Drove the new STi
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 439
From: Blackhawk, CA
Car Info: 996 Turbo,Gallardo,BMW 335,125cc shifter kart,etc
Drove the new STi
Hi guys,
Just got back from driving the new Sti. Press embargo mandates that I can't provide any lucid details/driving impressions until May 1st. But I will say that it's markedly different from the standard WRX in just about all respects. In terms of out-of-the-box performance, it was a very *good* decision to stick a turbo EJ25 in there
If the production car is anything like the pre-production car tested, lots of people are going to be very happy. As for the whole EVO vs. Sti thing, I can't think of two cars that drive so differently despite looking so similar on paper. They are different enough so that each is bound to have their own following.
I think that's all I can say without getting SOA upset at me. Sorry I can't be more vocal...
Cheers,
Shiv
________
California Dispensaries
Just got back from driving the new Sti. Press embargo mandates that I can't provide any lucid details/driving impressions until May 1st. But I will say that it's markedly different from the standard WRX in just about all respects. In terms of out-of-the-box performance, it was a very *good* decision to stick a turbo EJ25 in there
If the production car is anything like the pre-production car tested, lots of people are going to be very happy. As for the whole EVO vs. Sti thing, I can't think of two cars that drive so differently despite looking so similar on paper. They are different enough so that each is bound to have their own following. I think that's all I can say without getting SOA upset at me. Sorry I can't be more vocal...
Cheers,
Shiv
________
California Dispensaries
Last edited by Vishnu; Mar 7, 2011 at 03:58 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 240
From: PA
Car Info: 2004 WRX STi
Re: Drove the new STi
Originally posted by Vishnu
Hi guys,
Just got back from driving the new Sti. Press embargo mandates that I can't provide any lucid details/driving impressions until May 1st. But I will say that it's markedly different from the standard WRX in just about all respects. In terms of out-of-the-box performance, it was a very *good* decision to stick a turbo EJ25 in there If the production car is anything like the pre-production car tested, lots of people are going to be very happy. As for the whole EVO vs. Sti thing, I can't think of two cars that drive so differently despite looking so similar on paper. They are different enough so that each is bound to have their own following.
I think that's all I can say without getting SOA upset at me. Sorry I can't be more vocal...
Cheers,
Shiv
Hi guys,
Just got back from driving the new Sti. Press embargo mandates that I can't provide any lucid details/driving impressions until May 1st. But I will say that it's markedly different from the standard WRX in just about all respects. In terms of out-of-the-box performance, it was a very *good* decision to stick a turbo EJ25 in there
If the production car is anything like the pre-production car tested, lots of people are going to be very happy. As for the whole EVO vs. Sti thing, I can't think of two cars that drive so differently despite looking so similar on paper. They are different enough so that each is bound to have their own following. I think that's all I can say without getting SOA upset at me. Sorry I can't be more vocal...
Cheers,
Shiv
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for the information. I hope you post on may 1st. The mistubishi dealer next to my house has 3 evo sitting in the show room. unable to sell them the past month now. so it has been really hard not to go buy it. I am patiently waiting until I hear some more good new from you guys. your more than welcome to PM me huh any huh INFORMATION on any thing you feel you just have to get off your chest. lol lol lol
Guest
Posts: n/a
Crystal ball gazing....
hhmmmm, now what do I see ???????
Ah.......STi is a performance monster and easily out-guns the Evo in acceleration (Evo guys, you'd better start spending $$$ to bring your car up to the STi's performance)...........now what else ?
Ah, Evo out-handles the Sti by far........goes like a go-kart, makes the STi's handling seem almost boat-like through the twisties (STi guys, you'd better start spending $$$$ to bring your car's handling up to snuff)......
A commercial tuner's dream come true, or am I just a born cynic (not directed at Shiv personally, by the way).
Ah.......STi is a performance monster and easily out-guns the Evo in acceleration (Evo guys, you'd better start spending $$$ to bring your car up to the STi's performance)...........now what else ?
Ah, Evo out-handles the Sti by far........goes like a go-kart, makes the STi's handling seem almost boat-like through the twisties (STi guys, you'd better start spending $$$$ to bring your car's handling up to snuff)......
A commercial tuner's dream come true, or am I just a born cynic (not directed at Shiv personally, by the way).
Guest
Posts: n/a
OMFG! This waiting, even for just Shiv's inpressions, is driving me nuts! MTMS4's comments, I fear, may be right on point. Could lead to all sorts of nasty rummors. However balance that against " markedly different from the standard WRX in just about all respects" and we've got what? hope? Wish I could snap my fingers and just *know* now. Saw my first evo on the road yesterday, it was silver, large spoile option, cruising west on the 105, that intercooler looks downright sexy. It looks really nice, and for just one second I questioned waiting for the STI. I must not entertain such thoughts.
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Evo, I believe, will be the champion in the handling competition. Power delivery, I beleive, will go to the STi. The question is, which is more instantly important to you.
I think it will be easier to get even better handling out of the Evo with aftermarket than the STi. I believe the same is true for power with the STi over the Evo.
A guy I know has the MY02 STi struts on his wagon and it is definately a better feel over stock. Would the 04 STi setup be enough for me? Initially yes. For me the 2.5 is more important than the better handling the Evo is sure to give. The STi will be no slouch in handling, which would be good enough for me......initially.
I think it will be easier to get even better handling out of the Evo with aftermarket than the STi. I believe the same is true for power with the STi over the Evo.
A guy I know has the MY02 STi struts on his wagon and it is definately a better feel over stock. Would the 04 STi setup be enough for me? Initially yes. For me the 2.5 is more important than the better handling the Evo is sure to give. The STi will be no slouch in handling, which would be good enough for me......initially.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 439
From: Blackhawk, CA
Car Info: 996 Turbo,Gallardo,BMW 335,125cc shifter kart,etc
I think once people actually get to drive both cars, they'll immediately determine their personal favorite. You don't even have to push the cars hard to feel how differently they drive. In terms of objective handling, accel, braking, cornering, etc, performance, both cars are stellar. But it's the subjective stuff (ride characteristic, seating position, shift feel, steering feedback, brake pedal feel, body motion, general sense of confidence, etc,.) which is going to divide people into two different camps. Both will appreciate the other. But everyone will have their preference.
Cheers,
shiv
________
SATIVA STRAINS
Cheers,
shiv
________
SATIVA STRAINS
Last edited by Vishnu; Mar 7, 2011 at 03:59 AM.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by Vishnu
I think once people actually get to drive both cars, they'll immediately determine their personal favorite.
I think once people actually get to drive both cars, they'll immediately determine their personal favorite.
At least, if one did get even that lucky, and decided on the Evo, he shouldn't have too much trouble getting one at MSRP at most.
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,029
From: Sacramento CA
Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
Originally posted by Vishnu
I think once people actually get to drive both cars, they'll immediately determine their personal favorite.
I guess we'll know how much it impresses you if we see a new STi added to your fleet.
--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
I think once people actually get to drive both cars, they'll immediately determine their personal favorite.
I guess we'll know how much it impresses you if we see a new STi added to your fleet.
--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 457
From: Carlsbad,CA/Athens,GR
Car Info: 2001RSTI
Okay we've all seen the TopGear videos. We know that the steering and poise of the EVO is sharper and since it sits on 235s its lateral G performance is better. But lets not forget that the US spec STI has the electronic center diff while the US Evo gets mechanical ones to cut costs. No one, especially American drivers can judge the outcome of the upcoming battle of the rally rockets since we're looking at a totally new theatre here. The STI 7 and Evo7 battle is history. Just look what colors Tommi Makkinen's wearing. Long live the EJ25!!!
Guest
Posts: n/a
I actually test drove the EVO and I posted my thoughts on the COBB forum, but here is what I though:
Well I said I was going to do it and it did...I test drove one. It was no small acomplishment, I had to sweet talk the dealer for 90 minutes and he only let me drive it when I knew more about the car then the salesman, and THE MANAGER. It was hilarious, finally the salesmen told me, "you know, I might sell a lot of cars, but I am not really a car enthusiast." I tried not to laugh. Anyway very very imporessed here is my report.
Engine
Very impressive, there is a littl ebit of lag, and from idle the boost hit at around 3200 RPM, but it is not like there is no power before that. I have a TT, and there is much more lag in my car then the EVO. The power curve is also very pleasing. The car pulls right up to the redline, and when you shilf, you are right in the meat of the powerband. The car also revs nicely under boost, but there is one weird thing I noticed. When up shifting, the engine is slow to rev. Considering how fast the car pulls up to redline under boost, when you heel toe and downshift, it takes A LOT of gas to to get the RPMs up.
Transmission
Very slick. The trasnsmission in the car I drove clicked off shifts very fast. I know that we have all read the report that the car doesn't like to be shifted quickly, but there must have been something wrong with that car. Shifts are quick, and 1-4 are good for acceleration, while 5th is just a tall overdrive. You are at about 6750 RPM at 60 MPH in 2nd too. There is one thing that is weird though about the transmission. It is short throw, and quick, but it feels like there is a viscous coupeling or maybe like you are shifting through sand. Don't get me wrong, it is very smooth and the gates are not a problem, but there is a weird resistance in the shifting that I can;t understand or can describe.
Handeling
We all know that the handeling is increadible, but let me give you an example. The salesmen drove for about 3 miles to show me what it could do, and he was on a veyr twisty road with a 30 MPH limit, and we were going 82 MPH!!!! The car is better then everyone has said. I have never seen handeling like this before. IT is the best handeling car I have ever ridden in period. It makes an M3 feel like a delivery truck. The car corners without any body lean, and the seats hold you perfectly. I am a big guy, 6'3" and about 230 lbs and have a very athletic build, and if the seats did not wrap around me like they do, I would have broken the passenger window with my head being whipped around. The ride is firm, but not uncomfortable, in fact it is perfect for any person who will drive agressively. Brakes are well increadible. Very very strong, and without squeaking at all. However, the front calipers are huge in real life, They take up half of the front wheel. They look a little cartoonish, and of course the red does not help. There is a littl ebrake dive when braking hard, but that is a result of the huge braking force, and not the suspension.
Appearance
This car is beautiful in real life. There are minor fender flares that show up in the white and silver cars, and the tires even at 235, look very very meaty and agressive. It is weird, from the inside of the car, it feels long and narrow, but from the outside, the car looks short and wide. There is a type of nose down stance that also makes it look more agressive. And the HID headlights are very nice and work very well.
Overall
This car is awsome, the performance is amazing, and it looks so much better then it does in the magazines. I hate to say it but the low end problem is not really a problem. I hardly believe that anyone would complain about keeping the revs in the upper 50% of the RPM band. The car does not look quite as cartoonish as the STI (no neon pink or huge hood scoop) but there is a lot of carbon fiber in the rear wing. In fact the rear wing is covered on the inside with carbon fiber. Handeling is reported to be better than the STi, and it is increadible. Also I am sure that most of us in this forum would like to mildly modify any STI or an EVO and the parts are already here for the EVO, and there is nothing for the STI. I doubt that the extra 29 hp that the STi has will really make that much of a difference, especially if people are already getting more than 40 additional wheel HP with simple mods. The EVO keeps getting sexier. I think I might have been hooked...
Can't wait to see the STI, but for anyone lucky enough to get a ride in a EVO, It would seem hard to improve on.
Well I said I was going to do it and it did...I test drove one. It was no small acomplishment, I had to sweet talk the dealer for 90 minutes and he only let me drive it when I knew more about the car then the salesman, and THE MANAGER. It was hilarious, finally the salesmen told me, "you know, I might sell a lot of cars, but I am not really a car enthusiast." I tried not to laugh. Anyway very very imporessed here is my report.
Engine
Very impressive, there is a littl ebit of lag, and from idle the boost hit at around 3200 RPM, but it is not like there is no power before that. I have a TT, and there is much more lag in my car then the EVO. The power curve is also very pleasing. The car pulls right up to the redline, and when you shilf, you are right in the meat of the powerband. The car also revs nicely under boost, but there is one weird thing I noticed. When up shifting, the engine is slow to rev. Considering how fast the car pulls up to redline under boost, when you heel toe and downshift, it takes A LOT of gas to to get the RPMs up.
Transmission
Very slick. The trasnsmission in the car I drove clicked off shifts very fast. I know that we have all read the report that the car doesn't like to be shifted quickly, but there must have been something wrong with that car. Shifts are quick, and 1-4 are good for acceleration, while 5th is just a tall overdrive. You are at about 6750 RPM at 60 MPH in 2nd too. There is one thing that is weird though about the transmission. It is short throw, and quick, but it feels like there is a viscous coupeling or maybe like you are shifting through sand. Don't get me wrong, it is very smooth and the gates are not a problem, but there is a weird resistance in the shifting that I can;t understand or can describe.
Handeling
We all know that the handeling is increadible, but let me give you an example. The salesmen drove for about 3 miles to show me what it could do, and he was on a veyr twisty road with a 30 MPH limit, and we were going 82 MPH!!!! The car is better then everyone has said. I have never seen handeling like this before. IT is the best handeling car I have ever ridden in period. It makes an M3 feel like a delivery truck. The car corners without any body lean, and the seats hold you perfectly. I am a big guy, 6'3" and about 230 lbs and have a very athletic build, and if the seats did not wrap around me like they do, I would have broken the passenger window with my head being whipped around. The ride is firm, but not uncomfortable, in fact it is perfect for any person who will drive agressively. Brakes are well increadible. Very very strong, and without squeaking at all. However, the front calipers are huge in real life, They take up half of the front wheel. They look a little cartoonish, and of course the red does not help. There is a littl ebrake dive when braking hard, but that is a result of the huge braking force, and not the suspension.
Appearance
This car is beautiful in real life. There are minor fender flares that show up in the white and silver cars, and the tires even at 235, look very very meaty and agressive. It is weird, from the inside of the car, it feels long and narrow, but from the outside, the car looks short and wide. There is a type of nose down stance that also makes it look more agressive. And the HID headlights are very nice and work very well.
Overall
This car is awsome, the performance is amazing, and it looks so much better then it does in the magazines. I hate to say it but the low end problem is not really a problem. I hardly believe that anyone would complain about keeping the revs in the upper 50% of the RPM band. The car does not look quite as cartoonish as the STI (no neon pink or huge hood scoop) but there is a lot of carbon fiber in the rear wing. In fact the rear wing is covered on the inside with carbon fiber. Handeling is reported to be better than the STi, and it is increadible. Also I am sure that most of us in this forum would like to mildly modify any STI or an EVO and the parts are already here for the EVO, and there is nothing for the STI. I doubt that the extra 29 hp that the STi has will really make that much of a difference, especially if people are already getting more than 40 additional wheel HP with simple mods. The EVO keeps getting sexier. I think I might have been hooked...
Can't wait to see the STI, but for anyone lucky enough to get a ride in a EVO, It would seem hard to improve on.