FR-S vs. BMW E92 335i

[7thgear]

sad to say, but what makes the FT86 special can only be unlocked in the safe confined of an autocross track, or better yet,a full blown race track.

unless you're a die hard mountain passer with a high disregard for the law (since modern cars can attack a mountain pass at ridiculous speeds due to tire technologies), then stick to the 335, its roomier, more luxurious and cops leave you alone.

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by 86'd

I think there are exceptions and I think one thing is missing: the character of the car.

My EP3 is practically the same car as the RSX. It sucks for spirited driving, I know. And in no way does it compare to a G35/350z...

But I'd argue my '00 Civic SI was just as fun as those other cars. It was barebones, agile and had VTEC, which yes, made for a better driving experience.

I could floor it, and really drive it to 100% and wring every ounce of fun from the B16.

The K20a3 just doesn't have that spark, that the B16 had.

Plus there's G35 fast then there's, "We're going to die in this Z06" fast.

Only thing that matters to me is feeling like I'm in a sports car. To be sat low, to have ample power, to handle well, and hope that the car has character.

I agree with you on that. Everybody is always saying a slow car is more fun so I had to test it for myself to find out. When I first drove a 350Z I wanted to keep it because it was perfect for me. It had a balance of power and handling and I never felt like I wanted "MOAR POWA" out of it. I just feel like the AS1 won't have the same feeling but I hope I'm wrong.

[3scapist]

I'm sure even people who have driven 400+ hp cars will love these things. Hell, if any of you watch Top Gear (the British one, not that American bullshit) Jeremy labeled the Rx8 as one of the best cars hes ever driven. It's not always about power.

[SVTSHC]

Well unless you've got cash like that I'd say grab the FR-S before the 335 is out of warranty... Cause let me tell you, most of the RO's I see on a daily basis would make me break down in tears.


But on a very serious note, if you don't plan on tracking the FR-S stick with the 335i. Something as expensive as that you don't want to chance wrecking at the track unless your stackin change like that.

[blacknbean]

i have a tuned 335i and its fast going straight ahead, but its quiet and smooth. good as a commuter and long drives with the gf but not too exciting. i will prolly get rid of if for another bmw lol, but also get the brz for a fun car. before the 335i i had an integra that i tracked and i loved how the throttle hung on my every twitch and movement. in the 335 i can press the throttle about an inch and and if i let go fast enough the rpm doesnt even move lol. i think throttle response and weight play a big part in fun to drive fact so im glad this car isnt turbo. it will be the rwd type r that honda could never make for me.

[blur]

Originally Posted by blacknbean

it will be the rwd type r that honda could never make for me.

They did, did you miss it? It was called the S2000

[blacknbean]

Originally Posted by blur

They did, did you miss it? It was called the S2000

verts ftl. driven my coworkers many times and i just feel wierd in a vert. plus it bothers me that i cant recline the seat back all the way. s2000 is a great car, but a roadster is not for me.

[BioRage]

Pretty sure a reflash on a stock 335i gets you pretty dam close to 350+.

But you gotta consider parts, I know euro parts are pretty expensive compared to JDM.

That being said, If I had a choice, the money, and the insurance $, I would get a 335i over a BRZ.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

sad to say, but what makes the FT86 special can only be unlocked in the safe confined of an autocross track, or better yet,a full blown race track.

Couldn't disagree more. I'll say it again:
To me a well-balanced well-suspended smaller/lighter-weight car is more fun to drive at 1-2/10ths as well as at 10-11/10ths vs. a much bigger/heavier car.

The FR-S/BRZ aren't going to be track-only cars any more than the Miata is.

[7thgear]

you could not disagree? so you agree?

[noob]

Lots of good responses here...Thanks everyone.

I'm going to test drive one when it gets released and go from there.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

you could not disagree? so you agree?

I bet you say "I could care less" without understanding what that really means, either, amiright?!

"I couldn't disagree more" means that I disagree to the maximum possible extent.

Lightweight cars have an inherent "fun factor" even just tooling around at 2/10ths. You don't have to be wringing them out at the track to enjoy that.

[7thgear]

I'm fully aware of the intricacies of the english language. I know what you meant to say, hence the winking emoticon, however it is a double negative and if you're gonna be a literary snoot then you should avoid double negatives at all cost.

2/10ths is really nothing. Doesn't do it for me, if i'm to drive 2/10ths then i could do it in any car. For 2/10ths i would prefer a FWD car over rwd/awd, actually.

[SUB-FT86]

When I drive a lightweight car at 2/10ths I actually am bored to death so speak for yourself. It isn't a fact. If you aren't wringing them out on a track then why the hell is all the favorable power near redline? I think the high revving nature is what helps bring the fun to cars like the FRS.