Motorweek: 2014 Scion TC > FRS
 

Just watched the latest Motorweek episode which featured a 2014 TC equipped with a new 6 speed auto tranny. Typical comments about excellent cargo space, decent steering and somewhat lazy shifting from the auto. However the final comment really surprised me when they stated " until Toyota gets around to giving the FRS more horsepower, we prefer the TC."

I'll chalk this up to the typical asinine perspective provided by professional automotive journalists. In contrast during the aftermarket wheel and tire test that Motor Trend did with one of the twins and a couple other cars, Randy P was quoted "Remind me again why we didn't choose this car as Car of the Year ?

Exactly why I don't watch these kind of shows or read any articles published by journalists who feel the need to share their opinion. They need to just give me the facts, because I honestly don't give a shit what they think.

I find Motorweek isn't really geared towards the enthusiast, but rather to the masses. They emphasize mpg, cargo space, interior space, acceleration and braking distances. Their reviews will probably appeal most to the average consumer.

Motorweek is for sheeple.

Motorweek is definitely not enthusiast minded.

going by just the facts will show that the frs is one of the worst value buys in sports car history. i think the issue is finding journalists who share the same needs and viewpoints as yourself. the frs is more fun but its not really a stretch to say that the tc is the better car.

This is true in a sense. Enthusiasts are only a very small percentage of the whole automotive industry. Most people buy cars for MPG, or looks, luxury, value for the dollar, safety features, etc. Not 'feel' or 'fun'. To the average person, a car is just another appliance. I feel that Motorweek is the most objective automotive media that's out there. And they do cater to the average consumer. But this makes them boring as hell to watch.

I find the extremely bland, zero emotion hosts very very boring...

Like the Beverly Hills wife with too much botox, her face shows nothing, but she says she is actually very happy.

They show the hosts driving the car through a canyon, but they just give some bs, political explanation for what its like to drive the car.

I only watch it now if there is a car I'm really interested in

I think the FR-S is one of the best value buys in sports car history. It just depends what facts matter to you.

Really? I cannot see that. I would think that the FR-S would be one of the best value buys among sports cars in car history. For example, if you take inflation into consideration and then look at the Datsun 240Z, Fiat 124 Spider, all gens of the Miata, all gens of the MR2 and the Nissan 350Z, I think you will find the FR-S compares favorably with the 240Z and is actually cheaper than all those others that I listed in today's dollars. It also is more versatile because of the rear folding seat and big trunk. It handles as good or better than any of them. It is more powerful than all but one of them (for a base model). Factor in amenities such as power windows, stereo, air conditioning, etc. and it seems to me that as sports cars go it is a bargain.

Now, if you are comparing it to mundane people movers like the tC or my wife's Chevy Cruze then you are right. Feature for feature, the FR-S is way over priced. But I do not want to take my wife's Cruze or a tC and drive it on the Tail of the Dragon or the twisty roads in SE Ohio.

Yes, it is a stretch. Sorry, but the person who recommends a TC over an FR-S/BRZ is only doing so because of practicality which means they should not be cross-shopping the cars to begin with.

I really don't know what else to say.. The FT86 is just a whole different level of drivers car. The fact we are debating this is, frankly, ridiculous..

So what are "the facts"?

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. :drinking:

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

And they call this a driver's car.

Good point. The maplight in the TC is also a little brighter... Huge win there...