A few weekends ago, I had the rare opportunity to co-drive a FR-S in a local autocross event. The FR-S was outfitted with a Stranoparts front sway bar and BFGoodwrench Rivals. Due to the modifications, the car competed in the C Street class.
Pulling up to the event, two thoughts rolled across my race-ready mind. The first- at least I do not have to worry about rain today. As we were rolling up to the track, a sunny, beautiful morning greeted us. The forecast for the days was to be one of the last beautiful days before the weather would take a turn for the worse and the fall air would loft in. The second thought- boy, I am glad that I am not running the Mustang today. The course showed to be extremely tight, more than problematic for my usually vehicle.
For the past two autocross seasons I have completed in F Street, driving a 2007 Mustang GT. F Street, made up of high horse powered, over-weight Challengers, Camaros, Mustangs, M3 as well as a long list of just about any front engine, rear wheel drive American muscle car imaginable. Fun as the cars often are being able to hit the accelerator and swing the back end around, handling is not strong suit for these cars.
As I pulled up to the line, trying to mentally remember the course, the best line, when to turn, I started to make predications of how the car would handle. Yet, all this went out the window as soon as I went off the line. Hitting the gas and off the line I went. Due to much experience of being too zealous with the Mustang off the bat, I opted on taking the FR-S slower to preventing hunting cones.
As I went off the line and quickly approached the first turn, the FRS’s performance had caught me off guard. First of all, when hitting the breaks, I felt that I was going to fly through the windshield- a complete difference to how the Mustang felt. Second of all, the FR-S felt planted to a point that I was not use to how car felt.
The third difference I felt between the two cars was the lack of power the FR-S had. Driving the FR-S was a different experience then driving the Mustang. When driving the Mustang, braking and turning was a major weakness and I had to be prepared for all outcomes. However, the FR-S handled those two areas with ease. The FR-S had difficulties picking speed after braking.
Overall, I had a fantastic experience!
Pulling up to the event, two thoughts rolled across my race-ready mind. The first- at least I do not have to worry about rain today. As we were rolling up to the track, a sunny, beautiful morning greeted us. The forecast for the days was to be one of the last beautiful days before the weather would take a turn for the worse and the fall air would loft in. The second thought- boy, I am glad that I am not running the Mustang today. The course showed to be extremely tight, more than problematic for my usually vehicle.
For the past two autocross seasons I have completed in F Street, driving a 2007 Mustang GT. F Street, made up of high horse powered, over-weight Challengers, Camaros, Mustangs, M3 as well as a long list of just about any front engine, rear wheel drive American muscle car imaginable. Fun as the cars often are being able to hit the accelerator and swing the back end around, handling is not strong suit for these cars.
As I pulled up to the line, trying to mentally remember the course, the best line, when to turn, I started to make predications of how the car would handle. Yet, all this went out the window as soon as I went off the line. Hitting the gas and off the line I went. Due to much experience of being too zealous with the Mustang off the bat, I opted on taking the FR-S slower to preventing hunting cones.
As I went off the line and quickly approached the first turn, the FRS’s performance had caught me off guard. First of all, when hitting the breaks, I felt that I was going to fly through the windshield- a complete difference to how the Mustang felt. Second of all, the FR-S felt planted to a point that I was not use to how car felt.
The third difference I felt between the two cars was the lack of power the FR-S had. Driving the FR-S was a different experience then driving the Mustang. When driving the Mustang, braking and turning was a major weakness and I had to be prepared for all outcomes. However, the FR-S handled those two areas with ease. The FR-S had difficulties picking speed after braking.
Overall, I had a fantastic experience!