Good article in EVO magazine on BRZ and classic turbo
 

Good read on new BRZ though pity engine is of V-Tec type performance ie nothing below 5000rpm, needs a turbo and 50++bhp to really shine.
Also great to see it reviewed against a 1997 Classic Impreza Turbo and be left in it's wake.
I for one don't really think the performance car market (at a reasonable price) has improved or even matched the Impreza 1996-2007
breed or even 205 Gti etc from 10 years earlier, it's just a lot safer for the average punter.
Some of the Renaultsport kit may be the exception though.
The Bealach Na Ba article was nothing special so hope it doesn't encourage too many to sample the run!!

Cars have become heavier, softer, over complex and duller over the years.

Couldn't agree more. You'd have thought all the experience and technology should have been producing some near perfect cars nowadays!
Without starting the usual mass debate which is the best all round ROAD going Impreza ever made? I like my '05 WRX but suspect an RB5 would probably take top spot.

above you are attempting to start a debate clearly ;)

Newer cars are restricted by ever increasing safety and emissions regulations main reason why things have "dulled down"..:(

why until 2007 ? Scoobs are faster now than they've ever been.

If you're talking "design", then yep, probably right but definitely not performance.

A "classic" scoob is a old aged piece of ****..... there I've said it!

up to 2007?
 

put 2007 as Subaru seemed to change direction after the hawk and reviews have been poor until recently. standard 2.5 in hawk onwards has had "issues". Never been in one let alone driven so cannot personally comment though they do look good.

Probably quieter and more refined therefore taking some of the percieved excitment away!!