Man, this is tough. I am ready to buy and like the 04 WRX Wagon 5sp (Rally Blue all the way) but this damn 04 Forester XT 5sp ,Red is on my mind. Its a little larger, has more torque but is a little more in price (heated seats and mirrors). I love the looks of the WRX (more aggressive) but like the Foresters stealth approach (cops will think im a 50's ish teacher instead of a mid 30's male motorhead). Has anyone driven both yet? watta think? Thanks!

 

I just recently bought a wrx wagon (black, 5-speed), and also was quite tempted by the new XT.

I did not drive the xt, but I did check it out fully in the showroom, and researched it a lot. I think the xt has a nicer interior. The new black cloth is very nice, and the seats are more comfortable and slightly roomier. The interior as a whole is just a bit of a step up from the wrx. Backseat is still tight, though, but the roomier cargo area is nice. Plus the option of both leather and sunroof...

So why did I get the wrx? Bottom line was cost, the xt was just too steep. I already think the wrx is a bit overpriced; the xt is 3-4k more. But also the styling was an issue. I am disapointed that Subaru didn't freshen up the xt to make it more sporty and different from every other forrester, except for the hood-scoop and uglier rims. The wrx wagon just looks cooler, plain and simple. It has all the cargo room I need, and was cheaper, so it won out.

Good luck! hope this helped....

 

your buddy has both?!?!?

Lucky guy! =)

 

Thanks everyone, i had a chance to drive the XT today, it was a fun ride, i had to get used to the awd (i shifted to 2nd around 6500 rpm and it lagged a little). It really puts your butt into the seat when you get on it!. I wish you could get the sunroof w/5speed! I am going to drive the WRX wagon this week, cant wait to compare.

 

I just got a Forester XT 5-speed and its a noticeable faster than a WRX, you just can't beat 2.5 vs 2.0. My dougther(sp) has a 2002 WXR sport wagon, 5-speed that I am using for a comparison.

Also the XT has a lot more room inside. Here in Nevada land I'm getting 26-28 mpg.

It is geared lower(4.44 vs 3.90) than the WRX, so it is REALLY quick off the line !!!

Again, 2.5 L makes it go, It does lean more than the WRX to a point, then it feels great. Just took a trip through the Sierra's to SFO and the hills(8200 ft) have no effect.

I also drove the XT auto, and it feels much slower, can't control the shift points like a 5-speed.

My 2 cents. This car replaced a 93 GMC Typhoon and feels about as fast.

 

yeah, I agree with Racer...

The wrx isn't quick off the line at all, but you get up to speed in no time. The wrx to me is just much more sporty, both with the lower ride hight and the exterior styling.

There is quite a difference in cargo room, though. With the privacy shade drawn, there is very little cargo space in the wrx. Of course, with the seats down, there's plenty...

 

wrx isnt fast off the line??? is 0-60 in about 5 secs not quick enough???!?

 

Thanks for the info, i did have a chance to drive the new Baja Turbo and it was kinda in the middle btwn the WRX wagon and the Forester. I really noticed the Forester and Baja did not have the low rpm turbo lag like the WRX, a quality i really like due to half city driving.

Anyone drive the new Saturn Vue with the Honda 3.5 V6 yet?