GR86 Real World Road Tests & Reviews

[beltax90]

first gen brz owner and really knew how to have fun with it

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

With far more restrictive regulations, and keep in mind the S2000 started at $50k in today’s money.

Don’t underplay the achievement that is bringing S2000 level performance in a package that passes 2022 emissions with a 40% price cut.

And fits people over 6' in a helmet.

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by ninjan00dles

I am not so sure yet.

Watching the TH video the ND2 was ahead almost the entire time until the end of the 1/4 mile. ...

If the Hagerty race is real time it doesn't make sense. ...

If you look at the TH video frame by frame (,/. keys) starting from ~7:10,
the GR 86 missed the start to the ND2 by a few frames, and the ND2 had
a more aggressive clutch dump. The ND2 had a higher speed when the camera
first switched back to the interior, and kept roughly constant speed delta
throughout the 1st gear. Once they were in 2nd gear, the GR 86 was clearly faster.

I think the issue is the driver in the GR 86 (or, rather, just a bad run), not the car.

[Blighty]

Originally Posted by fitcious

That’s a good point- who thinks the new GR86 will be the modern day S2K?

Hmm, I'm not sure we have an analogue to the 86 from the past.

The s2000, adjusting for inflation, was effectively 57k new for the base model (not even aircon!) when it released in 1999.

So in my mind it shows the quality of the twins that we are comparing it to a car worth twice as much.

And I think the miata isnt the same type of sports car.

No, I would suggest that the gr86 is the modern day 240z.

About the same price, very similar compromises, similar sports lines, and I think similar success.

Nissan, whilst keeping its own heritage, has kinda kept on going down the path of more and more expense and power. Its not a car for everyone anymore.

[ninjan00dles]

Originally Posted by timurrrr

If you look at the TH video frame by frame (,/. keys) starting from ~7:10,
the GR 86 missed the start to the ND2 by a few frames, and the ND2 had
a more aggressive clutch dump. The ND2 had a higher speed when the camera
first switched back to the interior, and kept roughly constant speed delta
throughout the 1st gear. Once they were in 2nd gear, the GR 86 was clearly faster.

I think the issue is the driver in the GR 86 (or, rather, just a bad run), not the car.

Idk man. It just looks like they started at the same time

[Blighty]

I mean I think all these reviews also say something else.

They are effectively reviewing the 86/BRZ 1st gen with headers, e85 and a tune.

I think its fair to say that the proper amount of torque and power they are talking about is just as readily apparent for all those who would of upgraded their cars.

[Ernest72]

Originally Posted by Blighty

I mean I think all these reviews also say something else.

They are effectively reviewing the 86/BRZ 1st gen with headers, e85 and a tune.

I think its fair to say that the proper amount of torque and power they are talking about is just as readily apparent for all those who would of upgraded their cars.

That’s why the real review will be how bolt ons and tune do in the new car. Just gottta wait for it.

[cmiovino]

Originally Posted by Blighty

I mean I think all these reviews also say something else.

They are effectively reviewing the 86/BRZ 1st gen with headers, e85 and a tune.

I think its fair to say that the proper amount of torque and power they are talking about is just as readily apparent for all those who would of upgraded their cars.

True, but the think about how it's going to be when these models get headers and tunes.

[Blighty]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

That’s why the real review will be how bolt ons and tune do in the new car. Just gottta wait for it.

Originally Posted by cmiovino

True, but the think about how it's going to be when these models get headers and tunes.

Yeah sure, they will have more power and stuff, which is awesome for those that love that, but my point being is that journalists agree, THIS is the power that makes sense for this car.

If you have headers, e85, and a tune, I think you can consider these reviews for you also.

[timurrrr]

Another thing is, if it's so much fun from the factory, do you really need all those mods?
Most owners will keep these stock.
In fact, many/most 1st gens are still stock.

An, in California, some of those power mods are ahem ahem questionable ahem ahem.

[Red-86]

Originally Posted by spike021

I mean most of not all will give a positive review just so they keep getting invited to these driving events.

Indeed, it seems like virtually every new car that is reviewed by people who depend upon the goodwill of manufacturers to get early access to cars and exclusive test drives gets a positive review.

It's mostly older cars/superseded models that come in for real criticism and get bagged for being 'outdated' (typically based on tech rather than driving experience). Gotta keep selling those new cars after all.

The whole auto-journalism field is full of conflicts of interest and sweetheart deals. That's not to say there aren't some reasonably honest reviewers around - there are a few - but for the most part the majority seem to praise the new, bag the old, and do what it takes to keep the manufacturers happy.

[Blighty]

Originally Posted by timurrrr

Another thing is, if it's so much fun from the factory, do you really need all those mods?
Most owners will keep these stock.
In fact, many/most 1st gens are still stock.

An, in California, some of those power mods are ahem ahem questionable ahem ahem.

We have the same laws in Australia regarding modification - removal of a cat is illegal, adding superchargers and turbos are illegal, but its not heavily enforced, and so long as you remain emissions and noise compliant you can get a legal stamp for it if the parts are certified with regulations.

So yeah I agree, lots prev stock owners will be looking at this car for its stock upgrade.

[Blighty]

The (old) top gear stig.

[BFIFE22]

Originally Posted by timurrrr

Another thing is, if it's so much fun from the factory, do you really need all those mods?
Most owners will keep these stock.
In fact, many/most 1st gens are still stock.

An, in California, some of those power mods are ahem ahem questionable ahem ahem.

This is the main reason I'm so interested in the second gen. I'm ready for a mostly stock car (will probably throw a cutback on it and that's it), and seeing that this car doesn't feel like it needs improvement right out of the factory like the first gen makes me excited