Fun because drift car?

[NGNG]

I love what the frs and brz is all about and I plan on test driving one this weekend. But after watching the countless video reviews out there, I'm a little curious as to what the core factor is that leads to so many calling it a fun drivers car. It seems like the number one thing that gets referenced is how easily it drifts and how tail happy the car is. Which I'm sure does lead to a lot of fun on the track, but on the street?

Personally I typically like cars that handle like they're on rails. Can the frs still provide that? I guess I'll get an idea for myself soon, but interested in what you guys think beforehand.

[RRnold]

Because

[strat61caster]

The FRS is primarily a car that handles like it's on rails. When you're watching or reading reviews in magazines about how "tail-happy" this car is, realize that the prior review for that writer/journalist was in something like a Focus ST or the new 911 or Ferrari or whatever that was made to get good lap times and compare well in those magazine "competitions" and have stickier wider tires and suspensions tuned for maximum grip around the nurburgring or whatever.

It's cliche but it's the second closest to "telepathic" steering I've felt, the car just does what you want it to and it begs for more.

[FReSh]

I think the car is very neutral. It depends mostly on driver input. If you go into a turn too fast, coasting in a lower gear, the car will push a little. If you go in a little slower and apply generous amounts of throttle, you can get it to oversteer. It's all in how you drive it. If you're even a reasonable driver, you should be able to get the car to handle like its on rails.

[Rayme]

You dont need to go fast to get the rear end to fly at all and has no tendency to oversteer itself out of control. Real fun. A corvette would feel on rails at those speed...and I don't see why it would be more fun.

[Wilsonk227]

every driver has his own definition of fun, but what any of us say in this forum will not be equivalent to your own experience with this car. So I say go test drive, and then come back and let us know what you think. I test drove an FRS and I can say that this thing feels so planted to the ground. With stickier tires you'll feel like you're on rails

[CircuitJerk]

It's fun as hell on the street. You'll quickly find yourself looking forward to certain corners and then you'll seek out alternate routes just to find new ones.
With a few minor upgrades like tires, rims, and even just conservative drop with a good alignment, it has the potential to exceed your expectations more than once if you do things right.
And by right, I mean choosing the ideal or best upgrades based on your intended use.

[bestwheelbase]

Reviews mention the drift thing because it gives them an excuse to slide around for the camera and get more attention because we are all keen on watching the hoonage.

To me, what makes these cars fun is a lot more than that. Good dynamics, not too heavy, tactile feedback, sporty without sucking down 12mpg. And enough room to actually live with it everyday. Part of my fun experience is carefree feelings and these cars are easy to enjoy.

YMMV. :-)

[Soclose09]

Originally Posted by FReSh

I think the car is very neutral. It depends mostly on driver input. If you go into a turn too fast, coasting in a lower gear, the car will push a little. If you go in a little slower and apply generous amounts of throttle, you can get it to oversteer. It's all in how you drive it. If you're even a reasonable driver, you should be able to get the car to handle like its on rails.

I learned that the first day I had the car, I was more on the careless side during the test drive so getting it sideways is extremely fun

[whaap]

I don't drift, track or race my car but that doesn't change the fact it's the best handling car I've ever owned. One of the fellows here on the forum best described it when he said "when you take a corner you feel like your spine is the pivot point".

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by NGNG

.........Personally I typically like cars that handle like they're on rails. Can the frs still provide that? I guess I'll get an idea for myself soon, but interested in what you guys think beforehand.

I have found that if you leave the nannie systems (VSC, TRAC) engaged (which is the default), coupled with the ABS (with EBFD & BA), the car will corner and slow down quite nicely.

Be aware that tire pressure can make quite a difference. For examplewith 45 psi (like it was delivered with) it was somewhat skiddish. Whenthe pressures were lowered to 35 psi, it was more stable.

humfrz

[Whitigir]

I agree to all of you. The biggest reason why i am attracted to the FRS now is it ability to drift without burning money. You can drift on a prius tires lol...cant beat that.

[Demandred7]

I would best describe the handling as balanced and very communicative. If you care to listen (ie. feel) what the car is doing, it allows the driver superb control.

Like Whaap quoted, you feel like the pivot point perfectly lines up with the driver.

It is the perfect marriage in that you get just as much as you put into it.

The car rewards a good driver; however, it will equally point out your shortcomings as a driver if you are less than skilled. When you get it right, it feels fantastic.

In short, it is tossable and to quote Carlos Lago "It is such a willing and playful thing".

[D4S]

To me, the FR-S is fun to drive because it can be pushed so hard with confidence. It's also really easy to get sideways but it's not like you're dealing with a Viper or something. Great car in any scenario, except in traffic (manual).