jdepould

iTrader: (2)

so much for the RX8 idea:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/...rly-all-rx-8s/

thebruce44

Why do you call it the Saabaru. Do they share parts?

How do the Volvo and Saab compair to the WRX? Are they worth the higher price?

meilers

Wow, holy crap -- a recall that might earn you a brand-new engine? If Mazda was in the position of Mitsubishi this would drive them right out of business!

I feel sorry for anyone who modded their RX-8 engine; they are going to miss out on getting a serious issue fixed for free.

Back on topic, Volvo's "AWD" is not anything close to true AWD; it is a 95/5 split (front/rear) until the traction control triggers the center differential.

This is also true of the Infiniti G35 Sedan with AWD. Subaru is the only manufacturer making full-time 50/50 AWD sedans, AFAIK; most others are traction-control systems that only distribute power to all four wheels in essentially emergency conditions. The Audi Quattro models are another option, though these start at $10k over any Subaru model.

jdepould

iTrader: (2)

Saab 9-2x = Subaru Impreza

VRT Gump

iTrader: (4)

I drove a few cars and nothing I found was close to the WRX. The salesman wouldnt let me test out the STI because they said they wont let anyone test them because they get wrecked. Go with the WRX and enjoy.

jdepould

iTrader: (2)

That drives me nuts, how else are you supposed to buy a car?

STi489

only certain dealers are like that or unless your a kid who looks like he can't afford one.....the dealer i bought my STi from let me and my girl take it out by ourselves!!! no salesman...i was able to get a good feel for her and fell in LOVE..ditched my 04 mach 1 and said hello STi !!

thebruce44

Is a 50/50 AWD really a better option. I know the Mazda was the same way too with a tendancy towards FWD.

Its my understanding that the STI has a traction control system, just that it starts out at 50/50. I am just curious if the 50/50 AWD is really better than a FWD tendancy with traction control. It seems like Subaru uses their 50/50 as a selling point, but the Mazda dealer used their traction control as a selling point.

Which one is better? And I am asking for better in terms of saftey in snowy weather, not fast starts. I would love to hear some of your opinions.

VRT Gump

iTrader: (4)

Subaru WRX or WRX STI FTW!!!!!!!


FTW = for the win.

That is just my opinion though. The most important thing when getting a car is finding one that suits you and that you will enjoy driving and paying for.

thebruce44

I dont know what that means at all.

meilers

My personal opinion is that AWD which is truly distributed power, and not just temporary traction control, is better for a broader range of conditions (dry, wet, snow, mud, gravel) and less quirky than a computer-controlled traction system. However, full-time AWD does come at a price, most notably in fuel economy and weight. If you're willing to learn how to use AWD to your advantage, you can pull off some amazing driving; it took me nearly 2 years and a trip to Bondurant to really master AWD vs. RWD driving, but I can turn corners and exhibit vehicle control in areas that no FWD or RWD car can accomplish without a lot of screeching tires and fighting the wheel -- and I can do it in the rain and snow, as well, with normal street tires.

I recently had to drive a Buick Lucerne as a rental, and it was so painfully easy to get that car out of control, even with 4,000 pounds holding it down and a really weak engine and automatic transmission. The WRX spoils you for everything else. Nothing besides a 911 has the incredible "on rails" feel of a WRX or STI; once you correct the natural understeer of the car with a few cheap mods (rear sway bar and endlinks), you have a car that handles better out of the gate than perhaps 90% of the cars for sale right now.

thebruce44

Thanks for all your help guys. I ended up buying an 06 WRX today. They are running a search for it and I should have it late this week. The waiting is killin me.

_JsWRX

The RX-8 is no sports car... its a sport looking car

Superglue WRX

You're only options for "AWD Sports Cars" at that price range off the top of my head:

2006- WRX TR (2.0L H4 Tubo 230hp; MSRP $23,995)
2006- Mazdaspeed 6 (2.3L I4 Turbo 274hp; MSRP $28,555)
2006- VW Passat (3.6L V6 280hp; MSRP $29,950)
Used- WRX STi (2.5L H4 Turbo 300hp; $???)
Used- Evolution VIII (2.0L I4 Turbo 276hp; $???)
Used- Audi A4 Quatro (sports car???)

If it were me, I would get the used STI. But I don't care about gas mileage and I rarely go to where it snows.

VRT Gump

iTrader: (4)

fixed. the 06 WRX now has the 2.5