FR-S vs 228i vs Mustang June R/T
 

Man they PANNED the Bimmer!


http://dropcanvas.com/g8p4m0n67kc1Z2


EDIT: I re-shot the pics so you can read it better.

The 86 has never been a performance car, but still manages to be more rewarding than any of its modern competitors. Fun article that's well worth the read, and great photos.

This article gets it. The frs is a car for those who love driving, "not insecure show offs." So dead-on in many respects. With all that said, I would still like a 220 hp factory frs with a reduction in the torque dip.

Good read. I'm curious if the writer's thoughts would have changed if the FRS had MPSS rubber. Or if all three cars were at least on similar tires.

Nice to read a good review again. This car is about the connection to the driver and they got it.

It's disappointing that the 228i with the 'track handling' package understeers so bad. I've read that the car comes alive with a proper suspension (aftermarket coilovers / bars).

GSR Autosport 228i – Street to Track to Pirelli World Challenge
http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1117222

Nice find, great read man. I kinda wanted the 2.3 Ecoboost.

Edit2: tl;dr benchracing
Edit3: Really do appreciate the article, fair criticisms of all cars, insults the BMW's track manners without disparaging the overall car imo, I'd still check it out if I was looking for a entry level luxury sedan. (Eww)

It's interesting, every once in awhile the benchracer comes out in me "oh but with $X you can..."

If you put Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the Toyobaru in stock size, same compound as the BMW in this article the lap time can easily drop several seconds cutting the deficit in half. Now given the track conditions in the article I expect the ~2:16 in the video below would be slightly slower, but nonetheless reduces the 'cringe' (RT's word not mine) in the number. And of course yadayadayada other variables. Definitely worth watching though as Thunderhill is a cool track and it's easy to see how it gives an advantage to the higher horsepower cars with long stretches and fast sweepers.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI08YWtfX3w"]2:15 lap time at Thunderhill in a Subaru BRZ - YouTube[/ame]

From video description:
Cue the driver showing up in 3. Sorry, first Thunderhill 86 vid and with a time relevant to the thread.

:cheers:

Edit: for less than $1,500 ~4 seconds were shaved off the deficit (~$500 for tires, ~$500 for pads, ~$200-$300 for camber bolts + alignment), more aggressive tires for the same price would be worth a tad more still leaving you with a few thousand dollars for wider wheels/tires and/or bolt ons and tune (if power is your bag) to creep up on the $30k cars.

BMW's seem to have great brakes, as the dumbasses behind the wheel demonstrate at the entrance to every corner and at least halfway through. It's great fun to see the frustrated face in their mirror.

Never thought I'd see the day a major magazine criticized a BMW's handling! Especially a "lightweight" 2-series with track pack option.

BTW agree with their criticism of the FR-S engine note. Turn that into something that sounds good at higher revs and it's such a great car. I really enjoy mine with exhaust mods (headerback exhaust and tune). Sounds incredible, gives you 20-30 more hp, and minimizes the torque dip. Just what the doctor ordered.

If only Yamaha was more involved in development of FA20 I would be so happy with the car.

The new BMW's (including the previous model) feel like boats in comparison to the FRS. Really no comparison when it comes to handling. I think the article is pretty much spot on

I test drove a M Sport 228i without the track pack and was pretty impressed. I definitely preferred to the Mustang which feels huge. I would like to see a comparison between the FRS and new GTI.

Cammisa is the best automotive journalist out there, bar none.