Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSunrise
I think the wheelbase is the main difference in how nimble the FR-S feels versus a Miata (I've spent a lot of time driving NA and NC Miatas). The FR-S is only 2" wider than an NC Miata (and 1" by track width), but has a 10" longer wheelbase. Those 10" in the wheelbase will have a much greater effect on how the car feels from my experience.
Also width is one of those things where it's win-win. If you go narrower, you get more maneuverability, but if you go wider, you get more overall grip in corners (assuming track width increases correspondingly), so it's not all bad, and some would say good. This is why you'll see limits on max track width in the rules for racing classes.
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You get what I'm saying. For my roads maneuverability is very important. And yes the wheel base is long, if you've ever parked a Miata in a crowded parking lot compared to the FRS you immediately notice this is a much bigger car.
But I'm happy with it because its not a ragtop, it has amazing balance, and a few times a year it does fantastic on long interstate trips that sports cars can become a form of torture. Its a lot like an E30 BMW in this regard.
The one thing Tada alluded to in the development of the car was start with a great chassis. I agree with this, who knows what's in store in 5-10 years. We may be able to drop in a factory H6 or Turbo 4 for $6k. We may finally get a TRD strut/spring package. The potential is there.