89 Camaro IROC Z vs FR-S
 

Hey guys I currently do not own an FRS but I plan to around this time next year. Currently I am DDing a 89 Camaro with a tired 5.7 L98 rated at about 220 HP and and some where about 330 ft lb of torque, weighing in at about 3330 lbs without a driver. This engine in there has seen its days and is going to need a rebuild most likely before the year is over. I plan on rebuilding the engine to nearly stock specs..either way I want to only have the Camaro for summer driving only. Obviously the power has faced a few loses but what is provided is just the right amount for me. I'm curious how well the FRS would do in a straight line in comparison to what I'm currently driving...in terms of 0-60 and more. Im sure the FRS will handle much better. By the way the Camaro is stock aside from an exhaust and back in the day the 5.7 only came in automatic but I plan to grab a manual FRS.

What do you guys think? I really like the FRS and it feels so similar in the cockpit which is a feel that I've come very accustomed to but being one of my favorite cars I don't want my Camaro to see any more of these Chicago winters.

In terms of driving around town and straight line performance you will find the BRZ lacking compared to the Camaro. Even when considering the weight difference, the Camaro is going to FEEL faster simply because of the 180 ft/lb difference in torque.

MPG will be much better in the BRZ. Handling isn't even a comparison.

The Camaro may feel faster due to torque but it is not. In stock configuration both cars have almost identical 0-60 and 1/4 mile times according to online sources and automotive publications. With the extra torque you can lug the Camaro around town but as long as you are not afraid to stir the shifter the FR-S/BRZ will more than keep up. Once you get to the twisties it is no contest...FR-S all the way.

Yeah thats what I figured with the higher torque number it'll feel like more of a "launch" off the line. Im really interested in the FRS for this reason...more 'finesse' and of course better mpg. Being just slightly aggressive on the roads gives me sub 17 mpg. Its awesome but the car deserves to not see this horrible weather. T tops are only awesome in the warmer months anyway.

Thanks for the opnions guys. I know the handling would no match for the FRS but thats expected. Ive very happy to hear this because I know with a few small upgrades the FRS if needed will easily be able to surpass my current car even though im sure it'll be perfect just how it is.

The Camaro also feels like a barge when you stomp on the accelerator.

Haha it sure does. It sounds great but for all that commotion its not really going any where at lightspeed. Its fast enough for my needs though. I had originally opted to have the engine rebuilt (or swapped ...lt-1 possibly) with performance in mind but I want to keep the car in close to as stock and original as possible. Besides the FRS is great looking car so Im not losing anything in that department.

The awesome news is you can get these for the FR-S and then you don't even need to chop off the mullet!
http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-conte...-80s-86-02.jpg

:D

I kid, I kid. The old pony cars of the 80's certainly have a ton of potential, but bone stock they aren't all that quick. Man that Camaro is just begging to be boosted or LS swapped or something though.

Haha okay okay with the mullet/redneck jokes. Yeah I know an ls1 would be sweet but I'm not really trying to make a racecar out of it or anything...it is what it is and I'm happy with it. Besides I wouldn't want an automatic after putting all that work into swapping an engine and transmission in so I've decided to just be content with what it is. I always had a thing for the shape and stuff when I was a kid for some reason and I always said I'd own one when I was younger so I when I had the cash I bought one, its actually my first car. :party0030:




So it seems pretty evident that the FRS/BRZ would be able to match or take my current car no problem. :burnrubber:

Camaro
230hp
330 lb-ft
15 sec 1/4 mile?

FT86
200 hp
330 lb-f

Iroc
Dimensions
Gas Tank Size 15.5 gallons
Wheelbase 101.0
Length 192.0 inches
Height 50.0 inches

BRZ/FRS
WIDTH5 ft. 9.9 in. (69.9 in.) HEIGHT 4 ft. 2.6 in. (50.6 in.)
LENGTH13 ft. 10.7 in. (166.7 in.) GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. 4.9 in. (4.9 in.)
FRONT TRACK4 ft. 11.8 in. (59.8 in.) REAR TRACK5 ft. 0.6 in. (60.6 in.)
WHEEL BASE8 ft. 5.2 in. (101.2 in.)

They are both great cars and fun to drive. Really, it depends on your preferences. Like the other's have stated, the two cars are quite comparable, yet they will feel slightly different due to weight and drivetrain design. Also, keep in mind that you are comparing two cars that are two decades apart.

The bonus part of getting a new sports car [FR-S/BRZ] is a warranty & free services for two years. Plus, if you wanted to you could possibly buy a used FR-S or BRZ for under $20k since they've become pretty popular. Overall, if you are looking for something new and fun, why not trade up?

Coming from that tired car, the FR-S will feel like an exotic!

I really wish the FT86 had 330ft lbs of torque from an NA 2.0 liter gas engine :)

So my brother is a huge F-body fan. Previously owned a '91(I think) firebird, '88 GTA with a LT1, and currently owns an '89 turbo TA. I'll be reiterating what everyone else has said, but from a power delivery standpoint, overall time to 60 is pretty close. Your Z will feel faster as mentioned due to the torque.

Again, reiterating what has been stated, but the handling isn't even close. Having ridden in and driven the above, none of the F bodies can even come close to the precision or the connection to the road. If you haven't yet, go test drive one. While the performance #s are the same, the delivery couldn't be any different. And the connection you form with the car and the road is entirely different.

Both vehicles will be enjoyable for completely different reasons. BTW, I love me some T Tops(or Targas).

This is an exemplary post people, take notice.