I have seen an Impreza for sale and it is described as a “96 Impreza WRX Type RA V Ltd” and I am wondering what the main differences are between this and one that isn’t a “Type RA”. are they dearer to insure than a UK Impreza or an import?

 

RA = Race altered

 

The "Type RA" (Race Altered) is a lighter weight car with some options deleted and deemed the most suitable model in the range as the basis for a rally car. Generally they come without air conditioning, electric windows or radio, but these are available from the options list, and fitted to many road cars. The RA comes with a closed deck block, shorter gearing than standard (150mph at 8,000 rpm!), and rally style vent(s)/flap(s) on the roof.

See here

 

The limited versions have a lot of kit put back in. My MY00 RA LTD has all the kit a standard WRX has and few extra biots and my 5th ratio is 19.7mph/1000rpm so 8,000 would be 158mph.

The normal RA are basically stripped out racers built for group N spec rallying. They are short geared and lightweight 1200-1240kgs depending on year and spec. They are the fastest acelerating scoob out of the box, bar none .

 

Il Second that! Mine was a 96 RA, now sold. Abit basic but to me, thatwas all part of the apeal! It was very short geared 'only' 140 before it was at the red line but lightening exceleration! Although you had to go for 2nd before 60 but whose interested in 0-60s anyway. The one i had only had air-con, nothing else! Christ it was quick!

 

Thanks for all the info, but what is the insurance like to other imprezas

 

Mine is a 555 special edition so it has the electric mirrors, air con etc. Do RA`s have different diffs on or different bias? The back end seems to go really easily on mine

 

Alan, you will find that the insurance is higher for anything with an 'R' in the name, also anything STI.

 

When i was trying to decide what car to buy i just phoned an insurer that was supposed to be quite good and asked them to do me quotes on all sorts of cars. Theres no charge for this and you will get a much more reliable result than by asking people on a forum that probably have different circumstances.

 

davebluera-- i`m from Derby too, not seen you flying around in your RA

 

the scooby i have seen advertised, the Impreza WRX Type RA, what does the V Ltd stand for and also, excuse my ignorance, but i assume it has a turbo

 

The V in V Ltd signifies its a version 5 STI MY99. If it was an MY00 is a VI LTD. The funny thing is only the STI have numbers so if its a (non STi) WRX Type RA it will just be called Limited.

 

LTD stands for limited as in limited edition so it will have a slightly better interior and perhaps a few cosmetic bits and pieces added. Normally RA are stripped out but my limited version (1 of 1000) has a full electric kit (windows, door mirrors, folding mirrors, central locking), SWRT blue alcantara seats, air con with climate control, blue dash, blue console, metal pedal extensions and a little WRX Limited plaque just below the ash tray.