buy a wrx or rs?

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Apr 6, 2004 | 04:56 PM

#16

right_90

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I'm looking at the same dillema, deciding between the 2.5RS (old or new) and the WRX. The car will most definitely be a daily driver. I live in central oregon, where most driving is rural driving, and am only 5 or so miles from work, with one traffic light, so turbo lag, for the most part, will be a minimal issue at least a good chunk of the time. Mon-Friday would be spent in and around town though, so I was wondering how nagging the turbo lag is for WRX owners. Once a month or more I drive over to the Willamette Valley, going over Santiam Pass and Tombstone Pass which are both tight, twisty and steep for probably 45 miles or so. The 2.5RS appeals because of the low end torque, cost of fuel, and overall value. The WRX I like for it's obvious performance advantage (when on boost), and options list.
Any thoughts?

May 20, 2004 | 11:48 AM

#17

dugrant153

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 168

From: Coquitlam

Car Info: 1985 Corolla AE82 FWD

I found that the 2.5L engine doesn't have the same pickup as other 160hp engines, but that's because the 2.5L has AWD attached to it.

For me, I'm still kinda unsure on this. As much as I'd like to get a WRX (what I want), I'm not sure if I'm ready to pay for the premium gas, the insurance premiums (which, in my area, are the same as the 2.5RS believe it or not), and the mileage. Although, I'd probably be red-lining the 2.5RS to get the performance I want, while I probably only need a little bit of the WRX performance to get moving.

May 20, 2004 | 12:20 PM

#18

soundwave

more than meets the eye

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From: Bay Area

Car Info: ?

get the WRX

May 26, 2004 | 05:38 PM

#19

inhiding

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Is "turbo-lag" a problem when driving intown? The dealer I talked to said that the RS is better if I am getting stick and driving it intown, and that they have very similar handing, the main difference being the turbo on the WRX.

May 26, 2004 | 05:43 PM

#20

Cyrus923

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Posts: 829

From: Knoxville, Tennessee

Car Info: 2004 WRX in WR Blue

If you get the RS then throw a turbo kit on it or else you would be saying "damn I wish I would have the WRX's speed"

I would go with the wrx just to be safe but a turbo on an 01 2.5rs would kick some serious butt.

May 26, 2004 | 09:17 PM

#21

wrx10404

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Car Info: 04' wrx

04' wrx. I have had no problems with turbo lag. just keep the rpms up. It sucked at first until igot used to it. Know what ger to be in at what speed and at what rpm. thats all.

May 26, 2004 | 09:33 PM

#22

jamester

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I was thinking the same thing about 6 months ago, and almost got the RS because I just didn't want to spend the extra money.....

I got the wrx, and trust me, there's no comparison! I would be kicking myself if I had gotten the RS, now that I know what owning a wrx is like. If you can swing it, do it and don't question it.

The one downside is that lag and lack of response at low rpm's, it's true. BUT, you learn how to drive it. For responsive, fun driving you gotta keep the rpm's in the mid-3k range. You get used to it. Not great for the gas mileage, but the huge grin on your face when you get out of the car somehow justifies the higher premiums. If just cruising, keep the revs low and the gas mileage is fine. Two cars in one!

With the AC on, I am learning that you have to rev-launch a little bit, especially if pulling into traffic from a stop. You barely crawl, dangerously so, at low rpm's when that compressor is on. I had a scary incident the other day, almost got hit cuz I crawled into a merge accidentally!

I live in the city, and the wrx is fine. It eats up any driving situation, if you know how to drive it. If you can swing it, you will not be sorry.