Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S v Nissan 370Z v Used Porsche Cayman S - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS

We know it works on track, but is 200hp enough on the road? You can get a 370Z for similar money. Or a used Cayman S. If the GT 86 can do the business here, it has to be one of the great cars of 2012.

[darrylwebb]

I've lost count of how many times I've watched this. Harris is the best of his generation with work like this.

[thomaschristopherwhite]

I think Clarkson said it the best, you can't measure the GT86 in numbers but you measure it in smiles. 

[Moto.ClubAG]

Best comparative review I've seen on this car. He truly understands the reasoning behind the existence of the 86/BRZ.

[TheDaneck]

"370z vs 86 is like comparing a chainsaw to hedge clippers they both get the job done, but one will do it much faster, the other will do it slower but with more finesse." - some dude (or girl) on a 370z vs 86. I think they got it about right.

[SolitudeMG]

My previous cars mostly had over 400hp. Over 500hp in some cars. I've owned MKIV Supra Turbo with T-78 turbo, Evo 8 with 2.3 stroker, GT35R, and meth injection, STi with GT30R, 350Z with built block and APS TT, IS300 with GTE swap, FD RX-7 with LS6 swap, etc... Damn, I can't even remember all of the cars. All cars were highly modified thoroughly(engine, suspension, hardened mounts and bushings galore, etc.).

Then I drove a GT86... and I'm hooked so much that I am buying one!! Yes, the power is low. In fact, it's been a while since I drove a car with an usable first gear. Hahaha. But the driving position, the feedback you get, and the way the car responds to your inputs... all together create an amazing driving experience.

I was one of those who kept criticizing 86 for the lack of power continuously since its debut. I hated Toyota/Subaru for not producing a TRD/STi version of this car as I thought I needed 300HP at the very least. But after one drive, I get it. This car is all about the driving experience. It is never about posting the fastest lap times or winning drag races. If you want to compete with other cars, look elsewhere.

If I really feel the need to increase the power, there are plenty of aftermarket options available. I think adding a supercharger is a great way to add power to these cars as it keeps the throttle response unlike turbos. Even if I wanted to add more power, I do not think I would want anything more than 300HP, as I do think that too much power will actually ruin the experience.

If you haven't driven one, go try it. Although you might not feel that this is not the right car for you, I guarantee that you will enjoy the experience if you are a true car enthusiast.

[BrendanEvan]

I’ve probably watched this video 4 times in the last 8 years. A classic, and it goes beyond the subject of these 3 cars.

[wittypiddy]

I have own three of them the pass. The 370z is fast but heavy when cornering. The 86/frs/brz slow but fast when cornering. The Cayman S fast straight and cornering but it double the price.



Btw I sold them so I could buy a GTR Nismo in Forza Motorsport 7.

[Tenths]

A classic Chris Harris video, no over produced cinematography or shenanigans. Just straight up driving the cars and telling us what we need to know! 👍

[fpost]

"The World needs cheap rear-wheel drive cars!!! "Thumbs up!

[MyGoToUserName]

Chris did a great job summarizing the chassis balance and the way the rear end moves around.

You'll always end up chasing a bit of wiggle in corners because it's so damn fun.

[jtthebrick]

Who is here after Chris dropped his review of the GR86 on February 4, 2024?

I’ve watched this video hundreds of times through the years and seeing Harris in 2024 still gives me chills. Keep driving, keep shifting friends.

[juancuara]

Toyota must have done something right to have all these people hating on the car they designed. Why do you guys come on here to hate for?

It's a shame you have haters like the ones in the comment section. True car enthusiasts appreciate every car and understand every car serves a purpose. Every car's essence precedes its existence for that very reason. It's a shame some people are narrow-minded and can't understand what Toyota was trying to accomplish with this car. And it's a shame you can't appreciate it either.

I don't go around hating on cars I don't like. I understand, however, that they serve a purpose. Speed is not everything. Why can't some people understand that?

Cheers, everyone.

[andrewdove]

I’ve had a Cayman for 8 years and an GT86 for 9 months. The Caymans’ never gone wrong and has always been brilliant but pretty its much perfect as is. The GT86 is a total blast and is cheap to modify which kinda makes it more rewarding to own.

[HKSnowrider]

I guess as an Initial D fan, I completely get the idea of the 86.

[joshuadqueen]

The BRZ/FRS/gt86 is amazing. I freaking love it. Mine modified a bit and it's much better than stock. You can't buy this car without adding headers and a tune. I've always thought it's fast enough, but besides that it just feels so fkn good when you're driving.
If you hate on it over speed, seriously, you're stupid. It gets stupid quick with some mods, and if you add a turbo (or fi), well, you can't complain about speed anymore.
I've had mine for over 2 years. I work from home so no work miles. I have about 48k miles in 2 years and 19 days give or take a spend my lunch breaks to go get a coffee then take the back roads home. That's how fun this car is.
Oh and if you like or love attention...buy this car, out some 18s and coil overs on and get rdy to be sued for broken necks lol

[metcard]

A 2006 used cayman S in Australia costs 2X as much as a GT86.

[GoProBro]

Chris Harris is breaking into a new way to compare cars. He delivers wanted and needed information to consumers and discusses the cars qualities on an sublime level.

[goodshipkaraboudjan]

I really, really wanted a 370Z, I wanted to love it but after driving one I can't do it. They're a great car for people after that thing but it was more a GT than I expected. I sold my MX-5 NB and got an 86 and so far it's great. My Dad bought a Cayman GT4 and it's a phenomenal car, wonderful to drive on road and track - but it's in another league when it comes to running costs. I don't need P-Zeros or worry about scraping carbon fibre with the 86. Sure it's not perfect but it's a great little thing.

[Bmontepeque]

This is the first time I have seen this video on February 10th 2024, I absolutely love the 86, and I have loved it for the past 10 years when I saw one in real life and instantly fell in love, it literally is the reason why I love cars, but Chris just put it together SO well. He completely understands motoring, cars, driving, the 86, the Z, the Cayman, wow man.

I don't know how I missed this masterpiece of a video for so long, but this perfectly reflects my view of the car world: The 86 and the Cayman are the best things out there. <3 (And they are my favorite cars ever.)

[hagbard]

Five year Toyota warranty!!! Toyota must love you Brits. Its three years in Canada. Not that the GT86 is even available here.