2015 WRX vs. FR-S/BRZ

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Just the angle; the bodies are identical.

The car *looks* wide due to the aggressive fender flares, but it's actually quite narrow when you park it next to a Corolla/Camry/Etc.

This generation looks odd to me usually as the rear fenders aren't flared enough to match the front. That's the first pic I've seen that it looks right.

[AznBRZer]

Originally Posted by industrial

That's weird. Not sure why you wouldn't rev match to downshift. A hardparker is someone who modifies their car solely for looks.

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Someone who parks hard instead of driving hard.

Sounds like the perfect place for me to hang out!

[TylerLieberman]

Been driving this thing around a bunch. Got about 500 miles on it already.

I'm actually working on a review that I'll post once it's complete. I'm not one to sugarcoat or try and defend my vehicle until death. I feel as though I'm pretty honest when it comes to my impressions of a vehicle, and I have discovered a couple small things that I'm not a big fan of on this car.

I'll have it up by the end of the month and it'll include pictures and my honest thoughts on this car after coming from the FRS, for those who are possibly interested in also making a similar switch.

I've already had people ask questions about the switch on this forum and my ig account, and I'm always happy to help to the best of my abilities.

Stay tuned

[JEDI]

After 5 WRX's including a 2015, all I can say I love my FR-S. Yes having a turbo would of been cool on a stock FR-S but after having this car a few thousand miles I can live without it for now.

[SmartedPanda]

Drove a 2015 WRX a couple of weeks ago, it's pretty awesome. The acceleration is addicting, the handling is on par, but the driver feedback is almost numb, but then again I only drove it once.

It's also too high, the short shifter is awesome though.

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by SmartedPanda

Drove a 2015 WRX a couple of weeks ago, it's pretty awesome. The acceleration is addicting, the handling is on par, but the driver feedback is almost numb, but then again I only drove it once.

It's also too high, the short shifter is awesome though.

Interesting.

I agree about the acceleration and the seat height being a bit high (awkward). I don't know if I'd say the feedback is "numb" though. Not as direct as the FRS/BRZ for sure, but there definitely still is some feedback in the WRX; the STI on the other hand... that's a different story.

I actually think the shifter in the WRX is horrible. It feels better than the previous 5spd transmission, but it leaves a lot to be desired. There's so much slop and play, I actually made a disgusted look on my face the first time I used it lol.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Interesting.

I agree about the acceleration and the seat height being a bit high (awkward). I don't know if I'd say the feedback is "numb" though. Not as direct as the FRS/BRZ for sure, but there definitely still is some feedback in the WRX; the STI on the other hand... that's a different story.

I actually think the shifter in the WRX is horrible. It feels better than the previous 5spd transmission, but it leaves a lot to be desired. There's so much slop and play, I actually made a disgusted look on my face the first time I used it lol.

I thought it was surprising he liked the shifter too. That is one of my least favorite things about the WRX after the seating position.

[SmartedPanda]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Interesting.

I agree about the acceleration and the seat height being a bit high (awkward). I don't know if I'd say the feedback is "numb" though. Not as direct as the FRS/BRZ for sure, but there definitely still is some feedback in the WRX; the STI on the other hand... that's a different story.

I actually think the shifter in the WRX is horrible. It feels better than the previous 5spd transmission, but it leaves a lot to be desired. There's so much slop and play, I actually made a disgusted look on my face the first time I used it lol.

Ah, true sloppy but the range was really nice.

[TylerLieberman]

As promised, I posted the review/comparison in the 'OTHER VEHICLES" forum on the site here.

[raven1231]

Finally picked her up a few days ago! (2016 DGM WRX 6MT)

I have to admit I wasn't sure how I felt about the purchase at first. Getting into the WRX when I was so use to driving the FR-S seemed strange. The seating as many have mentioned is a lot higher and it feels like your a lot less plugged in. That took a lot of getting use to.

However now with over 200 miles on the car I have gotten use to it, and that's where the issues stop. Other than small things such as the shifter being sloppy, the car feels like such a better bang for the buck than my FR-S. I like the FR-S a lot and it is really good at many things, but I love my WRX even more. A comparison of my pro's and con's for each are listed below along with some pics of her!

FRS Pro's:
-Styling is fantastic, car looks like it cost at least twice as much as it does
-handling is phenomenal
-Fun on twisties
-Light weight
-Low to the ground
-Low seating
-Driver feels very connected
-insane aftermarket support

FRS Con's:
-Interior is very cheap/basic
-driving is rough, and you feel every bump
-low seating makes for an interesting time getting in and out of the car
-poor acceleration/engine makes me wanting more (torque/hp)
-No useable rear seats/not very practical

WRX Pro's:
-Great acceleration thanks to twin scroll turbo
-Good handling
-Fun on all roads
-Useable backseats and trunk
-Nice interior with quality leather steering wheel
-Nice head unit with touch screen infotainment system
-Feels like a more complete package/better bang for your buck

WRX Cons:
-Not as aesthetically pleasing
-Drive sits higher/handling less raw feeling
-Shifter is sloppy stock
-heavier than the FRS
-more limited after market support (still relatively new)

With all of that said I absolutely love this car!

[thill]

Congrats Raven with some of those basic mods the shifter and even handling can be improved for not much money.

I have owned a lot of cars over the past 5 years (Mazda Speed3, Hyundai Gencoupe, BRZ, WRX) and the WRX is far and away my favorite daily driver of the lot even after 1 year plus of driving it (pushing 17 months).

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by thill

Congrats Raven with some of those basic mods the shifter and even handling can be improved for not much money.

I have owned a lot of cars over the past 5 years (Mazda Speed3, Hyundai Gencoupe, BRZ, WRX) and the WRX is far and away my favorite daily driver of the lot even after 1 year plus of driving it (pushing 17 months).

That's great to hear man! I was coming from an EVO 8 before the FR-S and this is worlds better than that was.

So far the plan for mods is:
-Perrin shifter stop
-Perrin Shifter bushing
-Anarchy Motive Goliath Shift Knob in Asphalt Black
-Mishimoto intake with box
-Cobb Accessport
-Tailight red overlays
-WRX grill emblem

Later down the road:
-TIC TGV delete
-Catless J pipe (undecided on brand)
-Protune

honestly though I think the car is very solid stock, other than the shifter.

[tyrantcf]

Originally Posted by raven1231

Finally picked her up a few days ago! (2016 DGM WRX 6MT)

I have to admit I wasn't sure how I felt about the purchase at first. Getting into the WRX when I was so use to driving the FR-S seemed strange. The seating as many have mentioned is a lot higher and it feels like your a lot less plugged in. That took a lot of getting use to.

However now with over 200 miles on the car I have gotten use to it, and that's where the issues stop. Other than small things such as the shifter being sloppy, the car feels like such a better bang for the buck than my FR-S. I like the FR-S a lot and it is really good at many things, but I love my WRX even more. A comparison of my pro's and con's for each are listed below along with some pics of her!

FRS Pro's:
-Styling is fantastic, car looks like it cost at least twice as much as it does
-handling is phenomenal
-Fun on twisties
-Light weight
-Low to the ground
-Low seating
-Driver feels very connected
-insane aftermarket support

FRS Con's:
-Interior is very cheap/basic
-driving is rough, and you feel every bump
-low seating makes for an interesting time getting in and out of the car
-poor acceleration/engine makes me wanting more (torque/hp)
-No useable rear seats/not very practical

WRX Pro's:
-Great acceleration thanks to twin scroll turbo
-Good handling
-Fun on all roads
-Useable backseats and trunk
-Nice interior with quality leather steering wheel
-Nice head unit with touch screen infotainment system
-Feels like a more complete package/better bang for your buck

WRX Cons:
-Not as aesthetically pleasing
-Drive sits higher/handling less raw feeling
-Shifter is sloppy stock
-heavier than the FRS
-more limited after market support (still relatively new)

With all of that said I absolutely love this car!

Attachment 116841

Attachment 116842

Attachment 116843

Attachment 116844

Ahhh yeahh. I like it man. I went down and drove a new STi and a new base WRX the other day and I too was pretty impressed, I expected them to feel much larger and heavier. I'm waiting to hear back from my sales guy but I'm considering making the switch to one.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by tyrantcf

Ahhh yeahh. I like it man. I went down and drove a new STi and a new base WRX the other day and I too was pretty impressed, I expected them to feel much larger and heavier. I'm waiting to hear back from my sales guy but I'm considering making the switch to one.

I doubt you will regret it man. I loved the FR-S but after being in the WRX even a few days, I can't say there is anything making me want to drive it over the WRX.