Ok, I currently own a 2003 WRX, I love it, and couldn't imagine driving without AWD after this car. Well the car is a little small for me now, so I was thinking of buying the 2004/2005 WRX wagon, I mean it's the exact same car as mine, just with a hatchback pretty much, and I like how it looks... well I was at Subaru yesterday, and the salesman was giving me his pitch on the 2006 WRX wagons, I knew they put the 2.5 block in them, and that is supposedly a better engine and all, but I am pretty sure that the 2.0 block is better for high-power modifications, like it will handle more torque etc... than the 2.5 block, I basically want to get a WRX wagon, and get it to be pushing 330/340 hp and 330 torque, which engine will better suit my needs? Thanks guys.
Jon

 

I think the 2.5L naturally puts out more torque due to the extra displacement. Have you taken the time to test drive the '06? If you're into wagons, have you test driven the '04/'05 Forester XT? Shares the same platform as the imprezas, comes w/the 2.5L, but has shorter (and stronger) gearing than the WRXs, resulting in quicker acceleration than WRXs. Due to it having the same platform, all mods that fit the Impreza fit the Forester as well.

AFAIK, the EJ20 in the USDM WRXs isn't exactly better for high-power mods than the 2.5L. However, the JDM EJ20 is. It features a semi-closed deck, allowing for higher reliable boost. The USDM EJ20 doesn't have the semi-closed deck.

If anything, the torque alone is worth going w/the 2.5L.

 

There is no replacement for displacement. *zips up flame suit*

 

...but there's no seduction like forced induction...

 

Best of both worlds, baby!

Seriously, I drove my buddies Outback XT the other night, and the low end grunt of his 2.5 turbo is remarkably better than my 2.0. I can't speak to the modding potential *right now* but it stands to reason that the 2.5 liter has more potential with 25% more displacement and a factory 300hp in STi trim.

 

I say 2.0 and I say that because of the redline. Nothing sucks more than low US STi redline. Anyone who have driven a WRX with JDM STi 2.0 motor will understand what I mean. And, since I don't beleive in built engines, if I had to choose between a stock US STi 2.5 and JDM STi 2.0, I would take JDM 2.0 STi motor anyday. If it is Spec C EJ207, I would not only take it over US 2.5L engine, but also giggle like a little girl while taking the 2.0.

 

/\ Amen

 

What he said^. I have driven in a 02 WRX with that motor(JDM STi 2.0), Ryan up at FLI in Santa Rosa had that motor in his car, that car freakin' pulled and the power band seemed like it would never end. It was great.

 

I definitely agree with regards to a JDM 2.0. I was thinking USDM 2.0 to USDM 2.5.

 

usdm ej257 all the way.
forged crank standard
semi closed deck
nothing stays stock in my drive way for long.

 

JDM is also semi closed and the cyliner walls actually have some meat on it. The crank is treated too.