It’s kind of a treat that the Toyota GR86 even exists. In these modern times of 20 and 24, the market for small, affordable, rear-drive sporty cars is pretty much the GR86 and the twin Subaru BRZ.
Sure, the MX-5 is out there, but its lack of back seats–even if the GR86’s are mere tokens–and tighter confines …
Get to the Track Part
Okay, okay, let’s talk track.
First, you may recall that our previous test of the current generation of the twins was with a Subaru BRZ with a six-speed automatic transmission. The complete track test is documented on our YouTube channel if you want to check it out, but basically there were staff members–your author included–who thought we shouldn’t even bother testing the automatic version of a car with such sporting intentions. Thankfully, editorial wisdom prevailed, the track test was completed, and we were blown away by the drivability and thrust that the auto-equipped BRZ delivered.
So when we finally took delivery of a manual-equipped GR86, we were excited to get it to the track to see how much of a whoopin’ it would put on the already impressive automatic car.
The results–he said, clickbaitedly–will shock you.
First, the caveats. Obviously these tests took place on the same track, but at very different times and with about 10-15 degrees of temperature difference. That will certainly affect lap times, so–as with all our overall lap times–take that number with a healthy dose of salt.
The data, however, told a story we were not expecting. Let’s first talk lap time and some generalities. The automatic-equipped BRZ turned a faster lap than the manual-equipped GR86. And not just by a little, but by over eight-tenths of a second: 1:23.6 for the automatic and 1:24.02 for the stick.
1. The big mph gap between the red trace of the automatic BRZ and the blue trace of the manual GR86 is likely a matter of available grip and prevailing track conditions. But check out that acceleration once we get back on the gas: The auto-equipped car just leaps away above 70 mph. 2. Again we see healthy midrange acceleration from the automatic-equipped car, with the acceleration ramping up more aggressively from about 55 mph. But look how the manual car starts to close the gap as the speeds approach 80. 3. More strong pull from the auto. It really outpaces the manual once the stick car hits fourth…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Grassroots Motorsports Online Articles…