Why does the impreza not have as much engine braking as other cars?
I have a 205 gti and as soon as I lift off the throttle the car decelerates much faster than the impreza.

 

probably down to the boxer engine layout ie pistons going side to side would in my eyes be less restrictive than pistons going up and down on a conventional engine

 

compression ratio is low in the wrx, me guesstimates

 

Its mostly due to the compression ratio, but also theidle speed control valve position is set to control manifold pressure, a fully closed valce would cause a big depression and create a risk of oil pullover through the breather, also your WRX is a lot heavier than your 205 bean can, so the same engine braking would feel like it had less anyway!

Simon

 

It's a much lighter car. I noticed it when in my mate's 205 compared to my WRX.