Guys, would you say our FRS's handling is same or better than BMW's?

[paros28]

Are we talking stock BMW or fitted with accessory?

[Boxer486]

Originally Posted by paros28

Are we talking stock BMW or fitted with accessory?

Usually BMWs come with one of those in the driver's seat.

[KelvinBRZ]

So a friend of mine compared the 428i coupe (240hp) w/ M sport package to the BRZ.

He said that although the 428 can smoke the BRZ in a drag race, it can't provide as good of a handling feel as the BRZ. He also said although the 428i came in a sport package, he claims that the BRZ feels more sporty.

[TRD_86]

Originally Posted by KelvinBRZ

So a friend of mine compared the 428i coupe (240hp) w/ M sport package to the BRZ.

He said that although the 428 can smoke the BRZ in a drag race, it can't provide as good of a handling feel as the BRZ. He also said although the 428i came in a sport package, he claims that the BRZ feels more sporty.

So what is that 428 w/ M sport package price come out to be?
Compare that price to a twin w/ a nice set of perf tires.

[Boxer486]

Originally Posted by TRD_86

So what is that 428 w/ M sport package price come out to be?
Compare that price to a twin w/ a nice set of perf tires.

Really not necessary to do all that. You can easily get performance tires for less than the cost of the OE Prius tires. In essence, you actually save money increasing grip on the twins.

[GT86meMR2]

I remember driving the 428i here and i was dissapointed.. the handling was not what i expected from a improved 3 coupe and the 428i power is decent but doesent smoke anything in a drag race.. 14.1 1/4 it doesent look bad though

[DoomsdayJesus]

Originally Posted by chas3wba0

I came straight from an E46 3 series sedan to the BRZ, and the handling is pretty on par. I haven't pushed either car to the absolute limit on AutoX or track, though, so I can only speak for "spirited" driving on twisty back roads.

The BMW does feel a little bit more planted and solid due to the heavier weight and wider tires (I had the sport package 225/45/17), but the BRZ makes up for that with nimbleness.

I'm in the exact same boat, '03 330Ci to a BRZ. The E46 handled extremely well and was faster, but the BRZ just does things to curves that should be confined to porn. Can't wait for new wheels and tires, though.

Edit: Also, BMW's new steering in their cars has been pretty widely panned, if I'm not mistaken it's erased the connection between the wheel and the road. The servotronic system changes the ratio based on speed, which is a nifty trick but useless for road feel. We have an entirely different electric power steering system, hydraulic systems are being dumped for decreased weight and fuel efficiency. So it's win/lose.

[JS + BRZ]

When I was shopping for my BRZ. My other option was a 2011 M3 6MT with about 18k miles on it. The deal was very good and it was being sold by this local BMW dealer.

The car was a BEAST to drive.

I think it's almost like apple to orange comparison to pit it against BRZ though.

[chas3wba0]

Originally Posted by JS + MS3

When I was shopping for my BRZ. My other option was a 2011 M3 6MT with about 18k miles on it. The deal was very good and it was being sold by this local BMW dealer.

The car was a BEAST to drive.

I think it's almost like apple to orange comparison to pit it against BRZ though.

So what made you go with the BRZ

Originally Posted by DoomsdayJesus

I'm in the exact same boat, '03 330Ci to a BRZ. The E46 handled extremely well and was faster, but the BRZ just does things to curves that should be confined to porn. Can't wait for new wheels and tires, though.

Edit: Also, BMW's new steering in their cars has been pretty widely panned, if I'm not mistaken it's erased the connection between the wheel and the road. The servotronic system changes the ratio based on speed, which is a nifty trick but useless for road feel. We have an entirely different electric power steering system, hydraulic systems are being dumped for decreased weight and fuel efficiency. So it's win/lose.

Ah yes, how I dearly recall the heavier steering and the jerky mid-corner twitches from every road imperfection on the old Bimmer. Certainly felt more connected with the wheels in that car

[GT86meMR2]

Originally Posted by JS + MS3

When I was shopping for my BRZ. My other option was a 2011 M3 6MT with about 18k miles on it. The deal was very good and it was being sold by this local BMW dealer.

The car was a BEAST to drive.

I think it's almost like apple to orange comparison to pit it against BRZ though.

The M3 is not your average BMW either though it shouldent even be compared. i think the best bmw comparisons for the 86/BRZ's are the 25I engined cars. in the 35I and M cars the power difference is just to big.

[JS + BRZ]

Originally Posted by chas3wba0

So what made you go with the BRZ

I knew I wanted to mod and track the car. It's like 10 times cheaper to mod and track with BRZ than with M3.

That was the difference maker for me.

And I must have an extended warranty on M3 which was about $4k on top of the car price.

Originally Posted by BRZmeMR2

The M3 is not your average BMW either though it shouldent even be compared. i think the best bmw comparisons for the 86/BRZ's are the 25I engined cars. in the 35I and M cars the power difference is just to big.

I understand that but we are talking about the handling, not power.

[GT86meMR2]

I know, but the M3 is not your average BMW in handling either I don't know if you guys have the average BMW 320I/325I cars but they don't handle anything like an M3 and are way closer to the 86/BRZ power/Price wise.

[JS + BRZ]

Originally Posted by BRZmeMR2

I know, but the M3 is not your average BMW in handling either

Yeah, I know.

I've only driven E46 M3 and that 2011 M3, so I was just sharing my little experience with them.

I drove my friend's E46 M3 down the Big Bear mountain. That spirited canyon run still gives me a smile. That car was AWESOME to drive on the canyon.

[GT86meMR2]

Originally Posted by JS + MS3

Yeah, I know.

I've only driven E46 M3 and that 2011 M3, so I was just sharing my little experience with them.

I drove my friend's E46 M3 down the Big Bear mountain. That spirited canyon run still gives me a smile. That car was AWESOME to drive on the canyon.

Hehe sorry I was just asking myself why they kept comparing way more expensive/powerfull BMW's to the 86/BRZ while there are enough BMW's that compare to the 86 power/price wise and yeah you're definitely right those E46 M3's were awesome I just don't know how they drive stock because the one I drove (not mine) was modified