FT86 Buyer's Guide! FRS vs. BRZ Differences Detailed! [Video + High Res. Stills]

[Rosso_Corsa]

I'm back with another video + review!

As I'm sure you've all experienced, the one question which owners get asked the most is: what is the difference between the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FRS?

I set out to create a comprehensive and detailed buyer's guide covering both models and all of their cosmetic, feature and mechanical differences.

My aim was to create a video + stills set to help existing owners explain their cars to buddies as well as a reference for new buyers who are deciding between the 86 twins. It might already have been done in the past, but not to this level of detail and quality that I know of.

The cars tested are Canadian spec, but I believe almost all of this information applies to North America with a couple minor exceptions.

So did I miss anything? Do you have anything to add?

I spent an insane amount of time shooting and editing this so I really hope it's helpful!

EDIT: Youtube's embed seems to be having issues right now, if the video gives you an error, go directly to my video channel and watch from there.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_idnBAjEts"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_idnBAjEts[/ame]

[Steve201brz]

already love the concept of this thread. i dont have speakers here at work, gonna have to watch later for sure. the brz/frs front & back pics are sick. really nice work

[tacoss23]

Great video, thanks!

Just a side-note, the exhaust pipes on the black FRS, those are not stock. Those are TRD right?

[Rosso_Corsa]

Originally Posted by tacoss23

Great video, thanks!

Just a side-note, the exhaust pipes on the black FRS, those are not stock. Those are TRD right?

Thank you! It is indeed the TRD exhaust. I did have a caption in the video, but in the photos I didn't mention it. I've amended the 2nd photo.

Since the review, I've installed the TRD exhaust in my own BRZ, I liked it that much.

[humfrz]

Good show ..... well done!

humfrz

[CAMBAM_6]

Good work..hopefully the noobs stop making new threads asking which one they should get now....................but i doubt it

[yarik83]

I do not post often but when I do, I have to give credit where it is due. A great video deserves a thumbs up. I took a good hard look at the models myself and while I currently drive a truck I think it should be noted to anyone that sometimes it is easier to forego comforts such as leather seating and in dash navigation system for something a little cheaper. In my state (Florida) where inside of the car routinely cooks at 140+ degrees F, leather seats will be a major burden, unless of course you like your buttocks fried on the hot seat. A tiny tom tom costs just a fraction of in car navigation system so it is up to the individual. That being said I think it is a travesty that scion does not come with HID by default but I am sure aftermarket will cover that.

I have been toying around with idea of getting a hot lava manual FRS myself.

[Monkey_Boy]

After all of the reading I have done, I had not realized that the spoilers were different on the standard FRS. I am not fond of the BRZ spoiler, and have been looking at aftermarket options. That standard FRS spoiler looks pretty decent!

[oldpueblo]

Awesome, you did a visual version of my spreadsheet. Excellent work. I think the only thing I'd add (probably too late) is that the FR-S does have a better stock stereo (+100w) and with the 10 series now a touch screen with optional navigation (well not the Canadian one I guess :p).

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45042

[TRD-X]

Originally Posted by oldpueblo

Awesome, you did a visual version of my spreadsheet. Excellent work. I think the only thing I'd add (probably too late) is that the FR-S does have a better stock stereo (+100w) and with the 10 series now a touch screen with optional navigation (well not the Canadian one I guess :p).

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45042

Yeah and with there now being 2,500 10 Series FR-S's they should be added to this BRZ vs FR-S thread.

[encity5]

Nothing said in the video is new news to me since I've been following the twins for so long now. With that said, this was still a great and engaging video that I simply enjoyed watching. Well produced video, and really well presented with clarity. Car enthusiasts need more videos made like these

Much respect!

[mwjcyber]

Nice Video.

Per my posting in the Perrin thread, here are the differences I could find between the FRS and BRZ Limited.

FRS

• 3yr/30k free scheduled maintenance
• White Gauge cluster
• Faux Carbon Fiber trim
• Head unit RCA outputs
• Cloth Interior

BRZ
-Cosmetic Differences-

• Leather trimmed Alcantra Interior
• Silver trimmed interior (doors, dash, shifter, center stack)
• Color matched interior (refers to the clock, climate controls, and gauges all lighting up red)
• Interior Trunk Trim
• Front bumper
• Side scuddle
• Antenna
• Black Gauge Cluster
• Trunk Spoiler

-Functional Differences-

• HID headlamps (Automatic) with led strip
• LED daytime running light strip
• Fog lights
• Lighted vanity mirrors
• Interior courtesy lights
• NAV head unit with SIRIUS, HD Radio, DIVX video playback
• Push button start | Keyless entry
• Digital dual climate control system
• Heated seats/mirrors
• Anti theft security system
• Lighter crank pulley (1lb less)
• Spring rates

[Chaetagnath]

Awesome job! Wish I'd had this when I was looking year.

[Young_makaveli]

Very good informational video


Thanks