FT86/BRZ vs Polo GTI 6R

**break** · 15-06-2012, 03:10 PM

For those talking about torque, straight line performance, space, seating, or interior build.... you're all missing the point of the 86. Yes, it's not for everyone. In fact, it's aimed at a VERY specific market where as the Polo will no doubt appeal to a vastly broader range of buyers.

However, those who enjoy their driving experience know why this will be a fantastic car. It's focused on maximum smiles when being pushed hard, all for the minimum cost. There is the added bonus of RWD, which many don't appreciate... but it really is far more fun having a slightly oversteer biased RWD car compared to a slightly understeer biased FWD car.

The only other cars of late that have targeted the 'driving experience' market are the two Renault Sports (Clio 200 Cup which is very expensive, and the Megane 250, which won many awards last year), and the now defunct Focus RS (which was horribly over-priced but always very well received).

For those that don't understand... find an Mx5 and take it for a spin around mountains, then jump back in your own car and do the same. Yes your Golf/Polo/Whatever will no doubt be MUCH quicker in a straight line, be stiffer and more aggressive, and against the clock around those same bends much faster.... but the Mx5 will give you a huge smile, and will be so incredibly precise and predictable that you'll have the confidence to push it very hard very quickly with little fear of it sending you into a guard rail.

**gavs** · 15-06-2012, 03:41 PM

My GTI makes me smile every time I drive it on a winding road. I understand your point but its somewhat moot. Buyers considering the 86/BRZ wouldn't look at the polo as an alternative, it's a different market segment that happens to be the same price...

**cstb_87** · 15-06-2012, 04:38 PM

A "driving experience" is down to the individual. If a car makes you smile then your getting a driving experience.

My GTi is a rocket in corners and on the straights, and yes it makes me smile. I've even gotten smiles from driving a quattroporte, Volvo, Wrx and oddly enough a new manual corolla.

I want my driving experience from dual charged, corner hugging pocket rocket right now. Others may want it from the BRZ.

**JonW** · 15-06-2012, 05:35 PM

Just read the latest Evo magazine (now printed in Aus so a wallet friendly $9.50!) and without giving too much away, the BRZ didnt cut it as was hoped, especially against the old MY99/00 Scooby... I so miss my old one... sigh.... hurry up Polo... LOL

**Gambit** · 18-06-2012, 09:43 AM

Well there ain't many twin charged 1.4lt hot hatches around . Had a dual against an rs250 Renault on the weekend and the gti held its own in the corners could not shake me at all.

**gavs** · 18-06-2012, 10:10 AM

Just to add fuel to the fire, wheels has lost all credibility as of this month, their feature on the 86 vs a Porsche awarded the points to the 86?!

Tell me, if you could afford any Porsche, would you buy a toyota as a play car?!

**Transporter** · 18-06-2012, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by gavs

Just to add fuel to the fire, wheels has lost all credibility as of this month, their feature on the 86 vs a Porsche awarded the points to the 86?!

Tell me, if you could afford any Porsche, would you buy a toyota as a play car?!

Not even for kids!

**team_v** · 18-06-2012, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by gavs

Just to add fuel to the fire, wheels has lost all credibility as of this month, their feature on the 86 vs a Porsche awarded the points to the 86?!

Tell me, if you could afford any Porsche, would you buy a toyota as a play car?!

The problem with automotive journalism is that most of the time they aren't car enthusiasts, rather some regular journalist who gets to drive cars on a private track and fang the back end out.

Even TopGear aren't safe as Clarksons review of the 458 Italia claimed that they should have had a digital speedo reading instead of the tacho but it did have that, just on the other side of the instrument cluster.

**DoggieHowser** · 18-06-2012, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by team_v

The problem with automotive journalism is that most of the time they aren't car enthusiasts, rather some regular journalist who gets to drive cars on a private track and fang the back end out.

Even TopGear aren't safe as Clarksons review of the 458 Italia claimed that they should have had a digital speedo reading instead of the tacho but it did have that, just on the other side of the instrument cluster.

You have a rev counter in the middle and two television screens on either side. The one on the left tells you how fast your lap was and other not entirely relevant information while the one on the right is either the satnav screen... or a speedo. But not both at the same time. This can be a bit alarming when you are nearing a speed camera. But not for me obviously, because I never got past 40mph

I think you get a digital readout on the left screen but not a speedo per se.