Motorweek: 2014 Scion TC > FRS

[Scenic Driver]

Originally Posted by Davey

How am I supposed to do that with two freaking cupholders?

And they call this a driver's car.

Don't forget about the bottle holders in the doors. Any drivers car will need those for extra protection so your beer doesn't spill while driving on twisty mountain roads.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Boxer486

fatoni, maybe I missed a more nuanced meaning behind your post, so forgive me if I got it wrong.


To me the FRS isn't even a sport's car but a sporty car as most GTs are. But let's ignore that distinction for a sec. If you were correct to say the FRS is the worst value in sports car history, where does that leave the S2000 that was almost 50% more expensive when the dollar was way stronger than it is today, plus gets worse mileage and has zip for cargo space?


Also, if the FRS could be seen to be a borderline sports car, isn't the TC just a modern Corolla with two doors and a hatch? How is the TC any sort of sports car value if it isn't even a sports car? That's quite a stretch of the imagination it seems to me.

i wasnt really trying to make any comment on the frs and its value. i was trying to show that if we look at just the facts, the frs kinda falls behind many other cars. there is a lot of that intangible communication that the car provides and if we look at quantitative points you take away the singular strongest asset the frs has.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Davey

All sports cars are a terrible value when the facts discussed are relative to practicality.

I think @Davey hit it on the head. You can do this with any brand.

For example, the Suburban is a much better all round vehicle than a Corvette. I own a Suburban but not because I'd select it over a Corvette, but because I needed a better all-round vehicle for the same amount of money. (and yes, they are similar in price when shopping new).

As far as the Motorweek review, well, I honestly can't argue with their conclusion given their more mainstream audience. They would be doing a disservice to their viewing audience, in my opinion, not to take their base viewership into consideration in the review.

I don't think, for example, Top Gear/UK would have the same conclusion. It would be more like "We concede you can haul more things in it, more people in it, and it's nearly as fun to drive, but we'd much rather be able to drift while reading a book than haul a box of books in the back."

[m.box.design]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

As far as the Motorweek review, well, I honestly can't argue with their conclusion given their more mainstream audience. They would be doing a disservice to their viewing audience, in my opinion, not to take their base viewership into consideration in the review.

I 2nd this. Motorweek's reviews are probably geared towards the parents considering what to buy for their teenager vs. an enthusiast (who already does their own in depth research). In the case of the average buyer, the TC would be a better deal than the FR-S as it's FWD, offers more cargo space, head and leg room. Price is also thousands of dollars difference.

[Rampage]

I have only one issue with the Motorweek review.

Despite the fact that they are reviewing another Scion model altogether they have to voice the now obligatory opinion that the FR-S needs more power.

I almost hope Toyota never adds more power to the twins so the hand wringing and gnashing of teeth will go on forever.

[Boxer486]

Originally Posted by Rampage

I almost hope Toyota never adds more power to the twins so the hand wringing and gnashing of teeth will go on forever.

I know right? I'm almost getting to that point myself. Plus the TC only has 180hp so wtf.


They'll add more power as soon as some other direct competitor comes out and ups the ante.


But hey, you and I both know how much fun you can have with just 138hp. ;P

[thill]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I think @Davey hit it on the head. You can do this with any brand.

For example, the Suburban is a much better all round vehicle than a Corvette. I own a Suburban but not because I'd select it over a Corvette, but because I needed a better all-round vehicle for the same amount of money. (and yes, they are similar in price when shopping new).

As far as the Motorweek review, well, I honestly can't argue with their conclusion given their more mainstream audience. They would be doing a disservice to their viewing audience, in my opinion, not to take their base viewership into consideration in the review.

I don't think, for example, Top Gear/UK would have the same conclusion. It would be more like "We concede you can haul more things in it, more people in it, and it's nearly as fun to drive, but we'd much rather be able to drift while reading a book than haul a box of books in the back."

This disservice is to make the comparison in the first place then. Compare the TC to cars like a Corolla, Mazda 3, Elantra, Civic, etc.

And I still don't understand the comment on more power for the FR-S? So if the FR-S had 250hp and 225fr lbs of torque it would win the comparison?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by thill

This disservice is to make the comparison in the first place then. Compare the TC to cars like a Corolla, Mazda 3, Elantra, Civic, etc.

And I still don't understand the comment on more power for the FR-S? So if the FR-S had 250hp and 225fr lbs of torque it would win the comparison?

Can't argue with either of your points, I agree. I was considering it in the context of them comparing the two top cars in the Scion line-up, not to competing brands.

[Rocket.BRZ]

Originally Posted by Davey

The real question is, which car has more cupholders?

Sometimes I like to have my choice of several beverages while commuting with a friend. Sometimes we do taste-tests on the way into work.

How am I supposed to do that with two freaking cupholders?

And they call this a driver's car.

Actually we have 4 cup holders. One on each door and 2 in the middle.

[nocturne1]

Originally Posted by Scenic Driver

Don't forget about the bottle holders in the doors. Any drivers car will need those for extra protection so your beer doesn't spill while driving on twisty mountain roads.

Practical.

[Wolfking]

This comes at an interesting time. Just yesterday I was saying to myself unless I trade for a Z or perhaps the latest Mustang, I will likely purchase another FRS. By the year 2017 I will undoubtedly have the itch by then...

[Davey]

Originally Posted by Rocket.BRZ

Actually we have 4 cup holders. One on each door and 2 in the middle.

But that's only one per passenger! And there's hardly even a flat surface to pour shots on. If you're satisfied with the bare minimum that's fine but I expect more out of a car for over twenty five thousand dollars!

[fang_gt86]

Originally Posted by Davey

But that's only one per passenger! And there's hardly even a flat surface to pour shots on. If you're satisfied with the bare minimum that's fine but I expect more out of a car for over twenty five thousand dollars!

Just stick to a Camry. Way more cup holders and more HP!

[Davey]

Originally Posted by fang_gt86

Just stick to a Camry. Way more cup holders and more HP!

And the steering wheel is so much easier to turn, too!