well, if you're going to seriously mod the car for all out performance, the STi is a MUCH better base than the WRX.

 

Do you mean base WRX versus the STi? I have seen WRX's that have more horsepower then some STi's. That is usually a fairly well modded WRX versus a mainly stock STi. If the same ammount of money was put into the STi as was put into the WRX (even with $5k less in mods on the STi), I bet the STi would still put down more horse power. As the old saying goes, there is no replacement for displacement. You could probably put down a lot of power, but I think time and money might be better well spent on buying/modding an STi.

If you are refering to a 2.5RS versus an STi, then I'll have to say no without some major block work. The SOHC N/A ej25 engine is far too weak to ever reliably put down even 300hp. At that point, why not just start with the stronger motor?

 

You may also consider some of the things you would need to upgrade in order to make your car on par with an STi.

for example, the transmission is not strong enough to hold much more power than about 240 at the wheels..and even then, not for long. an STi transmission will run you about $4k-$6k, and RA gearsets for the 5 speed are about $3500. If you get the six speed, there's your cost difference between WRX and STi alone.

with the STi, you get the six speed, you get the bigger motor, with an engine that is stronger than the ej20, better brakes stock, better wheels stock (and if you're going to replace the wheels anyway, the BBS wheels will get you >$1000, where as you're lucky to get $300 for stock WRX wheels WITH tires), better tires stock. You get better seats (though this depends onthe person..), better gauge cluster stock, better headlights, better suspension (which will make you a few bucks if/when you sell it, vs. practically not even being able to GIVE AWAY the WRX suspension). You get the bigger hoodscoop and better intercooler with the STi, etc., etc., etc., etc.....

and on and on and on and on.

Seriously. If you've got the money and you're looking for the MOST performance you can get for this price range, the STi is your car. If you're looking for the car to modify big time and get crazy performance out of, the STi is the better starting point, and has a lot of hardware already WAY upgraded that you'd have to spend far more than the difference in price from WRX->STi just to match.

If you don't have the money, or don't want the payments (my particular boat), then the WRX is still an EXCELLENT car and will give you much rewards from modifying it. I love my WRX and am so glad I bought it.

 

i'm too tired to type-

here- sti- 300 hp/warranty
wrx-227 hp/warranty

my recommendation is to go sti- all the major work is done. all u really have to do then is "tighten" everything up a bit.

sorry if that doesn't help much... i'll edit this later when i have more energy.

 

sti all the way

brembo, bbs, different interior, etc...