BRZ steering is a little more numb compared to FR-S?

[bfrank1972]

Yup FR-S spring rates are higher in rear and lower in front than BRZ, the car will be noticably more willing to rotate as you approach limits (can be percieved as more turn in 'bite' vs more 'push' with the BRZ). That said, it sounds like you're noticing differences at lower limits too? If that's the case it could easily be down to alignment and tire pressure differences between your cars.

[wparsons]

The problem with the spring rate theory is that the BRZ front spring rates are higher than the FRS rates, and that will make the front react quicker and feel more responsive because the weight transfers faster.

The BRZ will push more at the limit and rotate less, but unless you're at the limit it *should* feel more responsive to steering inputs.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by shattered_memory

A few months ago I test drove a friend's FR-S and noticed a few small things compared to my BRZ. First of all, I did notice that the rear did feel stiffer and slightly more harsh than the BRZ (Hence the stiffer rear spring rates), but I also noticed that the steering feel on the FR-S was more precise. At lower speeds the steering was more direct and responsive compared to my BRZ. Is this steering feel contributed to the stiffer rear spring rate?

Alignment and/or tire.

I've driven multiple of both and have never noticed a difference if all were stock.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by wparsons

The problem with the spring rate theory is that the BRZ front spring rates are higher than the FRS rates, and that will make the front react quicker and feel more responsive because the weight transfers faster.

The BRZ will push more at the limit and rotate less, but unless you're at the limit it *should* feel more responsive to steering inputs.

That, and the BRZ and FR-S's rear spring rates are the same, IIRC.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

That, and the BRZ and FR-S's rear spring rates are the same, IIRC.

They're slightly different, but not as different as the front rates.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by wparsons

They're slightly different, but not as different as the front rates.

Well, if one goes to spec-r springs, it's the same rates for both .

[wparsons]

Wait, were you talking about the swift springs or the stock ones? If you meant the swift springs, the rear rates are the exact same.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Wait, were you talking about the swift springs or the stock ones? If you meant the swift springs, the rear rates are the exact same.

I was shifting the topic a bit. Swift sport springs have the same rear rate between them, but the spec-R springs are identical between brz and fr-s.

But on topic is talking about OEM springs.

[wparsons]

Ok, I'm on the right page now.

Stock BRZ front rates are stiffer than the FRS rates, and stock BRZ rear rates are softer than the FRS rates.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by shattered_memory

His car is completely stock, but has about 30k miles on the car. Mine is barely hitting 3k miles. Even when he drove my BRZ, he mentioned the car's steering was not as responsive.

Is he on the original tires? If so, it's down to different tread depths. Tires with 9/32" tread depth are way squirmier and less responsive than tires down to 2/32".

[Draco-REX]

It also could be as simple as having toe-out on the FR-S and toe-in on the BRZ.

[shattered_memory]

Originally Posted by ZDan

Is he on the original tires? If so, it's down to different tread depths. Tires with 9/32" tread depth are way squirmier and less responsive than tires down to 2/32".

This is another theory that I have as well. Thanks.

[Kostamojen]

Put the FRS rear springs on the BRZ. Thats what I did for awhile and loved it.

Combine that with front camber bolts and a slightly stiffer front swaybar and it drove perfect.