what are the pros/cons when choosing the material body components are made of?

my interest is only in those materials but maybe we should throw carbon in there too to be all encompasing?

from the bit of research i've done it sounds like FRP is more brittle and tends to crack on impact vs poly that can bend. meaning that FRP is better for front bumpers/lips that might rub things. but for bumpers..etc the material isn't as much of a concern.

i'm trying to choose between buying LHtuning's rear JDM bumper replica and an OEM JDM bumper.

thanks.

 

You pretty much just summed it up.... Poly is the way to go, more flexible, dont have to worry about cracks. Poly all day everyday. FRP is cheaper for a reason

 

depending on your budget

 

OEM is of coarse more durable, but if you're concerned about having the bumper 'crack' from getting bumped into things, even the OEM bumper won't absorb shoddy driving skills.. I'd be more concerned about the weight of FRP over OEM plastic.