FRS/BRZ vs 2013 Base Mustang GT

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

Meaning that "pricing" alone is not a merit to compare cars with. If that's the case, why don't people compare something like an Ariel Atom to a 370z. I think they cost close to the same (can't remember the AA's price).

These two cars GT and the Twins are not in the same category.

Roadable AA base price in the US is 52,480 with loads of options available.

Race-ready version starts at $47,500 and goes up from there.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

Meaning that "pricing" alone is not a merit to compare cars with. If that's the case, why don't people compare something like an Ariel Atom to a 370z. I think they cost close to the same (can't remember the AA's price).

These two cars GT and the Twins are not in the same category.

While you're correct that money isn't the only factor, it is merit to compare cars.

If you have 50,000 bucks, and your goal is to buy a toy for the money, you may initially think of an Ariel Atom and a fully loaded 370z roadster! Why not? If it's early enough in the process, you may think about what kind of toy you want, one that can only be driven on tracks or the more performance-compromised Z roadster.

I'm currently thinking of what to replace my daily driver with. I'm looking at every car south of 35k. The FRS and Mustang GT are currently on my shopping list, along with the Focus ST, Golf R, and everything ranging to more practical, less sexy options like a Jetta TDI.

I'll narrow the scope as time goes by and I decide what I really want.

[thill]

I don't see how the Mustang and FR-S are not valid comparisons in the $28K and under range. Pricing is similar, both are RWD sports coupes.

It is not like we are trying to compare a $50K Audi SUV to the FR-S here...

Sorry folks, you can get a Mustang GT for $26-28K if you really try. Again, I am not even a Mustang guy but the reality is that is a lot of bang for your buck and everyone should at least consider the Mustang and give it a test drive.

[SnapOv3st3r]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

While you're correct that money isn't the only factor, it is merit to compare cars.

If you have 50,000 bucks, and your goal is to buy a toy for the money, you may initially think of an Ariel Atom and a fully loaded 370z roadster! Why not? If it's early enough in the process, you may think about what kind of toy you want, one that can only be driven on tracks or the more performance-compromised Z roadster.

I'm currently thinking of what to replace my daily driver with. I'm looking at every car south of 35k. The FRS and Mustang GT are currently on my shopping list, along with the Focus ST, Golf R, and everything ranging to more practical, less sexy options like a Jetta TDI.

I'll narrow the scope as time goes by and I decide what I really want.

You pick a car based on your needs and preferences. Pointless to argue which is better to someone else who has different values.

Originally Posted by thill

I don't see how the Mustang and FR-S are not valid comparisons in the $28K and under range. Pricing is similar, both are RWD sports coupes.

It is not like we are trying to compare a $50K Audi SUV to the FR-S here...

Sorry folks, you can get a Mustang GT for $26-28K if you really try. Again, I am not even a Mustang guy but the reality is that is a lot of bang for your buck and everyone should at least consider the Mustang and give it a test drive.

No need to "test drive" if you simply don't want a Mustang. Not even if it were a Shelby would I want to buy a Mustang. Again, money alone is not a basis for comparison. The fact that they both are RWD is not a basis either. It's just a matter of preference and your needs and wants. A Miata is RWD and cost $27-30k as well, but really...comparing a Miata to a Mustang GT doesn't make since. If you are in the market for a RWD car, and you have on your list a Mustang GT and a Miata, well then you are one very indecisive person who has no clue what they want out of a car just yet.

I haven't bought any of the following because I know what I want.

Mustang = Don't want a car that big
Miata = Don't want a car that small
Gen Coupe = Don't want a car that ugly

FR-S/BRZ = a car that wasn't to small, not to big and sexy as hell....it was "just right"...sorta speak. I would test drive those cars for the sake of test driving them. But the ultimate "want/need" will supersede my impression of the test drive. I might go drive the GC and think it's an awesome machine. But living with how ugly it is to me is not something I'm willing to compromise on it. Same said for the Stang and Miata.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

You pick a car based on your needs and preferences. Pointless to argue which is better to someone else who has different values.

I agree.


But it's a fun discussion. Car guys feeding car guys their ideas. It's what car forums are meant for.

[thill]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

You pick a car based on your needs and preferences. Pointless to argue which is better to someone else who has different values.

I will say this though. I have gone into test drives after reading reviews about a particular car and was very surprised at how different my test drive was vs what was written. And preferences can change. I really thought I wanted a hot hatch (most likely FWD) and ended up with a RWD sports coupe

No need to "test drive" if you simply don't want a Mustang. Not even if it were a Shelby would I want to buy a Mustang.

My point is many people that bash a car may have never even driven it. I am not a Mustang guy either but they have come along way since my last test drive. Point is, it is your money, buy what you like but it certainly cannot hurt to drive everything in your price range that has similar characteristics.

So if your looking at RWD sports coupes, why not drive everything out there and compare for yourself? Worse case you get to take a fun test drive in a car you have never driven.

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

You pick a car based on your needs and preferences. Pointless to argue which is better to someone else who has different values.




...If you are in the market for a RWD car, and you have on your list a Mustang GT and a Miata, well then you are one very indecisive person who has no clue what they want out of a car just yet...

Might want to take your own advice

[SnapOv3st3r]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I agree.


But it's a fun discussion. Car guys feeding car guys their ideas. It's what car forums are meant for.

Yea but the "Bench racing" is annoying and a complete Fail of forums.

Originally Posted by Capt Canuck

Might want to take your own advice

Not sure what that is suppose to mean. I know what I want in a car, and thus does not apply to me. Thanks

Originally Posted by thill

My point is many people that bash a car may have never even driven it. I am not a Mustang guy either but they have come along way since my last test drive. Point is, it is your money, buy what you like but it certainly cannot hurt to drive everything in your price range that has similar characteristics.

So if your looking at RWD sports coupes, why not drive everything out there and compare for yourself? Worse case you get to take a fun test drive in a car you have never driven.

What's even more fun is getting to do it on a race track. Can't go to hard though as I have to remember this is not my car.

[ZDan]

I'm all for testing multiple cars before buying. At the very least it puts you in bargaining mode for the car you really want if you're thinking about how much "more" you can get for the same $$$ in another car (Mustang V6 Track Pack vs. FR-S).

Regarding the tire debate, no motorcycle comparison test is taken seriously unless all bikes are on the same make/model/compound tires. The Mustang vs. FR-S test is as much a test of Pirelli PZero maximum performance tires vs. Michelin Primacy HP "grand touring" tires.

Interestingly enough, Pirelli PZeros are a LOT cheaper than the Michelin Primacy HPs in the sizes I'm considering for my RX-7: 225/45-17 fronts with 245/45-17 rears = $794 for the PZeros, $988(!!) for the Primacy HPs. Even Michelin Pilot SuperSports are nearly $200 cheaper!

For sure it would be a closer race with the two on the same make/model tires, and that would *really* be car vs. car contest instead of a car+tire vs. car+tire contest.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by thill

My point is many people that bash a car may have never even driven it. I am not a Mustang guy either but they have come along way since my last test drive. Point is, it is your money, buy what you like but it certainly cannot hurt to drive everything in your price range that has similar characteristics.

So if your looking at RWD sports coupes, why not drive everything out there and compare for yourself? Worse case you get to take a fun test drive in a car you have never driven.

I completely agree with this, as well. While yes, people make their buying decisions based on what is right for them and their preferences/values, one can keep an open mind and try new things. Maybe you don't know you want a svelt corner carver like an FRS unless you look past the hp numbers first, yeah?

When I got out looking, I even test the ones that have "no chance", because they might surprise me. It's only your time that's a-wastin'. No harm, no foul to anybody else.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by ZDan

For sure it would be a closer race with the two on the same make/model tires, and that would *really* be car vs. car contest instead of a car+tire vs. car+tire contest.

It would be a truer test, that's for sure.

[thill]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

Yea but the "Bench racing" is annoying and a complete Fail of forums.

Nobody is forcing you to post in this thread? Comparisons are going to be made. It can make for some lively and fun debates if you are not closed minded.

[SnapOv3st3r]

Originally Posted by thill

Nobody is forcing you to post in this thread? Comparisons are going to be made. It can make for some lively and fun debates if you are not closed minded.

Maybe they should invent a way to inject common sense in a persons Keyboard then...

[phillip]

Originally Posted by SnapOv3st3r

You pick a car based on your needs and preferences. Pointless to argue which is better to someone else who has different values.




No need to "test drive" if you simply don't want a Mustang.
If you are in the market for a RWD car, and you have on your list a Mustang GT and a Miata, well then you are one very indecisive person who has no clue what they want out of a car just yet.

Gee if only there were some way to figure out what you wanted out of a car like say.... test driving! Sure you can look up online numbers and figures but sometimes it's hard to put in perspective something like just how little trunk capacity a car might have until you see it in person.

Although I don't have a reference (and don't know if one could be found), I'd say that probably 80% (and that's on the conservative side) of car purchasers start their search based on a money cap. I think it's fair to compare anything in there with each other, be it SUVs, trucks, sports cars, motorcycles, horses, or your own damn feet. Anything to get you from Point A to Point B. There are positives and negatives to every option, and to say that two things so close as a mustang and an frs can't be compared is just ludicrous to me.