FRS stands for "FUN but REALLY SLOW"

[ft86Fan]

Not sure why some people would get offended. If everybody thinks the FT86 is the greatest, whats the point to build other cars? He is perfectly welcome to have his own opinion. Maybe he would like the car better if it were a manual?

[Jonwi5]

I will get the car because I LIKE IT not because of power, I know that is not a powerhouse but I really don't care, people should really get over it. i f they want more power and want the car, well like every other said, spend more money on the aftermarket

[TuxedoCartman]

Originally Posted by roddy

Agreed.
I can't comment on said slowness as I haven't had it past 4000 rpm yet, but what I feel so far isn't promising. Either way, I knew going in that the car wasn't going to be a powerhouse, so I don't really care. That's what my Mustang is for.

Trust me, there's a lot more power beyond that 4000 RPM limit. I was honestly surprised by how much there was, as I was a good boy and followed the break-in period like I was supposed to too.

[Zach]

Originally Posted by dabocx

"Fun but really slow"

I dont see the problem.

[WingsofWar]

FRS = For Retired Seniors

LOL jk....I really appreciate OPs opinion and they are very valid IMO. FRS/BRZ is not the "end of all sports cars" and ultimately wont please everyone.

I've learn that I prefer a car that feel faster than one that IS faster but feels slower.

This part is definitely something that sets many of us apart when choosing a car. I found that a fast car that feels slow (from my perspective) is a well setup and balanced vehicle. The goal for many racers is being comfortable with a specific level of speed and setting up a vehicle that caters to the drivers driving style. To a car that feels fast (especially when its not fast) means that my body doesn't jive well with the characteristics of a vehicle.

I'd hate to bring this example up....but in Initial D....(oh god here it comes)....early in the first season when Takumi is going full throttle into a corner with a passenger. Takumi is yawning and putting his arm up on the door cards nonchalantly, while experiencing very high G forces and speeds, while his passenger is freaking out.

So how can someone be so calm and composed in that situation? Because Takumi has a balanced machine that caters to his driving style, and is comfortable at high speeds. And in my experience this comfortability kinda leads to a sort of dull moment.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by subatoy

I'm gonna start by saying that I've owned a Integra GS-R, 06 WRX, 370Z and now and 2011 GTI...(yes I change cars often)
so my next target was the FRS/BRZ so after 3 years following this car and reading so many great reviews I finally got to test drive an FRS.

sadly it was an automatic but at least I got to compare the transmission to my DSG on the GTI.

first thing was that the seats are great! maybe better than my GTI's (autobahn package) and that's a lot to say.
the engine doesn't sound ANYTHING like the typical boxer engine in my WRX which i think is sad but I'm sure it's due to the equal length headers.

The suspension is very nice, firm but not harsh which feels just like the 370Z. The steering wheel response is great, just like that on the 370z.

The tires on that car are meant to slide! you can easily spin the tires even without trying so I'm sure this car would be a lot of fun when drifting around the track.

The tranmission is surprisingly similar to the DSG on my GTI, for a few momments there I forgot I wasn't driving my car so that's plus.
I still think that buying this car with an auto tranny is a SIN and you should be ashamed for buying such car.

now the bad part is that the car has NO BALLS what so ever, my completely stock Integra GSR felt faster than that car.
I wasn't expecting any power out of the FRS but I wasn't expecting it
to feel that underwhelming.

conclusion for me is that I'm keeping my GTI. I'm sure the FRS is a great track car but I don't think you'll get much fun out on the real world without driving wrecklessly (fast turns and stuff).

Eventhough the GTI and this car have the same power the GTI feels 10X faster (thanks to the torque given by the turbo).
I've learn that I prefer a car that feel faster than one that IS faster but feels slower.

For the money of a brand new FRS I would recommend getting a used 370Z ANY DAY there is nothing this car does better than the nissan specially at the track and the 370z does come with balls.

So this is my totally subjective opinion and I honestly don't care if anyone agrees or not. I just thought it would be nice review based on my experience living with all the other cars that in some way or another relate to this car.

I would like to say this. Yes, the engine sounds normal for one with equal length headers. Also, I came from an STi, much faster than the FR-S. The FR-S has left me with a bigger grin than my STi did and that is not driving recklessly. Downshift twice and it gets the job done needed to pass cars at highway speeds. Don't see why something faster is really needed on the road. If you think the track is where it shines then that is where the power doesn't matter as much as the car makes up for it. Not to mention the aftermarket.

[RRnold]

I used to own a GSR and got to test drive an FR-S last Sun so I can see where you are going with this. The Integra had a rev happy engine and aside from the FWD, the Type R was the voted best FWD. I'm sure some of the characteristics from the DC were taken into account when designing the FR-S. The FR-S is a bit heavier and doesn't wind up or redline like a Honda engine.

The FR-S isn't meant to be a fast car, it's meant to be a fun, well balanced car. There are still some minor things that I dislike about the car but once you realize that car isn't supposed to be a "Genesis coupe-370z-GTI-GSR-G37-WRX" killer then you'll have realize that this actually a fun car to drive.

[Khyron686]

.. It IS slow (ish). Will beat most econ cars like Civic/Focus/Corolla/Elantra which is fast enough for me driving around town.

It's basically a brand new 944/Mk2 Supra with airbags and a warranty. And 30 mpg.

If we all liked the exact same thing, cars would be pretty boring.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by subatoy

...I still think that buying this car with an auto tranny is a SIN and you should be ashamed for buying such car.
...

And here's where you crossed the line between it being a real review of the car and just an insult to a decent percentage of folks here.

As one of the ashamed sinners, I believe this added nothing to your review of the car. Then again, I don't feel I committed a sin, nor am I ashamed so I guess you are entitled to your narrow minded opinion.

[Gen]

I've owned an S2000, a Lotus Elise, a Lotus Exige S, and a Mazdaspeed 3. I'm just as excited about taking delivery of the FS-R in July as I was about the Exige S. Didn't even consider a 370z. Different strokes, but I find it ugly.

One could make the same argument about why anyone would buy a GTI over an MS3--it has no balls! There's much more to a car than its 0-60.

[alyon]

Originally Posted by Gen

I've owned an S2000, a Lotus Elise, a Lotus Exige S, and a Mazdaspeed 3. I'm just as excited about taking delivery of the FS-R in July as I was about the Exige S. Didn't even consider a 370z. Different strokes, but I find it ugly.

One could make the same argument about why anyone would buy a GTI over an MS3--it has no balls! There's much more to a car than its 0-60.

The SMILE man... the smile.

I just couldn't get it out of my head when looking at the MS3. I would also consider the GTI to be more refined.

[Moshpit37]

Originally Posted by Khyron686

..
If we all liked the exact same thing, cars would be pretty boring.

Exactly!

Also, who cares if not everyone is a fan? More for us, right? Granted the car is still very new, and therefore you don't see too many on the road yet because of that, but I like having a "rare" car. Mustangs are "me too" cars (what do you drive? Mustang? Me too! lol) and I cringe every time I drive by the local Chevy dealership and look at the rows and rows of unsold Camaros. A car that goes from delivery truck, to showroom (not sitting on a lot), to new owner in an average of 4-5 days is something special. You can't deny that.

[W2]

subatoy did you try any of the other "sport" modes you could switch between? I'm just curious because everyone brings up the auto having no balls until you switch to one of the other computer modes.

I looked at a few used 370z cars and the hold up for me was insurance, it was double what I pay for the FR-S. Awesome cars though.

[whtchocla7e]

No reason to get upset about the man's opinion..