My review of the FRS (RW Steer discussion)

[cfusionpm]

Originally Posted by Mikem53

I couldn't fit in one.. I tried back in the day.. 6'3 190lbs
Very tight in there.. Nice car though..

Bigger point is you can't buy them anymore. Without looking in the used market and hoping for the best, there's not a whole lot you can do to get one anyway.

[Norkoastal]

Originally Posted by cgrey

I was just thinking about that.

In fact, let's borrow that video:

Summa Car??? Top Down?

[DylanFRS]

I don't understand why the FRZ gets compared to the S2000 so much instead of the MX-5. Price-wise it is right in line with the MX-5 when you get the 6-speed and LSD.

[Ryeong86]

I don't know about the rest of you, but my tail end slides out fine even with stickier tires.. but that's just me. I must drive my car like I stole it :/
Fighting my car to keep the tail end from sliding out too much on this cold day: [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbgVYUIC2z4"]SCCA SOLO EVENT 2 2013 FR-S - YouTube[/ame]

Originally Posted by Shinji2787

I noticed OP mentioned he used to own a ae86, but now currently drives a '01 s2k. I currently own a '85 corolla gt-s and a MY06 S2K and between the two cars I could also make the argument that the corolla "cannot get the rear out"... That is if I'm relying on using only the gas pedal to swing out the rear with extra power. I've noticed over the past 5-6 years of driving both my old sprinter and the s2k that the S2K is considerably easier to do a power slide with (read: power + gas pedal = rear begins to slide mid-turn), but not as easy to get the corolla's rear swinging without proper steering input + speed + braking (whatever combo is required for the upcoming turn/drift). I get the feeling that the BRZ/FRS is similar to the corolla; enter a little hotter, little later breaking, little more gradual weight shift, little more precision steering, foot on gas a little earlier at higher revs. I believe this neat guy name Tsuchiya once mentioned everyone is moving to higher powered cars because they're easier to initiate a drift and maintain it... (insert sarcasm)

While I haven't had the opportunity to test drive a brz/frs (L.A. subie dealers are so anal with their 3-5k markups and not letting people test drive .. and FRS are getting sold as soon as they hit the bloody dealers!!) it seems like the driver's inputs are much more crucial for this car compared to just using the gas pedal to turn...

Though I would like to comment that manual BRZ/FRS will be easier to turn with gas pedal due to shorter gearing ratios, though I am inclined to believe that difference is rather negligible.

[BrianJC]

Originally Posted by ZDan

That's fine. But surely given your lack of experience you should be able to appreciate that others with more experience in different cars might be able to offer a bit of critical review of the FR-S's handling, without simply writing it off as "hate".

I'm not the one complaining about hate posts. I said I could understand why the OP felt ppl were bashing him for his impression. I was indifferent to OP's opinion because I love the car too much to be even bothered by his opinion. OP asked for other's impression on the car rather than complaining about what his view are, and that's what I did. On top of that, even an inexperienced car guy like me can make the car do what the OP apparently said the car could not, so I'm totally not bothered by OP's impression of the car.

[SubieNate]

I think the biggest problem here is that the OP marched in, said, "I'm an EXPERIENCED driver, listen to me, you mere mortals" and then proceeded to bash the car for doing exactly what the car he's saying is better than it has been criticized for since the beginning.

Having a different opinion is fine. Being all high and mighty about it is a surefire way to piss people off with it.

Cheers
Nathan

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by BrianJC

I'm not the one complaining about hate posts. I said I could understand why the OP felt ppl were bashing him for his impression.

Sorry, misinterpreted your post.[/quote]

even an inexperienced car guy like me can make the car do what the OP apparently said the car could not, so I'm totally not bothered by OP's impression of the car.

Gotcha.

No one else has really complained much if any about it, but I'm really curious if there is any designed-in "rear steer" wonkiness.

The funny thing is that it looks like he has an AP1 like I do, and that car definitely does have some weird issues with rear toe change with bump.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys

I've since tried one, no real change in my opinion of the rear wheel steering under compression, but much more controllable with power. The notchy gear box is a treat.

Yeah sure whatever.. I guess youre entitled to your opinion..
It certainly doesn't represent any fact.
people choose manuals over the auto for better controlling the rear.. but you didnt notice any real difference between the two.. Hmmmm.. Ok then.

[CrashArtist]

Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys

TL;DR Underpowered with good handling but artificially enhanced.

Started my trip off right talking with the sales guy, turns out he is a collector to, 7 under his belt...

Ok. When I first read this post I just had to laugh. How much can YOU HATE the FRS to actually record a video "testing" the car and then come to this forum and talk crap about it. If you were at least a bit correct, but man, nothing you said made even sense. I am sure many of us(FRS/BRZ owners) tested at least 1 car before getting the FRS and I bet my car no one went to the other car forum to post a bad review. Why? because we are educated FRS enthusiast that know what we want.

Guys, through the six months I've noticed that, for some reason which I still don't understand, so many people hate this car that they go as far as that asian guy on that video. Why the hate? Please, can someone (OP) explain it to me?

BTW, I own a A-U-T-O-M-A-T-I-C FRS and I slide my rear almost everyday on my way home from work. Of course you have to put it in the right settings FIRST, and then slide and then come to a conclusion. Conclusion I came to, after my drive today, OP knows very little, and I mean little, about driving a car.

I have already spent to much time on this non-valuable thread.

[BrianJC]

Originally Posted by CrashArtist

Ok. When I first read this post I just had to laugh. How much can YOU HATE the FRS to actually record a video "testing" the car and then come to this forum and talk crap about it. If you were at least a bit correct, but man, nothing you said made even sense. I am sure many of us(FRS/BRZ owners) tested at least 1 car before getting the FRS and I bet my car no one went to the other car forum to post a bad review.

Actually I did, now you have to give me your car, j/k lol

Originally Posted by CrashArtist

Guys, through the six months I've noticed that, for some reason which I still don't understand, so many people hate this car that they go as far as that asian guy on that video. Why the hate? Please, can someone (OP) explain it to me?

The only thing I can think of is cognitive dissonance. It seems (IMHO) some guys try the FRS/BRZ thinking it must be some over hyped crap and they keep telling themselves that even after they tried the car. But unconsciously they actually like the car. So they have to put up a show to justify their belief. It's the same thing as those Republicans (or anyone really, priest especially) who hate on gays very publicly but after a few years, they almost always get caught doing gay sex.

[ntron1]

The OP is absolutely correct. He should keep his S2000 or perhaps crack open the piggy bank and add an R8 to his collection. On second thought, that would probably have too much pitch, roll, yaw, aft, fore, push, loose, lag and anything else you can think of. Yup, just keep the S2000.

[Bristecom]

I agree that the steering wheel is a little too thick in the middle for my liking. Which is surprising for a Japanese car. But I could probably get used to it.

[fatoni]

maybe im confused but are is this complaining about how the car wont get sideways and also complaining about how the suspension makes this car get sideways too easy? also, wasnt this change in toe the biggest complaint of the ap1 s2000?

[RAWR BRZ]

Originally Posted by Shinji2787

I noticed OP mentioned he used to own a ae86, but now currently drives a '01 s2k. I currently own a '85 corolla gt-s and a MY06 S2K and between the two cars I could also make the argument that the corolla "cannot get the rear out"... That is if I'm relying on using only the gas pedal to swing out the rear with extra power. I've noticed over the past 5-6 years of driving both my old sprinter and the s2k that the S2K is considerably easier to do a power slide with (read: power + gas pedal = rear begins to slide mid-turn), but not as easy to get the corolla's rear swinging without proper steering input + speed + braking (whatever combo is required for the upcoming turn/drift). I get the feeling that the BRZ/FRS is similar to the corolla; enter a little hotter, little later breaking, little more gradual weight shift, little more precision steering, foot on gas a little earlier at higher revs. I believe this neat guy name Tsuchiya once mentioned everyone is moving to higher powered cars because they're easier to initiate a drift and maintain it... (insert sarcasm)

While I haven't had the opportunity to test drive a brz/frs (L.A. subie dealers are so anal with their 3-5k markups and not letting people test drive .. and FRS are getting sold as soon as they hit the bloody dealers!!) it seems like the driver's inputs are much more crucial for this car compared to just using the gas pedal to turn...

Though I would like to comment that manual BRZ/FRS will be easier to turn with gas pedal due to shorter gearing ratios, though I am inclined to believe that difference is rather negligible.

Only read the first page...

I agree... When I try to get the rear to break loose by just gassing it through a corner it doesnt work... but at the track, breaking and turning in very hot/fast the rear breaks loose easily and is very controllable. It boggled my mind why I couldnt get the rear to break loose on the streets for awhile until I tracked it... It doesnt have 400hp... but it is much funner.