I drive a WRX03 UK spec but with ECU/decat mods. I've been really enjoying the car for a year now but today albeit 4 up it felt slow. Is it just me but are the cars really noticeably slower with that bit more weight in? This is not a heat soak issue.

OK I can accept 80 plus acceleration would be effected by weight but the change is even noticeable in second.

Anyone care to comment on two questions

1. Does anyone have or know of any stats how weight effects Wrx/Sti performance through the gears?

2. Does the lower gearing of an Sti negate the "power reduction" effect of extra passengers/weight in the car?

 

Yes weight affects performance

and with 4 in the car it is very noticeable

 

Yes 100kg will blunt the feel quiet a bit, i mean its similar to MY00>MY01 same power and 2 nm's more but + 150 kg makes it feel underwhelling comparied to the MY00

 

Yep,rip out the seats,less weight and problem solved:-)
Also top gear suggest if u have any facial hair to shave it:-)