Golf GTI -v- Toyota FT86

[SilvrFoxX]

Yes, all the others are building cars to compete with the gti, using the gti as the benchmark car. GTI owners should be proud they own the benchmark car.

*sigh* we have had this discussion.. GTI owners are narky caus they didn't buy an R

[Candyman]

*sigh* we have had this discussion.. GTI owners are narky caus they didn't buy an R

Hey, wasn't really a discussion though was it

[GolfVI]

So who exactly is the 86GTS competing with? I don't agree on MX5.. comparing a 2 seat roadster with a 4 seat coupe?? That's even more wild then comparing a 3 door GTI and an 86... and I did consider the GTI before I chose the 86... Do you think I am the only person on earth who considered the GTI but decided on the 86? Doubt it.. therefore it is a reasonable comparison.

[Candyman]

So who exactly is the 86GTS competing with? I don't agree on MX5.. comparing a 2 seat roadster with a 4 seat coupe?? That's even more wild then comparing a 3 door GTI and an 86... and I did consider the GTI before I chose the 86... Do you think I am the only person on earth who considered the GTI but decided on the 86? Doubt it.. therefore it is a reasonable comparison.

Do you think there are plenty more that use an MX5 as a track car that see the 86 as the next step up (already happening).

A NA entry level Japanese sourced, good handling vehicle versus, oh wait, the same.

I understand you would defend an 86, you bought one. I used to own a GTI but I don't defend it (as my run in with GTI owners/zealots as mentioned buy SF will attest).

Comparing a GTI and an 86 is well, just weird, to those of us that don't have a vested interest.

[WhiteJames]

The question regarding pitching the Golf GTI –v- GT86/BRZ twins is a valid one. The reason? Because the Toyota FT86/Subaru BRZ is a real ownership proposition. In order to assess the potential ownership of the twins, firstly, they need to be compared to my current ride ... enter the Golf GTI; Secondly, the twins have to be compared to each other. It’s a natural comparison from a potential ownership proposition.

Part of me loves the supreme ride comfort in a straight line on rough B’grade roadways of the Toyota FT86, the extra feel through the chassis, steering and even the gear-leaver ... but the softer front and rear balance of the chassis stabs at the purist in WJ knowing that the chassis could be more focussed and balanced as in the case of the BRZ. This may result in having the genuine TRD aftermarket springs installed on the FT86 Toyota (maybe dampers too) for greater composure. This is what has me leaning towards the Subaru BRZ, which is stiffer & more composed from showroom floor, in addition to rear BRZ spoiler and $800 better value imo. The wait for the BRZ is now out to 13 months. The Toyota FT86 GTS apparently out to 2 years.

In respect to tyres: The standard Michelin Primary tyres on the twins do offer a surprising amount of grip ... esp. the BRZ that is really balanced right up to the threshold of adhesion. Imo ... adding a set of asymmetrical tyres to the twins, something like a Bridgestone RE001 or similar, may have the twins, in particular the BRZ with greater chassis balance, moving around a bit more before you reach the limits of the tyres. When you think you have reach the threshold of tyre adhesion, the stiffer side walls of the asymmetric tyres regain grip, providing greater progression & safety, while at the same time providing a bit of chassis movement to induce a bit more of that fun feeling on open roadways. This issue is more pertinent to the BRZ than the FT86. The drawback, the BRZ is so well composed; gripper tyres may make it feel slower in general. Another plus is that the early ABS intervention of the BRZ with a stiffer front end would be reduced with added grip in the front end. Hard to say how the Toyota would react with extra grip in the tyre ... the extra grip may be too taxing on the softer front end, creating a further imbalance in a slightly imbalanced chassis.

I think Randy Pobst @ Motor Trend and EVO Magazine define the twins to a tee. Depends on what the driver wants in a chassis tune. Can’t criticise anyone for choosing one over the other.

Cheers.
WJ

[GolfVI]

Do you think there are plenty more that use an MX5 as a track car that see the 86 as the next step up (already happening).

A NA entry level Japanese sourced, good handling vehicle versus, oh wait, the same.

I understand you would defend an 86, you bought one. I used to own a GTI but I don't defend it (as my run in with GTI owners/zealots as mentioned buy SF will attest).

Comparing a GTI and an 86 is well, just weird, to those of us that don't have a vested interest.

Defensive? I just paid 35k for a car that dealers are being offered 10k over the list price every day and are listed as USED CAR's for over 50k... I know which position I'd rather be in... there is only one set of definsive owners here and they all seem to either own a GTI or an R.. I could easily bail with a profit on my 86 and buy a Mk6 GTI... or a used R for that matter.. but I have no plans to. anyway guys.. you seem to take it all so personally when people compare the two cars.. when I made the comparison I didn't have an invested interest because I hadn't made a decision.. I don't need to defend my decision to buy the 86 over the GTI at all.. I'm not trying to argue with you guys, like I keep saying Golfs are great cars.. but the fact is, there will be people who toss up whether to buy a GTI or an 86GTS... so therefore, no matter which wheels are being driven or how many doors the cars have, it's a fair and reasonable comparison.

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