%

In my case, there is still a high performance choice sitting there every day but the grey one gets most of the seat time

[CatDaddysBBQ]

I agree - it's just fine as it is. I'm not saying that thousands on mods to double power, get more grip, etc wouldn't be awesome, but it's a totally different car at that point. Aside from an acceleration grin (obviously), I doubt the car would be as enjoyable as often.

Hell, i'm even apprehensive about getting better tires - it'll be more "behaved" and it will likely take away the very thing I love most. So, then i WILL think its underpowered, and that is a slippery, expensive slope.

I considered buying a used 911 (996-7) but after driving a couple I just realized that while it is the most amazingly capable car I have ever driven, it wouldn't be much fun. Plus, when I was having fun I was in danger of ruining my favorite car, and i'd be too gentle to really get the thing moving.

I bought the 86 because it's not a prized jewel - it's a toy, and one that is meant to be enjoyed every time I get in. Plus, it's got a nice warranty:-)

[Gilwith1l]

Originally Posted by dem00n

WOAH.

Who dissed the First Gen Ford Taurus?

The SHO model had a manual transmission by Mazda and one of the greatest V6's ever made, Yamaha made it!



They're a great bargain, you can pick one for dirt cheap.

Sho .ha I had one .worst brakes ever . definitely a nice commuter car . engine went bye bye when shifting into 3rd from fourth off the rev limiter

[Gilwith1l]

I was trying to go to fifth. Probably the worst shifter next to a three on the tree setup

[GNS]

I can sum up my thoughts in a more succinct manner. The BRZ / FRS are all about the feel of taking curves and corners while enjoying a great clutch and precise short throw shifter. In other words, it's about the connection that the driver has with his or her machine, and with the road.

All this for not a lot of money, in an age where manufacturers think that stats on a piece of paper sells cars.

[xxBrun0xx]

Originally Posted by GNS

The BRZ / FRS are all about the feel of taking curves and corners while enjoying a great clutch

...What car have you been driving? The clutch in these cars is terrible. There is literally no driver feedback at all, so you never really know when you're in gear or not. Also, stock, the clutch is waaaay too high up. At least that's easy to fix!

[FlamingRectumSyndrome]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

I know the Miata is ranked as a great driving car, but I've never been able to get over how cutesy they look. It just doesn't say sportscar like the 86 does.

With a bit of lowering and a proper set of light weight wheels and decent tires, they certainly drive like a sports car, and may even look like one:

[FlamingRectumSyndrome]

Originally Posted by Purdue FR-S

I've often debated my point with a bunch of Mustang fans . . . and we always end up with something like "we must agree to disagree based on the subjectivity of the argument at hand"

Of course, you're arguing with people who think that ditching a live rear axle for independent suspension is an act of treason. They've departed from reason, waving the banner of their deity named "horsepower" and drinking deep from the tradition-flavored Kool Aid.

I can say this because I've been there:


Some of us do eventually see the light:

My '68 Fastback, leaving on permanent European vacation.

[Tromatic]

After you have been driving and FR-S for a while, driving another car is a strange experience.