No GPS, just VFR flying.
I'm confused as to what the GPS has to do with it. You can fly any aircraft with or without a GPS. Best aircraft I've ever flown is an ASW 19 in terms of handling etc. Powered, I like them all really. Can't say I've ever noticed that much difference between them except for speed, load carrying capabilities etc. Having said that we have a 180hp 172 at the club with the Horton STOL kit fitted which gets in and out of small strips easily. That's a nice aircraft. Half fuel with a bit of wind down the strip and you are off suprisingly quickly. For a 172.