If you want a brisk car ( by that I mean modern GTi pace) that's practical and excellent day to day and can be tuned to be quick (i.e. STi levels) get the WRX. If practicality/comfort isn't as important and you want a quick car that can be tuned to be very quick, get the STi

 

What about the gears 6 vs 5?
i find i can drive faster and have more fun with the WRX 5 speed than the STI 6 speed on B roads
maybe someone who knows could explain how they compare?

 

agree with most of trhe guys on here get the sti or you will regret it later, you will always be thinking i wonder ,so sti enjoy.

 

Hi addison,

imho, the feeling of speed isn't the same in both cars, Before mapping mine I went out on a club run and easily kept up with the WRX boys but only using 4500 rpm all day, where they had used a full tank during the day I had used less than 3/4 ... the extra gear allows the use of the engines torque more of the time. And as for braking, it's a completely different league.


This is NOT to say that the WRX isn't a great car in it's own right, just not a "super-car" wannabe, like the STI.

HTH

dunx

 

I had a similar problem when I went to look at Subaru's. I literally bought an 03 WRX yesterday and i'm more than happy with how quick and how well it handles, and I bought the estate version as i've got a few dogs. I drove 2 STI's and I found them a bit much to be honest. They're a bit bumpy, and there is no way I need that much power and will rarely use it around my area. The WRX was perfect for me, but its all down to personal opinion. The insurance on the STi was about £350 more as well.

 

hi my wrx has 280bhp and 340 ft/lbs up rated brakes ect
on the B roads i drive i can't get into 5th so a 6 speed STI would not get into
6th
what is the diffrence in there grears pros and con's 6 v 5(on B roads)not track?

 

6 speed is deemed stronger
5 speed is weaker but lighter & suits the WRX better with the longer ratios

I've had 3 subaru's now with the 6 speed box (2003 STI, 54 plate legacy spec B and now the 2008 STI) and I love it.

Once you're up in the 3.5k to 4k rev range the shorter ratio's really give a kick in the back when up-changing without reving the nuts off in each cog.

 

I set my rev limiter warning light... oh wait you don't get one of those either in a WRX... to 5,500 rpm. Short shifting in the STI keeps you in the max power band between 3.5k and 5.5k rpm very well.

A lot of WRX owners claim they get more out of the 5 speed box but I can't see it myself. Helps a bit not having to change up to third doing a 0-60mph launch but that's about it.

 

With a budget of 10k you will get a very nice sti for that money, have a look at RRH he always has some nice motors in stock and Rich is a very nice bloke who knows subarus inside out.RRH Autos Ltd

 

Owned both, definately recommend STI over WRX

 

mine is standard and i get 68mph in 2nd so fine for o-60mph

 

Thanks- just the sort of site im not looking for.... I think i may be in trouble now!


Peeps thankyou too all that have responded i think i can pick a 'winner' out of it all!

 

John was you told that by a subaru main dealer by any chance?

Funny because nearly word for word that what I was told by main dealer in Essex.

I consider the WRX vs STI until I came on this forum lol...I bought a 2003 STI earlier this year and love it to bits so glad I listen to peep on here...

Good Luck

Ian

 

I agree Rich is a top bloke - Found me a real gem...

 

Also, if you want a "comfortable" STI you could always just change the springs to WRX springs for pennies. Then you have a better all around car that's as comfortable as a WRX...

 

i was looking at wrx for my first scooby, so took a couple out for test drive then offered the chance in sti, ended up buying it,both great cars compaired to my old mondeo, but all round feel in sti made my mind up to spend that bit more money, no regrets. 56 sti.

 

I bought a standard WRX 2.5 years ago, fact is, in standard form they're not really fast enough, mines now running 287BHP but next need to upgrade the suspension and brakes to make the most of the extra power.

If you can afford to, buy an STi, thats deffo my next car..

 

No it was'nt mate it was a comment i got on here when i was looking for a scoob

 

hi just to throw a spanner in the works !! if you can afford the extra cost go 4 a wr1 / rb320 ,as cheap to insure as an sti but more power as standard and lots of extras the wr1s r now going for more than half their original sale price and if u like the colour its rather exclusive

 

is a daily driver the wrx is a better car, more forgiving and returns better MPG, but you will always be wondering about the sti lol

i had an 02 wrx for 2 1/2 years and it was a great run around but my 05 sti is streets ahead but i wouldnt use it everyday.

 

sti gets better mpg as its got a 6th gear

i bought my wrx new, it didnt make sense to spend a large wedge of cash on a car that was marginally faster / better but if i was getting a 2nd hand one i'd get a sti