Alright, here's my spin on it. I own a 98 Acura Integra, which is currently turbocharged and boosting 22lbs of boost (15 around town) problem free, on stock internals. J/k, that would be suicide lol. Actually I spent alot of money resleeving the block, o-ringing, dropping in forged rods/low c/r forged pistons and making sure I had the fuel delivery to match my power output. Annnyway we also own a WRX. The WRX build quality is definetly on par with a honda, and besides the WRX 5 spd tranny (only week link, just wasnt built for a 230hp AWD car, but getting beefed up in 2004) the WRX should be just as reliable as the RSX, or RSX-S. Even if you do get the old 5spd tranny, as long as you dont drive it the same way you would a honda FWD car (IE clutch drops at 5000rpm and lots of wheelspin, just doesnt fly on a stock AWD car, except maybe the STi 6-speed) you will be fine. So far our WRX has been completely problem free, and was the reason I turbocharged my own car, as driving a good turbocharged car is so much fun. Instead of driving a good honda (a great experience in its own right), where power delivery is pretty linear, and peaks wayyy up in the rev range, the WRX is a whole different story. Unlike a honda which you have to shift like an F1 car, in the REX you can intentionly bog a gear, and just sit back and wait for 3000rpm to come up. Sure, before 3500 the WRX isnt anything special, but you'll hear 3500 coming (high pitched whistle), and around 3500 the motor starts growling, you're *** starts getting pushed down into you're seat, and you'll have all the passing power you need from then on to redline. Anyway, my integra is considerably more powerfull than the rex now (325 to the wheels at high boost), but without the whole AWD thing things get abit hairy. Let me tell you, laying down strips is fun, but theres alot to be said for sitting on a hill at a red light in pouring rain, and being able to take of quickly without the front end of the car bouncing around, the front wheels clawing the ground, and pretty much no fowards movement. Anyway, the point is the RSX Type-S is a great car if you like a pretty sporty, dry wheather, semi-lux sport coupe with compromises to fit under the Acura luxery marquee. But if you're like me and much prefer AWD, 227 HP (and ALOT more torque than a honda), better handling, 4 doors, deep bucket seats, and essentially all around a much faster car (with reliability) to match, I think the choice is clear.

Oh yeah, and you can go up skiing in a WRX, SCHWWWING!

 

i agree with all the comments above...think about it..just another honda/acura...or a unique wrx???it is more $$ but u get a sht load of performance....r u planning mods??? and ...um....yea i would take the weather into consideration..AWD....or FWD???im spacing out so ill post more later

 

I would go with a WRX wagon, just because it has more space, I also like the ability to easily add a bike rack or two up there.

But i would rather get an RSX over a WRX sedan. Only reason is because i like how hondas drive around town. WRX has a heavy clutch and the car just feels heavy at low speeds.

Also RSX would be faster at freeway speeds due to its drive train.

I own a wrx sedan I love it, but its not working for my lifestyle, I like outdoor activities (wagon would help here) and i also do a ton of commuting (freeway speed of 2wd).