The "Driven" motoring section of today's New Zealand Herald newspaper has an article comparing the Toyota TRD 86 against the Renault Megane RS 265 Cup, a rather stupid "comparison" since the writer keeps saying they're different classes of car ... typical journalism for you ("we have two new cars to review, they're competely different, but let's compare them to save time and newspaper space") ...
Toyota TRD 86 takes on Renault's hottest hatch ---------------------------------------------- Well, it couldn't be more visually perfect now, could it? Two slightly mad small cars, both in black-and-white warpaint with bright red brake calipers. They just go together.
For all that though, the Toyota TRD86 and Renault Megane RS 265 Cup are two very different propositions. ...
Which deserves true hero status? Honestly, both, because they're just so different and each is class-leading in its own way. But that's a copout because there has to be a winner.
For sheer thrills the Renault cannot be beaten. It's outlandish-looking inside and out, blindingy fast and incredibly well-sorted, despite the potential for white-knuckle driving. Arguably better value, too.
But a huge adrenalin rush isn't necessarily a substitute for proper sports-car finesse. The TRD86 feels downright slow compared with the RS 265, but the steering, gearbox and chassis are so beautifully configured that you know it's a car which will give lasting pleasure in any driving situation long after the novelty of scaring yourself stupid in the Renault has worn off.
If exhaust tips are your thing, it's also a clear win to the Toyota. The TRD package adds an unnecessary and quite fussy quartet of pipes, while the Renault has just one. Who's showing off now?
Full article at
Also another Toyota 86 article:
Toyota GT 86: Sweet coupe strikes perfect balance