ScoobyNet.com - Subaru Enthusiast Forum - Type R & Type RA Engine Differences

er, yes

you don't mention which MY - but I will assume version 6....

rather confusingly - there was an sti version of the RA for version 6 which DID have the same engine as the type R... however

the 'plain' RA does not have the sti engine 'embellishments:
thus it does NOT have:

double electric fan
better the engine block cooling (different water jacket design)
forged molybdenum coated pistons
reinforced silicon intercooler intake duct
better valve lifters
silver painted intercooler (big deal!)
red painted intake manifold (whoopee)

most importantly - the ECU is different on the RA - for homologation purposes the RA has a fairly strict list of fitments - the result is a slightly lower torque output of 34.5 kg-m (against 36.0 for the sti/sti type R)

not sure you could call the engine stronger as the sti pistons are supposed to be better at taking heat - but the clutch on the RA is (supposedly) tougher.

there are also differences in clutch, gearing, drivetrain (LSD instead of the adjustable centre diff of the type R), bodywork (doors!) and a whole host of goodies are missing on the RA including rear wash/wipe - the suspension is also harder and not as low as the sti/type R

mostly cosmetic differences though - the RA was a lot cheaper to buy - but it is aimed at rally teams who will modify it anyway.Oh and it is 20KG lighter than the others.

just for extra confusion, there were 'V-Ltd' versions of both the sti RA and the normal RA version 6 - these were all sonic blue and have commemorative plaques in them (1000 of each)differences over the regular version 6s were mostly cosmetic - like wheels, coloured dash and seats, alloy pedals and a few other bits from the sti parts bin - the sti ra vltd had an absolutely mental double decker rear spoiler - you can't miss it ;-)

hope that helps a bit,

cheers,

Paul w