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2008 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. STI

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:06 am
by Mr Kleen
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. STI
So is the STi worth $10,000 than a regular WRX? As always, it depends. If you can't live with the hatchback styling and want to choose the sedan, you are limited to the WRX. If you can live with the looks of the hatch, the decision gets a little more complicated. If you reside somewhere with smooth pavement (that is not Michigan) or you regularly spend weekends at the track and don't mind the high strung nature of the high-boost turbo engine, the STi will fill the bill. On the other hand, if you're in the market for a daily driver, the WRX is actually a lot more fun to drive at speeds won't cost you your driving privileges. It leaps off the line and the torque band feels broad and useful instead of peaky like the STi. Both cars have good grip and their advanced all-wheel-drive systems allow them to be utilized under all kinds of weather conditions....

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:25 am
by chicken n waffles
interesting take. i'm glad someone gave the wrx credit for once. it seems that most reviews are written with pure power in mind instead of focusing on the average joe and the doldrum of daily driving, therefore heaping praise on the sti and laughing at its little brother.

good read.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:00 am
by Sabre
:plusone: to the :postwhore: Great to see a comparison between the two!

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:04 am
by Mr Kleen
too bad the one with the extra helping of FAIL seems to be the better daily driver.

Re: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. STI

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:48 pm
by avriette
Mr Kleen wrote:In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. STI
So is the STi worth $10,000 than a regular WRX? As always, it depends. If you can't live with the hatchback styling and want to choose the sedan, you are limited to the WRX. If you can live with the looks of the hatch, the decision gets a little more complicated. If you reside somewhere with smooth pavement (that is not Michigan) or you regularly spend weekends at the track and don't mind the high strung nature of the high-boost turbo engine, the STi will fill the bill. On the other hand, if you're in the market for a daily driver, the WRX is actually a lot more fun to drive at speeds won't cost you your driving privileges. It leaps off the line and the torque band feels broad and useful instead of peaky like the STi. Both cars have good grip and their advanced all-wheel-drive systems allow them to be utilized under all kinds of weather conditions....
This really sounds like Subaru needs to invest in twin-scroll turbos or variable vane turbos for the STI. I agree it's peaky (and I like it this way), but they'd get a much broader power band if they went with a better (they're *really* expensive) turbo.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:58 pm
by zaxrex
Yeah, take an '04 STi, and invest the extra $8K cost of a new one into VVT or twin turbo

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:07 pm
by complacent
That is a great comparison for (i'm willing to bet) 90% of the potential buyers.

Sucks about the lack of flares in teh rear of teh wrx... :(

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:17 pm
by chicken n waffles
i'd be willing to bet that if the wrx had the fender flares, the majority of reviewers wouldn't give it such a hard time.

now about that chrome strip and altezzas...

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 3:55 pm
by GaToR
chicken n waffles wrote:i'd be willing to bet that if the wrx had the fender flares, the majority of reviewers wouldn't give it such a hard time.
With fender flares, I'd be on it like flies on shit.