the difference of ~$1,300 *could be enough for me to want the BRZ more than the FR-S for the extra goodies (xenons- love the night time clarity these lights give you while driving in the dark. Nav comes with a few cool features, and I won't need to use my phone). as of right now I'm shooting for the BRZ. while i do like the styling of the FR-S a TON better (front end treatment of the BRZ seems to change in every photo i look at- you can totally see they got Toyota's left overs and had to throw something together), I have issues with the FR-S being a Scion (wasn't always like that). i'm afraid if they decide to shutter Scion for poor sales numbers (which seems like a distinct possibility) then I'm stuck with a car with a badge that nothing good came of. if the FR-S were a yota then without question that would be the one i'd go for. this is my line of thinking for now, but after an eye full of the Scion Racing/GReddy FD FR-S that could change...who knows..??? :D

all comes down to individual priorities in what you want/can live with. in reality the BRZ has barely any more extra equipment over the FR-S. I think the FR-S Release Series 1st edt. will come w/ equipment that will make it seem like a worthy alternative from a content/packaging perspective.

Well, unfortunately I also prefer the interior design differences like the gauges and fake carbon fiber dash. I also don't want a spoiler, dual-zone climate control, or heated seats... and I don't care much for push start either. Plus, there's something sacrilegious about switching bumpers and having a Subaru logo on a Toyota/Scion style front end. I think it would actually be a lot easier for me to just buy a Scion and swap out the headlamps, seats, and add a nav. But again, that's more $ and time. :sigh:

I think its a sad state we're in when its not obvious as to whether its a joke or not.....

One of the first 86ers asked about the BeSpoke upgrade...$850...lol who is going to buy that when for a little bit more you can get the BRZ premium?

I am, because while the BRZ has almost everything (and additional things) the Scion has, it lacks one great feature that I want: The Scion Badge and Toyota heritage.

No hate to Subaru, it's a personal thing like I said. I also think you get more for the price of the Subaru.

Say Subaru and another company other than Toyota made this exact car, I probably wouldn't want it as much. In fact, I would feel bad for Toyota and probably even disappointed. I usually don't have strong desires to want a car but because it is also available as a Toyota that changes a lot! :)

another difference between BRZ and FR-S
 

According to Subaru website, the BRZ (both versions) comes with six way adjustable driver's seat. I've found that the FR-S only has three way adjustable (up/down, front/back, back tilt).

That plus HIDs plus Nav is pretty good value for $1000.

That three way is actually considered six way. Each direction counts as a "way".