It’s not the first time the Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S) is compared with a front-wheel drive hot-hatch and it’s not the first time it loses when it comes to speed. In this latest test from the UK’s EVO magazine, the GT86 proves to be slower round the Bedford Circuit than the Fiesta ST by a significant 1.2 seconds.
I know everyone says how fun the tail-happy Toyota is to drive, but doesn’t speed matter at all for all the GT86’s fans? If I were to buy a €29,000 ($37,990) rear-wheel drive sports car, I wouldn’t like it to be slower than a less-powerful €20,000 ($26,200) front-wheel drive hot hatch. I would probably hate it, to be honest.
Returning to the test, EVO’s Richard Meaden praises the GT86’s playful nature, but the pace and fun factor of the little Fiesta ST also impress him.
So what would you choose, a RWD Toyota GT86 with thin tyres that make it lose grip virtually anytime you want it to, or a car that’s close to €10,000 ($13,100) cheaper Ford Fiesta ST that is faster and still manages to be fun to drive?
Update: The prices mentioned in the article refer to the base versions of the two cars in Germany
By Dan Mihalascu
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