Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of American coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.

The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.


http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/s...8-honda-s2000/

Och

iTrader: (3)

Great review. Too bad Honda doesn't make S2000 anymore, too bad the Mazda is too unreliable and too bad the FRS is so underpowered.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

^^^

Best get a Porsche Cayman...

Och

iTrader: (3)

Thats sort of what I'm thinking... a used Cayman sounds great. Or a 135 if it wasn't so ugly.

bruce van

This was a really great and fun review. Having owned an RX-8, I had 65K trouble free times before I traded it in. It was a fantastic car and I really, really miss driving it. Yes, it burns oil and that's by design. The RX-8 is NOT a car for everyone, but drive it like it was designed and take care of it like and it will be great experience.

I'm biased, but I think the RX-8 is the best looking of the bunch. But the biggest difference is that it can actually fit 4 adults. That's a big plus.

If I had $30K for a new, fun to drive car, I'd go with a Mustang.

Harbinger

Choices, choices, choices... The FRS/BRZ platform is so capable, and so inspiring, BUT you run into the issue that many have already addressed - there are many other capable vehicles on the used market that give you more of what you seek from a true driver's car in that price range. Hell, by the time you finish upgrading the suspension, putting your choice of FI on it, and doing the requisite wheel & body upgrades you are in Supra, EVO IX, M3, Carrera 4 & NSX territory. Which IMHO are much more capable vehicles in every regard.

caddyowner

Thank you, thank you very much...

I8ABMR

The S2K is a real drivers car. The RX8 is a torqueless wonder that will leave you in the shop rebuilding the motor more than any motor out there. The FRS is great as well but is in bad need of another 50hp to really make the car something special. Handling is great and I would prefer better handling balance over added power but Toyota and Subaru are good enough to give us both

mmarshall

Yes, Mazda's Genesis rotary-engine did lack low-RPM torque, but it made the RX-8's front end so light and well-balanced that the car practically drove itself around corners. Handling, IMO, was nothing short of phenominal........though, like with most sports cars, ride-comfort suffered.

ydooby

The S2000 cost $10k more than the 86 when new so it should be a better car. Had the 86 been designed to be a $35k car I'm 200% sure it would've been able to get a much more potent powerplant, but since one of the main goals of the 86 is to be affordable, it simply isn't to be.

balMaster

S2000 = $35k back in 2009.
RX8 = $32k back in 2011.
FR-S = $25k in 2013.

S2000 price was 40% more than FR-S 4 years ago.
So, it's like comparing 2009 S2000 with something with price of $49k in 2005.
2005 Porsche Cayman base MSRP was $46k for an example.

If anyone compares S2000 against Cayman and say Cayman is a better car, people would say it's an unfair comparison.
To me, this comparison is as unfair as that.

I8ABMR

They are comparing pricier cars with more power. I dont think its fair either. I think the comparo was done because they are all the light weight nimble drivers cars out there that real people can afford

ISF350

As of today money, $25k is an unreal value for the brand new 86 platform. The car feel unbelievable good whenever I put my hand on that steering wheel ! I have not test drove the S2k , but so far for me the difference between the stock 86 vs stock IS350 is like compare to straight camry/corrola .

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

FRS/BRZ needs some FI to turn it into a completely different animal. It's primary weakness is the weak engine. Doesnt have to be that much maybe 275hp 250 torque and it will shine

balMaster

I believe the number one goal of the twins was “balance”.
Price, fuel economy, power, chassis, brake, suspension, tires, and etc.
If you add more power, like many people are asking for, then it will need bigger brake, stiffer suspension, tires with more grips, firmer chassis, which raises the price of the car and lowers the fuel economy.
So, by adding more power, it ruins the number one goal of this car.
I would just trust in Toyota’s and Subaru’s years of R&D coming up with this balance.
So…, if I drive this car and feel it lacks in power, then I would just believe that it is the best amount of power this car should have.

It would have been a different story and a different car if the price and fuel economy were out of their equation.