Thread: WRX -> FR-S?
View Single Post
Old 05-02-2014, 07:49 PM   #40
Jegan_V
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Drives: 2023 Subaru BRZ
Location: Toronto
Posts: 433
Thanks: 67
Thanked 275 Times in 156 Posts
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Havsie View Post
If you drive a 2012+ Impreza and then a FR-S/BRZ back to back you'll notice that they are very similar inside...even down to the extra little window in the front. Of course there are some differences, mainly seats and a few specific interior bits, but the overall feel is similar. The same goes for the new WRX/STi compared to the 2012+ Impreza/Forester/Crosstrek, they feel very similar inside. After all, they are all loosely based on the same platform and Subaru loves to slap the same parts into every single car they make.
Parts bin engineering is actually a good thing. I see few downsides for the consumer and the automaker when you can achieve excellent results from a part that's already developed and proven. Having common models share these parts with a lower volume model like our cars makes keeping these cars far far easier post warranty.

I've owned a car that didn't share too many parts and the only models it shared parts with...were rarer. I loved the car but it sucked every single time a 25+ year old part quit. Parts were uncommon making it not only expensive but the wait times grounded the car on average 2 weeks each time. Had my old car benefited from parts bin engineering with common stuff like Corollas and Camrys, I'd probably would've kept it as a weekend vehicle as I'd keep more money and the car would've been driven a lot more.
Jegan_V is offline   Reply With Quote