STI8U

Apparently the S203 and S204 have a unique turbo - see http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~justin.menga/s204-turbo.jpg

Anybody know what the technical differences are? I've heard different blade setup, ball bearing, but want to know if the compressor is bigger etc...

LitchfieldImports

The S204 has a VF42 turbo which is apprently slightly larger than the standard RB Spec c turbo. I would imagine it is close to the PE Twinscroll turbo size.

Iain

gazza.s

S204? thats not even out yet.

is it?

gazza.s

Just seen it on the co.jp website.

I think i'll have one of those please.

Mr litchfield which is better the s204 or the spec c type ra?

Nathan L

Pretty sure the S204 will be the best of the best when it comes to factory Imprezas.

The S202 and S203 were certainly the best of the factory breeds.


Iain you have mail.

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Thinking of a new toy are we Nathan?

Nathan L

I'd love one

I don't think the bank account will stretch to it though


S204 PICS

Droooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

I know the feeling

That said, I prefer the look of the '05 car and find the grey interior of the S203/4 rather dull - maybe this year I'll just tune my own car. It still has the standard exhaust ffs

Nathan L

, get that exhaust changed this instant

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Lol

Dear Santa, I know I've left it a bit late, but please can I have....

gazza.s

So the s204 is better then the spec c type ra.

If only it come complete with the roof scroop.

Nathan L

This S204 is going to be one hell of a machine. Don't let the lack of a roof scoop put you off mate.

If the roof scoop is a must have to you, I'm sure it could be retro fit.

gazza.s

Thats what i was thinking.

Does anyone know japanese because there seems to be alot of info on the internals for the s204.

Does anyone know what the S versions are capable of with a remap etc.

If only it were in english.

Nathan L

My JDM STi 9 with a VF37 turbo is running 360/360

The S204 will be capable of more, but with the latest technology going into the car its not all about outright power. Delivery will be better and sharper but driveability across the whole rev range will be improved.

From what I understand the handling on these cas is the most amazing thing. There have been some pretty amazing tweaks since I bought mine, and that handles like no other Scoob I've driven. Tommi Makkinen helped out with the latest mapping of the DCCD-A units.

If you can afford one, buy one. I am 99.9 percent sure you won't regret it.

Nathan..

gazza.s

I am waiting for the words of wisdom from mr litchfield.
I am either going for the spec c type ra or the new S204.

C2forWRX

204 mate. its going to hold value. those seats would clinch it worth the extra couple of grand for them. 35k a lot but thats the ****

gazza.s

From my understanding the seats cost 2k each.Thats more then a 10th of the value of the car.

Nathan L

And what words of wisdom are these you are waiting for exactly?

gazza.s

Is the S204 better then the type ra and worth the 7k extra?

Nathan L

Better turbo, better seats, better wheels, better suspension, more exclusive etc etc.

No brainer IMHO.

STI8U

Before I give my 2c just be aware I have the 2005 STI Spec C Type RA, so I am biased...BTW I also have had the opportunity to upgrade to the S204 but have turned it down for the reasons listed in this post...

Firstly, S204 is derived from the STI model, whereas the STI Spec C Type RA is derived from the STI Spec C model. This is important as the STI Spec C has many enhancements (mainly suspension and weight) over the STI. I also believe the Spec C has better flowing headers etc, but Litchfield can confirm that.

Secondly, the S204 weights 60kg more than the Spec C Type RA. At the power levels of these cars, that weight difference equates to a good 10kW, which evens out any performance advantages the S204 might have had, and will actually favour the Type RA a lot more if you going to do any aftermarket tuning. It also means the Spec C Type RA will always be more agile with the greater track potential, given the suspension bits on both cars are very similar.

I prefer the exterior look of the STI Spec C Type RA, the only thing on the S204 I like are the wheels (purely because they are 18in). I like the badging on the STI Spec C Type RA, the S204 has a lot less badging, some people prefer this. In essence the S204 is actually a lot more subtle than the Type RA, with less badging, no top roof spoiler and the smaller tail spoiler.

Although the interior of the S204 has alot of extras, I really like the interior of the Type RA compared to your standard STI. So either way, you still are getting an upgraded interior.

Having driven the Type RA now for approx. 700 miles, it is very quick (0-62 in 4.3s hand timed) and has the best handling I have ever seen for a factory car, miles better than the JDM STI and better than the JDM EVO. The car is running up to 1.45bar peak boost (21psi) stock, and feels like it is doing 195-200kW ATW (the car will be dyno'ed in January, will post results). It has superb top end power and excellent spool. I'm sure the S204 will be quick but that extra weight won't help it.

I personally think the STI Spec C Type RA is better value for money (the Type RA is about 30% cheaper than the S204), and is better for the track.

The S204 is certainly more exclusive, and will generate more excitement from the outside world (although the Type RA does generate a lot of interest). It will also hold its value pretty well, although the Type RA is also fairly exclusive and is not your normal run of the mill STI or STI Spec C. I also would question if the S204 is just a Subaru cash cow, the time between the S203 and S204 is very short and looks like Subaru milking the final facelift...

In summary, the STI Spec C Type RA is a very raw, performance vehicle, probably comparable to a Mitsi FQ340 in terms of how it performs, drives and what it is like to be in (living in NZ I have no idea what a FQ340 feels like, but I'm assuming it is similar to the JDM EVO IX GT + some). In comparison I see the S204 as a more refined car (yet still a raw performance vehicle no mistake) that has prestige no other Subaru vehicle would normally be able to hold (bar previous S versions and the 22B). The S204 not only has many performance upgrades, but also other upgrades that make the car unique and special.

For me, the extra price of the Type RA over the STI Spec C was certainly worth it, whereas the sticker price on the S204 is just a bit over the top for what you get. I mean, I could put on a full 3in TBE, Ecutek remap and PE1825F turbo on a Spec C Type RA and still have change compared to the S204 (and be running 40kW more power ATW). But you can see my focus is on performance rather than exclusivity.

So if you are going for performance and handling, go the Spec C Type RA, if you want more refinement, a bit of class and exclusivity go for the the S204...

STI8U

Better turbo - according to my sources, compressor is no larger, only changes are to the turbine housing (slightly larger) and more turbine blades. So the turbo spools a bit better and can flow slightly better up high...the differences are minor at best.

Better seats - hell yes

Better wheels - yes only because they are 18in. Otherwise this is subjective...

Better suspension - no way - I'd seriously challenge that the S204 has better suspension than the STI Spec C Type RA...The S204 and STI Spec C Type RA get the same rear suspension bits, but the S204 gets Yamaha dampener whilst the STI Spec C Type RA gets 4-way adjustable struts...plus remember the Type RA enhancements are over and above the STI Spec C suspension, whilst the S204 is over and above the STI suspension. Victory to the Type RA I say...

More exclusive - yes and no - only 350 STI Spec C Type RA units made vs 600 S204 units. And if Subaru bring out S versions every year, no different to the limited production run of Type RA units every year...

STI8U

This is a good link for all of the S204 enhancements in English...

http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars.../s204/main.htm

gazza.s

Cheers guys.

I am in limbo now.

sammyh

iTrader: (1)

Get a spec C I had a JDM 05 and now a 06 Spec C and I love every minute of it

gazza.s

I think a spec c type ra with the S204 wheels mite just do me fine.

Nathan L

STI8U

So from your post, you agree.....

1 The turbo is better, albeit it minor differences.
2 The seats are better.
3 The wheels are better albeit because they are 18's

You disagree about the suspension, fair enough, can you post a link to the information you have? I haven't looked into it too deeply. However I thought there was a lot of exclusive stuff on the S204. I also thought that the suspension had been completely reworked over the Type RA. If I could see the link/info it would help.

Thanks for the link, I'm no doubting the Type RA is a great car, but with that list of extras I still think I'd take the S204.

gazza.s

I thought the type ra has 2 way adjustable where as the S204 has 4 way adjustable.


Please correct me if i am wrong

Nathan L

I honestly don't know, maybe STI8U or Iain will?

As I said in an earlier post, I thought it was a totally reworked setup.

It certainly looks like its all had some kind of treatment from STi

gazza.s

MY 06 Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA Limited - £29,995 OTR
Only 350 to be built
STI front lipspoiler
STI 2-Way Adjustable Suspension
Black STI dash finish
Alloy Heater *****
17" BBS Alloys
STI uprated rollbars
Available in WR Blue, White and Silver (Unique to this Spec C)

S203/4 has 4 way adjustable.