BlackedOutSTi

That's a big debate within the WRX line. Do you get a "regular" one and build it up to STi-like performance or just start off with the STi from the jump. From my research (based on a brand new one), there's going to be about a $6K difference in price between the two (whether you're talking MSRP or invoice). A Vishnu Stage 2 (as an example) is about $4300 (uninstalled, you'll have to consider that cost too) and that'll get you STi-type performance in terms of bhp/torque. That leaves you with $1700 to put into suspension and brakes. $1000 will get you a decent suspension setup (ie...coilovers or spring/damper combo). At this point, you're going backwards because you only have $700 to address the braking system and wheel/tires (since the WRX comes with 16" wheels and all-season tires). This is the biggest problem....since you want to emulate (or even improve upon) the STi's Brembo system, you'll have to go with a 17" wheel/tire combo year around. If you live where it snows, I trust you'll have dedicated summer/winter tires. That's one of the advantages to the STi, you can mount snow tires on the factory wheels and then buy a whole new wheel/tire set for the summer. With the WRX, you'll have to have two sets of 17" wheels to clear you're upgraded brake system. It's a minor point, but can become a hassle. I would not want to have them mounted/taken off the same wheel every season personally. You could probably find a used set of factory BBS wheels that somebody's parting out with though too or just get that option when you buy it. Those could be your "winter wheels." Either way, for a decent wheel/tire package, you're probably looking at about $1600 for a summer set (225/45/17) max after they're mounted/balanced. Then for the brakes. Stoptech's front BBK system is about $2K and if you want to add the rears, then it goes up even more. So for a price of about $8900 (not including any installation fees or the winter wheel/tire option) you're looking at STi performance from a regular ol' WRX for a combined total of about $32,500 (that's based on a completely stripped, no options, 2005 WRX purchased at invoice price, if your so lucky and comfortable buying one with absolutely no add-ons. In fact, you'd probably have to order it that way and make sure they don't install anything extra at the port). The drawback is you don't have a 6-speed, a stronger factory clutch, DCCD, or the slightly quicker steering rack that's in the STi, not to mention the larger hood scoop, big *** wing, HID headlamps or the cool "needle-sweep" on start up, if you're into all that. The seats, as we all know, are a moot point either way. One note though, SSC did a comparison like this awhile back called "Spank the STi." Vishnu's car won that particular comparison and said the total cost of their car was $33,295 (this included their Stage 2 kit, Walbro fuel pump, their own proprietary JIC coilovers, Whiteline rear bar, Stoptech front BBK, Rota wheels, Toyo RA-1's which are about $200/ea, Morette headlights and STi hood scoop). Now this was done with a first-generation USDM WRX so the base price may have been a little less that what an '05 goes for, but still, based on my calculations of that added componetry, I have no idea how they came in at that price because their JIC coilover system is $1900 alone. They must not have included any installation costs/dyno time.