FRS vs 335i

[deedz]

So Im currently stuck between two cars right now and obviously you know the two from the title.

Im looking for a car thats light ( which the frs is) but also has power (which the 335i has) I can get a new FRS for about the same price as a 335i and maintenance wise I dont really worry about.

I want to track both cars but it will also be my daily. Now im looking to have big plans for this car whether its the 335i or the FRS as the 335i has just come out with a new single turbo kit that is fairly reliable on STOCK internals at 600+ hp to the wheels which to me...I like. But I also like the fact that the FRS can almost keep up with most high powered track cars in its stock form with simply minor tire mods. If i were to get one or the other...Id completley modify the suspension and eventually do weight reduction mods.

So the question is...which one? I like the fact that with the 335i, its already turboed and can bring 650+ hp on stock internals while the FRS with its high compression, will require engine builds to even get there. I want to have high power and amazing handling so which would be easier to get there with the least money in your opinion?

[_hollywood]

The cost of maintenance on the beemer alone will change your mind....

335 is super nice but its the little things that will add up over time

[Wreakin]

Two totally different types of cars. 335i is the 'musclecar' of the euro world. It is even worse handling than the Mustang GT. It can be made fast in a straight line though, for relatively low cost.

[Razz]

Have you ever tracked before?
If so how many times?

[deedz]

I've never tracked before. Looking for a car capable since my 200k+ mileage lexus probably wont do the job.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by deedzman

But I also like the fact that the FRS can almost keep up with most high powered track cars in its stock form with simply minor tire mods.

Personally, I'd go with the FR-S, but if you think that with tires it's going to keep up with most higher-powered cars at the track, I believe you're in for a big disappointment. Power/weight is, like, important and stuff...

[Mild2Wild]

Never tracked before and yet you desire 600+ at the wheels? Doesn't sound like the best place to begin...probably develop a lot of bad habits trying to muscle a handful of a car around a track.

[excited86]

Originally Posted by deedzman

So Im currently stuck between two cars right now and obviously you know the two from the title.

Im looking for a car thats light ( which the frs is) but also has power (which the 335i has) I can get a new FRS for about the same price as a 335i and maintenance wise I dont really worry about.

I want to track both cars but it will also be my daily. Now im looking to have big plans for this car whether its the 335i or the FRS as the 335i has just come out with a new single turbo kit that is fairly reliable on STOCK internals at 600+ hp to the wheels which to me...I like. But I also like the fact that the FRS can almost keep up with most high powered track cars in its stock form with simply minor tire mods. If i were to get one or the other...Id completley modify the suspension and eventually do weight reduction mods.

So the question is...which one? I like the fact that with the 335i, its already turboed and can bring 650+ hp on stock internals while the FRS with its high compression, will require engine builds to even get there. I want to have high power and amazing handling so which would be easier to get there with the least money in your opinion?

bimmer 4 door?

I was in the same boat as you, but I chose the FRS.

If you don't plant to keep both cars for more than 4 years, get the bimmer.

If you want go kart feeling, get the frs.

the list goes on.

[track_warrior]

Apples to oranges buddy, if you plan on tracking it and its a very high speed course take the 335i and make it loose weight because its a fat pig. If you have a technical course near by get the FR-S.

I honestly would take the fr-s why?

Lower maintenance cost, value for your money, warranty since i assume you will be buying the 335i used to be in the same ball park as the frs, since you have never tracked before i would recommend starting in a low power car. If i were you id actually start with a used miata so if you crash it you wont break the bank.

[hyper4mance]

Upgrades for bmws are more expensive than japanese parts typically. I think it really comes down to the test drive. The bmw will have a softer ride stock and be more comfortable, whereas the FR-S/BRZ you feel a lot more of the road. You may want to factor in the maintenance if you are planning to keep it for a long time. BMW maintenance even avoiding the dealership is expensive compared to the FR-S/BRZ. If you are leasing it or only keeping it for the short term then its not AS big of an issue, but random stuff does happen. Since both are RWD cars, I would factor in a set of winter tires/rims as well.

[Max Schnell]

What is your budget? Without a realistic budget its all a pipe dream.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by deedzman

So Im currently stuck between two cars right now and obviously you know the two from the title.

Im looking for a car thats light ( which the frs is) but also has power (which the 335i has) I can get a new FRS for about the same price as a 335i and maintenance wise I dont really worry about.

I want to track both cars but it will also be my daily. Now im looking to have big plans for this car whether its the 335i or the FRS as the 335i has just come out with a new single turbo kit that is fairly reliable on STOCK internals at 600+ hp to the wheels which to me...I like. But I also like the fact that the FRS can almost keep up with most high powered track cars in its stock form with simply minor tire mods. If i were to get one or the other...Id completley modify the suspension and eventually do weight reduction mods.

So the question is...which one? I like the fact that with the 335i, its already turboed and can bring 650+ hp on stock internals while the FRS with its high compression, will require engine builds to even get there. I want to have high power and amazing handling so which would be easier to get there with the least money in your opinion?

i think you should take your lexus to an autocross event and go from there.

[Turbowned]

If you've never been to the track but plan to, I would absolutely recommend the FR-S. It is simpler, lighter, more in tune with your driving inputs. It will teach you to be a better driver, much like a Miata would. A 335i will mask your shortcomings with lots of horsepower and grip; it's not a good place to start. You want to first learn to drive a slow car fast, not drive a fast car slow. If you wanted to get the FR-S and eventually switch to the Bimmer you could always do that.

[sickmint79]

i am a huge bmw superfan. i've also tracked and modded cars.

with no hesitation i'm recommending the frs/brz if you're going to do this.

[BioRage]

I have no clue how the FR-S comes remotely close to comparing to the 335i.

335i is a 55K+ car and a the FR-S is a 30K car CDN.

If I had the budget, I would gladly take a 335i.

Euro parts are expensive as hell, FYI. However, the power gain is more achiveable in the 335i.

[fatoni]

just buy a used spec miata for the track and buy a 330 for the street. then you have the best of both worlds without any compromises

[86fanatic]

The post seems borderline trollish to me. He says he cares about light weight, but then doesn't mind the 800 pound weight difference between the FRS or the 335i? Not to mention this guy is balling so hard he doesn't care about maintenance on a 600 horsepower out of warranty 335i track vehicle? Let me tell you if you don't mind the maintenance on that might as well just get a GTR.

Also if you are taking the car to the track, don't you care about a little thing called a limited slip differential?

[deedz]

Originally Posted by 86fanatic

The post seems borderline trollish to me. He says he cares about light weight, but then doesn't mind the 800 pound weight difference between the FRS or the 335i? Not to mention this guy is balling so hard he doesn't care about maintenance on a 600 horsepower out of warranty 335i track vehicle? Let me tell you if you don't mind the maintenance on that might as well just get a GTR.

Also if you are taking the car to the track, don't you care about a little thing called a limited slip differential?

Why would I be trying to troll? I'm just comparing two cars im interested in. I intend to turn this car into a project car over the next several years. I also intend to do maintenance myself to save money so no, im
Not ballin so hard. I'm just lookin for a car that I
Can achieve good power in the future as I continue to hone my tracking ability. I obviously do care about the weight difference but i was comparing more power vs less weight. I'd intend to install a quailfe LSD on the 335i IF I were to get one. If anything seems like you came to troll so run along and troll elsewhere


Thanks alot for the input guys. Hopefully the frs comes out with inexpensive turbo builds to reach my longrun future power goals.

[DrDuquette]

Neither. Buy a beater with a good motor. Like miata. Set it up for the track. Then spend the rest of your money on track day entry, TIRES, helmet, etc etc. Then take driving classes and get one on one training!!!

[86fanatic]

Originally Posted by deedzman

Why would I be trying to troll? I'm just comparing two cars im interested in. I intend to turn this car into a project car over the next several years. I also intend to do maintenance myself to save money so no, im
Not ballin so hard. I'm just lookin for a car that I
Can achieve good power in the future as I continue to hone my tracking ability. I obviously do care about the weight difference but i was comparing more power vs less weight. I'd intend to install a quailfe LSD on the 335i IF I were to get one. If anything seems like you came to troll so run along and troll elsewhere


Thanks alot for the input guys. Hopefully the frs comes out with inexpensive turbo builds to reach my longrun future power goals.

Didn't mean to offend you but it is surprising to find someone cross shopping these cars. Modern BMWs in general aren't great "project cars". Too heavy, too many electronics, too many over engineered hard to find expensive German parts, etc. I think you are glossing over the maintenance costs a little too much if you plan to seriously track a 600 HP modified 335i project car.

I recommend talking to people who do it (if you can find anyone) to get a sense of the costs, because I have a feeling you will be floored. Tires alone go quickly on 3600 pound cars regardless of make or model.

In my opinion, if you want to build a track car, don't start with a heavy, overweight expensive to maintain luxury cruiser like a BMW 335i.

[track_warrior]

Originally Posted by 86fanatic

The post seems borderline trollish to me. He says he cares about light weight, but then doesn't mind the 800 pound weight difference between the FRS or the 335i? Not to mention this guy is balling so hard he doesn't care about maintenance on a 600 horsepower out of warranty 335i track vehicle? Let me tell you if you don't mind the maintenance on that might as well just get a GTR.

Also if you are taking the car to the track, don't you care about a little thing called a limited slip differential?

Agreed lol # 1 reason why i sold my GT-R , 2.5k for a brake job and 1.5k tranny oil changes.

[Razz]

Originally Posted by DrDuquette

Neither. Buy a beater with a good motor. Like miata. Set it up for the track. Then spend the rest of your money on track day entry, TIRES, helmet, etc etc. Then take driving classes and get one on one training!!!

Any car can be put on the track, even a Yugo.

Learn how to drive.

Driving is where it is at, not the mods.