Test drove an FR-S, thoughts

[RWDPLZ]

Took an FR-S for a test drive today, at Victory Toyota / Scion in Canton, Michigan. They had two in stock, a lava manual and a raven manual, which still hadn't been through PDI. So I had to wait while another couple was test driving the lava. It was JF1ZNAA16D1717840

I was a little nervous because I've spent maybe an hour total ever driving manual transmission cars, but I was able to get through the test drive with only staling twice, once pulling out of the dealer parking lot, and again at a 4-way stop sign. The rest of the time I was fine, although I had trouble finding 4th a couple times. The clutch also felt better than other cars I've driven.

Overall, the car felt great, it really felt like a driver's car. The power output complimented the car very well, the brakes felt good, engine sounded great. Only complaints are first gear is REALLY short, and the shift knob felt horrible, like a golf ball.

The salesman seemed annoyed I didn't want to buy a car today, and told me if I wanted one, I should order one ASAP, etc. They claimed they'd be able to order a 10 series.

Afterword I drove a few towns over and test drove a 370Z, and it wasn't NEARLY as nice. It had no road feeling, the seat was really narrow, the gas pedal was really heavy and difficult to use, and it felt like it had less horsepower than the FR-S. I was shocked at what a piece of crap it was, for $10k+ more.

I'm thinking about buying in July, and now I'm torn between a BRZ and the FR-S 10 series. All the Subaru dealers in the metro Detroit area have been TERRIBLE to deal with, while these guys and another Scion dealer were actually putting effort into little things, like answering questions or giving me the time of day.

If anybody wants a lava FR-S, this one's been sitting here a month now.

[dem00n]

For you?

Fiat Abarth

[ichitaka05]

Reason why Z felt slow/less power cuz due to Z's weight. If you drove Z first & drive FRS/BRZ, FRS/BRZ felt gutless & peaky.

[Sgt.Beardface]

Shift knob is gonna feel like a ball as that is pretty much what it is. Unless ya get an aftermarket one. Only way to figure out which car is for you is too drive them both. Find a different suby dealership and see if they are any better. I drive both an went for the FR-S and it is a blast to drive. I have had cars with more power, FI, etc and this thing puts a smile on my face everyday. But everybody is different you could like the Subaru more. I would say try them both definitely tho; ya don't wanna ever look back and wonder what if....

-Chuck

[Kelbyat07]

Never test drove a Z yet, but my friend told me that it was very fast.


In my opinion the BRZ looks better than the 10 series.

[briang0901]

If the FRS/BRZ is going to be the first car you really learn how to drive manual on I don't recommend it...yet

[RWDPLZ]

The Z was a good bit faster in a straight line, but that was it. The handling was just horrible.

[Ocala FR-S]

Originally Posted by briang0901

If the FRS/BRZ is going to be the first car you really learn how to drive manual on I don't recommend it...yet

Everything I've heard about the manual is that it is no special challenge, and probably more forgiving than most cars. I can't imagine someone wanting a manual FR-S/BRZ that would need to spend money on some other car they don't want just to learn. Sounds like an incredible waste of money. Any half normal person who took care, would be reasonably proficient in a week without any mishaps.

[TaddyDobbins]

Originally Posted by RWDPLZ

I was a little nervous because I've spent maybe an hour total ever driving manual transmission cars, but I was able to get through the test drive with only staling twice, once pulling out of the dealer parking lot, and again at a 4-way stop sign.

That is two more times than my FR-S has been stalled. In all seriousness good for you for having the confidences to test drive a manual.

[cfusionpm]

The Z will definitely stick you to your seat a lot better under acceleration, but it also gets worse fuel mileage and weighs upwards of 1,000 lbs more. Totally different kind of car. The FR-S is light, nimble, and agile sports car. The Z is a heavy-hitting, grand touring sport car. Two different approaches, two very different feels. Z is also about 10 grand more to buy as well (even more for the high end touring models).

You can see which choice I made... No regrets whatsoever. I wish it did have a little more oomph in acceleration, but since I daily drive this thing, I love getting 32-34mpg highway, and 24-26mpg city.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by cfusionpm

The Z will definitely stick you to your seat a lot better under acceleration, but it also gets worse fuel mileage and weighs upwards of 1,000 lbs more. Totally different kind of car. The FR-S is light, nimble, and agile sports car. The Z is a heavy-hitting, grand touring sport car. Two different approaches, two very different feels. Z is also about 10 grand more to buy as well (even more for the high end touring models).

You can see which choice I made... No regrets whatsoever. I wish it did have a little more oomph in acceleration, but since I daily drive this thing, I love getting 32-34mpg highway, and 24-26mpg city.

i cant help but think that neither of those bold statements are true even though i agree with the overall message. i think for what nissan intended, the z is great its pretty far from offering the driving experience of the frs. iirc, its target was to bridge the gap from these small sports cars and the more gt or high speed cars like the corvette. i think the most telling thing about the car is that its not even really that trackable considering the brake and oil issues.

[Synack]

The 370Z is no speed demon, but it has quite a bit more punch than the FR-S. Almost 2 seconds faster in the 1/4 mile...

[oxygen]

Originally Posted by briang0901

If the FRS/BRZ is going to be the first car you really learn how to drive manual on I don't recommend it...yet

This was my first manual car, was pretty easy to drive as a novice in my opinion

[Vracer111]

The base model 370Z is ~500lbs heavier than the FRS and cost ~ $8k more, and comes with an open differential (LOL Nissan). To get the LSD you need the sport package which adds an additional ~$3k to the cost.