2012 vs 2020 steering feel difference
 

Hi all,


I recently upgraded from a 2012 auto GTS to a 2020 manual GTS and noticed the steering wheel feels lighter and more numb in the 2020 compared to the 2012 model. The 2012 model felt a more direct and had some real weight to the steering.



I have seen some commentary on here about this and some have suggested getting larger wheels and sticker tires to improve things, is that best way? The 2012 was stock standard but I upgraded to sticker Yokohama tires. The 2020 car is currently stock standard including the Michelin tires.


Thanks!

Adding caster also increases steering weight.

Thanks! So based on what I have read about caster, I should add positive caster?

Tires play a large part of the steering feel as well.
My all year daily gets a wheel and tire swap for the winter/summer season.
The difference between the tire sets is immediate as the summers
are quite sticky and there is more feel and effort required.
Always amazed at the transformation in the driving qualities as well.

If it bothers you that much you can buy a different EPAS controller. I'm using this one https://www.nmstec.ca/product/psc/ with a speed to assist map that I set up with less assist than stock at speed but pumped up at pit/parking lot speed for max laziness.

One of the first mods I did on my 2013 FR-S was replace the steering wheel with an aftermarket one. For a stock steering wheel, it was actually fine. The aftermarket one had a more tactile feel, somewhat thicker and heavier, with a flat bottom that made getting out of the car easier.

In addition to the above, caster is not the only alignment item that changes steering feel. For me, excessive toe (both in and out) makes the steering feel mushy and rubber-bandy. I experimented with different toe settings and like very minimal front toe out the best.

The facelift in 2017 made the steering wheel slightly smaller (14.5" to 14.25" in diameter) and more squishy to the touch. Some folks commented that it made it less tactile, echoing your comments about an aftermarket steering wheel.

The bushings and soft parts (not the least of which includes tyres) get harder over time. Your 2012 would feel much "crisper" than a brand new 2012 - if that were possible.

Check toe

Thanks All. One of the things I really liked about my 2012 86 was the steering wheel and steering feel. It always felt special getting behind it, especially after driving another car. It was just the right size for my hands and I loved the look of it with the 86 logo in the middle. The new one feels a bit small in my hands.