V6 challenger vs frs/brz
 

I'm 18 and have been working to save up for a car, I've finally got enough saved up to get something. After lots of looking around I've narrowed it down to two cars. A white 2013 challenger sxt plus with super sport package, magnaflow exhaust, and nice 20 inch black rims....or of course a 2013 frs (maybe brz but they are hard to find used near me, Southern California). I've driven both numerous times and I can't make a solid decision on which to get. I know the frs gets better gas mileage, but I do need the back seats for driving friends every once in a while. I'm not looking to street race or any of that but which car in your opinion would suit me best? They both are around the same price, and seem fun to drive. Though the challenger is a massive car, and it's only a v6, but it has a nice interior and back seats that are manageable. The frs seems fun to take on cruises in the hills with my friends (mixed cars, for example, v6 camaro, 78 z28, 350z, bmw328) because of it's handling. It's just a tough decision and I get mixed answers when I ask my friends and family. So any help would be greatly appreciated!

It really does depend on what your goals with the car are. If you want a canyon carver then the FR-S/BRZ hands down. The challenger is a whale by comparison. That being said if you do lots of highway driving or take people (ever basically) then the ft-86 platform probably isn't the best fit. Ive had 3 people in my car once (myself included) and it was just around the block).

However i can see the FR-S potentially being worth a bit more one day if its kept up nicely.

FR-S is definitely more unique. You'll get comments on it guaranteed if you're into that kind of thing

sequoia national park + BRZ/FR-S = ∞ smiles

How tall are you and your friends?

I am 6'2", so that nullifys the seat behind me. But I regularly have my 16 year old(5'9") and 12 year old(5'2") on the passenger side. Not the most practical, but they sit fine and enjoy the car. The prefer being in the FR-S over my 1999 Altima lol.

What do you like about each of the cars? They are completely different and listing out the top 3 pro's and con's of each should help you organize your thoughts more clearly. Then it's just a matter of weighing each of those attributes.

You will most likely get biased answers (being on a twins forum) but I would say that between the two the Challenger is the better daily (nicer interior, more power) and the FRS / BRZ is better if you like to tinker on your car. If you don't plan on wrenching on your car the Challenger is the better package. That's just my opinion though, hopefully this helped.

The biggest difference is 4000 lbs vs. 2750 lbs. These are two totally different machines.

You'll need to seriously consider your needs. Most importantly, be honest with yourself.

If you really do spend more time on the highway taking long trips where you need a compliant ride and quiet cockpit, then you're looking more towards a GT. Get the Challenger.

If you take weekend cruises to the local twisty roads, and you value good steering, road feel, visibility, nimbleness, and controls, above all else then get an '86.

Just know that if you want a powerful feeling motor, you know, a surge of power, you're going to have to upgrade either car.

I remember when I was 18 and I was worried about what everybody thought, what was cooler, when I was buying my first car. It sounds like you're in a similar position. Go with what you like better, and dont worry too much about what your friends say, is the best advice I can give you.

I'm 6' and the ones who usually ride with me are 5'7", 5'10", and 6'1". That's good to know thank you!

This is all good stuff, highly appreciated! Definitely putting in lots of thought.

The challenger would be the last "muscle" car on my list. I rather get the camaro or stang.

Challenger interior is pretty damn terrible (like most American cars). It's back seats aren't much more useable than ours (as is the case with most 2 door cars). It's a WHALE of a car and will always feel that way. It's going to get worse mileage and it's going to be less reliable. Tires for the 20's are going to be expensive.


If you NEED a back seat, there are far better options than either one of these cars...

The Challenger is just obnoxiously huge. Sure, I guess it's roomy for a coupe, but look at its dimensions... there are smaller cars that have comparable or better interior space. It's just a cool looking cruiser, but that's about it. I'd say go with a twin, if it's truly between those cars you mentioned.

Have you looked into insurance costs?

I have to say, I find the Challenger to just be too big. And if you get one you almost need the V8 to make it worth driving such a large heavy car.

My uncle bought a fully loaded r/t challenger two weeks ago. The thing is a boat and is slow as s**t for a 6.2l v8. It DOES have a nice interior and looks tough. We've all been giving him crap (not in a mean way) about it. Honestly OP you'd be much better off looking at an even older car other than the challenger. If you have to have back seats a g35 or a used mustang or camaro or something if you want a bigger car. I think you'd enjoy the FRS about 1000x more than a v6 challenger. If you go FRS you're getting a purebred sports car. V6 challenger, a base model stripped down family sedan with 2 doors.

If I was your age and had a set budget and wanted a sports car? I'd go twin turbo 300zx all day long. 7-10k and keep the rest for date money and maintenance.