The FRS/BRZ big issue is it's not a track car. In stock form its fun on the street. But if you want to autox or track. You don't have a factory way to adjust alignment which means as soon as you put sticky tires on, you have to go to the after market for camber kits. That's a huge downer with it compared to the S2000.
S2000 all you beed to do is order tires, head to alignment shop, go to track. On a light braking track the S2000 OEM brake will hold up with stock pads. FRS won't. But you should be swapping pads on both cars for track days regardless, thats normal practice.
The difference between the two is basically this. The 86 modified and unmodified is more accessible and neutral for a newer and average driver to control and enjoy. Its predictable and forgiving. That gives most confidence to push harder.
The S2000 is much more edgy and is much more rewarding when driven by someone with more seat time who is ok with being in the edge.
The car rotates in every corner, under hard braking which requires constant input from driver. You have to stay ahead of this car or it will spin. It's not forgiving.
The 86 has the potential to be the better handling car for most people.
But if you have experience the S2000 is much more fun to drive as it's more challenging to go fast.
The S2000 is a hard sell for most who want that new car with warranty.
The 86 can be that almost primary car. The S2000 will always be that smile on your face second car in 4 season climates.
If you had to choose one or the other as your only car you choose the 86.
As someone who knew what they wanted in a first "new" sports car, you pretty much summed up exactly why I went with an FR-S over buying a used S2K or something similar.
Unless you sit in the S2000 and realize that you're looking through the sun visor and have to hunch over in order to see forward.
It's only due to a rare moment of sanity that I don't have a bright yellow 2005 S2K.
This is all dependent on whether or not you can fit in the car properly.
I still almost bought one. My back would be so messed up by now.
I'm just glad I can shoehorn myself into a BRZ.
i would agree, as the video created concluded, that it is more headache than its worth to add forced induction to the GT86.
Its not a track car because you have to modify too many things to make it ready. Different oil grade, tires, Camber kit(s), oil cooler, pads, brake fluid.
Not if your a n00b.
If you hop in and expect to match other experienced drivers with expensive or modified cars after a day on the track because you did in your last car, then yes, you require all of those things before you go, but if it's your first time at the track you will need a couple days to get the hang of it, you can distribute those costs as you get better and run into the roadblocks and learn and do the jobs yourself.
Still a great beginner track car stock, especially for someone who's last goal is to get a laptimer and analyze data the next day.
Sounds like S2000 might be the only track-ready stock car on the market. Are there others <70k? How does track-prepping the FRS compare to Miata, 240sx & 350z? These cars are ubiquitous on the track, and it seems like they only change oil, tires and pads.
Ultima GTR/CanAM... Though I have a feeling the definition of stock is getting a little stretched!
To be fair, four of those are consumables and most track addicts are constantly making changes as they wear out.
in stock form, you don't need an oil cooler to run at a track. Keep an eye on temps via torque and pull off when you reach a certain temp. For me 250 is where I stop.
I guess the oil cooler comes in so you don't have to pull off. Although as you mentioned is not needed.