Scion sibling rivalry, FR-S vs tC
 

Thought I'd throw this up out of interest due to the speculated $24.2k pricing thread. Doesn't apply too much to the RWD focused buyers, but wonder how it would look to Joe Average or Suzy Secretary. Also, if the $24.2k price is legit, is it justified?

tC
$19.3k
2+2 Coupe
FWD
2.5L
180 hp @ 6000
173 lb-ft @ 4100
6M or 6A
Vented disc/solid disc brakes f/r
Electric power steering
MacPherson strut front suspension
Double Wishbone rear suspension
18" rims
225/45R18 tires
'Normal' Injection
23/31 MPG city/hwy
3060 lbs manual
Strong aftermarket support


FR-S
$24.2k ???
2+2ish Coupe
RWD
2.0L
200 hp @ 7000 rpm
151 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm
6M or 6A
Vented disc/Vented disc brakes f/r
Electric power steering
MacPherson strut front suspension
Double Wishbone rear suspension
17" rims
215/45R17 tires
D4-S port/direct combination injection
20-something/30-something MPG
~2700 lbs
Will have strong aftermarket support.

So not counting the weight and RWD, very similar cars. But if the $24.2k is correct, that's ~25% more money for a rather similar car.

Both cars are somewhat 'parts bin' in nature, but the FR-S had an associate company contributing to the development and manufacturing costs.

Is the apparent 'proper execution' really worth a 25% premium from a purely financial standpoint (rear LSD diff, driveshaft and 4 extra injectors worth ~$5k) ? How much is 'passion' worth in dollars?

On a side note, the pricing may keep this car more available to the enthusiasts, as the 'sporty coupe' buyers may be dissuaded by sticker shock, and just opt for the much cheaper tC instead.

Thoughts?

Scion sales department thoughts on this would be interesting as well. How do they sell the two cars?

Funny from that breakdown I it doesn't look at all like they aren't very similar. The FR-S seems to be a little better in just about every category which adds up to a lot better over all.

Also the Tc would generally be considered 4 seats. The FR-S is pretty much the definition of 2+2 seating.

Really? They trade about 20 hp for 20 lb-ft, suspension same, transmissions same, FR-S smaller wheels and tires. tC has super fancy glass roof, that I forgot to mention...

Looking at it without the 'hype goggles' would an average buyer say that the price difference is justified?

No. No way a salesperson is going to talk a prospective tC buyer into a car $5k+ more.

From a casual glance using the lens of John Q Public, it doesn't make sense why one 2-door costs 4k less when the other 2-door still has 4 cylinders, a smaller backseat, and barely more hp. Bet the tC has more cup holders too.

So if mechanics:dollars Joe Average would have a tough time justifying the difference, why don't we?

Passion is expensive...

:word:

It really is interesting. Although not a drivers car per say, the TC is a far better value for your money...

Well for one thing, a car is sorta like a fashion statement of sorts, and a tC loses by a long shot in the looks department :P

Other than that, you're right, very hard to justify the purchase.

Yup as a daily-driver, practical coupe, you wouldn't give the FRS a second look. There is no value in it over the tC, from that point of view...

...that said I've never given Scion a second look before the FRS :-)

Have you driven a stock TC?

I have taken the 2011 out for a couple of test drives and it feels like my wife's 4 cylinder Rav4. It just is NOT fun to drive.

Were any reviewers giving it a 10 out of 10 for driving pleasure?

I expect a lot more pep and fun from the FRS.

(sorry tC owners) The tC can be the girl's car, and the FRS the boy's car... Tada.. RWD, low engine with wishbone suspension and a lower sportier looking car for about $5k more is fine. Only $3k would have been better

:happy0180:

Dimman's post is still interesting if you really think about it and take any subjective preference/fanboy favoritism out of the equation. Makes you wonder where those extra $5k goes? RWD layout? Boxer engine? Engine being lower and further back?