Sorry if this has been done, did search archives but it didn't appear.

What has been the general opinion of the MY03 WRX (standard car) versus the 2 previous (Bug-eye & Turbo).

Faster, slower, MPG, handling etc.

Many thanks

 

Faster: about the same with MY00 and faster than MY01-02, smoother power delivery from both
MPG: better from any previous model
Handling: IMHO slightly better from MY01-02, much better from <01 and more comfortable, civilized all around.
Shape worse from classic better than bug eye.
JIM

 

Jim sums it up for me, but I think my MY00 was slightly faster - but that had downpipe, air filter and back box on it...

 

Not a bad car but them seats are terrible, i kept my MY01 as the seats in the 03 where useless.

I did like the improved throttle response low down though.

Zippy

 

Nobody's mentioned price? Was told that Subaru pissed off a fair few Bugeye owners when launched WRX03 as restyled (thank goodness) and £1,500 cheaper, as well as more power, better handling and improved fuel economy. How NOT to enthuse your customer base.

Personally love the Classic (had wagon for 3 years) but have upgraded to WRX03 Wagon - the perfect unobtrusive (ish) but rapid motor.

Agree re seats - nowhere near the support from Classic (post 97)
but at least safer. Wonder how poor they'll be on track days?

 

slightly better ride/handling than previous models due to different shocks(variable rate) and spring rates.

 

Hi,

I went from a MY97 to a MY03.

I've had the MY03 for a month now and have done 2000 miles in it.
It really is quite different car to drive.

On the plus side I would say it handles better, is more refined, very linear power delivery upto 6500 rpm and better interior. The missus actual likes this one.

On the negative .. it does not have that serious thrust at 3500-4000 rpm to give you that grin factor. The seats are crap and mine are made worse as they are leather (you slide in them as you corner), so far the fuel economy is only 23 mpg. I was told 30+. The engine does not make a noise. My 97 used to make all sorts of great whistling and popping noises. Finally, you can not hear the exhaust. My old 97 had a standard exhaust but boy you could hear it.

Although it feels slower, I don't actually think it is. I think the fact that it pulls right upto 6500 rpm equalises out the low down grunt of 97. Also it can do 60 mph in second. Maybe it feels slower because it's better soundproofed and less engine/exhaust noise.

Having said this the extra thrust and exhaust noise can be sorted with the PPP package and I imagine this would make it a truly fantastic car.

In summary, the standard MY03 is a better all round car than my old 97, but it is not as much fun to drive.

JR

 

95 wrx import TO 03 wrx (uk)

Thats me !

God I miss me my 95 import oooooo what fun ,but so unreliable !!!!/cost me thousands!.Yes the old shape is better on handling and go go power .

But

The 03 is a class above /suits you sir /just right .
The power distribution is just right ,but needs some prodrive help I think !(done )

Handling is pants and wants some lowering !!!! ( have sorted!)
ok seats are not as good ,but you get used to it !

But overall 03 is fine .................................IMHO.

Hope this helps alittle ,I am just enjoying the 03 .

 

This seats business keeps cropping up. I've seen that there are bucket seats and there are 'sports' seats. I'd imagine that the sports seats, if they aren't buckets, will be crap in comparison.

So are buckets still an option, or are they crap too ? Or does it vary according to whether it is an import or not ?

(edited to change eats to seats, makes more sense !)

[Edited by ricardo - 18/07/2003 22:25:01]

 

As an ex MY98, MY99, MY99+1, MY00, MY00+1, MY01, MY02 and MY03 owner I'll give my feelings

Too many people tend to worry about 1-2 secs to 100mph and therefore diss the new shape. My worst ever Scooby bar none was my std MY00.

The most complete was infact my old MY03 PPP. It had the kick in the back, looks and handling all in one package. I would tend to agree with most that a std MY01,02 and 03 without PPP are as exciting as the No1 McLaren driver at a press conference

The MY01 and 02 did seem to lose that buzz, but I do think its now back - unlike my old MY03 (still missing in action)

Jonathan

 

Bucket seats are standard on imports with sports seats an option.

UK cars have the sport seats only - i.e. Subaru UK decided the option for you...


Cue Chiark RE: Inurance issues regarding import seats

 

From MY98 to MY03(nowPPP)
I like other classic owners felt very proud of my 98 scooby. I bought it from new in January 98 when you had to join the queue and look forward to the day of arrival, I had never driven one just new that I had to have one. When I parted with the car I had clocked up 157,000 miles of fun. I had ordered a RX8 but couldn,t wait until the twelfth of never for UK delivery, so I thought the MY03 looks so much better than the bugeye flop (sorry just my personal opinion)so I,ll give one a try, didn,t feel like the old scoob !!!! never will feel like the old scoob, its a totally different car. I liked it but I didn,t want to get in it and drive it fast like the old scoob. However I have been saved by PPP,(they really have got it right now!!!) my car is now wild and I love it, I just want to drive it, forget the old scoob this is the one it just does it all, cant wait for my first track day.
Regards
Pete

 

There are insurance issues regarding imp.. oh, hang on, that was sarcasm wasn't it?



ignore me, I'll shut up eventually. Insure an import as a UK spec then just don't have an accident and certainly don't injure your passenger , at least without making it abundantly clear that your car doesn't have side airbags.

 

>>>>>Handling is pants and wants some lowering !!!! ( have sorted!) <<<<<<<

Jimmy WRX -- Did you just change springs? If so what ones did you go for?

Cheers