My LPE C5 vs FR-S impressions.

[meadowz06]

First off, this is NOT a comparison in terms of power. My Corvette had 560hp. This is about driving dynamics, handling, steering feel, quality, ride, etc. First off ride quality. The FR-S is actually stiffer than my C5 with Z06 suspension. More firm than I ever would imagined. But the chasis does not bounce around when you hit a bump like the C5. Very stable. There is a smidgen more body roll in the FR-S, but not much. The C5 was a little lower. Steering feel and response is MUCH better in the FR-S. The C5 had a dead spot on center. And the C5's steering was not near as crispy and accurate as the FR-S. The electric power steering is great. Seats are far superior in the FR-S. The C5 had\has mushy, not supportive seats that did not hold you in at all around curves. Front visability is better in the FR-S. You see the road and not the hood. You can point the FR-S just where you want to go with no trouble. Obviously the tires are the weak link in the FR-S on purpose. The C5 stuck better with the ZR rated rubber. Overall quality is a ton better in the FR-S. C5 interior is nothing but plastic. And the Pioneer Bespoke stereo is 10 times better than the Blose system in the Corvette. All in all, I am VERY pleased with the FR-S so far. It is not the fastest car around, but, the handling and crisp steering are great. And the car is SOOOO light compared to the C5. So it feels like a go kart. I just may keep this car and add a turbo!!!!!!

[Hunter_Frs]

do you have an exhaust? if so what kind? i am thinking about getting one.

[Team STILLEN]

Great comparison and well put together. I enjoying reading this like this that provide an accurate and detailed comparison.

[m.wood0213]

great review

[chaoskaze]

Love the impression, FR-S certainly don't have much in power compare to ur vette... that reminds me the Motortrend video i just saw about CLA 450 AMG 2L twin turbo making 355hp/332tq.....something like that will make FR-S a rocket.

[Deep Six]

Great summary! I have a 427 convertible in the garage with the FRS. The Chevy wins every performance category hands down but collectively the FRS is more fun to drive. Hard to explain but driving the Vette is like putting on a suit and all that goes with getting dressed up for an occasion where the FRS is like slipping on your favorite jeans and rolling out the door as is. But for open top motoring, the 427 is an amazing ride.

[GTB/ZR-1]

Originally Posted by meadowz06

I just may keep this car and add a turbo!!!!!!

BINGO!

Even w/ only 308whp so far, it a blast--shooting for 400+, so it should be as fast as my ZR-1 when it's off the bottle.

ENJOY!

[Team STILLEN]

Get the FR-S up to 2.5L with FI and you'll pull some nice numbers without too much sacrifice in driveability

[Acree]

Originally Posted by meadowz06

First off, this is NOT a comparison in terms of power. My Corvette had 560hp. This is about driving dynamics, handling, steering feel, quality, ride, etc. First off ride quality. The FR-S is actually stiffer than my C5 with Z06 suspension. More firm than I ever would imagined. But the chasis does not bounce around when you hit a bump like the C5. Very stable. There is a smidgen more body roll in the FR-S, but not much. The C5 was a little lower. Steering feel and response is MUCH better in the FR-S. The C5 had a dead spot on center. And the C5's steering was not near as crispy and accurate as the FR-S. The electric power steering is great. Seats are far superior in the FR-S. The C5 had\has mushy, not supportive seats that did not hold you in at all around curves. Front visability is better in the FR-S. You see the road and not the hood. You can point the FR-S just where you want to go with no trouble. Obviously the tires are the weak link in the FR-S on purpose. The C5 stuck better with the ZR rated rubber. Overall quality is a ton better in the FR-S. C5 interior is nothing but plastic. And the Pioneer Bespoke stereo is 10 times better than the Blose system in the Corvette. All in all, I am VERY pleased with the FR-S so far. It is not the fastest car around, but, the handling and crisp steering are great. And the car is SOOOO light compared to the C5. So it feels like a go kart. I just may keep this car and add a turbo!!!!!!

Don't do a turbo... take the best thing from the Vette (the motor) and put it in the FR-S! That's what my plan is... I came from a 600hp Evo IX. I miss the power, but do not want a turbo of any kind.

[Suberman]

You have to drive the Corvette.

You just wear the BRZ like a super suit and it goes where you think it.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by Acree

Don't do a turbo... take the best thing from the Vette (the motor) and put it in the FR-S! That's what my plan is... I came from a 600hp Evo IX. I miss the power, but do not want a turbo of any kind.

The vette is much more than just a motor.. You are clueless to think you
Can just drop in a LSx engine into a FRS and has a comparable car. The vette
Is built on a full frame with a torque tube housing the driveshaft which adds rigidity. It also has a SLA DW suspension made from aluminum bits. Not to mention its ability to handle all the TQ and braking required. Putting an LSx engine in an FRS would not make for graceful balanced package.
You want a fast car buy a fast car. It's one thing to tweak a car for more power. Just Throwing a big motor at it doesn't give you a "Better" car.
I loved my vettes.. and if I wanted a high HP, high grip sports car, I would buy another. The FRS is more nimble, more direct in feel.. More fun to drive and own in the real world. But for pure performance I would take the vette in a heartbeat .

[Sledge_Hammer]

I own a 99 FRC fully built with Pfadt Coilovers/Adj Sway Bars and Nitto Invos (18/19 staggered). It handles on rails and is the best riding performance car I have ever had as its setup. It rides better than the stock car did suspension wise. Now I'm at 665whp on a Mustang Dyno with a built motor/blower combo. So power wise the FRS is nowhere near it in power. The stock seats suck, worst seats in a car I have ever owned bar none.

However the ride in my FRS is stiff, stiffer than my last 328XI M Sport and that thing was stiff. The seats are pretty good out the box and the steering is a joy for me, great grip and positioning. The handling is really impressive and its a good set of tires away from being a total blast. I have contemplated lowering the car and doing a 3 season wheel/tire package to have better handling response. But that would only serve to further exploit the power issue. Many people want more power, I certainly do however I want more tq from 1500-4000rpm. That's where this car suffers, I want more tq to throw the tail out. To power out of slow turns and merge on the highway with. Way to many SUV's and Minivans can keep up with these cars on the bottom end. A nice roots blower is on my list of consideration. That or I go to the next Golf R as a DD if its a dual clutch car.

Overall the FRS has been a very fun DD for me I purchased last Nov and had 24.5K on her to date. I drive the snot out of it and she serves me well. It's not rattling, shaking or giving me any issues overall.

.

[Razz]

OP doesn't know crap. He is clueless.

C5 is stiffer. That's why it bounces around.

Sounds like a fan boy thread to me.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by Razz

OP doesn't know crap. He is clueless.

C5 is stiffer. That's why it bounces around.

Sounds like a fan boy thread to me.

Having owned a C5 FRC and a C5 Z06... The OP's observation about ride stiffness is understandable.. The vette is setup with a firmer suspension.. But it doesn't transmit every little movement into the cabin.. It's far more compliant than the FRS which jiggles and jounced over every bump. The vette has an excellent controlled ride that is firm but not overly jittery like some entry level sporty cars. The vettes longer wheelbase helps smooth out the bumps and makes for a great hwy cruiser, where the FRS get tiresome after a long haul due to all the bounding.. That's the difference between a more expensive sports car vs an entry level one.. The FRS delivers great handling performance for sure.. But the more sophisticated suspension setup in the vette offers more grip and planted feel without the jittery ride.. Understandable considering the price difference and design of the two cars..