BoulderGeek

I see the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ as being a modern attempt at recreating the magic and lines of the 944 platform. Obviously without the transaxle at the rear.

I keep trying to find the right affordable Cayman to step up to. Then, I think that a BRZ might be a cheaper, similar, modern alternative. And then i come right back to, "Well, if I could accept a BRZ, why not just keep the 944 until it lets you down?"

I have no reason to believe that my 944 will let me down. It has had a lot done to it in the past and I've taken care of all of the obvious things like fluids and tune items.

I just need to shake this feeling that I need to move off of the 944 before it goes all Fatal Attraction on me and boils my bunny. Anyone with perspective on this dilemma?

V2Rocket

from what i can tell they aren't very gutsy below 4000rpm or so...probably similar to drive as a 944S (similar power output and power band, but smaller displacement)

if you are on the high side of 6 foot you might find yourself wanting for headroom.

BoulderGeek

I'm 6-feet, even. Without a sunroof mechanism, there's no problem with headroom or legroom.

I like the 2+2 configuration, over the Cayman, as you can kick the seats back more, and have light parcel storage right there.

Interior build quality is heinously cheap, even coming from a 944 NA. Engine feels gutless at idle and revving in neutral. I didn't drive one, just sat in it (automatic and snowy day at dealer).

I like the exterior and price. That's about it.

odonnell

>automatic

The autos are dogs...the manual is at least a little peppy.

g-50cab

They are great driving cars - get the manual over the automatic -

catamount

There's been a rumor for a bit now that Subaru was planning a WRX version mainly to combat the falling sales and belief that car is a bit underpowered.

924srr27l

My immediate gut reaction...........is


944 and Scion / BRZ & GT86 (Uk version) don't even live in the same ball park


Any Porsche is nothing like a Jap.


The 44 is a classic / iconic cocktail of a car from the 1970's......


The combined Jap manufacturers effort might be ok ! I'm Trying to be nice but I doubt it! based on all the rest I've seen, owned and driven..


(MR2's, Celica VVTi, Carina E, CRX, MX5 Miata etc...)


They all do the same thing, which I can't describe...! What they don't do, offer, stir or create is what most Porsche's do and especially the 924 / 944 & 968 do.....which is also difficult to pinpoint the exact words !


In my opinion you really can't compare a classic Porsche with some modern Jap clone thingy!


What are you looking for ? Something new or old ? Something with character and constant maintenance or a plain Jane (potentially) soulless Jap mobile ?

R

SamGrant951

I just couldn't plunk down new car money for a car with 200hp - no way.

odonnell

I'd get one with a blown motor and drop in a WRX lump. Done and done.

Humboldtgrin

I was thinking about using oversized WRX Pistons in my 951 DOHC biuld. But that's as close as I got to another import that isn't a Porsche. If I ever broke down and got a Subaru it would have to be AWD. That's the only reason to own a Subaru in my area. They go places my 944 and 951 will not go! Heck they go places some 4x4's can't go. Unless it's a Suzuki samari 4x4 that floats on the mud and water and will drive in circles around stuck 4x4 trucks.

J1NX3D

I like the BRZ and GT86. If evolution is anything to go by I don't see them staying with 2.0L for very long, especially with 3.0 engines on Subarus factory floor. A well specced, track day orientated GT86 or BRZ is high on my want list. I think they run pretty true to the light, cheap, fun rwd sportscars just like 944's were. They have their own racing series like 944's did. They have a fantastic aftermarket. I'm not fussed with the fads/crowds that follow them but that's a minor thing and people have done worse things to 944's.

Someone used a photo of my car for a BRZ comparison before they came out. (Article is now dead [http://www.9magazine.com/porsche-944-or-subaru-brz/ )
I don't know why they had to use that one, I have so many better ones online >_<

Auto_Werks 3.6

BRZ is a little like a miata in the fact that they drive somewhat better than the sum of their parts. Driving experience is not very miata-esque as they are a bit stiffer. I have several hundred miles of seat time in a BRZ, and I go back and fourth on it. They autocross quickly, and they are fast on a racetrack, but street driving manners and power level isnt something that I find interesting. You probably should go test drive one at least. You'll probably know pretty quickly if you want one or not.

Humboldtgrin

It looks more like a knock off of the 350z or 370z to me. The second gen rx7 looks more like the 944. At least that's what I've had my 944 mistaken for dozens of times. Even by rx7 owners!

924srr27l

Oh, You like ? as in the look or have you driven one ?


R

J1NX3D

I've often thought the 350Z/370Z shape was a knock off of a 911 silhouette. It looks nothing like a 240/260/280/300ZX that preceeded them, much like the GT86 doesn't look like the AE86.