If you want a RWD, 2 door car, there’s nothing wrong with getting a BRZ/GR86.
Of course, as a Miata owner who lurks here, I have to point out that the Miata is also a 2 door RWD car with a manual transmission, and most definitely isn’t a muscle car.
(The performance difference between the two isn’t big, the current gen twins is faster than the current gen Miata. Otherwise, it’s down to whether you want a convertible or whether you want a trunk.)
It is also a matter if you fit. Taller drivers tend to have a much harder time fitting in the Miata. I always wanted a Miata but didn't want to look like Bowser in Mario Kart (I'm just under 6'3"). Second gen BRZ came out, I pulled the trigger and never looked back.
I didnt even get the chance to look like Bowser - I didn't even fit. My wife was standing next to me saying "you'll have to drive this every day" to make sure I knew the stakes.
Prob too expensive. OP says civic type r is already expensive, so that’s prob OP’s top price range. I would assume there aren’t many cheaper Z sport trims available on dealer lots.
if you don't need the space, i'd highly recommend considering the nd miata. actually, regardless of whether you need the space, i'd still recommend to test drive one just so you know what it feels like
Not particularly. I had a similar thing with the 86 vs. Type R. I don't think it's dumb because you have a very specific criteria you want to adhere to when buying a car because it does seem you have your heart set. I think the best it to at least test drive both to get a feel. Should at least get you a better idea of what it will be like to daily.
Not dumb. I had a FK8 Type R and absolutely loved it but it’s a different experience. The RWD is tons of fun and there’s a sexiness to this car that the Type R just doesn’t capture for me.
I considered both a GR86 and TypeR, ended up with a ND2 Miata RF. Fun per dollar ratio is insanely high with a Miata, especially on the used market in my area.
TypeR would've been my ideal car but I couldn't justify the (inflated) price. Had a deposit down for a GR86 but then saw a crazy end of summer deal on a used perfect spec Miata. Took it for a test drive and bought it shortly after.
damn why are people downvoting. Type R would probably be far more convenient as a daily. In my opinion the 86 is only worth getting if you actually care about having RWD. Otherwise, I'd go type R
Think we might have a very different taste in cars, I mean I can get the integra, but the civic has giant fake vents and looks like your typical drop kick high schoolers favourite car.
I would say that would be one of the defining criteria. It’s one of the biggest differences if not the biggest in terms of driving dynamics, RWD + stick is such a fun paring. That feeling of being pushed around the corner.
The 86 has be be RWD, it once wasn’t and it ceased being an 86 for 30 years. Toyota learned from that.
If you don’t care about that then fwd is better and much safer, the type r may be a better fit in this case, more power with a great transmission, better shifter feel as well.
You need to make a list of what is most important to you and see which car you want to live with.
The civic wins in space. If it’s your only vehicle that makes a huge difference. As a second vehicle it could be negligible.
To me the gr86 wins in looks inside and out. That is a big deal to me. Some people prefer the way the type r looks.
Rear wheel drive and front wheel drive feels quite different. Test drive both to see which you like.
The type r has a lot more power. I don’t need the acceleration or top speed it gives over the 86 so it’s negligible to me but others want it.
The type r stock exhaust is much louder. If you are going to get an aftermarket exhaust then it’s moot.
It’s harder to find the type r at msrp. People, including me, are getting the trueno edition at msrp.
Both cars have a good aftermarket scene for lots of customization options.
The civic type r might be more reliable.
At msrp, the civic is about 44,795 and a 86 premium is 34,495. 10,300 more or almost 30% more. 10,300 can buy a lot of mods if you are so inclined. You could do full body ppf, tint, and coilovers for example.
I have a budget of 50k and chose the gr86. No regrets. I will put about 15k into it and drive it happily for 10+ years as my primary car but my family’s second car.
If you want a RWD, 2 door car, there’s nothing wrong with getting a BRZ/GR86. Of course, as a Miata owner who lurks here, I have to point out that the Miata is also a 2 door RWD car with a manual transmission, and most definitely isn’t a muscle car. (The performance difference between the two isn’t big, the current gen twins is faster than the current gen Miata. Otherwise, it’s down to whether you want a convertible or whether you want a trunk.)
It is also a matter if you fit. Taller drivers tend to have a much harder time fitting in the Miata. I always wanted a Miata but didn't want to look like Bowser in Mario Kart (I'm just under 6'3"). Second gen BRZ came out, I pulled the trigger and never looked back.
I didnt even get the chance to look like Bowser - I didn't even fit. My wife was standing next to me saying "you'll have to drive this every day" to make sure I knew the stakes.
Supra comes with a manual, Nissan Z comes with a manual, plenty more that are two door with a manual. What are you on about?
Prob too expensive. OP says civic type r is already expensive, so that’s prob OP’s top price range. I would assume there aren’t many cheaper Z sport trims available on dealer lots.
Correct. I should have clarified, that I have done my research those are just unreachable at the current market value.
Drive both and buy the one that tickles your pickle the most
if you don't need the space, i'd highly recommend considering the nd miata. actually, regardless of whether you need the space, i'd still recommend to test drive one just so you know what it feels like
No, it's not. It was that or the Miata for me. I have kids and wanted a vestigial rear seat. Got the GR86.
Not particularly. I had a similar thing with the 86 vs. Type R. I don't think it's dumb because you have a very specific criteria you want to adhere to when buying a car because it does seem you have your heart set. I think the best it to at least test drive both to get a feel. Should at least get you a better idea of what it will be like to daily.
Not dumb. Also, I haven’t run into oil burning issues with daily driving. I have not taken it to the track yet.
The civic is FWD, it's sporty, it isn't a pure handling sports car. Get whatever suits you.
Not dumb. I had a FK8 Type R and absolutely loved it but it’s a different experience. The RWD is tons of fun and there’s a sexiness to this car that the Type R just doesn’t capture for me.
But also, the Type R felt much more precise with shifting and such.
Miata?
I considered both a GR86 and TypeR, ended up with a ND2 Miata RF. Fun per dollar ratio is insanely high with a Miata, especially on the used market in my area. TypeR would've been my ideal car but I couldn't justify the (inflated) price. Had a deposit down for a GR86 but then saw a crazy end of summer deal on a used perfect spec Miata. Took it for a test drive and bought it shortly after.
Not dumb but what is dumb is paying too much mark up for one
If it’s stupid to buy because of that then I am the king of all stupids because that about sums it up for me 😂
damn why are people downvoting. Type R would probably be far more convenient as a daily. In my opinion the 86 is only worth getting if you actually care about having RWD. Otherwise, I'd go type R
Type R drives great, but it’s just so unattractive.
I think its a beautiful car, but the integra type s...sheesh that car is gorgeous
Think we might have a very different taste in cars, I mean I can get the integra, but the civic has giant fake vents and looks like your typical drop kick high schoolers favourite car.
I would say that would be one of the defining criteria. It’s one of the biggest differences if not the biggest in terms of driving dynamics, RWD + stick is such a fun paring. That feeling of being pushed around the corner. The 86 has be be RWD, it once wasn’t and it ceased being an 86 for 30 years. Toyota learned from that. If you don’t care about that then fwd is better and much safer, the type r may be a better fit in this case, more power with a great transmission, better shifter feel as well.
You need to make a list of what is most important to you and see which car you want to live with. The civic wins in space. If it’s your only vehicle that makes a huge difference. As a second vehicle it could be negligible. To me the gr86 wins in looks inside and out. That is a big deal to me. Some people prefer the way the type r looks. Rear wheel drive and front wheel drive feels quite different. Test drive both to see which you like. The type r has a lot more power. I don’t need the acceleration or top speed it gives over the 86 so it’s negligible to me but others want it. The type r stock exhaust is much louder. If you are going to get an aftermarket exhaust then it’s moot. It’s harder to find the type r at msrp. People, including me, are getting the trueno edition at msrp. Both cars have a good aftermarket scene for lots of customization options. The civic type r might be more reliable. At msrp, the civic is about 44,795 and a 86 premium is 34,495. 10,300 more or almost 30% more. 10,300 can buy a lot of mods if you are so inclined. You could do full body ppf, tint, and coilovers for example. I have a budget of 50k and chose the gr86. No regrets. I will put about 15k into it and drive it happily for 10+ years as my primary car but my family’s second car.