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The WRX vs BRZ/FR-S comparison is a very interesting one.
The WRX's advantages:
4/5 doors with moderately comfy back seats
Significantly faster acceleration
Significantly easier to make more power
Summer tire option means cornering grip is probably higher
BRZ/FR-S advantages:
Much better fuel economy
Much better handling
Slap good summer tires on it and absolute cornering limits will be higher
Plenty of power and low weight means it's more than capable of getting out of it's own way
With seats folded, can swallow a surprising amount of stuff
So, do you absolutely NEED the extra interior space and power? Slap good summer rubber on a BRZ/FR-S and it's going to corner harder, and it already handles way better. It's going to be about the same in terms of speed/acceleration as my '10 GTI, but better off the line since it's not FWD. My GTI, when it was stock, was by no means slow. I had lots of fun with it.
I wouldn't really place any "value" on AWD (over RWD anyways). The only thing it really helps is getting going in slippery conditions. It adds weight and complexity. RWD cars handle great in slippery conditions - they continue to be successful rally vehicles. The 911 is especially adept on the dirt. With the skinny tires, a sane ride-height and low weight, I expect the BRZ/FR-S will be an absolutely great winter vehicle with a set of blizzaks. Slap some Rally Armor on it and I bet it'd be an absolute blast to hoon around gravel roads with too.
And then there's the feel. I've driven plenty of WRXs, including newer STIs. They are fast, but they feel like they're fighting you the whole time. They still feel like a compact sedan.
From all the reports/reviews, the BRZ/FR-S feels special. It's an actual sports car. The interior is just as plain as the WRX, but it's laid out entirely for the purpose of enthusiast driving.
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