'03 and '04 WRX differences

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Jul 25, 2003 | 02:06 PM

MidEngineAW11

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'03 and '04 WRX differences

My co-worker is going to purchase a WRX this month, but was curious to know what the differences were between the two years besides the headlights. Any help is appreciated.

Jul 25, 2003 | 03:42 PM

Subhuman

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Im sure Ill leave some things out, but here goes- Headlights, taillights, fog lights, hood, hoodscoop, front bumper, rear bumper, front fenders, speedo/tach set up, front seats, interior fabric/seat fabric, steering wheel emblem color, stitching on steering wheel, shift ****, and e-brake boot, sunroof option, color of needles on gauges, cold weather package, there may be more, but those are the biggies.

Last edited by Subhuman; Jul 25, 2003 at 04:02 PM.

Jul 25, 2003 | 04:09 PM

MidEngineAW11

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Thanks a lot Subhuman.

Jul 25, 2003 | 04:15 PM

bclee

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Car Info: Not a WRX any more . . .

Or, to put it another way: the suspension is a little different (not sure it's enough to notice) other than that it's pretty much all cosmetic.

The thing people talk about the most are the new seats (some like them more, some like them less) and the new front end (see seats).

Jul 25, 2003 | 04:17 PM

Subhuman

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No problem, now go test drive one and youll both be sold. Its the end of the month and most dealers are easier to work with towards the end of the month.

Jul 25, 2003 | 04:48 PM

MidEngineAW11

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Quote:

Originally posted by bclee
Or, to put it another way: the suspension is a little different (not sure it's enough to notice) other than that it's pretty much all cosmetic.

Do you know what in particular the suspension got changed? Stiffer springs?

Jul 25, 2003 | 07:36 PM

bclee

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Car Info: Not a WRX any more . . .

From Edmunds.com :

Quote:

What's New for 2004:
For 2004, all Imprezas sport revised front and rear fascias -- gone are the oddball circular headlamps in favor of a more mainstream wedge-shaped design. In addition, all models get upgraded suspension struts (to improve ride quality and steering response), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, a collapsible pedal system, revised gauges and a new stereo faceplate. The WRX and Outback Sport receive projector beam foglights. Inside, WRX models have new sport seats, a central tachometer and darker gray faux metal accents. The TS wagon, Outback Sport and RS sedan add an in-glass antenna, active front head restraints, central power door lock switch and multireflector halogen headlights. Further, the TS now has four-wheel disc brakes. The RS sedan's keyless entry system now has an audible confirmation feature, and keyless entry is now standard on the TS. Finally, the WRX sedan is now available with a Premium Package that includes a sunroof, trunk spoiler, heated mirrors, heated front seats and a wiper de-icer.

The WRXs have the in glass antenna as well.

Also see this roadtest on Edmunds for more details. In particular:

Quote:

Performance upgrades for 2004 are minimal: On all Imprezas, the antilock brake system now includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. And the MacPherson struts mounted at all four corners now have multiple-phase shock valves, which allow for more precise damping control, according to Subaru, resulting in better ride quality and steering response. Out on the road, we didn't detect a difference in ride and handling characteristics compared to previous years, but this has never been a problem area for the WRX.