Random question I've just been wondering for awhile. For those of you who might have test driven or owned a GT86 and also own a 6th gen accord, whats the performance comparison like? I haven't driven a whole lot of other cars so I wouldn't know how much faster an 86 might feel compared to our cars. Just curious... I know the handling and steering is supposed to be pretty crazy stuff, but everyone always hears about how slow they feel
Ive worked on a few brz and frs, you really cant compare to a accord. Rwd coupe vs fwd sedan/coupe handle and deliver power differently. The 86 are fun cars no doubt and handle great if you know how to drive rwd but can always be improved. Alot of negative info is from people pushing it and have no business doing so. The same thing happened with the s2000 was new. The power isnt the greatest but i feel it is appropriate for the car, its not a quarter mile car. The accord on the other hand is exactly what honda wanted a economical sedan that had enough power to commute and good mpg. That said for some once you mod a accord you fall in love and may own many in your life of different models and generations. Personally ive owned 4: a 86 lxi, 91 lx, 92 ex and my dd 98 ex. Every time i get rid of one im not happy till i have another, currently i want a 7th gen coupe v6 6spd lol it never ends. Really to best answer your question you need to test drive to compare, a better comparison would be the 86 to a s2000.
Thanks! Exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. I had always been impressed with the 86 platform being designed and purposed the way it was. I’ve been in similarly-purposed cars like Miatas, so I’ll definitely take a ride in an 86 when I can. Being able to drive a smaller, agile car at its limits has always been very appealing to me
Glad i could help, now a miata is a blast to drive. I have a british racing green one that comes in to my work once in awhile i get to test drive. If i had to choose between a 86 and miata, I would choose a miata. Only due to initial purchase price is lower, plenty of parts, any generation is very light compared to other cars, and there ia always a v8 swap option if that is your cup of tea. Looks though a 86 wins every time. At least one member here has a 86 hopefully they will chime in.
Next gen 86/BRZed is supposedly getting a power bump, seems that was the number one complaint with them. And Subaru might put their new safety systems in it. But a lot of people also thought they were priced too high, and both of those things could drive the price up even more depending on how they configure it. As for comparison, they are really two completely different types of cars...86 is newer, lighter, smaller, RWD and built as an enthusiast's sporty car. A 6thgen Accord is old, heavier, bigger, FWD, and built as a family economy car. I'm sure an 86 feels fast (easy to actually make fast), and it is born with the fun factor, it also has a massive aftermarket. 6GA takes a lot of work to feel (or be) quick and fun, and has a tiny aftermarket (especially now). Just two very different ownership experiences. But they both have their merits.
as it is, the 86 is a great car all around. it's not even terrible to drive in the snow, as long as you have dedicated snow tires, and yes, you do absolutely need them haha. it really doesn't compare at all to the 6th gen accord because they're both made for completely different reasons. to me, the 86 much better than the accord, but that's because it's what i wanted from a car. the handling with the 86 is awesome, even completely stock it's really enjoyable to drive normally or spiritedly. the 86 oem suspension definitely feels slightly softer than the frs oem suspension, but still handles just as well. the power is good for what the car is and for the price. adding more power will definitely raise the price of the car because the easiest way to do so would be to turbo it. the car would definitely go to $30k new or more with that, and i think they'd have a problem selling them at that price, which is why they probably haven't done it yet. there is also a bit of a dip in the torque about mid-range in the rpms, but it's not that big of an issue, in my opinion. as said, this isn't a drag race type of car, so that mid-range dip isn't as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be. when you're driving normally or spiritedly, you're either below or above that dip. the car isn't fast, i'd barely say it's quick, but with what it does have, it's fun enough. it doesn't put you back in the seat, it's better at putting you into the bolsters probably no one could actually feel the difference between the 5 horsepower and torque increase the '17+ manual transmission 86/brz got over the earlier frs/brz, but they changed the gearing in the differential from the 4.1 in the frs to a 4.3 now in the 86. the 86 definitely feels a little quicker than my frs did, but that's just due to the gearing, and honestly, i liked the frs 4.1 better now having driven the 4.3. that could be just because i was used to the 4.1 though...i've only had the 86 for three months now, while i had the frs for 3.5 years. definitely go test drive one though, that's really the only way you'll be able to compare performance and whatnot. when roy replies to this thread, don't take anything he says seriously, positive or negative the majority of his man cards were revoked or are in someone elses possession, and his opinion on cars is moot...and ryan will back me up on this
i haz more man cards than ry ry at this point cos he has a fail wheel drive i also went from a 6GA to a frs.. different cars altogether... 6GAs are meant to be comfortable and roomy, and it takes a lot of money and work to make any type of power.. most ppl focused on suspension and exterior mods... we go by the slogan "low and slow" the frs is nimble and quick (not fast!).. it has a high revving motor and handles awesome as is... power from factory is not much, but that is due to the catalytic converter in the headers and a very mild tune to pass US emissions.. lots of aftermarket support to make it go fast for not a lot of money
