Question for anyone who has driven the new Spec C...

Maybe AJ from Apex might know?

As many have read the regular sti has been critizied for its non-progressive sure-track front LSD. Many drivers claim it makes the car a bit more of a handful than something like an Evo 8 about which is more gentle in its on-limit handling character.

Does the new spec C have this non-progressive feel as well. Might not the C be better with it removed or replaced with something else?

Thanks, JL

 

There's nothing "non-progressive" about the Spec C, it's a completely different drive to an STi8 (you have to experience it for yourself or you just left saying "it can't be that different, it looks almost the same ......").

As for the Evo VIII, well I've just owned one and the Spec C feels a lot more sorted and solid than the Ev, with at least the sensation of more grip (but I'll have to have mine for a month or so and do the drive to Wales in it to really see the difference).

Just giving my unbiased opinion before Iain gets on here and blinds you with all sorts of techy stuff that the Spec C's got to prove what I've said above!

 

Hi JL You called?

I have to be brutally honest, you can get the front LSD to grab on the JDMs too. But IMHO you have to wally it to get it to bite (like a full welly departure from a T junction - i.e. significant lock on - when the road's got some damp patches and broken tarmac - been there, done that ). Went back and tried it again, and found that a quick, non-full throttle take off (while far less spectacular) was just as quick as getting all 4 wheels spinning and the diffs trying their best to manage grip, slip and my neanderthal "max wellie" throttle inputs (all done in the interests of <cough>finding the limits</cough> ).

But IMHO, the combo of DCCD-A and those fancy LSDs is simply a fab combination. The cars just fly around and through succesions of corners (cue massive Cheshire cat GRIN). Personally I don't know of another car that is more satisfying to own/drive (Iain, send the check to... ).

And I like the previous model STi too - my mate has one (320bhp and climbing fast) and it is a hoot to drive, using the diffs to rip a corner to shreds Again, I find that the trick is to keep the inputs crisp, smooth and clear to the chassis - a bit of left foot braking helped (in the right circumstances of course), as did some tweeks like an ALK, steering bushes and some rear links. IMHO, some springs without the wee-bit of waffle that std ones always seem to have would help too (but he is a skier and doesn't want to lower it - wuss ). But I digress. Simply put, I found not leaving the car in any doubt about your intent was the way I found to get the best out of it (IMHO of course).

And I have to say I really enjoy Evos, too (sacriledge?).

OK, and finally, on the limits (and I am talking about very high speed circuit stuff), I found the DCCD-A cars very benign. Devastatingly fast and easy to live with was the overwhelming impression I guess (NVH is greatly improved - partially cos there is less engine beat But have no fear, there is never any doubt when the engine is a full voice which way the pistons are moving ).

HTH

Cheers

 

Thanks guys for the great input.

AJ how do you think the Spec C and EVO 8 would compare on wet UK b-roads? Would the electronic systems on each work better/worse in different conditions?

Thanks

 

As I think this is good question I'll move it back up the cue.

 

Cor, put me on the spot why don't you?

I'm damned whichever way I go I reckon, but purely on a personal basis, I'd say I'd go for the spec C. Just seems to ahve a little bit more for me, than the Evo.

Now I have to say I think the Evo is a hoot too - very quick indeed. But I still find the Mitsi takes it out of my hands a bit too often for my tastes (I know, I know, that's the gizmoa doing thier stuff - I think I must be getting old ). The Evo 8 does ride a bit better than the older cars IMHO, which should save the NHS some kidney transplants Make no mistake tho, I think the current Evo is still a lot of fun, and is definitely still a mucho fast car.

On the road...well, I don't think you can get either car to it's limits on joe public's road without taking some huge risks (see, I told you I am old ), and it'd be very tough for me to pick one over the other based upon performance alone. I think taking all the aspects of ownership into account (excepting the fact that it looks like a fight just to keep you pride and joy thesedays), I'd take the Impreza at this point in time.

All the above is IMHO etc.

Cheers