Can a pure handling car survive? The 2013 Subaru BRZ

Autoblog just reviewed the 2013 Subaru BRZ and the result is... this is one of the best handling cars on the market, bar none. Subie used the Porsche Cayman for comparison (and perhaps a little reverse engineering also), and it seems like they have built a mini cayman.

But the issue is this: the car only has 200hp and 150lbs of torque. Now, it only weighs 2,700lbs... but still, that's not a lot of power.

And here is really the question: can a car with amazing handling but down on power make a dent on the market? My answer is no.

Exhibit one: The Mazda RX-8. Every reviewer loved it when it came out about 8 years ago. It was one of the best handling cars on the market, but like the BRZ was down on power, especially torque. Torque tends to matter more in day to day driving and passing situations (unless you are revving the engine like mad - which most people don't). The RX-8 has never sold well, and is now getting old, with Mazda making no plans to build a replacement model.

And while the BRZ is a good looking car...

It is not that good looking. I mean, I much prefer the previous generation WRX, or the 370z, or.. especially.. the 300hp Mustang v6.

And that is my basic problem. No one is sure yet what the car will cost.. but autoblog has heard every number from $22,000 to "somewhere around the WRX," which is $25,595, to $28,000. Of the broad competitive set Subaru listed, a 210-hp Genesis 2.0T Coupe starts at $22,250, a 300-hp V6 Mustang is $23,105, the Mazda Miata is $23,190 and the RX-8 is $26,795.

So, I love Subaru's, but I am not sure this really represents value (at least to me) vs. a 265hp $26,000  WRX.

No one ever called it pretty...