FR-S vs. BMW E92 335i

[noob]

I've been eyeing the FR-S for quite some time. I am a sports car kind of guy. I used to own an MR2 Turbo(about 250whp); it was a very fun car to drive. Then I owned an RX-8(stock), another very fun car to drive. Now I am in an '08 BMW 335i coupe(with between 300-350 whp); very smooth, but you can't throw it around too much because it weighs so much.

I know both cars are in different classes, with the 335i being a luxury 'sporty' coupe; while the FR-S being a pure sports car. I'm debating on getting the FR-S when its released or not. What are your opinions on the 335i? Would you keep the 335i or would you give up the luxuries for the FR-S?

[SunnyD]

The FR-S will be nowhere near as fast (in terms of acceleration) as the 335. Is that something you can live with? If you want something that's as fast/faster than the 335 and handles well, why not get an e9x m3? Not trying to knock the FR-S or anything since I'm buying one, but it's really not on the same performance level as the 335 but will still be fun to drive in its own right.

[GenkiElite]

Thats a tough call. I have a a couple friends that have have had the rwd and awd versions. The awd car was modded a bit making about 400 whp while the rwd version only had a spring strut set-up from Koni (they were using his car as a test car). 335's are fast and handle well bet still a bit muted and dull for me. I would personally go for the FR-S but then I'm not much of a luxury kind of guy. While I'm sure the 335 is more comfortable and faster I think the Scion would be more fun. This could turn out to be an intersting thread.

[Dark]

Drove my friend's 328i and 335i. They was a pretty nice car, and drive A LOT better than my IS250. My only concern about the car is the weight too( about the same as my car). If BMW shaved 250-300lb off 335i, I would highly consider it. Well, if you want a fun to drive car, I suggest against 335i unless you plan on shaving off major weight, which I think most people will not do.

[noob]

Originally Posted by SunnyD

The FR-S will be nowhere near as fast (in terms of acceleration) as the 335. If you want something that's as fast/faster than the 335 and handles well, why not get an e9x m3?

Theres no doubt that the 335 is faster...but I believe that the FR-S would be a lot more fun to drive. I guess i'm on the fence on if i want luxury with some fun(335), or a pure bad ass sports car(yes I'm calling the FR-S that already).

As for the M3, imo, its not worth the extra money, but thats another topic.

[WhiteGDB]

You can still have some luxury with the BRZ limited, unless a big part of your luxury definition includes the badge on the hood.

[serialk11r]

In that case, you could wait for the STI. The "STI" letters indicate your car is in BMW price range. :P

[Dark]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

In that case, you could wait for the STI. The "STI" letters indicate your car is in BMW price range. :P

Wait, what about the one about 15 bucks on ebay?

[noob]

luxury to me is how smooth the car feels while on the road. Until I drive an fr-s, I won't be able to compare them for myself. Don't care about badge or price tag. I'd more than likely buy the base model.

[mastawyrm]

Alcantara heated seats, built in nav, bluetooth audio. That's pretty much all the luxury I want. I love the e92, even the 318 wagon I rented in germany was a lot of fun to drive but I would personally go for the BRZ for it's weight and COG. I can always drive my old z28 when I crave the straightline stuff.

[catharsis]

The fr-s will feel more sporty to drive. It won't be numb, it'll be engaging and demanding. However it'll also have a harsher suspension, more road noise, more rattles, cheaper quality interior. It'll feel like a 25k sports car, the bmw will feel like a 36k luxury car. It's up to you want you want. The FR-S will also be quite slow.

[whaap]

I presently drive a Miata. There is a saying that I greatly appreciate. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow.

[suprachica79]

Originally Posted by whaap

I presently drive a Miata. There is a saying that I greatly appreciate. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow.

I've literally read this line at least a dozen times today. I don't disagree with the statement, but it's literally been said a dozen times today. Just sayin.

[Max Schnell]

It is also fun to drive a fast car fast. I don't think its necessarily more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car fast if you can find the venue to do it.