2015 WRX vs. FR-S/BRZ

[GotMunchies?]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

LOL. Just took a family of four on a road trip. Yes, it sucked, but I got a track day out of it.

I have this wonderful mental image of everyone sitting with an extra set of track-day tires on their laps.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by Frost

Am I the only one who doesn't think the BRZ is THAT bad in terms of inside noise? Maybe I'm used to econoboxes but then again, I did own an IS300 at one point.

I didn't notice noise at all while I was test driving (drove both a BRZ and an FR-S)... then again, I am used to an S2000 (rattly soft top latches/frame) and a 240sx (old and rattly, in general lol).

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by GotMunchies?

I have this wonderful mental image of everyone sitting with an extra set of track-day tires on their laps.

I always track with stock tires. It keeps the speeds down and gives me an excuse for poor lap times. Anyway, I sent a spare down with my parents. They'll bring it back next time they visit.

[tennisfreak]

Originally Posted by Frost

Am I the only one who doesn't think the BRZ is THAT bad in terms of inside noise? Maybe I'm used to econoboxes but then again, I did own an IS300 at one point.

Agreed, I think cabin noise is one of the most over blown complaints about this car.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Frost

Am I the only one who doesn't think the BRZ is THAT bad in terms of inside noise? Maybe I'm used to econoboxes but then again, I did own an IS300 at one point.

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling

I didn't notice noise at all while I was test driving (drove both a BRZ and an FR-S)... then again, I am used to an S2000 (rattly soft top latches/frame) and a 240sx (old and rattly, in general lol).

Originally Posted by tennisfreak

Agreed, I think cabin noise is one of the most over blown complaints about this car.

Not by any stretch are you the only one that doesn't think it is that bad.
The thing is that we don't post "well I am keeping the car because I find the noise isn't bad at all" or "you know I just noticed that I can hear my radio just fine" so we don't get noticed.
Same applies to dealer service work, having no problems, feel there is enough power/speed, and so on. We just hear the complaints while the majority just drive around without comments.

[brzaapi]

Bitching about the road noise in this car, is like bitching about the gas mileage of a Hummer. Its something to be expected with this type of vehicle.

[D.Scrye]

The only sound issue I've ever had was how loud she got when engine braking (not that I usually do that, but I spend a lot of time in traffic). Since I got a frontpipe with a whacking huge resonator on it, that problem has gone away.

[Frost]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

Bitching about the road noise in this car, is like bitching about the gas mileage of a Hummer. Its something to be expected with this type of vehicle.

I know! I find it odd that in the list of people who seem to have traded in this car for something better suited for them (read: they bought the wrong car in the first place), road noise was almost always a recurring issue.

Seriously?

I'll give that the WRX / STi is certainly more refined but imho, it's getting bloated.

[shiro]

My friend works at a dealership and got a hell of a deal on a new 2015 WRX. I'm hoping to check it out and see what it feels like. He already has a list of mods he want to do for it to include an Ark Exhaust.


As we all know they will fell differently but the only way to really know is to drive one

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Frost

Am I the only one who doesn't think the BRZ is THAT bad in terms of inside noise? Maybe I'm used to econoboxes but then again, I did own an IS300 at one point.

Lol, I'm coming from an MR2 Spyder = creaky soft top from chassis flex + rattling everywhere in interior + ear-ringing wind noise + loud engine that makes the whole car vibrate + tons of road noise. When I drove a BRZ for the first time, I thought I was sitting in a new Lexus.

[ckim]

I was coming from a '99 M3 which was pretty refined for a 16 year old car with 150k+ miles.

The BRZ wasn't too horrible stock. Got a bit obnoxious with the header (even the neighbors complained). And when I put the stock exhaust manifold back on it just felt too slow.

[Philly758]

Originally Posted by ckim

Reviving a dead thread.

After much debate, I traded in my BRZ for a '15 STi. The desire for more space, a quieter cabin, and more torque/hp won out in the end. The STi is absolutely excellent. Grip levels are high, handling is sharp, engine is smooth, and the AWD system is absolutely confidence inspiring. On top of that, my kid fits in the back with room to spare.

But, owning an STi (and driving it on the same canyon roads that I'd driven the BRZ on many many times) has also made me realize just how great the BRZ is. The 86 is so communicative, and making it do what you want is effortless. It's an absolute blast to drive (especially once you do something about that torque dip), and IMHO a hell of a deal.

I'm pretty much just repeating what some people above have already said, but "BRZ v. WRX" is ultimately going to depend on what you're looking for. Both are excellent cars, just different. You can't really go wrong with either, unless you're trying to fit your family of 4 into your BRZ for an extended road trip. Then you're going to have a bad time.

I want to want an STI so bad, but I can't get myself to trade in my BRZ. I test drove an STI and it was fun, felt like a lot more car, but the seats/driving position is what kills it for me. I feel like I am sitting in a corolla. There is nothing exciting about it. The seats and driving position in the BRZ are awesome.

I do love the BRZ and have done a fair amount of mods on my own (vortech, springs, exhaust, bushings, stuff). I like working on cars and working on this car. But my job has been crazy, I live in a condo without a garage and need to drive 30 min each way to my brothers garage where all my tools are to accomplish anything. The STI would be sweet and not need much, just a tune and maybe some wheels if I went with the base model. That would fit my current living situation so much better.

Do you think the benefits of the STI outweigh the awkward bench seat/driving position?

#firstworldproblems

[brzaapi]

Originally Posted by Philly758

I want to want an STI so bad, but I can't get myself to trade in my BRZ. I test drove an STI and it was fun, felt like a lot more car, but the seats/driving position is what kills it for me. I feel like I am sitting in a corolla. There is nothing exciting about it. The seats and driving position in the BRZ are awesome.

I do love the BRZ and have done a fair amount of mods on my own (vortech, springs, exhaust, bushings, stuff). I like working on cars and working on this car. But my job has been crazy, I live in a condo without a garage and need to drive 30 min each way to my brothers garage where all my tools are to accomplish anything. The STI would be sweet and not need much, just a tune and maybe some wheels if I went with the base model. That would fit my current living situation so much better.

Do you think the benefits of the STI outweigh the awkward bench seat/driving position?

#firstworldproblems

Yes, I do. But if youre not sure.......then I say wait. When you feel you need more practicality and the BRZs lack of it frustrates you more and more. Then will be the time to make the change. Till then the BRZ sounds like the right car.


That being said I couldn't make the choice and I am lucky I don't have too. I play with my BRZ and DD a GOLF R(Formerly a WRX). I love my Golf R and its practical-ness. But my BRZ is my go to fun car/track toy.


Still, you will know when its time to let it go. 10 years ago if I could only have 1 car. Then the BRZ is it. But now I have more practical needs and I would choose the STI.


The good thing is. You cant really go wrong with either car. But I don't envy your dilemma. Good luck.

[Philly758]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

Yes, I do. But if youre not sure.......then I say wait. When you feel you need more practicality and the BRZs lack of it frustrates you more and more. Then will be the time to make the change. Till then the BRZ sounds like the right car.


That being said I couldn't make the choice and I am lucky I don't have too. I play with my BRZ and DD a GOLF R(Formerly a WRX). I love my Golf R and its practical-ness. But my BRZ is my go to fun car/track toy.


Still, you will know when its time to let it go. 10 years ago if I could only have 1 car. Then the BRZ is it. But now I have more practical needs and I would choose the STI.


The good thing is. You cant really go wrong with either car. But I don't envy your dilemma. Good luck.

Well... I do have my not so practical, practical, jacked up AWD van with battle bumper for everthing else. So the STI may be more of a convenience thing than anything else. Anyways, thanks for the feedback!

Battle van...