BRZ versus FRS: which is a firmer ride
 

I have a non-technical question about BRZ versus FRS suspension. I am interested in some feedback on which of the two gives less bumpy ride on uneven surface. I know the difference is not large. I drove both, but on different roads, so it is really difficult to tell.

I have seen some reports that FRS is a more bumpy ride, but then there were some other conflicting messages.

I read that FRS has more oversteer versus understeer of BRZ. I also found this info about springs:

Front OE Spring Rate:
Subaru BRZ 27 N/mm (153 lbs/in)
Scion FR-S 23 N/mm (131 lbs/in)

Rear OE Spring Rate:
Subaru BRZ 34 N/mm (195 lbs/in)
Scion FR-S 37 N/mm (211 lbs/in)

So, apparently, BRZ is stiffer in front and softer in the rear, but I am not sure how this contributes to an overall feel of more or less bumpy ride.

I would appreciate any feedback.

This has been discussed several times before , there is no real answer. I personally found the brz to be less agile around corners compared to the frs.
But everyone will answer this differently


I-Tapatalk

Thanks, Mashal, but I have not seen a lot of direct discussion of this. Again, I’m asking about smooth versus rough ride, especially on rough surface. You mentioned agility around corners, but that seems to be a different issue.

Exactly as mashal said, there is no definite answer. I found the FR-S to be a little more unnerving around turns (the tail definitely wanted to pop out more). I did find the FR-S to be a little less bumpy though and a TAD more comfortable. I drove both on the same roads, fairly close in time to each other. There wasn't a big enough difference for me to really care one way or another though. Both felt great!

FR-S has softer front springs and firmer rear to enable a snappier tail when cornering hard. I think most people would find the BRZ a tad firmer but comfort should be the same.

Comfort is also a large function of tires in which both cars have the same Michelins. If comfort is your top priority, this car is not for you. If comfort is mildly important, grab a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWs. Those tires are grippy and yet very comfortable as a daily driver.

To clarify, comfort is not my priority. I know both cars are a bumpy ride. It is one of the factors that might become relevant in the long run of still loving the car after driving it for months or years.

n8dog11914, great point about the tires. Thanks.

I'd look at interior accouterments; you're stuck with those whereas changing the ride is just $$$.

Are you saying I could make changes to the suspension to make it a more comfortable ride? Do you know of anybody posting how to do this?

Would that annul the warranty?

I don't imagine many companies making softer springs, but if you prefer the interior of one over the other it's entirely possible to swap out the stock suspension from one to the other (cheap as well). Other options include custom coilover setup with softer damping and soft springs.

It would affect warranty claims on the suspension only; possibly components such as brakes if you reinstalled them incorrectly. The car caries the warranty no matter what (well, except salvage titles and stuff like that), but CLAIMS can be denied if there's proof.

ride quality is not so much about the spring rate but the damper quality. i think the big thing is that if that is the deciding factor, you should know that you can probably buy an frs and suspension for the price of a brz.

An improperly matched damper/spring set can be bouncy too. I've not driven an FR-S, but I wouldn't call my BRZ bumpy at all. I hit a bump/crack/pothole and I feel it, I don't feel the chassis sway up and down. It's a firm ride.

im not trying to say that the brz isnt properly damped. im just saying that if you have any questions, you can simply buy the solution and an frs for the price of the brz.

I wasn't saying you said it was bouncy!

The original BRZ I ordered (which I did not purchase) I would have paid less than someone who bought an FR-S at MSRP at the Toyota dealership around the corner so what you're saying is only kind of true. I'd never settle for the FR-S if I wanted leather/suede, seat heaters, push start, smart keyless, etc..

So, I guess my question is: which is a firmer ride BRZ or FRS?

@Jackson @Racecomp Engineering did the BRZ/FR-S dampers dyno more or less the same?

We have bumpy roads here and it was more noticeable in the BRZ than the 86 GT or GTS for me.

FRS firmer than BRZ

the rougher ride from the rear of the FRS creates this impression

Yes. Dampers are the same.

The difference in ride is pretty small.

- Andrew

Don't say that, he'll ask the question again.

Yeah the difference between the two is pretty negligible imho. Neither one is really all that rough of a ride. The dampers are the same between the two cars. It's not something I would base my buying decision on.

You can buy the springs new for about $80/ea if you really want FR-S springs on a BRZ or vice-versa.

I have seen it said in a few places that the ADM/JDM 86 has different spring rates to the USDM FRS so that may be irrelevent to him.

Good point, and LOL at your avatar.