German car devotee thinking of FR-S... Sounds like an E36 M3
 

This car has me thinking of buying a new car for the first time in 10 years... Everything I am hearing about this car makes me think of a newer, lighter, only slightly less powerful E36 M3.

I can't wait to drive one. I'd love to get rid of my Porsche's monthly payments...

It's got pretty much the same power to weight as the US E36. I'd like to beleive it drives just as good, after all it's being compared to a Cayman...

I read that Cayman comment... Sounds great to me. I went from a big heavy fast sedan to my Boxster for the handling, even with less than half the horsepower. I don't regret the choice, it's so much more fun.

Have you had the chance to test drive a Cayman? Just curious...

Congratulations on being the first new FT86 club member this week that isn't an idiot. Keep up the good work and welcome to a great forum.

:respekt:

I worked at a Porsche dealership for a while, but I can't remember driving a Cayman. I've driven dozens of 911s and Boxsters though, and from what I understand the Cayman is supposed to be even more fun than either of those.

Personally, I can't get past the looks. I think the 911 and Boxster look much better than the Cayman. And it has a stupid name :)

But the new Cayman (981) looks hot as hell.

I think this car is more closer to the E30 M3 considering there power outputs and the weight being within a 50 lbs difference.

Those are some pretty promising numbers right there. Hadn't thought about comparing this car to the E30. They are very similar indeed. Exciting.

SUB-FT86 is on point about the E30 M3 comparison.

I'm not thrilled about the E30 comparison. In my opinion that car is unrefined and overrated. I'll just keep imagining it in terms of my old E36 :)

i really think the only thing being compared is power and weight so i wouldnt worry about the refinement of this car just yet

I prefer the e30 comparison. At least I hope the FRS/BRZ has a more resilient interior than my e36s have.

When comparing this car to the German marques the two cars that come to mind are the E30 M3 and the Porsche 924/944/968. The E30 may be overrated from a performance standpoint but it IS the only M3 that stayed true to the original concept. Subsequent generations have become larger GT cars, the latest M3 is realistically closer to an M6.

That's the biggest reason I prefer the E30 to the E36, my '89 325i with 200k+ miles looked 10 times better than my friend's '96 328iS with half the mileage.