How different is the brz from the frs?
 

I am going to be purchasing an frs/brz in the near future. I am probably going to go with and frs to save some cash. The only reason I am interested in the brz is becuase of the brz limited hvac control unit. I think the frs and base brz units are cheap looking but i really like the look of the brz's unit.

I know there are a few cosmetic things that are different. My real question I guess would be am i going to be limited more with the brz then the frs? I know most of the car is the same but it seems most of the aftermarket support right now is geared towards the frs more then the brz.

Also another question does the rocket bunny v2 kit fit on a brz?

They're the same car.... why would there be more aftermarket support for one car vs the other one? The body is EXACTLY the same down to the engine except the front bumper.

Yes the V2 kit will fit as it replaces the front bumper

After choosing the brz. The one thing I still really appreciate is the keyless entry and push start. Never taking out the keys is a pretty mice upgrade.

Wasnt sure. I know the front bumpers are different and I heard somewhere the headlights are mounted differently or something. It may have sounded stupid but it was an honest question and I thank you for answering it.

Different badge

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3404

FYI

Bumper and front lamps are different.
Aside from that it's all interior differences and little gadgets that the BRZ Limited has (IE: The keyless entry posted already...which is so so convenient)

Just get a special edition FRS. I've seen ones on lots at $1500-$2000 off after they've been there long enough. It has the BRZ/Toyota JDM HVAC and keyless/push button start. Plus some feel the Toyota JDM HIDs outperform the Subaru lamps which some mentioned aren't bright enough for their liking. Plus you won't have to get stuck with that BRZ spoiler if you don't like it. You might also prefer the white tach, included scheduled service, road side assistance and potentially better dealer support. Who knows? :iono:

Brz = better resale value due to being a Subaru over Scion, cheaper insurance for some reason, DRL LED (if you like the boomerang lights), fender garnish looks better imo, alcantera seats.


Cons= less front lip option, front bumper styling is more "tame", needs to debadge to put duck tails.


Bet of both worlds will be the monogram series.

You may not actually save anything by going with the FR-S. Although the FR-S has a slightly lower sticker price than the BRZ, people usually end up paying more for the FR-S in reality because Scion uses their "Pure Price" crap to avoid negotiating. If you buy a BRZ, you can talk them down more from MSRP and drive away with a better price.

At the time I bought mine, the average out-the-door BRZ price in my area was about $2K less than the comparable Scion despite having a higher price on the sticker. I believe that has leveled out some now, but you still have more options at the Subaru dealer.

If money is an issue, I would suggest pricing out both at your local dealers. You may be surprised by what you find.

BRZ = MSRP which is negotable
FR-S = Non-negotable pricing

BRZ can be had cheaper because of this.

They use the same projector so there's no way the output is any different. If the light isn't bright enough, it's because people don't "get" the sharp cutoff of an HID light, and/or are used to crap HID kits in halogen light setups that throw light to the treetops.

Subaru and Scion both have 2yr/24K mile service, road side assistance, and dealer support is on a dealer by dealer basis.

I find the front of the FR-S a bit boring because it lacks details the BRZ has (personal opinion). Sure there's less front lip options, but most of them look the same anyway...

THIS^^

Shop around...

The housing is different, the projector and ballast I'd assume would be the same but don't know for sure. Seems to be from a RX350 I've heard. The comment was from some review saying specifically the BRZ headlights were dimmer than the FRS. Can't say which review at this point, too many to sift through. It's possible they just weren't aimed right and needed a few clicks.

Plus you can negotiate on a Scion, that's just myth. Sure some dealers will try to invoke the PP but so have some Subie dealers refused to budge on price.

Personally I can only stand the BRZ front if you cut out the mustache. It's hideous in my opinion. Kills the whole look they were going for. I also think the boomerang LEDs gets old looking fast tbh. Do not like the BRZ vents either which have even more fake mesh and sometimes a big fat chrome strip which seems a bit gaudy for the car I think. It's just over the top for me. Oh well.

There are simply far more Toyota dealers to choose from than Subaru out in the wild and overall seem to offer better overall customer satisfaction it seems. I thought I read from a BRZ owner that Subaru didn't include scheduled maintenance. If that's not the case, nvm.

The suspension spring rates are different.

Don't forget to look at the Premium BRZ! Everyone seems to forgets it exists! It is a FRS with HID lights, different bumper, silver interior, a trunk liner and a Subaru badge.