FR-S vs. BMW E92 335i

[merlin2111]

Originally Posted by suprachica79

I've literally read this line at least a dozen times today. I don't disagree with the statement, but it's literally been said a dozen times today. Just sayin.

But it is very very true. Everyone saying that their moms camry is faster doesn't understand this statement. As a person who has driven many types of cars for long periods of time (M BMW's, Zo6's, RX-7's, Kswapped Civics, Turbo RSX's, ect.) I will vouch for my miata being the best driving most fun car I have ever owned.

[merlin2111]

Originally Posted by Max Schnell

It is also fun to drive a fast car fast. I don't think its necessarily more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car fast if you can find the venue to do it.

Speed is all relative to the environment that you are racing/driving in. If I were driving a 600HP Mustang, sure I could punch it down the straights and corners once I was well past the apex but using a car's momentum and handling characteristics to flow through a course is much more satisfying. IMHO of course.

I guess this is why I would go for a 135i way before I would get a 335i. It can still have close to the same power but it weighs in at a a few hundred pounds less and while it might have a tendency to snap a little more due to the shorter chassis I still feel like it is the better car.

[kmbkk]

I just like to drive ANY car fast!

[86'd]

I wouldn't say I'm in the same boat, but I've been looking at 328i's especially the new turboed 4, or a used 335i for my next car...

I'm primarily looking at them for the amenities and comfort as well as providing a sporty ride. But the reliability out of warranty scares me, plus they are bigger cars than I'm used to.

The heaviest car I've owned was my AP2 @ almost 2900lbs.

If the Scion is as fun as people say it is, then I'll forget about things like automatic climate control and a quiet interior; at least for a few more years.

[noob]

Originally Posted by 86'd

I wouldn't say I'm in the same boat, but I've been looking at 328i's especially the new turboed 4, or a used 335i for my next car...

I'm primarily looking at them for the amenities and comfort as well as providing a sporty ride. But the reliability out of warranty scares me, plus they are bigger cars than I'm used to.

The heaviest car I've owned was my AP2 @ almost 2900lbs.

If the Scion is as fun as people say it is, then I'll forget about things like automatic climate control and a quiet interior; at least for a few more years.

out of warranty, only thing you really have to worry about is the water pump(70-80k is their usual failure with no warning). Other than that, its pretty solid.(hpfp is warrantied till 10yr/120k; wg rattle and injectors aren't as problematic as you read on the forums). if these worry you, CPO would be the way to go.

And yes, the 335 is a pig, not as fun as my SW20

[3scapist]

Do you track your car? If not I'd stick with the 335i. No point in owning a car like the BRZ/Fr-s if it wont be used at its full potential.

[Dsbj]

I also own an e92 335i with 430 whp. I take it to the strip and road course regularly. Even with all my mods, I still find it lacking on a road course. Yes, I eat up many cars on the straights and with my suspension, I'm strong around corners. But there's no replacing a smaller, lighter car. It's very hard to beat spec miatas time even with my additional 300hp. Now let's talk about feel.

Although I, like you, have yet to drive the 86, I have high expectations. If it can match or exceed the feeling I get when driving a s2000 or miata, I'm in. I don't have plans to get rid of my 335 but will retire it from the track. It does well but it's just not designed for the abuse and occasionally suffers from overheating. I plan to use that as my DD with the 86. Then, I'll take the 86 to the track. I'm guessing that this will be a handling dream with minor mods. I get excited just thinking about it.

Both cars are/will be great. I can't decide on just one. That's why I'm thinking of owning both. My plan is to lurk here for a year or so and then buy a gently used BRZ once prices drop and AM parts become plentiful.

[Dsbj]

Another thing, if you aren't taking it to the track, a 25k used 335i will make more sense in most cases than a new 25k FRS/BRZ.

[3scapist]

Ohhh..how often do you drag your 335i dude? I've heard horror stories of rear axles pretty much exploding at the strip. These cars are not made for drag racing lol.

[Max Schnell]

Dsbj do you have a LSD in your 335i? I think that was a major complaint about the 335 versus a M3 when it came to putting the power down.

[Dsbj]

LSD is a must and yes, I have one. Arguably the best mod on this car. I'm very careful at the strip but still keep every limb crossed. Don't want to lose a half shaft. I know a couple guys that have busted them. BMW's aren't designed for the strip but I've always felt that one should drive a car to its full potential. No garage queen here.

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by Max Schnell

It is also fun to drive a fast car fast. I don't think its necessarily more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car fast if you can find the venue to do it.

I tested the same theory these guys feed others on this site and it's .

I drove my RSX with 155 hp to 100% of what it can do vs my co-workers G35 with 306 at 70%. I came away more excited with the G35's performance and was bored as hell in my RSX in contrast.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by 3scapist

Do you track your car? If not I'd stick with the 335i. No point in owning a car like the BRZ/Fr-s if it wont be used at its full potential.

To me a well-balanced well-suspended smaller/lighter-weight car is more fun to drive at 1-2/10ths as well as at 10-11/10ths vs. a much bigger/heavier car.

Never understood, never will understand the popularity of road barges. People would really rather drive limos than sports cars I guess

[86'd]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

I tested the same theory these guys feed others on this site and it's .

I drove my RSX with 155 hp to 100% of what it can do vs my co-workers G35 with 306 at 70%. I came away more excited with the G35's performance and was bored as hell in my RSX in contrast.

I think there are exceptions and I think one thing is missing: the character of the car.

My EP3 is practically the same car as the RSX. It sucks for spirited driving, I know. And in no way does it compare to a G35/350z...

But I'd argue my '00 Civic SI was just as fun as those other cars. It was barebones, agile and had VTEC, which yes, made for a better driving experience.

I could floor it, and really drive it to 100% and wring every ounce of fun from the B16.

The K20a3 just doesn't have that spark, that the B16 had.

Plus there's G35 fast then there's, "We're going to die in this Z06" fast.

Only thing that matters to me is feeling like I'm in a sports car. To be sat low, to have ample power, to handle well, and hope that the car has character.