Just test drove a STi8
14 February 2003, 11:55 AM
#1
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Very impressed. Loved the gearbox, suspension and brakes, who wouldn't. In fact loved all of it!
Shame I can't quite manage the cost of changing just yet, maybe in a couple of months.
Shame I can't quite manage the cost of changing just yet, maybe in a couple of months.
14 February 2003, 11:57 AM
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Good init - I drove Rum's STi8 with the PPP - awesome.
I drove B&C's '03 WRX and was very surprised how different it was... hmm.. start saving the pennies...
I drove B&C's '03 WRX and was very surprised how different it was... hmm.. start saving the pennies...
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14 February 2003, 02:17 PM
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The wheels (Prodrive FF7s) came from those lovely guys (except for Dale who made me pay) at Listers, and The PZero Neros came from the equally delightful guys (except for Mark who made me pay) at Tyres Northampton.
Josh (who hates anyone who makes me pay)
Josh (who hates anyone who makes me pay)
14 February 2003, 03:08 PM
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Just back from testing a new WRX and a new STI back to back.
The difference is very pronounced, but may have had something to do with the fact that the WRX had just over 1000 miles on it whereas the STI had 4.2 miles on it when I started
I took the WRX out first.
Compared to my (slightly modded) MY97 it feels really well-mannered and easy to drive. The clutch it light, steering and suspension seem sharp and really well balanced. It takes quite a bit to unsettle the car even on tight and bumpy country roads. The power delivery is never harsh and you need to keep the revs up to avoid lag, which some people translate as uninvolving. With a bit more noise and power it would be spot on imo. That's what PPP is for I suppose!
Now for the STI
compared to the WRX the first thing you notice is the suspension. It's rock hard. Unfortunately I was limited to 5K revs on the demo, and it has a nifty change up light and audible signal, in case you are looking where you are going...
I took it for granted that it would feel faster and more powerful and concentrated on how the steering and suspension felt. The wider low profile tyres transmit every ripple through the steering and it is a lot more susceptable to tramlining imo. Down the country roads the stiff suspension seemed to encourage the car to skip over the bumps rather than ride over them like the WRX. The STI feels as though it's just been set up for a (smooth) tarmac rally stage.
Oh, and the spoiler wobbles when your driving along!
The difference is very pronounced, but may have had something to do with the fact that the WRX had just over 1000 miles on it whereas the STI had 4.2 miles on it when I started
I took the WRX out first.
Compared to my (slightly modded) MY97 it feels really well-mannered and easy to drive. The clutch it light, steering and suspension seem sharp and really well balanced. It takes quite a bit to unsettle the car even on tight and bumpy country roads. The power delivery is never harsh and you need to keep the revs up to avoid lag, which some people translate as uninvolving. With a bit more noise and power it would be spot on imo. That's what PPP is for I suppose!
Now for the STI
compared to the WRX the first thing you notice is the suspension. It's rock hard. Unfortunately I was limited to 5K revs on the demo, and it has a nifty change up light and audible signal, in case you are looking where you are going...
I took it for granted that it would feel faster and more powerful and concentrated on how the steering and suspension felt. The wider low profile tyres transmit every ripple through the steering and it is a lot more susceptable to tramlining imo. Down the country roads the stiff suspension seemed to encourage the car to skip over the bumps rather than ride over them like the WRX. The STI feels as though it's just been set up for a (smooth) tarmac rally stage.
Oh, and the spoiler wobbles when your driving along!
14 February 2003, 03:11 PM
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Tks Josh, looks brillant. Been thinking of getting the same in British Gold.
Take it that the wheels clear them Brembos with no problems (ie no spacers needed). Are they 18 X 7.5 ET48?
Cheers.
Take it that the wheels clear them Brembos with no problems (ie no spacers needed). Are they 18 X 7.5 ET48?
Cheers.
14 February 2003, 04:07 PM
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Steve,
Much as it pains me to say it, I prefer the STi in almost every respect.
Rich,
I'm afraid that I'm sworn to secrecy on the prices, as I do a little work for both parties, and we 'look after each other'. However the wheels are supposed to be £275 each (it's easy to get a decent discount on them though), and the tyres come in under £550.
Josh
Much as it pains me to say it, I prefer the STi in almost every respect.
Rich,
I'm afraid that I'm sworn to secrecy on the prices, as I do a little work for both parties, and we 'look after each other'. However the wheels are supposed to be £275 each (it's easy to get a decent discount on them though), and the tyres come in under £550.
Josh
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