Some questions about the FRS
 

What's up guys,

First time post here. This is a great forum:w00t:, lot of useful info and people with passions just like the E46Fanatics.com that I always go.

I am looking for DD and am cross shopping among the 14' Mazda 3, 14' FRS Auto and (01-06) E46 M3. I have couple of questions and need your help/opinions.

1). Does BeSpoke come with better sound system (Upgraded speakers and subwoofer)?

2). Have your passenger ever complained about the noise level(hurt his/her ears) with the factory option TRD exhaust? I carpool with my lady 2 days a week so I afraid she can not get used to the exhaust sound.

3). Can FRS with auto tranny do drifting like FRS with stick? LA traffic is like a big parking lot but I still want to have some fun...


Thanks

01' BMW 330i
12' MB C350 coupe (sold)
90' Celica st (sold)

You might want to try the manual if you can drive manual. The clutch is super soft compared to the R56 S I came from.

I commute 80 mile round trips in LA traffic with my stick BRZ. The clutch just isn't that heavy. Highly recommend manual.

Although not as great drifting an auto compared to a manual, I am still able to kick out the tail once in a while ;)

You can drift the AT, but it will be a little harder to initiate through weight transfer. You can't use the e-brake or do a clutch kick. I would highly recommend the MT, the clutch is very soft, very easy to live with in traffic.

I also have an E46 coupe and a fellow e46fanatic, and I can tell you that you will love the FRS/BRZ :D

1) No upgraded speakers unfortunately. Bass will make your window switches rattle.
2) I can't speak for TRD exhaust but the stock one is nice once you get on it.
3) The automatic is fun, but you can't do the fun things in a manual like launch the car or rev at people because they walk/drive slow.

You'll need the car in full traction control off to slide more... at stock the car already slides easily making aggressive turns.

TRD exhaust is not too bad BUT... make sure you plug or remove the sound tube from the intake as it will quickly annoy a passenger (and probably you)

1) For upgraded speakers and subwoofer go OEM+.
2) I have a friend with the TRD exhaust and it is certainly more bassy (ok that's not a word, but, I'm running with it), but, certainly not obnoxious.
3) To drift with Auto, one has to turn off VSC and Traction control by holding the off button for 3 seconds and is considerably easier in manual mode. After that, toss it into a corner and give her. Very doable. Much easier in rain or snow.

The new Mazda 3 was a close runner-up for me too! Beautiful fender flares!

I had never even considered an automatic until I test drove the FR-S, I've always owned manuals, but this is a really great little 6spd auto. To induce a drift though, you'll definitely need to either turn off all the driving aids or put the gearbox in "manual" mode. It's easy enough and very rewarding then. :-)

She won't complain as much about the noise as the ride. It is not even close to soft or gentle, its pretty jarring, particularly for a passenger. I barely notice it as a driver, but a passenger (particularly trying to play on their smartphone) is going to complain about it.

Yep agree. I commute with my wife to work through a city, and quickly learned to memorize the locations of potholes and rough pavement.

My wife doesn't complain, but I try to avoid or slow down for any pothole or bump more than 1". Even then, I get bounced around a fair amount.

Also getting in / out of the car is not easy sometimes especially if in a tight dress I have been told.

A very good excuse to open the door for the lady and help her out of the car like a gentleman.

Hey man BeSpoke sucks, get the cheap stereo option, then rip it out and replace it with a Kenwood Nav. The stock speakers are decent enough so I would leave those. I run an amplified 10 inch Bazooka in the trunk and it sounds good. In my opinion going this way is the best bang for your buck!


And I would def go with the manual if you can, the auto is a straight dog. Almost dangerous getting on the hwy from on ramps. Reminds me of a 1999 4cy chevy S-10.


And don't sweat the TRD exhaust, I have a cat back Borla and it's very similar to the TRD. Not loud enough to be annoying.


Good luck with your decision!