WRX or STi...new different questions
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WRX or STi...new different questions
New to this board and I have some questions relative to a potential purchase of an imprezza.
I'm a weekend autocrosser(and other club race type events).
I currently own an Audi A4 turbo(quattro). I also have an old mini, which is my primary weekend warrior car.
I've got a lot going on in the next few months...one of which is a possible sale of the mini. The audi will also be sold(definately).
If I sell the mini.....I think I would likely step up and buy the STi as it can fill my needs for the club racing stuff, as well as daily driving duty.
My dilemma is, if I keep the mini, I will likely look at a regular WRX as a replacement for the audi.....why? I've driven both a WRX and an STi at the track and at autocrosses(thank you to those who let me). They are little smaller, and more nimble. I would likely modify slightly(just like the A4).
I just turned 30, and my idea of mods do not include making exhaust so loud that I can't hear myself think. What I want to know is are there mods out there for the WRX that are a little more understated that what I'm seeing out there? IE a performance exhaust that isn't much louder than stock.
A part of me wants the STi...as I didn't stop smiling for week after driving one at the track. However, a regular WRX might just be the wise thing to do.
As a baseline...although I didn't get a long term drive in the STi, but the exhaust note on a stock one was just about right.
Hope this make sense.
I'm a weekend autocrosser(and other club race type events).
I currently own an Audi A4 turbo(quattro). I also have an old mini, which is my primary weekend warrior car.
I've got a lot going on in the next few months...one of which is a possible sale of the mini. The audi will also be sold(definately).
If I sell the mini.....I think I would likely step up and buy the STi as it can fill my needs for the club racing stuff, as well as daily driving duty.
My dilemma is, if I keep the mini, I will likely look at a regular WRX as a replacement for the audi.....why? I've driven both a WRX and an STi at the track and at autocrosses(thank you to those who let me). They are little smaller, and more nimble. I would likely modify slightly(just like the A4).
I just turned 30, and my idea of mods do not include making exhaust so loud that I can't hear myself think. What I want to know is are there mods out there for the WRX that are a little more understated that what I'm seeing out there? IE a performance exhaust that isn't much louder than stock.
A part of me wants the STi...as I didn't stop smiling for week after driving one at the track. However, a regular WRX might just be the wise thing to do.
As a baseline...although I didn't get a long term drive in the STi, but the exhaust note on a stock one was just about right.
Hope this make sense.
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as for an exhaust replacement, I hear the borla hush system is very quiet, yields good power and looks good too. I personally would go with the STi if I could afford it. It's just so much more car than the WRX and I wouldn't want to regret my purchase later 
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if you can, hold out for the sti. i have an sti and a wrx(for da fiance') and i'm happy with both. i have heard the borla hush-sounds really nice- even the b&b is a really good one. looks stock too!
sonic is right in terms of sti "so much more car.." but at times it also seems like a totally different kind of car. i have a hard time just "cruisin" in this car. as with the wrx i can actully cruise in 3rd gear and relax knowing that i am not gonna visit the gaspump soon. the wrx is definitely a awesome weekend warrior/daily driver. in the sti i find myself shifting quite frequently just to go from pt. a 2 pt. b. (not complaining though)
sonic is right in terms of sti "so much more car.." but at times it also seems like a totally different kind of car. i have a hard time just "cruisin" in this car. as with the wrx i can actully cruise in 3rd gear and relax knowing that i am not gonna visit the gaspump soon. the wrx is definitely a awesome weekend warrior/daily driver. in the sti i find myself shifting quite frequently just to go from pt. a 2 pt. b. (not complaining though)
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Thanks for the replies....good to know the options.
Couple other things I need to consider.
I'm in the northeast....and snow is a big consideration. AWD has always been my friend.....but you still need snow tires. 17 inchers are a little more $$$. Insurance is a little more $$ with the Sti. Minor points, but worth factoring in.
Non subies on my list of potential replacement is a used S4(same body style as my A4). Won't be as nimble, but if I keep the mini, needing a nimble autocrosser is less of an issue.
I will also check out the Evo. VW's R32 is also on the list, but I think its lack of trunk space would be an issue.
All of these options....snow tires will get more expensive than my current ride. Insurance would be similar with them all.
I also have to keep in mind that I may have a kid, in the ownership span of this next car.
STi is very cool, and a hell of a performer....just wondering if it is more than I really need.
Like most things it will probably come down to price....if I get a dealer that is trying to "unload" one of the above vehicles at a good price...that might well be the deciding factor. I think I could be happy in any of the vehicles I mentioned.
Good to know about the borla system. Had one on my VW I had prior to my Audi. I was very happy with it.
Couple other things I need to consider.
I'm in the northeast....and snow is a big consideration. AWD has always been my friend.....but you still need snow tires. 17 inchers are a little more $$$. Insurance is a little more $$ with the Sti. Minor points, but worth factoring in.
Non subies on my list of potential replacement is a used S4(same body style as my A4). Won't be as nimble, but if I keep the mini, needing a nimble autocrosser is less of an issue.
I will also check out the Evo. VW's R32 is also on the list, but I think its lack of trunk space would be an issue.
All of these options....snow tires will get more expensive than my current ride. Insurance would be similar with them all.
I also have to keep in mind that I may have a kid, in the ownership span of this next car.
STi is very cool, and a hell of a performer....just wondering if it is more than I really need.
Like most things it will probably come down to price....if I get a dealer that is trying to "unload" one of the above vehicles at a good price...that might well be the deciding factor. I think I could be happy in any of the vehicles I mentioned.
Good to know about the borla system. Had one on my VW I had prior to my Audi. I was very happy with it.
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I just posted this on another thread, but I think it is relevant to this discussion as well...
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but there is much more to this situation than money spent at the dealer.
If you get the STI, you'd better prepare to be raced. Often. All the time. Every day.
A friend of mine has a 2004 STI, and he's considering selling it after 6 months. Why? He's sick and tired of being challenged CONSTANTLY. Eveyone from Infinity G35 coupes to "riced" Hondas to old beat-up pickup trucks tears away from him at the stop light, all the time. He never once is able to complete a freeway commute without a "fly-by" by someone in a corvette, camaro or mustang.
To make matters worse, he's a gigantic cop magnet, even with a totally stock car. He's been pulled over three times so far, twice for "a warning" even though he was going the legal limit.
Meanwhile, I have a silver 02 WRX (bug-eyes) and I drive the exact same roads as he does (we are co-workers) every day. In almost 2 years I've been "raced" (or harassed in general) by other cars about four times; I've never been pulled over for just rolling down the street.
The wing and the giant hood scoop of the STI just scream trouble. If you are prepared to deal with that, go for it. Personally, I'd buy a used 02 WRX in white or silver and take the wing off, then put the money I saved under the hood and in the suspension. Stealth is good, for so many reasons.
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but there is much more to this situation than money spent at the dealer.
If you get the STI, you'd better prepare to be raced. Often. All the time. Every day.
A friend of mine has a 2004 STI, and he's considering selling it after 6 months. Why? He's sick and tired of being challenged CONSTANTLY. Eveyone from Infinity G35 coupes to "riced" Hondas to old beat-up pickup trucks tears away from him at the stop light, all the time. He never once is able to complete a freeway commute without a "fly-by" by someone in a corvette, camaro or mustang.
To make matters worse, he's a gigantic cop magnet, even with a totally stock car. He's been pulled over three times so far, twice for "a warning" even though he was going the legal limit.
Meanwhile, I have a silver 02 WRX (bug-eyes) and I drive the exact same roads as he does (we are co-workers) every day. In almost 2 years I've been "raced" (or harassed in general) by other cars about four times; I've never been pulled over for just rolling down the street.
The wing and the giant hood scoop of the STI just scream trouble. If you are prepared to deal with that, go for it. Personally, I'd buy a used 02 WRX in white or silver and take the wing off, then put the money I saved under the hood and in the suspension. Stealth is good, for so many reasons.
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I've thought about that a bit....thought about taking the big wing off, as its not my style.
Also,....I'm a country bumpkin. I don't even have a stoplight in my town. Only racing I do is at events.
Less of a problem up here in the boonies.....but I can definately see your point.
One reason why a used S4 might fit the bill...Still fast enough to make the heart race, but a little more subtle.
Also,....I'm a country bumpkin. I don't even have a stoplight in my town. Only racing I do is at events.
Less of a problem up here in the boonies.....but I can definately see your point.
One reason why a used S4 might fit the bill...Still fast enough to make the heart race, but a little more subtle.
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Originally posted by sachilles
Thanks for the replies....good to know the options.
Couple other things I need to consider.
I'm in the northeast....and snow is a big consideration. AWD has always been my friend.....but you still need snow tires. 17 inchers are a little more $$$.
Thanks for the replies....good to know the options.
Couple other things I need to consider.
I'm in the northeast....and snow is a big consideration. AWD has always been my friend.....but you still need snow tires. 17 inchers are a little more $$$.
You're right about tire cost, but you can usually find some deals here on the boards (there's a post in the for sale forums right now for a set of stock STi tires with 300 miles for $400).I would go and drive both cars extensively. They feel VERY different in stock form and there are some comfort compromises in the STi, such as no stock radio (though it is an option), the back seats lack a passthrough, you can't get a sunroof, etc. If you like some of the luxury type options such as heated seats and mirrors, the WRX will suit you more.
Sometimes I really long for an STi but overall I couldn't be much happier with my WRX
Well I dunno, I thought a used S4 would cost about the same as a new STi, but weigh more than 500 pounds more and have power.
You could always just take the wing off, a lot of people do.
But be warned, the wing is functional, and from commuters handling minor crosswinds on the freeway to professional drivers on the track, people have definately noted the positive effects of the huge rear wing on the EVO and sti
You could always just take the wing off, a lot of people do.
But be warned, the wing is functional, and from commuters handling minor crosswinds on the freeway to professional drivers on the track, people have definately noted the positive effects of the huge rear wing on the EVO and sti
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I noticed on hear that some have bought regular wrx trunk with wrx style spoiler for the daily drive. Saving the bigger wing for when it might be needed.
I think the wider, stickier tires might make it a little more stable on the road...maybe not.
The S4 actually has less power than an STi. However, a ECU reprogram later....thats no longer an issue.
I think it will come down to test drives. The S4 with certainly feel familiar.
I think the wider, stickier tires might make it a little more stable on the road...maybe not.
The S4 actually has less power than an STi. However, a ECU reprogram later....thats no longer an issue.
I think it will come down to test drives. The S4 with certainly feel familiar.
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