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

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]

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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

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.

Good show ..... well done!

humfrz

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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