Quote:
Originally Posted by Tcoat
Although I was really just joking about changing your profile PROPS for actually doing it! You may find that you drive the FRS more anyway.
I also would be very interested in a driver's/owner's perspective comparison between the FRS and Z4.
Drove one for about an hour 10 years ago and found it to be rather underpowered/unresponsive with the auto tranny. Wasn't long enough to really get to know the car though so probably not a fair impression at all.
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I will definitley drive the FRS more, I bought it as a dd. Had a CC for less than a year that I traded in for the FRS. The CC is a very nice car, fit and finish and interior design is great, but it was just to boring for me especially after using the Z4M as a dd for years.
If the Z4 you drove was automatic it was not a Z4M, big difference. The Z4M is basically an M3 drivetrain in a Z4 and only comes in a 6spd manual.
A quick comparison would be they are not that different. The main differences I notice right off the bat having only driven the FRS for a day. Power, I know everyone bitches about the FRS being underpowered, but honestly, I think it has plenty of USABLE power, but yeah the Z4M has more power. Although you quickly get into trouble with the Z4M while in the FRS I could be having a blast and look down at the speedo and I'm only doing 70-80mph. I like that, especially for a dd. I LIKE the fact that it's naturally aspirated just like the Z4M and you get that instant response, I wouldn't want either of these cars with forced induction.
Sound. Honestly, the FRS kinda sounds like a tractor or something, not the sexiest sounding engine I've heard. The Z4M has a very nice sounding engine, however like the FRS the exhaust is very quite (although I changed it on the Z4M for a stromung).
Steering. BMW purposely went with a hydraulic power steering system on the Z4M instead of the electric system and I think it shows. Very heavy, very direct with great feedback. FRS I was surprised at how good the steering feel was. Although not quite as responsive as the Z4M still very good especially when new the FRS is $30k+ cheaper.
Ride. For a dd I much prefer the FRS ride over the Z4M. Although not soft by any means, the FRS is slightly softer than the Z4M which is hard as a rock.
Seating. Believe it or not this is a big one for me. The Z4M fits like a glove. Seat position, shifter, everything. It's kind of hard to describe. The FRS is still kinda odd fitting for me. Now I still need to drive it more to find the best spot but overall I like the interior ergonomics better in the Z4M, oh yeah and steering wheel controls!!
That's a quickie since I have to go to work, but I will do a better one once I have driven the FRS for a while. I am loving the tech in the FRS though, keyless entry, bluetooth streaming, oh yeah!