[torqueaddict]

Down here the curbs aren't always the same height, so for peace of mind, I usually back in when parking.

[wzmao]

I came from 2015 frs, 2017 STi, then 2017 SS 1LE. The power is day and night in three cars. 1LE and frs both handle very well, the difference is in frs you can push it really hard in corners without going too fast, but the 1LE has so much grip that you'll not want to push its limit on public roads.

[DenverTaco07]

OP Here's a fun thread to read over on the FRS forums

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117502

I'm the friend

are you "DarkSunrise"?

Get the SS 1LE!

[Rayfield]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

IMO, you can't split hairs that fine. Then you get into, "well this car has a half-seat for gnomes in the rear, so it's obviously not a sports car", and so on. FRS/BRZ is a sports car. Not a particularly powerful one, but one doesn't base "sports car" on power.

Yep, agree. I totally see the BRZ as a sports car. I got into a "groove" with the car where I could make the engine sing, nicely, and do all of the fun things to engage the handling dynamics of the car. That's all I ask of that kind of car. It wasn't "fast"...but the setup of the car was such that you could have sports car fun at 20mph..I would cackle like crazy, hanging the rear end out around low speed corners, near my house.

Grand tourers are able to overlap over into sports car duty, but are also comfy, highway cruisers. I never considered my BRZ to be in that category.

[baron95]

I just went out to lunch today with my ex-wife (don't laugh) and my son's gf in the back seat, my son and I ~6'0" each in the front.

The worst thing is getting in/out in the back. But once seated both of them claim to be comfortable, except that ex-wife complained she couldn't see out.

So yes - the back seat is usable by kids and for small adults (read women) on short trips. Better than nothing.

[Deputy Dog]

Originally Posted by Chevyman2

Joint venture between Subaru(BRz) and Toyota (FRS/86) building a 2 door RWD sports car powered by Subaru engine.

Sort of like what Chevy and ford did with 10 speed transmission seems to be harder for American car companies to pool knowledge and build such automobile.

Toyota/Subaroo?.....Uhhh...ok. Its a ToyBaroo.

[JT58]

The visibility as already stated is not as good as some other cars- you just get used to it and then it's not an issue. I had a 2016 Miata and went to a Gen 5 Camaro first, then a Gen 6. The Miata was small, quick, fun and nimble. The Camaro is equally if not a better car- depends on what you want in a car. Camaro is also offered with turbo, V6 and V8 engines to satisfy almost any need. If you want power and racey get the V8 SS. If you want better gas mileage opt for the 4 turbo or V6. I got the V6, plenty of power and really great gas mileage on regular gas. The Camaro is a great RWD car- I suggest go test drive one- not once but a few times and see for yourself.

[Darkczar]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Yes, this is a good suggestion. Coming from the BRZ, it's not as radical a size change as the Camaro would be. The BRZ is about 167 inches long, the BMW 2 Series is about 174 inches long, and the Camaro is 188 inches long. The 2 series is also several hundred pound lighter than the Camaro, and it just feels a lot smaller overall. It has none of the visibility issues of the Camaro, and combined with the small size, it's a super easy car to drive on the street or the track. It's well balanced too. The 228/230 has 100 lb.-ft more torque than the BRZ, while the M235i/240i more than doubles the BRZ torque output.

That said, I went from an M235i to a 2SS 1LE and don't regret the move for a second. The 2SS is a monstrous brute in comparison to the M235i. The BMW was quick, nimble, and refined while the 1LE is racecar-like. Depends on what you want.

Wjones, why'd you give up the BMW. I've had BMWs in the past. 01 325ci and an 01 540i 6spd. I really miss both of those cars. However I don't miss the maintenance, costs were just too high for me

[ecko04]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

IMO, you can't split hairs that fine. Then you get into, "well this car has a half-seat for gnomes in the rear, so it's obviously not a sports car", and so on. FRS/BRZ is a sports car. Not a particularly powerful one, but one doesn't base "sports car" on power.

My comment had nothing to do with an increase power. It’s about the engine having a massive torque tip in its mid range. If you take a moment to look at an FRS dyno you’d see what I’m referencing. Just about every review has mentioned it. It drains part of the joy from driving it. If the torque dip was not present, and remained relatively flat, it would be a blast all the time. However, the dip is present and noticeable every time you get on the throttle. It’s not about how fast the car goes, as that isn’t the purpose, but the joy to drive does take a bit of a hit due to the lull in the midrange.

From owning one for a few years and turbocharging it, this is just my opinion about the car and perhaps that’s why I can “split hairs that fine”. And I’ll repeat, I would happily buy one again as a 2nd vehicle.


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[Rayfield]

Opinions abound. The torque dip is certainly there and documented, but somehow didn't ruin the fun for me.

[ecko04]

Originally Posted by Rayfield

Opinions abound. The torque dip is certainly there and documented, but somehow didn't ruin the fun for me.

Hit the twisties and all is forgiven.


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[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Darkczar

Wjones, why'd you give up the BMW. I've had BMWs in the past. 01 325ci and an 01 540i 6spd. I really miss both of those cars. However I don't miss the maintenance, costs were just too high for me

I loved the M235i when I first got it. The badge, the "ultimate driving machine," the quality, the culture, the four year warranty and free maintenance, the Performance Center Delivery experience in SC, and the pampering from the dealership were all part of it. It was also the first car I ever owned that had a ton of grip and a luxury car-like ride, at the same time. But it wasn't long before I knew that I missed the beefy visceral feel of a Mustang or Camaro, as well as the instant power and sound of a non-turbo V8. In short, I wanted something more aggressive and badass, and ended up with the 1LE.

[Rayfield]

Originally Posted by wjones14

I loved the M235i when I first got it. The badge, the "ultimate driving machine," the quality,

I need to drive a more recent Bimmer. I was in the market for a decent sports sedan, years back, and test drove the current 3 series (might have been the 330i ZHP, it's been a while)..and was underwhelmed. It had great balance and steering, but coming from a modified WRX (at that time), it lacked a lot of excitement and raw feedback to the driver, in my opinion. It seemed soft. I'd been in older 3's and my boss's first gen M5, and was expecting that experience. Perhaps they've found a nice balance with newer models!