Hi all...I've found myself here looking at the posts and such in search of a reason, like I need one, to buy a STi. I currently have a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe, and well it just wasn't what I thought it was gonna be. So I have found myself facinated with the STi. I've always told all my friends I am a German Automobile Loyalist and here I am looking at a Subaru! I really think I want one but I am just so unsure...can anyone help convince me on my thoughts of turning in my German plates for some *** ones?

 

Simply put, you cannot find a comparable vehicle for under $50,000...you get all wheel drive, 300 HP 300 FT/LBS torque, awesome styling (in my opinion), and Japanese quality construction/design. The coachworks are not to par with most German vehicles, but you get the most bang for the buck. The STi is a car that needs to be understood to be fully appreciated and respected. After owning 2 German vehicles (2001 VW GTI Golf and 2000 Porsche Boxster) I can say I don't miss a thing.

 

The Evo is a comparable vehicle and not only less then $50K but its less then the STI.

 

<flame retardant clothing>

I don't want to look snobby, but the EVO is not as upscale as the STi. The Evo really is more of a boy racer car. It would take a couple of thousand to make the car more upscale to be truly comparable. That being said - I respect the Evo for its capability - I just wish they had not scimped and left the ACY and interior lacking.

</flame retardant clothing>

 

Did you just refer to a Subaru as up scale? Its not a luxury car, they are both built in Japan and have no difference in build quality unless you want to count the annoying Subaru dash rattles, thin crappy stock paint jobs, ugly boy racer wings on both, hideous blue highlights to the interior in the STI, the STI having less then sports car like seats and the Subaru uses more electronics to make it handle well which was the one thing the Subaru crowd used to talk **** about when the Evo used them. So now its OK if the STI uses the same electronics but its BS if the Evo used to use them? Kind of a double standard. Personally I'd take a RS edition Evo (if they ever sell one in the US) over the STI since the RS model is even cheaper then the regular Evo and has even better performance.

 

Having test driven an Evo before purchase of my STi, I can say that I find the vehicles to be less than comparable. The Evo has unpredictable power, its basically gutless under 3,200K and when the turbo finally kicks in, there is no such thing as linear power. As far as handling is concerned, the Evo feels tighter than the STi from the get-go, but cruising on the highway is a monumental task with that tight rack. Bottom line, the Evo is a super-tuned 4 banger with limited future tuning capabilities (that will be reliable), and the STi is a more refined powerhouse with almost unlimited tuning ability - with a 2.5L just waiting for more power.

Obviously this is a touchy subject for you N/A, just remember, opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one and they all stink (including my biased opinion!!)

 

It doesn't bother me. Of course the 2.0L will have less power down low then the STI since the STI is a 2.5L motor. Thats just the way it is. Same with the WRX which has no power down low. One of the few 2.0Ls I've driven that did have torque from a low RPM was the GTI-R. As far as the 4G63 goes its far from limited in power. For $500 the old 1G GSX could dip into the 12s in the quarter mile. Tuning shops have been building them up since the late 80s and had anything but limited results. The new turbo 2.5 motor would be the one to call untested and limited since its market is limited to the US and Canada and there isn't nearly as many shops building them up as the 4G63 motored cars. Both have a warranty thats not worth a damn however. I learned that right away from Subaru back in 1999. At this point I'd just rather not buy a STI especially for the first model year they are made.

 

I did say upscale. BUT in terms of Ford/Mercury/Lincoln. In the scale of things I see Subaru as a 'Merc.' while the Evo is Ford and G35c is a Lincoln. All basically have the same performance, and the differences are fit/finish/delivery. There are differences in the Evo and STi fit and finish. Everyone has mentioned the crappy Evo plastic and the only saving grace was the radio and seats. The majority have said the STi is better in the interior.

Blue accents hideous? Your interpretation - I like it better than the spartan one offered in the Evo. The lack of Recaro seating does not make the seats that are offered less. Remember it is not only for the sports car enthu. it is for the weekend warrior. It is a compromise. Some things were sac'd on both cars to bring them to market.

I will agree the paint on the WRX is weak.

Quote:

The Subaru uses more electronics to make it handle well which was the one thing the Subaru crowd used to talk **** about when the Evo used them. So now its OK if the STI uses the same electronics but its BS if the Evo used to use them?

Never talked the **** you are referring to.

Quote:

Personally I'd take a RS edition Evo (if they ever sell one in the US) over the STI since the RS model is even cheaper then the regular Evo and has even better performance.

And I would like a STi Type RA Spec C. It is an MY02 STi on a diet.

 

Upscale does not equate to Luxo...

Again think Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer/Lincoln Aviator.

Essentially - the devil is in the details. A Top of the Line Exploder is less of a car than the lowest Aviator, but the performance and target markets are different.

Ditto for a swap on the STi wing to a WRX or base Impreza trunk.




re: first year... Supposedly the Evo's are suffering paint issues on the wings - dealer will not correct... and Clutch shudder.

STi seems to have some ECU issues on some models for ping/detonation...

 

I have compare the EVO to the STi for a while now. And I am not bias toward either car, just want to share my opinion.

In a way, I agree with meridock about the interior of the EVO having a cheap look.

Here is what I think. Both cars have super cheap econobox interior. But to me the EVO interior is ridiculously cheap, while the STi is only cheap. So for me, the STi feels better inside. Either car can be call up scale.

N/A..........you obviously is a EVO fan. I am surprise you don't know the USDM EVO is basically a JDM EVO RS with the lack of the AYC/ACD running the 5-speed manual. The only thing different on the USDM EVO compare to the JDM EVO is the manual windows and locks. That is how Mitsubishi make the MSRP of the USDM EVO under $30K, because it is a RS.

Regarding to tuning capabilities. Both car have huge tuning capabilities, but with the same mods, the STi will always make more power due to the bigger motor. The old say is always right "there are no replacement for displacement"

As for moocow's question. This is the way I see it:

The price of a car basically buy you the following:

A, Status
B, Straight line speed = power to weight ratio - drivetrain lost
C, Control = handling + transmission + brakes
D, Convenient feature
E, Styling

So E is all about personal preference, it doesn't really count.

Your 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe have lots of A because it is a Benz. But you don't have any B and C. You have a little bit of D.

The STi you buy for $31K got you tons of B and C, but no A and D.

An M3 would have everything, A, B, C and D. But it cost you $55K.

I say for a Benz. It takes a C32 to match the straight line speed from the STi. The C32 have decent handling and brakes, but is not on par with the STi. The main problem with Benz is the auto tranny, that really blows. Even as awesome as the E55's power, the auto tranny really blows it. I heard the tranny in the up and coming SLR is really cool, but that is $350K.

Simply put, it cost A LOT to buy a car that have EVERYTHING. You have to figure out what you want and buy a car that focus on that area. Lower price Benz get you status and comfort. Cheap little rice rocket get you tons of performance but no status and comfort. Nothing is perfect, just have to take the best that you can afford.