
While the Mustang, 370Z, and Camaro are much heavier--fitting better into the muscle car or grand touring segments--they're priced around the same mark, and offer their own kind of fun.
The Nissan 370Z is actually a bit more expensive even in base configuration, and though it's larger and heavier, doesn't offer much more space--and completely lacks back seats.
The Chevy Camaro is more powerful, but lacks the handling and precision of a true sports car; the Ford Mustang likewise is more powerful and heavier, and while it's more balanced in some regards, it doesn't have the feel and precision of the FR-S.
Subaru's BRZ is the doppelganger to the Scion FR-S, but slight differences in the rear suspension setup of the FR-S make it a bit sharper and more neutral in cornering; some may prefer the styling and brand reputation of the Subaru, however.
Finally, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is much different, with a convertible top, no rear seats, and less horsepower than the FR-S, but it is even lighter, and with the optional retractable hard top, can offer a solid alternative to the sporty coupe.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2013 Scion FR-S is the real deal: a sports car, built simply, at an affordable price. |
The Chevy Camaro's no single-minded musclecar--there's good gas mileage and entertaining handling to be had, if you tick the right boxes. |
Don't let the brash sound and classic looks fool you; the Ford Mustang offers some of the best performance-car bang for the buck--delivered with surprising sophistication. |
If you want a light and lean open-top sports car that's fun at legal speeds, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is it--and it's reasonably practical. |
While the performance-per-dollar value of the 2013 Nissan 370Z remains largely intact, enabling it to play with more expensive sports cars for less money, rising prices narrow that advantage. |
The 2013 Subaru BRZ shows that simplicity and leanness can provide more driving thrills than complex, high-horsepower sports cars costing several times as much. |
MSRP From | |||||
$24,500 | $23,345 | $22,200 | $23,720 | $33,120 | $25,495 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat 4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Minicompact | Compact | Compact | Two Seater | Two-Seater | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
2-Door Coupe Manual (GS) | 2-Door Coupe LS w/1LS | 2-Door Coupe V6 | 2-Door Convertible Manual Sport | 2-Door Coupe Manual | 2-Door Coupe Premium Manual |
Drivetrain | |||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Rear wheel drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Coupe | Coupe | Coupe | Convertible | 2 Door Coupe | Coupe |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Scion FR-S vs. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro | 2013 Scion FR-S vs. 2013 Ford Mustang | 2013 Scion FR-S vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 Scion FR-S vs. 2013 Nissan 370Z | 2013 Scion FR-S vs. 2013 Subaru BRZ |