A vehicle’s horsepower is often considered one of its most important assets. The question of whether there’s “enough” of it in any given vehicle is what the buyer has to decide for themselves.
We live in a time in which the demand for horsepower has grown out of control. Even so, the actual demand hasn’t really come from the average consumer but rather the automakers striving to make their cars better. By human nature, we often associate the word better with more, even if more isn’t actually better.
Photo: Courtesy of Motor Trend
The three subjects that don’t conform to this expectation are the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ.
Ironically, actual horsepower numbers mean more in both of these models because of the target audience. Both cars are marketed more toward enthusiast buyers. Consequently, they are more heavily scrutinized than other mainstream vehicles.
Does the horsepower they do produce really have to matter though? Current trends suggest that it does.
I disagree…
Let me explain:
The 1960’s and 70’s saw the era of the high-powered muscle car. All that horsepower came from large engines used in heavy cars with skinny tires. Many were producing over 400 horsepower from their V8 engines with displacements upwards of 5, 6, and 7 liters.
In the mid to late 1970’s and coming decades, government regulations became stricter with emissions, squashing the glorious muscle car engines. Cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and Ford Mustang were reduced to little more than a name with four wheels and just enough oomph to make them move forward.
As technology improved through the 1990’s and 2000’s, it has proven that it can beat the regulations. We are making 4 cylinder engines that can reliably produce much more than 300 horsepower.
Increased capacity for power due to improved technology has also increased expectations for both everyday consumers and enthusiasts.
This is why the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, and many other mainstream family and commuter-oriented daily drivers have seen an increase in engine output over the last decade.
Photo: Courtesy of Car and Driver
It’s also why cars like the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda Miata always have a “but” at the end of their performance reviews.
Most people agree that the 86, BRZ, and MX-5 Miata are some of the best cars anyone can buy today. Not only are they extremely affordable to purchase, but they are a blast to drive, inexpensive to own, and very reliable.
Then comes the “but…”
Horsepower, or lack thereof, is always mentioned as one of the worst parts of these vehicles. Despite being specifically designed for balance, handling, and fun, these cars always get razzed for lacking the power that’s needed. It’s a debate that’s been ongoing for a few years now, and consumer expectation is what’s fueling the debate even more today.
Nobody really cares too much that a car like the V6 Toyota Camry produces 300 horsepower. The people that buy them just know that it’s a faster car than the 4 cylinder. Those who buy the four cylinder just know that the Camry is a good car with everything they need, including adequate power.
The MX-5 Miata and its two cousins can’t accomplish what the Camry can. Their buyers know what they want. They want more power.
The real question is whether or not that power is actually needed.
The answer will always be no. The intention behind the vehicles’ design defies the expectations set by the public.
Subaru and Toyota have taken a firm stance. They have refused to increase the power output of the BRZ and 86 to this point. Mazda, on the other hand, finally gave in to the pressure.
The latest version of the MX-5 Miata has been upgraded to allow almost 30 more horsepower than the previous version. That’s significant, considering the little car only weighs about 2300 lbs.
So… where does it stop? How far will expectations of high horsepower vehicles take us? How much can a good car handle before it becomes unbalanced?
Truth be told, I don’t think the fine folks at Mazda, Toyota, or Subaru will ever let that happen to the three pillars of low horsepower laughs.
At the same time, there will have to be more and more done to a vehicle to keep it balanced if horsepower numbers continue to go up just to keep it safe and running.
Despite the expectations of the market, we still have a few cars that remind us that horsepower isn’t everything. They show us what it means to have a pure driving experience without shredding tires, ripping our faces off from 6 G’s of acceleration, and just being able to enjoy our rides home from work.
And, even though there is and will always be a “but” behind each review of the Miata, BRZ, 86, and other cars like them, there will never be anybody who walks away from their little sports car with a frown.
