Around town...
On the motorway...
Changing up at 3000revs...
As above,a GT86/BRZ is not good at all.
On the other hand,on a flowing curvy country road,with the engine between 4000 and 7000 revs it’s really great fun like nothing else around the same price or considerably more.
That’s the point of the car.
P.S.
The OP’s preconception of a GT86 not matching his expectations might just mean the car is not for him and we can’t all like the same.I would say also try a Coupe that has a different sort of appeal,say an Audi TT...some may deride them but if the OP prefers one that’s fine.