FR-S vs. 370z, end all be all of discussions

[gaveup]

Just thought I'd mention this on the pricing, I got my 2010 370Z base for 28.6K at a dealer brand new. I don't think you will see an FR-S or BRZ go for below MSRP for a while as they are going to be the "new, hot sports car". The price difference isn't nearly as HUGE as people want to admit. I'm not the only person local to me that got a good price like that as well..

Both are great cars, but to try and compare the 2 really isn't fair for the FRS/BRZ. I can't wait to test drive them though. If I decide I want to drop my payment a bit, it would be the go to car.

Side note: Never got my oil temp above 280 degrees driving hard (on the street, not track), in the summer, in south florida....It's over exaggerated by people sooo much. If Nissan didn't put the oil temp gauge there, rarely anyone would be complaining about it (Not many did on the G37...and you know, kind of the same drivetrain).

In terms of direct competition to the FRS/BRZ you should be looking at miatas and maybe the rx8, that's about it.

[crazyyankeefan]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

I'm sorry, I have the exact opposite opinion of the engine in the 370Z. It's about as refined as an inbred hooker living out of a double-wide eating mayonnaise sandwiches. You don't rev the engine over 5k because it sounds like a school bus motor and overpowers the cabin with drone over 3500rpm. Impossible to hold a conversation or hear the stereo. Worst-sounding engine I've ever experienced. I can't believe they found that to be an acceptable engine choice for a sports car. My 240Z may only have made 150hp but it sounded like pure sex, and I'll take that over 330hp any day! You need the SynchroRev feature because the motor hates to rev; a flywheel might fix that but still unacceptable for a sports car. Total deal-breaker for me, which sucks because I too love the way they look and everything else about the car was pretty nice.

I drove one yesterday just to make sure I was making the right choice with a BRZ, and I'm glad I did, because now I have no regrets!

You're the only person I have heard making this kinda comment on the 370Z engine and its sound. I wonder why......

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

I'm sorry, I have the exact opposite opinion of the engine in the 370Z. It's about as refined as an inbred hooker living out of a double-wide eating mayonnaise sandwiches. You don't rev the engine over 5k because it sounds like a school bus motor and overpowers the cabin with drone over 3500rpm. Impossible to hold a conversation or hear the stereo. Worst-sounding engine I've ever experienced. I can't believe they found that to be an acceptable engine choice for a sports car. My 240Z may only have made 150hp but it sounded like pure sex, and I'll take that over 330hp any day! You need the SynchroRev feature because the motor hates to rev; a flywheel might fix that but still unacceptable for a sports car. Total deal-breaker for me, which sucks because I too love the way they look and everything else about the car was pretty nice.

I drove one yesterday just to make sure I was making the right choice with a BRZ, and I'm glad I did, because now I have no regrets!

Stop being so angry and biased. The 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 is a great engine. Sounds lovely and makes for an awesome Z. GTFO here with your rubbish asinine comments.

[Max Schnell]

Actually the noise issue with the VQ is also pretty documented with various auto mag testers. It is a common statement about that motor. The new 332hp motor definitely makes the power. It can haul a 4000lb G37x coupe through the 1/4mi in 13.8 seconds or so.

[crazyyankeefan]

Originally Posted by Max Schnell

Actually the noise issue with the VQ is also pretty documented with various auto mag testers. It is a common statement about that motor. The new 332hp motor definitely makes the power. It can haul a 4000lb G37x coupe through the 1/4mi in 13.8 seconds or so.

The so-call "noise" is a very subject matter to each person. It's reason some people might find it unpleasant at the upper end ~6000 or even 7000 rpm due to strong vibration. I personally have no problem with it. I used to own a RSX, and the engine sound was as loud as it can ever be at high rpm. In general, smaller engines (like 4-cylinder) tend to have high pitch sound at high rev, while bigger engines (like those V8 in Mustang) tend to have beefy sound

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

I'm sorry, I have the exact opposite opinion of the engine in the 370Z. It's about as refined as an inbred hooker living out of a double-wide eating mayonnaise sandwiches.

That's a fairly vivid picture there... former/current girlfriend?

I remember Clarkson having a dislike for Nissan/Reno's engine used in both the 350z/370z. Cannot please all of the people all of the time.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by crazyyankeefan

while bigger engines (like those V8 in Mustang) tend to have beefy sound

you mean like a cow? MOOOO

[derosi]

Brz avg between major publications
0-60 6.7
Braking 112 feet
Lateral g .91
Slalom 69.4

370z average between major. publications
0-60 4.9
Braking 104
Lateral g .97
Slalom 70.8

In reality there is no comparison, and I can't wait to see one in the canyon. Compare a 370 to a cayman s and compare a Brz to a civic si or genesis 4 cylinder.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by derosi

In reality there is no comparison, and I can't wait to see one in the canyon. Compare a 370 to a cayman s and compare a Brz to a civic si or genesis 4 cylinder.

370Z is the 3300+ lb. 2door G37. Fairly capable, but on the same model tires, I wouldn't bet against the FR-S in the slalom department. Obviously, if power/weight and max acceleration is what you seek, other cars will serve you better. If a lightweight rwd sports car experience is what you seek, the 370Z won't do...

[catharsis]

I think the reality is just changing tires and camber alone and the handling numbers on the frs will sky rocket up. From the factory its set up to slide. Where as cars like the 370z come from the factory built for maxium grip. Trust me if the frs came with equal tires to the 370 it would out handle it. Maybe not out brake it. And definitely not out accelerate it.

[Kamus]

Originally Posted by catharsis

I think the reality is just changing tires and camber alone and the handling numbers on the frs will sky rocket up. From the factory its set up to slide. Where as cars like the 370z come from the factory built for maxium grip. Trust me if the frs came with equal tires to the 370 it would out handle it. Maybe not out brake it. And definitely not out accelerate it.

I think you nailed it.

The Z is all about grip. And it can handle very meaty tires indeed.

Toyota decided that since the car had a low center of gravity, it didn't need the extra grip. Their reasoning is that it's more fun to be able to drive the tires at their limit than not to.
This is of course true on the street, where under no circumstances you should be driving a car like the Z at the tire's limits, since you would be going too damn fast.


Now, the Scion would probably still be way slower than the Z on the track with even the same tire compound, but i'd be very interested to see what it would do to a V6 mustang.

In that recent MotorTrend comparison of the V6 Mustang and the BRZ, the V6 was faster than the BRZ. But the mustang comes with stickier tires. I think the difference was about 1.5 secs.
If they had the same tires i'm willing to bet they'd be either very close or the BRZ would come out on top, the track is Willow Springs.

Back on topic:
I own a 370z with sports package, which i bought used (2009, just got it about 4 months ago). I got a really good deal on it (21k miles, and got it for about 4K less than what the BRZ costs)

There's a lot to like about the car, the main thing is probably that it looks like a much more expensive car than what it is, it's a head turner for sure and this is kind of a big plus for me. I can't help but look at it as i walk away from it after I've parked it. The BRZ/Toyota looks... like a Toyota. It's not ugly by any means, but let's just say it looks it's price.

That said, even though i just got the Z, I still want to test drive one of these things. It would be a downgrade performance wise, but then I don't plan on illegal street racing or hitting the drag strip and i can't afford to track it regularly anyway.

I also like the idea of having good handling with longer lasting tires and small wheels. The first thing i did on my Z is buy new tires because it still had the original tires on, and man... good 19" tires are fucking expensive! (I bought Michelin PSS)

But of course there's the looks to worry about too... 17" wheels look pretty bad compared to 19"s... And of course 19"s are more uncomfortable for daily driving. (I guess we can't have our cake and eat it)
Using 19" wheels on the BRZ/Scion would kind of go against the philosophy behind the car. (fun over performance) But i'm sure it's the first thing people that get it are going to upgrade. (not sure if i would...)

Then there's also interior and comfort, Sports cars are not comfy. My GF hates the 370z for long trips, i wonder if the BRZ/Scion would be better (I have a love/hate thing going on with my Z's cloth seats since i love the support of the seats, but they are somewhat uncomfortable in long drives, too stiff)

The interior on the Z is very nice. the one in the Toyobaru looks like an econobox from last decade (i use the term last decade, cause damn... some of those new econoboxes have very nice interiors these days!) but I'm willing to overlook that if what they say about the driving position is true. (and of course the "OMG handling as good as Cayman claims are true)

As far the complains from that guy on the Z, and his reasoning why "it sucks" because of what he has read on the forum... he's an idiot.

OK, we get it, the car isn't track ready. And no, it doesn't "suck" because of it.

But I will say, that even though the engine is a performer, it does kind of sound like it belongs on a pickup truck, not a sports car.

[spin9k]

Kudos to you Kamus for having a realist view of your new car (and others) and it's (their) + & -s. No car is perfect, but they can be fun nevertheless. So it is with the Z as with others.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Kamus

I think you nailed it.

The Z is all about grip. And it can handle very meaty tires indeed.

Toyota decided that since the car had a low center of gravity, it didn't need the extra grip. Their reasoning is that it's more fun to be able to drive the tires at their limit than not to.
This is of course true on the street, where under no circumstances you should be driving a car like the Z at the tire's limits, since you would be going too damn fast.


Now, the Scion would probably still be way slower than the Z on the track with even the same tire compound, but i'd be very interested to see what it would do to a V6 mustang.

In that recent MotorTrend comparison of the V6 Mustang and the BRZ, the V6 was faster than the BRZ. But the mustang comes with stickier tires. I think the difference was about 1.5 secs.
If they had the same tires i'm willing to bet they'd be either very close or the BRZ would come out on top, the track is Willow Springs.

Back on topic:
I own a 370z with sports package, which i bought used (2009, just got it about 4 months ago). I got a really good deal on it (21k miles, and got it for about 4K less than what the BRZ costs)

There's a lot to like about the car, the main thing is probably that it looks like a much more expensive car than what it is, it's a head turner for sure and this is kind of a big plus for me. I can't help but look at it as i walk away from it after I've parked it. The BRZ/Toyota looks... like a Toyota. It's not ugly by any means, but let's just say it looks it's price.

That said, even though i just got the Z, I still want to test drive one of these things. It would be a downgrade performance wise, but then I don't plan on illegal street racing or hitting the drag strip and i can't afford to track it regularly anyway.

I also like the idea of having good handling with longer lasting tires and small wheels. The first thing i did on my Z is buy new tires because it still had the original tires on, and man... good 19" tires are fucking expensive! (I bought Michelin PSS)

But of course there's the looks to worry about too... 17" wheels look pretty bad compared to 19"s... And of course 19"s are more uncomfortable for daily driving. (I guess we can't have our cake and eat it)
Using 19" wheels on the BRZ/Scion would kind of go against the philosophy behind the car. (fun over performance) But i'm sure it's the first thing people that get it are going to upgrade. (not sure if i would...)

Then there's also interior and comfort, Sports cars are not comfy. My GF hates the 370z for long trips, i wonder if the BRZ/Scion would be better (I have a love/hate thing going on with my Z's cloth seats since i love the support of the seats, but they are somewhat uncomfortable in long drives, too stiff)

The interior on the Z is very nice. the one in the Toyobaru looks like an econobox from last decade (i use the term last decade, cause damn... some of those new econoboxes have very nice interiors these days!) but I'm willing to overlook that if what they say about the driving position is true. (and of course the "OMG handling as good as Cayman claims are true)

As far the complains from that guy on the Z, and his reasoning why "it sucks" because of what he has read on the forum... he's an idiot.

OK, we get it, the car isn't track ready. And no, it doesn't "suck" because of it.

But I will say, that even though the engine is a performer, it does kind of sound like it belongs on a pickup truck, not a sports car.

i think you mean streets. on big willow you could probably put any tires you want on the brz and that 1.5 sec is only going to get way bigger

[Dark]

Originally Posted by fatoni

i think you mean streets. on big willow you could probably put any tires you want on the brz and that 1.5 sec is only going to get way bigger

Probably, probably not. There is not actual test has done on BRZ with stickier tires vs stock tires. Though the Mustang tires in the test were not stock tires, they were "track pack" tires.