owning both a wrx 02 and the STi I can tell you they are two different cars inside, outside and on the road. The STi is much more performance oriented, it lacks some comfort the WRX has, but you can toss it all over the place and it just smiles, I have heard some complaints about getting it sideways but i have had no issues with it, I live in western MD and get to drive roads that that the STI was made to drive on, I can tell you it is a pure driving experience. I love this car. The WRX was alot of fun on these roads, but the STI takes it to the next level, the sti wins hands down, you would have to look at about 6 to 8k in order to turn a wrx into an STI, being able to roll the DCCD back to the rear and get sideways at will (pick a gear) is just plain fun. stopping power (WOW) this thing stops, steering response is quick and controlled, and there is no need to rev real high to get in the power like on the WRX. I loved my wrx but love my STI more. I also own a 00 RS with a bunch of suspension mods and the stock sti feels better then the RS which was lighter and has $2000 in suspension on it. If you have the money buy the STI, leave it alone, enjoy it and the warranty it comes with.

 

I would think the wrx would win because isn't it lighter by like a hunderd or so lbs.

Ps :if the sti is much better at handling and everything and my car is already fun to drive then I would cream my pants if i got to own an sti