STI or suped up WRX
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STI or suped up WRX
ok heres the story, I'm thinking about buying an STI, but I've also looked at some performance modifications that are available for the WRX specifically the STI hunter package (the package really seems to make a much more useable tourqe/HP curve http://www.rallyperformance.com/dynotubobackvsmuff.jpg) by scooby sport (I realize that it is being compared to a 2.0 litre STI). I dont just want pure speed and power, handling is just as important to me. I really like the Idea of having the guys who build stuff for WRC cars making performance parts for my daily driver, SO I guess my question is what would you go with. Should I throw down the cash and hope that scooby decides to make the same sort of kit for the STI. or should I just buy a WRX and buy the STI hunter package?
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here is what I'd do.....
I'm on the fence too regarding the US STi vs WRX.
I'm waiting for SOA to release the price of the MY04 US STi. My wife already signed off on getting the STi and dumping my MY02 WRX. But I'm not sure I want to do that...I LOVE the round headlights!!!!
Anywho, my dream package (keeping price in mind)...would be the following:
* Vishnu Stage 1, $2500 (TB exhaust, uppipe, UD crank pulley, ECUtek, colder spark plugs - I already have Samco IC hoses)
* STi suspension from Subaruparts.com - it's like $1200, plus STi top mounts (not sure of price, couple hundred each - front and back)...let's say $1600 for total suspension
* STi tranny and motor mounts...let's say $250
* Perrin brake upgrade (front and back) $1450
Your talkin' $5500 or so and your car should be pretty kick butt!!!
just my .02
I'm waiting for SOA to release the price of the MY04 US STi. My wife already signed off on getting the STi and dumping my MY02 WRX. But I'm not sure I want to do that...I LOVE the round headlights!!!!
Anywho, my dream package (keeping price in mind)...would be the following:
* Vishnu Stage 1, $2500 (TB exhaust, uppipe, UD crank pulley, ECUtek, colder spark plugs - I already have Samco IC hoses)
* STi suspension from Subaruparts.com - it's like $1200, plus STi top mounts (not sure of price, couple hundred each - front and back)...let's say $1600 for total suspension
* STi tranny and motor mounts...let's say $250
* Perrin brake upgrade (front and back) $1450
Your talkin' $5500 or so and your car should be pretty kick butt!!!
just my .02
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A pragmatic approach to your dilemma !
IMO the STI is clearly a better deal than a 32k modified WRX.
There is no way to take a regular WRX, add 8k worth of stuff and make it as good as an STI in terms of ALL-AROUND ability. I am assuming the STI comes in at 32k. Here are some of my reasons:
1. The STI has all the trick Diffs that make it a special handler.
2. An STI will be more reliable than an equally powerful modded WRX. Subaru will have tested the STI far more throughly than tuners like Vishnu can.
3. You STi will have a full factory warranty. The modded WRX's warranty will be in jeopardy.
The resale value of a stock STI will _FAR_ exceed the resale value of a 32k modified WRX. Since money is an issue, this is very important.
However, since you already OWN a WRX, you should probably wait another year before getting an STI. Your current WRX is too new to resell. Cars tend to depreciate most in the first couple of years. Also the STI will probably sell for a little less money in a year's time so that should help out your checkbook.
Remember, good things come to those who wait.
There is no way to take a regular WRX, add 8k worth of stuff and make it as good as an STI in terms of ALL-AROUND ability. I am assuming the STI comes in at 32k. Here are some of my reasons:
1. The STI has all the trick Diffs that make it a special handler.
2. An STI will be more reliable than an equally powerful modded WRX. Subaru will have tested the STI far more throughly than tuners like Vishnu can.
3. You STi will have a full factory warranty. The modded WRX's warranty will be in jeopardy.
The resale value of a stock STI will _FAR_ exceed the resale value of a 32k modified WRX. Since money is an issue, this is very important.
However, since you already OWN a WRX, you should probably wait another year before getting an STI. Your current WRX is too new to resell. Cars tend to depreciate most in the first couple of years. Also the STI will probably sell for a little less money in a year's time so that should help out your checkbook.
Remember, good things come to those who wait.
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All Too True...
"97itr153" Good arguement and i have to agree with you on that one. I personally would by the STI b4 the WRX because u can do all the tunning you want to the WRX but then u'll just get the same resalts if not a lil less than a STI.
Yes, you can spend 8 grand in the WRX and make it fast but then you'll void ur warranty.
On the other hand if $$ was an issue right now and u want a WRX or STI then ill have to go with the WRX. In my situation im getting the WRX due to almost 10 grand in cost difference. Later on ill tune up the WRX and keep up with the STI but that will be 2-3 years after i have the WRX. lol Im confused
STI = if you have the money
WRX = if u have 26 grand
Either way you'll be satisfied
Yes, you can spend 8 grand in the WRX and make it fast but then you'll void ur warranty.
On the other hand if $$ was an issue right now and u want a WRX or STI then ill have to go with the WRX. In my situation im getting the WRX due to almost 10 grand in cost difference. Later on ill tune up the WRX and keep up with the STI but that will be 2-3 years after i have the WRX. lol Im confused
STI = if you have the money
WRX = if u have 26 grand
Either way you'll be satisfied
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97itr153.....
......you are completely right. I think it would be a wiser decision to go with the STi over a moded WRX. If the STi comes in around 32k - my plan is to wait until the summer of '04 and buy an STi. They'll be out for a year and you won't have to worry about dealer mark-up.
yes it will have full factory warranty, but imagine what would happen if you do one little mod to it, like a turbo timer. there goes the warranty. i wouldn't doubt that SOA will be twice or three times as strict on the warranty issue for the STi. the WRX i agree isn't as powerful or even limited than the STi will be and look at the fight they put when we just add a frickin turbo timer. i would much rather break something a bit cheaper in the WRX than the STi. therefore, i'd go for modding the WRX. many of us are basically out of the warranty thing already, may as well go the distance. also, you could probable pull some strings with damage done to the WRX, but for the STi, since it's sooo limited, don't think it'll be as easy. just a thought.
as for the modding issue, i think you could get the WRX to STi specs where it would be so close that it would depend on who's behind the wheel. well, i guess this is the main thing to begin with, the driver.
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Yes, you can get a regular WRX up to the same level of performance, but by the time you get there you will have spent just as much as the STI. Also, lets not forget that the 2.0l motor in the WRX is no STI motor and while it will produce the same power numbers it won't be as reliable or last as long.
About the older body style, while yes being lighter, it is no where near as rigid. The 02MY chasis is much stiffer and provides a better platform for handling and holds up to the abuse of autocrossing and rally type events better over time. If speed is your thing, then this doesn't really apply, and damn straight driveline swap is the cheapest.
If I already owned a WRX and had it payed off I don't think I'd buy an STI, but if I'm just starting I don't think I would go any other way than the STI. Also, If I had an 01MY or newer impreza I'd probably trade it in on an STI.
My $.02
About the older body style, while yes being lighter, it is no where near as rigid. The 02MY chasis is much stiffer and provides a better platform for handling and holds up to the abuse of autocrossing and rally type events better over time. If speed is your thing, then this doesn't really apply, and damn straight driveline swap is the cheapest.
If I already owned a WRX and had it payed off I don't think I'd buy an STI, but if I'm just starting I don't think I would go any other way than the STI. Also, If I had an 01MY or newer impreza I'd probably trade it in on an STI.
My $.02
you mean "unbreakable" in what sense? if it's just to go in a straight line, powershifting, and clutch dumping, then maybe, but if we're talking about on the track, which is where these cars were made to perform, then i think a hardened gearset would be sufficient or even a dogbox, which is not nearly as expensive as the 6-speed.
rally performance has stage kits that can pretty much keep up with the STi, and costs less than 8 to 10 grand. when it comes down to it, it's all about the driver. it doesn't really matter what the car can do in a straight line, which is where many people are concerned. if that were the case, i would've gone with a supra or mustang. i'm not saying that the WRX is better than the STi, because on paper, that's just not true, however, with the right modifications, i think it can be just as good (depending on the driver) on a track on any given day against the STi.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 116
From: Redmond WA
I totally agree with you on the driver issue, cause my friend with camry V6 beat lots of people on AutoXes...
but this main argument of this thread is on how close to make a regular WRX to have a "paper" performance as a sti. so basically, yeah, it's possible, but consider all the money and reliability you've sacrificed, I personally think it's not worth it.
but this main argument of this thread is on how close to make a regular WRX to have a "paper" performance as a sti. so basically, yeah, it's possible, but consider all the money and reliability you've sacrificed, I personally think it's not worth it.
