From Challenger to BRZ!?

[OrangeJuleas]

I'll try and help convince you too...

Before I start, let me say that I test drove a 2011 Challenger V6, because I totally love the look of that car as well. No hate for any car here, because in my eyes, they all have their up- and downsides. I also test drove a 2013 V8 Mustang, which also has gobs of power.

1. Let's be honest, you probably like the look of the BRZ more than the Challenger . In seriousness, I came from a hatchback to a sports car. I have only test driven larger cars, never owned one. I prefer the control that you have over something smaller. But control is relative, my girlfriend hates small cars because she feels tiny on the road, and that makes her feel unsure (this is probably why huge, gas guzzling SUV's still exist). When I drove the Challenger, my friend made a joke about the rear window being for look. In my FR-S, it is a little larger (or seems that way because it is closer), but really this isn't a big issue in either. It is pretty easy to judge distance in the FRS because everything is closer. I can park in some pretty small spaces (so those compact parking spaces open up!) In other words, the only car I owned that was easier to park was my '96 Civic.

2. You are sitting higher in the Challenger even if the clearance is the same. I did have to get used to getting into a car with such low ride height, but you pick that up pretty soon. Also, it just feels sportier because you get into it like a Ferrari . I drove an S2000, and while I loved it, I felt claustrophobic. The back seat in these cars goes a long way towards making you feel safer in the back. I never once felt uncomfortable, even when near semis on the freeway (although the skinny tires do sometimes cause a little bit of drift at speed on unevenly paved roads).

3. For most people, the power is enough to be fun, but also relatively easy to drive. You can spin the tires if you want, but can drive it granny-style when you want to. I test drove an automatic and can confirm this as well. On the freeway, I was a little worried about passing power, but it seems to get enough, so I have no problem. When I got it, I wanted to mod the shit out of the engine to get more power, but after a few months, I haven't done a single engine mod and still don't regret it. This may be because it is a manual and learning to extract the most power out of it appeals to me, and you wouldn't necessarily get that out of an automatic. YMMV.

4. Unless you are a straight baller, everyone likes spending less on things. This is a non-issue. If you get to spend less, that is just a bonus. This is a new car and I'm assuming since you can pay for the Challenger, then the money isn't an issue. But, if you were planning on doing some modification, then now you have some extra cash! Automatics are also getting better fuel economy than the manuals, it seems. This is also a bonus.

5. I have driven Japanese, German and American cars. I am not a big man (5'10") but I can't stand most German cars. The seats in the BRZ are super nice and designed for comfort. This boils down to personal preference. FRS interior is pretty spartan, but the BRZ is more upscale. One of the things I hated about the Challenger is that everything looked so cheap and basic (most reviews online call the Challenger's interior an "afterthought"). It's true that most of the appeal of the Challenger is its look.

6. The FR-S/BRZ was built almost specifically for this purpose. Hands down you will smile a lot more around those corners .

7. I don't know about this. My FR-S does not bounce as you say. The car should feel tight. Perhaps this is a difference between the two? (I didn't drive the BRZ but I've been in them).

8. A lot of people on this forum say that they get hit up a lot but where I live, it's actually fairly rare. Occasionally people will ask me what it is, but it is almost universally a "nice car, man" type of comment. One time, someone asked me if it was a Lotus, another time someone asked if it was a Supra. It is an enthusiasts car, and it polarizes people in that way, whereas the general public is more attracted to the Challenger. It doesn't bother me because...

9...I have yet to be seriously "challenged" by punk wannabe street racers (and I live near the SF Valley where that is a way of life for a lot of kids who spend more than a dime on their fart-can exhausts). Some people will just keep up for fun (remember, it isn't a drag racer) and you can have fun with them. Perhaps most people think it has more power than it really does (it can look intimidating), or those who know about it treat it as a drift car. Most people don't challenge RX-7's to a drag race, because we know their purpose lies elsewhere. If you really care, check out the "come race me bro" thread on this forum and see that while it happens, I am sure it happens more in a Challenger because it just looks like a bull. People will question your manhood when you lose with a 5.7L V8, but not a 2.0L Boxer4.

10. I am 27, I have noticed most of the people who drive these cars are between my age and about 40. It is a heritage car (like the Challenger, but different style) and many people who were old enough to drive Corolla Levin's/Sprinter's have love and respect for where it comes from. It is by no means strictly a younger person's car. As I said before, it is an enthusiast's car though, and as this forum can attest to, most of the people that own one are proud of it and keep it in great condition. Even though it is a relatively cheap car, I still look at it though my window from by bedroom as some kind of trophy. Also, 35 isn't old. This isn't a mid-life crisis Corvette. .

One last thing, don't let the mod bug bite, because you will not want to stop!

[Cjymiller]

Originally Posted by manwithnoname

Hello all,

Long-time lurker, first time poster…

Welcome to the norcal club! Good to see another BRZ.

Check out our drive thread here. There is almost always a drive on Saturday mornings.

Also if you like driving hwy 9 I often go drive on Friday nights to see what kinds of other cool cars show up. You should totally come with sometime.

LMK

[mush]

Originally Posted by radroach

And for the last point on unwanted attention, you'll get plenty of that too, or even more of that in a BRZ at the lower height - perfect for jackasses with holes cut in their exhaust to fart their exhaust at you when your windows are down.

had a lifted dodge ram past by me today blowing smoke everywhere with a girl in the passenger side with her head out staring at my car
he didnt blow smoke at my car tho, but it WAS the perfect height... had the windows up anyways

Originally Posted by Slash

I just traded my heavily modded ms3 for my Frs. Don't buy the ms3... You'd be making a mistake. The power is completely unusable. After a year of driving around a 300whp fwd car I couldnt take it. The Frs is just a better car.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

sold my 2013 lexus gs350 on monday, it had 300hp and i always felt like the need to speed to hear the engine and have "fun"
luckily i only got pulled over once and the cop let me go with a warning

[michaelahess]

1. DRIVING EXPERIENCE: I'm comparing to my Mustang, not quite as boat like as the challenger. It's a toss. The BRZ is amazing fun when not on a straight road. The mustang is maybe 2/3's the fun on curvy stuff but more fun in a straight line with all that power. I love both for what they are and can give me.

2. RIDE HEIGHT: BRZ is insanely low, I scrape all the time, it's one inch lower than the Mustang. Flip side, wife scrapes the mustang everytime she goes into the driveway. You do feel "smaller" with the BRZ and as expressed by others, that's a plus in my book, more nimble and better able to get the hell outa the way of idiots.

3. POWER: Same as #1 basically. Love that 5.0 power but can't use it a lot. BRZ has almost enough to keep me happy all the time, except passing on the highways. Then it feels like my old Sentra.


4. COST: Mustang averages 19 but yeah, it's nice having the savings when I drive the BRZ.


5. COMFORT: Mustang wins hands down. The BRZ seats are more comfortable as they grip you, but long drives are not as nice. Interior is typical of a Jap car. Plenty good, but really no comparison. And I'm talking about a Ford here...


6. DRIVING STYLE: Prefer the BRZ, fits my definition of fun more I think.

7. BOUNCY BOUNCE: To me the BRZ is rigid, you hit a bump and it tells you so. I don't get any bouncy at all. Nor do I in the Mustang, though it sucks up the bumps better than many mid range cars I've owned.

8. ATTENTION: LOTS of younger kids and teens working at fast food places love the stang. LOTS of older folks (30-40) and teens at fast food places like the BRZ. I do get more compliments on the mustang when out washing it in the yard though. I've been hit on a few times with the BRZ at the McD's drive through. Ah fast food chicks, oh the memories.

9. UNWANTED COMPETITION: NEVER, not ONCE with the BRZ. Closest thing I've gotten was a few STI drivers waving me down to compliment me. Mustang, every douche under the sun, including some old Willy Nelson look alike in an old TA smoking more than he was, revving like he actually thought he had a chance in hell.


10. AGE GROUP: I'm 33. This car was meant for all.

[Stierzy34]

I haven't actually taken delivery on my car, yet (should be here next week - papers signed and money sent, just gotta wait for it to get shipped lol)

However I can share what made me go from my 2011 WRX to the BRZ.

I always loved the look of the BRZ and found myself drooling over them for months on end before I decided to sell my WRX and make it official. However, what really pushed me over the edge was when I really considered how much I used the WRX. I would use it to go to work and back and that is really it. I thought I would miss the power (and I still may from time to time) but I would never really use it. Maybe a hard pull from here to there but does it really justify having the ~300 hp?

I also noticed that I found myself not wanting to drive the car as much, most of it had to do with gas. I could afford the gas to wonder around, don't get me wrong, but the 18 mpg was a bit discouraging. Be able to go out and drive all day for half the price, was really what I was missing. Like I said, I haven't owned this yet, but that is what pushed me over the cliff.

It's a tough decision but so far, I have not second guessed selling the 2011 at all!

[Dorb]

Keep the Challenger.

[mav1178]

I like how the guy posts, and then never posts again...

What we (owners) like may not be what you (potential buyer) like. It's like me asking for advice on buying a home that is 2000 sq ft in the West LA area (expensive), and people in Kansas using home prices as reference to provide advice to me.

Everyone will have their own experiences, you already listed the "problematic" areas yourself, you should already know that many of these "issues" can be fixed by mods/upgrades.

Beyond that, you really can't compare a V8 muscle car to a H4 import that weighs almost 50% less.

-alex

[Drftfan]

I went from a Ferrari to an FRS. I don't miss it and I am sure you won't either.

[Citified]

I am 39. I have always driven small vehicles and I miss some of the luxury crap that I've had in other cars. That having been said, after one year owning a BRZ it is probably my favorite car yet. Yes it needs more power, but I have fun wringing it out every day. Great car.

[Diode Dynamics]

I love both cars, but the driving characteristics of the two cars are very very different

You have to decide what you are looking for, straight-line speed or lightweight fun handling

The BRZ/FRS runs a 16-17 second quarter mile stock.....lol it was quite a shock for me when I floored it getting on the highway and saw how slow it was. That said, the BRZ has great handling characteristics and I could see it being really fun with more power.

I have a 2007 Mustang GT btw, I'd still take my stang over the BRZ/FRS just because my car fits me. I am picking up a 240sx as a DD though as I'm paying a king's ransom on gas lol

-Nick C.

[Diode Dynamics]

Originally Posted by Drftfan

I went from a Ferrari to an FRS. I don't miss it and I am sure you won't either.

lol

Nick C.

[Diode Dynamics]

I'm just quoting what I read in MT and on some online sources...lol don't be offended, I love our FRS

[Drftfan]

Originally Posted by Diode Dynamics

lol

Nick C.

Only pic I have in photobucket

[autobrz]

Originally Posted by manwithnoname

It seems like the people who are drawn to the BRZ are kinda all-over the map,not just thugs.

This has got to be the most hilarious thing I've heard about what kind of attention the BRZ gets...

10. AGE GROUP:

You're worrying too much about "image". At a recent 86 car meet, I met people from 20s all the way into the 50s with the younger crowd being the majority. Have you noticed the older guys with grey hair tend to be the fastest and best drivers...