I test drove a 2017. Not impressed. Is it just me?

[driggity]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

I am betting that is how i will feel as well. I know its a capable car, no doubt. But there is an "x" factor, that is always elusive. As you said "almost there".

I haven't been able to hit any real good roads in one but I've had a couple of V6 rentals that I've been able to have some fun with and have been very impressed with the handling and agility. It still does definitely feel like a bigger/heavier car than the FR-S as there is only so much magic you can work. The 1LE may narrow the gap further and I would love to take one on some of the backroads around here to really compare it to FR-S

[PetrolioBenzina]

The only change I think I've noticed is that the 86 feels like there is a bit less road feel. The steering and handling are not all that much different. I do dislike how slippery the new wheel is, though.

[Cole]

If you're already questioning it, I'd not recommend getting one.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

I am betting that is how i will feel as well. I know its a capable car, no doubt. But there is an "x" factor, that is always elusive. As you said "almost there".

Driver's position was a big turn off for me. Much improved but I still felt I needed a rubber ducky.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

You're probably just used to the loud and clear feedback of your old car understeering all the time. The twins have excellent steering, aural, and butt feedback.

^^^this^^^

[NLSP]

The stock tires are a pretty big reason why there's lack of feedback; they're rated as Low Rolling Resistance. Change to something like a Michelin Pilot Super Sport and it'll add a noticeable amount of weight and feedback to the steering.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by PetrolioBenzina

The only change I think I've noticed is that the 86 feels like there is a bit less road feel. The steering and handling are not all that much different. I do dislike how slippery the new wheel is, though.

I think that's what everyone else is calling "more refined." It may actually stick better but I really like the raw feel of my 13 FRS.

Apparently, the damping curves have changed quite a bit.

[Vracer111]

You are really feeling the difference between and older FWD vehicle and newer RWD vehicle. I depowered the power steering on my 90 Integra RS...and it was marvelous, though slow speed turning really worked your arms; depowered/devalved quick ratio power rack + Nitto NT01's tires + small diameter MOMO Monte Carlo steering wheel (320mm). The chassis on that car sucked in comparison to the FR-S though, one big limp noodle - chassis deflecton was crazy when jacking it up.

FWD vehicles will have a different feel in the wheel due to them also being the drive wheels in addition to steering...you will never get the same feeling through the wheel with a RWD car. What a precision driving focused RWD car like the FR-S will give you though is an unrivaled chassis dynamic and immediacy in response that you can't get from a FWD vehicle. As good as the steering felt in the Integra it can't overcome the chassis issue. Overall the car did not feel as quick to respond nor stable at high speed...

There's one thing that really I can't get over in my FR-S and that is how stable it is at high speed... absolutely unreal how lightning quick it can react yet it does so with an absolutely planted feel (Note: my FR-S is not stock.) Solid steering rack bushings (aluminum) + Grimmspeed strutbar + Lightweight 17x7.5 40mm offset wheels + 205/45-17 Continental DW tires + aftermarket seat and slider setup that connects you much more to the chassis = this crazy lightning quick yet absolutely planted feeling.

With as great as the Integra RS track car was with its steering feel, the FR-S just does everything better and you have more feel of what it is doing...the Integra RS was much more of a handfull on track and nowhere near as stable/planted at speed. The FR-S is just like an extension of your driving conscience - works as flawlessly as you do, no drama, no worries... just perfoms with an immediacy and precision that is very hard to come by in most any other vehicle.

Also had a 4th gen Camaro and 2005 Impreza RS...those boats don't need any further disussion - they are not the most responsive of vehicles no matter how much you try to make them so. Did have the power steering go out on the Camaro when coming in from a track session. Roughly 3,200lb car + 275/45-17 DOT-R tires + small diameter racing wheel + no power for your power steering = FUN in the pits! Was literally flexing and bending the steering wheel to turn... my arms regarded this as steering feels taken too far! LOL

[brzaapi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Driver's position was a big turn off for me. Much improved but I still felt I needed a rubber ducky.

Yeah, i was amazed how with my helmet on the 5th Gen was the tightest fit for me. Yet I could sit in a Cayman or BRZ with no problem. They built a good track toy, but didnt think about the drivers work area too much. The only area they need to fix for me on the 6th gen is extra height so i can fit a helmet on my head....and better front visiblity. Trying to manage a tight turn or go around a cone, while looking over that horribly high cowl was real frustrating.

So hopefully the 6th gen is better to me in that regard.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

Yeah, i was amazed how with my helmet on the 5th Gen was the tightest fit for me. Yet I could sit in a Cayman or BRZ with no problem. They built a good track toy, but didnt think about the drivers work area too much. The only area they need to fix for me on the 6th gen is extra height so i can fit a helmet on my head....and better front visiblity. Trying to manage a tight turn or go around a cone, while looking over that horribly high cowl was real frustrating.

So hopefully the 6th gen is better to me in that regard.

The front visibility is much better. You still can see shit beside or behind you though.

[unhappymeal]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The front visibility is much better. You still can see shit beside or behind you though.

Yep, that was my the main reason why I did not get a Camaro SS. I love the alpha platform, but GM really needs to take their designs in a different direction. Insanely high door sills, squared front fascias and chop top roofs obliterate any semblance of visibility.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by unhappymeal

Yep, that was my the main reason why I did not get a Camaro SS. I love the alpha platform, but GM really needs to take their designs in a different direction. Insanely high door sills, squared front fascias and chop top roofs obliterate any semblance of visibility.

Oh those damned door sills!

[brzaapi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The front visibility is much better. You still can see shit beside or behind you though.

Intaresss'ting......then i might be okay with the seating position. I can fix side and rear visibility. Well, I may close up shop early and go drive some muscle.

[driggity]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The front visibility is much better. You still can see shit beside or behind you though.

The visibility does suck but I was surprised at how quickly I got used to it in the rental cars that I had. I had no issues with visibility in Dallas and LA traffic once I got all the mirrors adjusted correctly.