2015 WRX vs. FR-S/BRZ

[Sniper2606]

Hmmm brz shifter is shit, idk why you guys want the brz shifter on the wrx.

[CSG David]

The WRX has better ride quality than the BRZ.

[toast]

It's almost impossible to make any kind of comparison between the two, they are totally different cars.

If you can only have a single car that has to be able to do everything, the WRX is the way to go. If that isn't the case you absolutely cannot beat the feel of the BRZ, especially once you put real wheels and tires on it.

I just sold my 08 STI. It was stage 2+, fast as hell. I had a full alcantara interior in it, rocking stereo system and the minute I sat in the BRZ I knew I was going to sell it. There is no comparing the interiors. The new STI uses the same motor that blows ring landings and rod bearings. No way I would buy it again. Look at any dealership and they have at least one STI in the back waiting for a new shortblock. The motor in the new WRX is definitely the future, DI is the only way to go. The shifter in the WRX feels like shit because it is a cable linkage, no short shifter will help that. The STI drivetrain the the most capable and best feeling thing I have ever driven, but again, the motor is a pig. The throttle response of the BRZ stomps on both boosted cars as well.

It ALL comes down to personal preference. Six years ago there is no way I would have purchased the BRZ when the STI is just such a monster, but feelings change. Jive Turkey said it best - the STI is like driving a sledgehammer, the BRZ is a scalpel. Now that you can add 50 ftlbs of torque to the BRZ with an electric supercharger the choice is even more difficult...

[DeeezNuuuts83]

You can get the WRX with the STI short shifter as an option. I drove one a couple Fridays ago.

[Kronos]

Originally Posted by CSG David

The WRX has better ride quality than the BRZ.

Haven't driven the 15wrx but I assume the twins have better road feel.

Just playing devils advocate

Different strokes for different folks. That's really what it comes down too.

I kinda want the new WRX as a daily driver actually. It would be a good combo for where I live in Colorado

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Kronos

Haven't driven the 15wrx but I assume the twins have better road feel.

Just playing devils advocate

Different strokes for different folks. That's really what it comes down too.

I kinda want the new WRX as a daily driver actually. It would be a good combo for where I live in Colorado

We have both and have been testing for some time.

[Boxer486]

Originally Posted by CSG David

We have both and have been testing for some time.

A friend picked up a '15 series blue BRZ and swears not only does it corner flatter but also rides better and more comfortably. So we might need to adjust perspectives a bit on which BRZs we are talking about.


Though I'm sure the WRX's added 500 or so lbs and barca lounger chairs and seating position will make it seem more 'comfortable' in other respects. Which is why the choice should be pretty clear between the two.


Have to say though, after getting adjusted to the 86 seats, position and support, all other (stock) seats feel rather disconcerting which leaves me rather uncomfortable in a different sense. Getting into my leather lined Legacy GT feels like driving a Big Rig in comparison.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Boxer486

A friend picked up a '15 series blue BRZ and swears not only does it corner flatter but also rides better and more comfortably. So we might need to adjust perspectives a bit on which BRZs we are talking about.


Though I'm sure the WRX's added 500 or so lbs and barca lounger chairs and seating position will make it seem more 'comfortable' in other respects. Which is why the choice should be pretty clear between the two.


Have to say though, after getting adjusted to the 86 seats, position and support, all other (stock) seats feel rather disconcerting which leaves me rather uncomfortable in a different sense. Getting into my leather lined Legacy GT feels like driving a Big Rig in comparison.

I don't doubt that statement. There was a significant difference between a 2013 and a 2014 BRZ. They are always making changes, but we must admit that the 2015 WRX is indeed impressive. Let's just say Subaru is heading in a good direction.

[Boxer486]

Originally Posted by CSG David

I don't doubt that statement. There was a significant difference between a 2013 and a 2014 BRZ. They are always making changes, but we must admit that the 2015 WRX is indeed impressive. Let's just say Subaru is heading in a good direction.

Oh absolutely. It's been pretty universal that the WRX and STI has put much more expensive options from BMW, Audi, Cadillac and others on notice being the more serious car for the serious driver at a lower price point. The new WRX is fantastic. However, lets acknowledge that the bar set by the engineers for the WRX's handling was the BRZ and it's no BRZ. Still horses for courses.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Boxer486

Oh absolutely. It's been pretty universal that the WRX and STI has put much more expensive options from BMW, Audi, Cadillac and others on notice being the more serious car for the serious driver at a lower price point. The new WRX is fantastic. However, lets acknowledge that the bar set by the engineers for the WRX's handling was the BRZ and it's no BRZ. Still horses for courses.

Yea...the scope of the project has to be taken into consideration. The WRX was designed as something that the BRZ is not. Compared to the older WRX and STI models, the new one has been impressive nonetheless.

[toast]

Originally Posted by DeeezNuuuts83

You can get the WRX with the STI short shifter as an option. I drove one a couple Fridays ago.

You can get a STI 'branded' short shifter for the WRX but it is not THE short shifter from an STI. The tranny on the STI uses a direct linkage to the shift lever, the WRX uses cables for actuation. You will never get a WRX shift lever to feel as good as an STI.

[DeeezNuuuts83]

But it's an improvement. I haven't driven a "regular" 2015 wrx without that option but it kind of reminded me of the shift feel of the typical 6-speed subie transmissions.

[thill]

Originally Posted by DeeezNuuuts83

But it's an improvement. I haven't driven a "regular" 2015 wrx without that option but it kind of reminded me of the shift feel of the typical 6-speed subie transmissions.

If the BRZ transmission was a 10/10 the 2015 WRX w factory short throw is an 8/10 IMHO. I have noticed the WRX shifter is much easier to engage in cold weather vs the BRZ.

I have also heard the $25 Perrin shift bushing really cleans up the feel of the shifter too in the 2015 WRX. Am ordering mine today

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by thill

If the BRZ transmission was a 10/10 the 2015 WRX w factory short throw is an 8/10 IMHO. I have noticed the WRX shifter is much easier to engage in cold weather vs the BRZ.

I have also heard the $25 Perrin shift bushing really cleans up the feel of the shifter too in the 2015 WRX. Am ordering mine today

Like the BRZ, you need to shift slower and smoother.