It could be that the Phoenix environs are more open for driving that suburban Philadelphia area. Not many wide-open places or canyon carving here.
Also: interesting ad for the FR-S.
But everyone always wants more power especially if the chassis is good. This car is really a bit of a poor value IMO, even the RX8 had more power and I bet would out handle it. RX8 had a higher quality interior, better wheels, etc. Everyone criticized it for its lack of power for the money bc of the Z car. This car NEEDS another $5k in forged wheels and coilovers to shine IMO, and then it's an even worse value.
That is an awesome commercial. I also like this one:
Totally different flavor, but just as powerful.
As for the car I haven't driven one so I can't say... but I agree with Kelvin, the NSX is pretty darn exciting to drive on the road where I live. I don't think there's a car in the world that can make sitting in traffic exciting, if that's what you're after...
I'm not here to defend the car and it's obvious you folks have your minds set. Happy Motoring!
Nero - and this one is for you buddy
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JUhLXvxlQR4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I'm a huge fan of the RX-8. It's too bad it gets HORRIBLE mpg which makes it a poor DD option and the looks are a bit polarizing. It's also not as communicative as the BRZ is claimed to be. The Z? Well... I've driven a 370Z quite a bit. It's nothing to write home about.
It's very difficult to engineer balance and a communicative chassis. This you cannot quantify in hp/tq/0-60 figures.
To your point and Nero's point the WRX (not STi) is also a great buy at $25k.However I agree, at ~$25K, this FRS/BRZ is not really a good buy considering the whole package. I think it were to have 250-280 hp with better interior refinement, $27.5K would have been the magic price for such a car.
Nero, that's just it though... I still think you guys are missing the point entirely. Again, please don't take offense. I love these debates and I could be wrong myself.I'm just always surprised how Toyota's cost control team can hurt their products. Just look at the itty bitty shitty tires that come with it!
a couple of comments...
2) On paper, the cayman is very similar to the NSX. but the experience is like night and day. It's a great compliment to the NSX, but not really a replacement unless you're looking for a drastically different experience....
+1All very insightful comments!
A follow-up: Having not (yet) driven a Cayman, I'd value your thoughts on how the experience is very different.... thanks!
+1
Everything about the Cayman I love more than the BRZ except the maintenance/warranty issue. For a car I plan to beat on it just seems a car like a Porsche isn't the most financially sound idea. Would love to be proven wrong. We all know the Cayman provides more parking lot bravado at the very least.
Did you get a 6spd or a Tip?
Motortrend just finished their "Best Driver's Car" comparo. See where your favorite car stacked up!
http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/1208_2012_motor_trend_best_drivers_car/