how bad is the clutch?

[Shin]

I don't know much about MT cars, but when you replace the clutch, can't you just replace it with a heavier one?

[nix]

Originally Posted by Shin

I don't know much about MT cars, but when you replace the clutch, can't you just replace it with a heavier one?

Yes. The clutch pedal strength can be independent of clutch plate bite strength as well.

[HotLavaMan]

It's lighter than some previous cars I've owned (specifically S2000 and 911) but about the same as a miata. I don't find it to be an issue.

[kevinnivek8877]

I'm getting used to mine. It just doesn't have as much feel or feedback compared to my celica.

[the_3d_man]

I prefer the clutch pedal to be fairly light. It is possible to have a light clutch pedal with good feel. It's all about being able to feel the little changes as the clutch starts to engage. I hate the ones that don't give you that feedback, regardless of whether they are light or heavy. I also hate clutches that feel springy. I want smooth resistance that doesn't change drastically or want to pop out suddenly once it hits a certain spot. So how would you characterize the clutch in this car?

[Jeff Lange]

It's light, but feels great. I got used to it very quickly.

So quickly in fact, that after driving it (aggressively mind you) for 25 minutes I had to get used to my Lexus again, haha.

I've driven many cars with varying stiffness from very light to very heavy. The Zx6 is definitely on the light side, but has a very nice, smooth pedal feel. Nothing wrong with it as far as I can tell.

Jeff

[pyro530]

After two weeks of driving mine, it feels perfectly normal. Heck, I can even tell when it starts to engage by the feel. I don't see what all the fuss is about, it's kind of nice having a soft clutch after driving my SRT-4 for 5 years.

I also feel like this car was engineered to be modified, with that in mind they setup the car for a heaver clutch pressure plate down the line.

[Sigh-on-Rice]

I didn't even notice the clutch is light when I first drove it.
I was too excited to notice that
It's light, but you'll get used to it.

[TOMIMOTO]

I guess none of you guys have driven new gen WRX's/STi's?

Subaru's clutches are super light and long now.

[OrbitalEllipses]

The new WRX (specifically widebody) had a stiff fucking clutch, from what I heard.

[EsoBOFH]

naa.. it ain't bad at all. Light, yes, long, yes.. both adjustable issues. I'm quite used to it and only a week in.

[oneday]

Originally Posted by luxmn

bmw cars in general have heavy clutch/gas pedal/steering, my guess is to avoid accidental push/steer because (no offense taken please) their people are generally big, tall and heavy.

japanese cars are the exact opposite, they are made generally for pp like me 5'4" 130lbs, if I have to shift my weight to engage the clutch, it's too heavy for my grandma. In Asia, manual is 70% of the cars on the road not like the US so making the clutch light imho is a decision based upon their user research.

Huh? My Miata, Integra, 240SX, and my wife's MR2 and Paseo (ugh, don't ask), all had fairly heavy clutches (heavier than my tC), so I don't know what you are talking about or where you are getting your "Asian people are small and week and can't operate a heavy clutch" argument comes from. Besides, if that were the case, the manufacturer could spec a different clutch/pressure plate for the DM of the car...a light one for JDM, a mamoth one for the gigantic EDM drivers, and somewhere in between for us USDMers.

[luxmn]

Originally Posted by oneday

Huh? My Miata, Integra, 240SX, and my wife's MR2 and Paseo (ugh, don't ask), all had fairly heavy clutches (heavier than my tC), so I don't know what you are talking about or where you are getting your "Asian people are small and week and can't operate a heavy clutch" argument comes from. Besides, if that were the case, the manufacturer could spec a different clutch/pressure plate for the DM of the car...a light one for JDM, a mamoth one for the gigantic EDM drivers, and somewhere in between for us USDMers.

Side note: No need to put words in my mouth, I stated that europeans generally have taller, heavier build than Asian, that doesn't imply Asian being weak and can't operate a clutch. If you want to have internet argument find someone else.

Relevant discussion: before the FRS I have zero experience with manual, 0, and I don't pretend like I do. After the FRS, I have driven Celica, BMW 3 series and an old miata mx3 all stock clutch. From my minimal experience, the 3 series is the heaviest from clutch to gas to steering. My point? I'm GUESSING they design it for their "average driver" and on average asian is smaller than european. Should they make multiple versions based on market? They could but this is not as critical as driver on the left or the right side so I'm GUESSING they leave it to the driver to getting used to.

[Shagaliscious]

I haven't driven one yet, but in my Civic Si the clutch is light as a feather. First time I test drove it I didn't think the clutch was there. It didn't take long at all to get used to. I would say after about a couple days I forgot how hard the clutch was in my previous car. After reading this, I think I will like the clutch in the FR-S.