bimbeano
11804
My Euro just fell to the floor :-)
Nicolas, you told me about the Subaru coupé you saw in the US and i had no clue what car it could be
!!!!
Since it was that obvious i probably didn't think of the BRZ ... in fact i have already driven it, be it the GT-86 in Toyota disguise.
In my opinion you can compare this Toyobaru with two other cars ... the 1999 Subaru Impreza P1 coupé and the Clio 3 RS .... strange comparison you could say but each of those two cars have a strong similarity.
Let's start of with the P1:
This was a one time production of 1000 cars for the UK market, plain and simple ? Maybe, Prodrive wanted the best cars for the small UK roads, a car that could bring you from point A to B at alarming speeds without hassle and with loads of fun.
The ingredients:
A four pot boxer engine 2.1 litres with a turbo (unlike the BRZ but like all sporty Subarus in those days).
A two door coupé shape with added spoilers for better looks but especially better aerodynamics ... i once managed 246 kph (gps) and the car felt like it could go on another 10 to 20 kph .. i just didn't want to end up in jail

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Fourwheeldrive unlike the rearwheeldriven BRZ.
Power at 280 hp (though most easily surpassed 300+) and a kerb weight of less than 1100 kilos which meant you reached 100 kph in less than 5 seconds

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In the mid nineties i drove this break-version of the standard Subaru Impreza , no need to tell you that we had the power from 211 upped a bit to over 250 hp .. easy done on a blown car.
Now why a comparison with my Clio RS ?
Easy, they both have a naturally aspirated two litre four cilinder engine, both with 200 hp.
The Clio obviously has a four inline where the Toyobaru has the boxer.
FWD for the Renault, but RWD for the BRZ/GT86.
But the most interesting fact: The Clio just got replaced by the new model equipped with a 1.6 litre turbo and the BRZ/GT86 just arrived ... just in time for those who love the noise of a naturally aspirated engine.
I got to drive this GT86 for a while and had great fun in it, it is quite very different to the Renault as you sit very low, it feels more sloppy (wobbly) and it seems to have a bit less power and torque. Anyway i do think i could live with it

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When i got back i immediately jumped into the Clio, it sounds a lot rawer and drives much harder (even if it's not equipped with the cup-suspension).
Which one is the better or which one would i prefer? Very hard to say, both are breathtaking in their own manners.
Only thing i can say is .... if you want to go for this car take the Subaru ... and wait till they bring out the turbocharged STI ... because Scoobys need a turbo (unless you got a 3 litre six-pot).
And when you get it, don't forget to give me a call, i'll take it for a spin !
Bim