Mid 40's - Mid-life crisis

[extrashaky]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moRE8IlNiMU"]Trike Drifting - Bombing Mountains on Adult Big Wheels! - YouTube[/ame]

[TrackRider54]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

There are a lot of these things buzzing around my area, mostly driven by retirees.

I've looked at a Slingshot. Two things wrong with it. Traction and shoddy build quality. That single BELT DRIVEN rear tire just isn't enough to harness the power the engine has. To top it off, they aren't very much cheaper than a Miata. In fact, you can watch a video comparing the two and the Miata is the clear winner.

I was just not impressed with the Slingshot.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Now, don't THAT beat all ......


humfrz

[stevesnj]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Those Japanese do the coolest stuff, I bet a Big Wheel with plastic wheels would kick those metal framed trikes' butts!

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by TrackRider54

.. I was just not impressed with the Slingshot.

I think most folks that buy the Slingshot (at least the ones I talked to) purchased it instead of a trike because they no longer want to ride bikes but didn't want to give up living cage free. It's was not a car replacement.

I would buy it as a bike replacement over a Miata, but I remain the one blasphemer that wouldn't own a Miata if you gave it to me, just not my thing.

If I wanted the car equivalent of the Slingshot I'd buy an Atom.

[Silver Supra]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

....

I would buy it as a bike replacement over a Miata, but I remain the one blasphemer that wouldn't own a Miata if you gave it to me, just not my thing.

If I wanted the car equivalent of the Slingshot I'd buy an Atom.

Agree on both counts!

[Prodigalson]

I have a Mazdaspeed Miata, love that car. It's a different animal than the FR-S, that's for sure...

[lowlevel]

Originally Posted by TrackRider54

So...here's my question. For those of you who are in your mature years, how's the car holding up for you. Any regrets for not buying something with more power, or more creature comforts? At 6'5", 260lbs....I can't fit in a Miata. I'm hoping an 86/BRZ could be in my garage for enough years that I might give my grandkids a ride (my daughter is 12yo...so I have some years to go).

I'm 41, 5'10" and probably a bit over 350lbs...

No real complaints re: creature comforts outside of the silly seat belt clip arangement on the seat. I usually like heated seats, but only drive the 86 in the summer/fall ... specifically did not want dual zone climate (too annoying and fiddly in the other cars we've had...)

Our other car is a 2017 VW Golf w/leather sport seats... very painful and aggressive theigh and side bolstering... so I find the ones in the Toyota 86 to be very comfortable in comparison.

I'm guessing you might have to have a fairly reclined seating position at 6'5" though... have you sat in the car yet?
(Edit, sounds like you have driven it/sat in it...)

[TrackRider54]

Originally Posted by lowlevel

I'm guessing you might have to have a fairly reclined seating position at 6'5" though... have you sat in the car yet?
(Edit, sounds like you have driven it/sat in it...)

I have driven a 2014 FRS, a 2017 86, and a 2017 BRZ. Probably one of the more comfortable cars I've driven for someone my size. Leg room is plentiful, and I have no issues with headroom either. I don't like the seat laid back, and prefer to set pretty upright.

The Miata I drove was pretty much a no go with the top up. My head pushed into the top. Right leg room was cramped and the center console rubbed my leg uncomfortably. I loved driving it, but was really happy to get out. I'm not a big fan of convertibles as I don't like heat. I enjoy them in the spring and fall, but during the cold months and the heat of the summer I never lower the top.

So far, the 86/BRZ seems to be the right car for my needs.....unless I find an Atom for cheap.

[lowlevel]

Originally Posted by TrackRider54

I have driven a 2014 FRS, a 2017 86, and a 2017 BRZ. Probably one of the more comfortable cars I've driven for someone my size. Leg room is plentiful, and I have no issues with headroom either. I don't like the seat laid back, and prefer to set pretty upright.

The Miata I drove was pretty much a no go with the top up. My head pushed into the top. Right leg room was cramped and the center console rubbed my leg uncomfortably. I loved driving it, but was really happy to get out. I'm not a big fan of convertibles as I don't like heat. I enjoy them in the spring and fall, but during the cold months and the heat of the summer I never lower the top.

So far, the 86/BRZ seems to be the right car for my needs.....unless I find an Atom for cheap.

Hmm.. I'm 5'10" and I'm always hitting my head on the roof ....
Miata was a no go for me too.. couldn't even get in... Convertibles are ok, but I seem to get pestered by wasps at the tim hortons ... so yeah, f that.

[reivgemi]

Should just get a 370z. You wont use the backseat much due to your size. The car is very slow and a bigger person getting in will just make the car slower. Definitely find something with more power. Unless you just want a car you can floor it without worrying about hitting the speed limit so mentally you're going fast, but in reality you're not, then yes the frs is perfect for you.

[new2subaru]

Originally Posted by reivgemi

Unless you just want a car you can floor it without worrying about hitting the speed limit so mentally you're going fast, but in reality you're not, then yes the frs is perfect for you.

That's what this car is all about! I love the fact that you can drive it like a Go Kart in day to day traffic while having a giant grin on your face! Tossing this this around while driving within speed limits is a total blast.

It also double duties and a nice cruiser to take for a long casual drive in the country. I will be doing just that in about another hour or so.

[TrackRider54]

Originally Posted by reivgemi

The car is very slow and a bigger person getting in will just make the car slower. Definitely find something with more power. Unless you just want a car you can floor it without worrying about hitting the speed limit so mentally you're going fast, but in reality you're not, then yes the frs is perfect for you.

I'd agree with you if you were to turn back the clock 25 or 30 years. When I was young, and knew nothing about what driving was all about, I always lusted after high horsepower machines. I could never afford them, so I eventually gravitated to motorcycles where speed was easily affordable. I attended track schools, and even got a certification to race. Problem was...I had no sponsor and no money.

I'd hit the street and I had to hold myself back all the time. I'd look down and be running....ehem....WELL above the posted limit. Missed being a dead man a few times when deer made surprise appearances, or I dived in a blind corner to find a surprise.

Then I figured it it. What I loved was the challenge of getting the most out of myself and my machine. I started taking my big hulking touring bike to track days just for the hell of it. Underpowered and overweight, I received a LOT of enjoyment passing guys on the latest, fastest, big horsepower bikes. One guy on a race replica bike was talking smack in the pits about how fast he was. It the next session he crashed trying to pass me. Probably spun up the rear tire as he highsided into the infield.

Here's a pic from that day. You can see the luggage rack where the top trunk attached and the passenger backrest folded down on the seat. Passenger footrests are taped in place with white duct tape.



Driving a fast car (or motorcycle) fast is easy. Power will mask bad driving technique. If you blow a turn, miss a gear, or come into the turn in the wrong gear...a big honkin' engine will have your back. Not so in an 86. You better be able to carry the corner speed, know how to trail brake, and know the road well enough that you can judge your entry speed.

Then there are consumables. I'd rather replace BRZ tires than Corvette tires. I'd rather get 25mpg than 15mpg. This will be a fun weekend car, consuming disposable income...not a daily driver. I need something affordable to operate.

[stevesnj]

Originally Posted by TrackRider54

Power will mask bad driving technique.