Suspension: WRX vs. RS and Sedan vs. Wagon
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Suspension: WRX vs. RS and Sedan vs. Wagon
This is my first post here, I did a search, couldn't find what I needed. Forgive me if this has been talked to death.
I'm looking to get a new 2005 Impreza RS. I haven't decided on the sedan or wagon. Here's what I need to know:
1. Is the RS suspension similar or identical to the WRX? Springs/shocks/swaybars/other. What are the differences? Can anyone give me the stock swaybar sizes for the RS?
2. The Subaru site indicates that the sedans have "wide track" front suspension, where the wagons don't. Is this as simple as it sounds? The track of the front wheels is simply wider on the sedans? Wouldn't this give you more understeer? Do sedans and wagons have different swaybar sizes to compensate?
I'm looking to get a new 2005 Impreza RS. I haven't decided on the sedan or wagon. Here's what I need to know:
1. Is the RS suspension similar or identical to the WRX? Springs/shocks/swaybars/other. What are the differences? Can anyone give me the stock swaybar sizes for the RS?
2. The Subaru site indicates that the sedans have "wide track" front suspension, where the wagons don't. Is this as simple as it sounds? The track of the front wheels is simply wider on the sedans? Wouldn't this give you more understeer? Do sedans and wagons have different swaybar sizes to compensate?
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Origami posted by i-club.com
2. The Subaru site indicates that the sedans have "wide track" front suspension, where the wagons don't. Is this as simple as it sounds? The track of the front wheels is simply wider on the sedans? Wouldn't this give you more understeer? Do sedans and wagons have different swaybar sizes to compensate?
2. The Subaru site indicates that the sedans have "wide track" front suspension, where the wagons don't. Is this as simple as it sounds? The track of the front wheels is simply wider on the sedans? Wouldn't this give you more understeer? Do sedans and wagons have different swaybar sizes to compensate?
I don't know what size rear anti-sway bar comes on the '05 wagon model but earlier wagons came with 17mm bars vs 20mm in the sedans mainly because the additional weight over the rear of the car dictated a reduction in rear anti-sway bar size to make handling similar to the sedan.
You might find the information you're looking for at www.subaruparts.com/.
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Alright, I can't log in using my original user name (for unknown reasons), so I've created another.
My questions regarding differences between the sedan and wagon are answered. The front AND rear track on the wagon is 25 cm narrower, according to the brochure. I've decided on the wagon because I need fold-down rear seats. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to test drive tonight.
I still need an answer:
What are the differences between the RS and WRX suspension? Stiffness? Sway bar sizes?
My questions regarding differences between the sedan and wagon are answered. The front AND rear track on the wagon is 25 cm narrower, according to the brochure. I've decided on the wagon because I need fold-down rear seats. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to test drive tonight.
I still need an answer:
What are the differences between the RS and WRX suspension? Stiffness? Sway bar sizes?
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Originally Posted by 02BlackWRX
why is your user name the name of this website?
Still looking for factual information about Subaru suspension...
Thank you to Wingless Wonder for the info so far!
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The RS sedan suspension is almost identical in terms of parts. Basically the WRX just gets stiffer springs and struts. They both come with 17mm rear sway bars now, unless Subaru went back to a 20mm for the '05 sedan- the 02/03 WRX sedan got a 20mm RSB, but when the STi came out for '04 they dropped it back to 17mm.
The WRX has wider front control arms than the wagon, which is how it gets the wider track. It's not compatible between the two body styles without a lot of parts changing, but it's irrelevant anyway unless you wanted to do the STi aluminum control arms- and the old GC8 style control arms fit the newer wagons anyway.
The WRX has wider front control arms than the wagon, which is how it gets the wider track. It's not compatible between the two body styles without a lot of parts changing, but it's irrelevant anyway unless you wanted to do the STi aluminum control arms- and the old GC8 style control arms fit the newer wagons anyway.
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Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
The RS sedan suspension is almost identical in terms of parts. Basically the WRX just gets stiffer springs and struts. They both come with 17mm rear sway bars now, unless Subaru went back to a 20mm for the '05 sedan- the 02/03 WRX sedan got a 20mm RSB, but when the STi came out for '04 they dropped it back to 17mm.
The WRX has wider front control arms than the wagon, which is how it gets the wider track. It's not compatible between the two body styles without a lot of parts changing, but it's irrelevant anyway unless you wanted to do the STi aluminum control arms- and the old GC8 style control arms fit the newer wagons anyway.
The WRX has wider front control arms than the wagon, which is how it gets the wider track. It's not compatible between the two body styles without a lot of parts changing, but it's irrelevant anyway unless you wanted to do the STi aluminum control arms- and the old GC8 style control arms fit the newer wagons anyway.
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Originally Posted by i-club
Thank you so much. I was looking for confirmation that the RS suspension was softer than the WRX.
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Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
The difference isn't huge- I personally wouldn't bother putting WRX suspension on an RS. If the RS isn't stiff enough for you, the WRX probably isn't either.


