I bought a 96 WRX wagon to keep me occupied whilst I get my main project back on the road.

I am absolutely delighted with it but something seems a little strange ?

The gear ratios seem very low, 4000 rpm at 80mph in 5th, 50mph max in 2nd, etc.

I had a 98 UK wagon before I bought my bugeye and I am sure that the ratios were 'taller', 60 in 2nd and more like 3000 rpm at 80 in 5th ?

Do the import models (and the wagon in particular) have lower gearing as standard or has mine had a replacement box at some stage ?

I will see if I can find a model number on the gearbox but just curious.

 

Not too sure but my type r seems the same ratio to yours and I thought my 1st one had taller gears too but just shrugged it off

 

yep, JDM wagons have shorter gearing. You will probably find as you get used to it that it is better for urban driving, but you're aware of it on the motorway.

My STANDARD jdm facelift wagon did the job on a similar vintage M3 from the lights. Sure he would have pulled me in had we been on a strip. But we weren't on a strip. We were on normal road. As usual. And his girlfriend was with him. Ha ha.

 

Hang on! That's you who bought the car from me isn't it! Ha ha. Hope it continues to please.

 

It certainly is me Dave !

I am loving the car to bits, just what I need to take my mind off my big project !