I own both a 2002 AP1 S2k with 22k miles with Bridgestone RE-71r tires and a 2013 Scion FRS (also known as GT86) with 57k miles with Michelin Pilot Super Sports. (Both of these tire sets are aggressive summer tires, with the s2k's tire set being a bit grippier.) Both cars in great condition. I've owned the S2k for 6 months (put on 5k miles) and GT86 for 3 years (put on 50k miles). I've tracked the GT86 4 times, and doing 1st track day in s2k next month. I've done several back to back spirited driving session comparison on the street with both cars recently. Long story short, I love both cars and prefer the Engine/Transmission of the s2k but prefer the steering/chassis feel and lower center of gravity of the GT86.

I want the s2k to be the perfect car, but still can't get over how good the GT86 steering and overall chassis handling is when I switch back and forth between each car. Any others that own both cars feel the same way? Am I crazy or missing something? Don't get me wrong the s2k handling still feels good, but I feel I can drive the at 10/10 on the Gt86 easier, more predictably, and safer than I can on the S2k (at least with my two car samples, both in stock form). Maybe this makes sense and is expected considering the AP1 is known to have a bit twitchy handling at the limit. FRS just seems more stable and controllable all around.. steering feel in turns, more stable under hard braking when threshold braking at the limit, and even in a straight under full acceleration while shifting.. and again the steering feel during all of these inputs feels better in Gt86. Perhaps the 14 yr old age of my s2k has affected the suspension balance and tuning of my sample some (maybe I need to take it to a race shop here for a thorough inspection and freshening up). Also I think my front passenger side suspension may be out of spec... needing perhaps a new control arm or knuckle.. I was only able to get -0.5 degrees of camber max?? (my alignment: FCaster 6.1deg, FCamber -0.4 deg max, FToe 0.0, RCamber -1.7deg (not maxed), RToe +0.24deg total). Also, I did recently get under my car and inspect both the front and rear subframe alignment and bolts.. my subframe alignment is right on, and most of the bolts were all tight to torque spec (only a few needed a slight tightening).

Again anyone else own both cars, and feel similar? Any advice on what you have done to improve steering/chasis feel or too settle down the handling to feel a bit more forgiving when driving at 10/10? I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for as I like both s2k and gt86 agressive oversteer easily driftable handling... but I just want to improve the s2k steering feel more in line with gt86. Perhaps I should have got the AP2 as it is known to be more forgiving with it's bigger tires, lower redline, softer suspension, heavier flywheel... but FRS still felt very controllable on the stock OEM prius tires when new even though those stock tires were very slick (back end would chirp and slide around, but still felt very easy to control at 10/10 driving).

Hoping not to get flamed here too much, and not meant to bash the s2k at all. I love the s2k. Although I must also give credit to the Gt86, as they did very good with the steering and chasis. Just in the effort of constant improvement, I'm trying to see if others shared similar feedback and any tips on what they have done to improve their s2k handling/steering feel and overall performance? Again, perhaps my s2k needs some tuning (starting with fixing my front right -0.5deg max camber)!?

Note: My apologies, I realize I probably should have put this in the "General Interest > Car Talk" section.

 

I own a '00 AP1 and a 2013 BRZ. I also prefer the steering of the BRZ to the s2000. Have had the AP1 for 14 months, and bought the BRZ new. Tires are Bridgestone re003/Firestone firehawk indy 500 on AP1 and Michelin PSS on the BRZ.

Unfortunately I don't have much to add regarding improving the steering feel as I have decided just to live with it and accept it as part of the s2000. Too lazy and stingy to try things that may or may not improve steering feel

I have tracked the AP1 3 times this year. Driving with spoon progressive springs from the previous owner matched with re003 as tyres, the car was very well behaved at the track. Not a single hint of oversteer and no fuss putting down power at exit. Car was very neutral, tending towards understeer at higher speeds.

 

I've had a handful of s2k's, and we have a FRS at work that I've driven on the street & track. The stock FRS suspension is nicely sorted. IMO Honda never completely figured out the best suspension balance on the s2k. My solution is to use Bilstein PSS9 coilovers and a softer AP2 rear sway bar. The PSS9 smooth out the ride and add significant grip, the softer rear bar gets rid of the twitchiness of AP1 cars and plants the rear end. And a good alignment. Full AP2 suspension just makes the car soft and understeer.

Steering feel is about equal to my S2000 with those mods. Keep in mind that the super narrow tires on the FRS make the steering feel very crisp. The wider you go will numb the turn-in feel. Same with the S2k.

Unfortunately the FRS engine is not fun. Better suited for a truck. Our F20 is so much better.