JayRaj

I'm still slightly confused whether or not to get a Prodrive/or RB5 or an Sti Type R v5.

Which is the better all round car, especially for UK roads?

I am not really concerned about warranty, just sheer performance and driveability.

Please share your views.

Cheers

Jay

P1 WR

hi.i think the RB5 is much better on uk roads.it is also a better car than sti v5 4door and evo6.it is more suitable for you i think.

Craig H

Sheer performance go for an STI. A 4 door is a nicer car to drive IMO - and no slower than the Type Rs.

SDB

Hi Jay

Prodrive / RB5 are the easier to drive of the bunch.

Both stunning performance A to B cars for the average driver.

The Type R is quicker and MUCH more extreme in terms of handling and driver involvement requirement.

Depends what you want mate.

Cheers

Simon

kurtw

Both are blinding motors.

Get the one you like the look of the most (RB5 for me).

There are few people that can exploit the dynamic abilities of either car to the full.

Regards
Kurt :-)

JayRaj

Thanks guys for your opinions.

The RB5 does look the DB's, but they are pricey and not as rare as the Type R's.

But then again the RB5 holds it's value better and is a better car in the long run....

Mind blowing decisions!!!

Akira

Jay,

I've recently bought an STi V TypeR V-Limited and am blown away every time I set the wheels in motion.

I used to own a UK MY97 with the full SS/Magnex Exhaust & Breathing Mods. and the STi is just a whole new ball game.

As Simon (the driving god) De Banke has quite rightly pointed out, the TypeR is more extreme than other flavours of Impreza and you have to be on the ball when gunning it. The 1st thing you notice is the bias to the rear when coming out of roundabouts. BIG oversteer is waiting to come and bite you if you're heavy with the loud peddle. Power wise there is NO comparison with the UK cars. It really is eye wateringly quick and with the short ratio's in the gearbox you are constantly grabbing gears.

The only downside ........... My Sunday fun is now limited to only 20mins. as my Water Spray runs out! Mind you, by that time my heart rate must be at 120Bpm and i'm grinning like an excited clubber.

Oh yeah, and the original STi Exhaust is just tooooooo polite. Just remidied that this morning by fitting a SCOOBYMANIA Backbox. Cheers again Mike, i'll look after it!! Sounds much better now, nice and bassy.

Whatever you choose, you're gonna be a very happy chappy. Just don't drive a TypeR 1st!!!!!!!

Cheers
Chris
(Midlands TypeR Owners Club Member)

[This message has been edited by Akira (edited 10 October 2000).]

Mark Pattison

Stop that this instance!

Any more talk of TypeR goodness and i'll just have to setup camp outside the subaru showroom tonight

Hopefully getting the new scooby tomorrow ;-)))

Stanley

Running Type R with the close ratio gearbox is great but some time I wish there is a six gear so as I could have a more relaxed cruising in the highway. Fifth gear at 4000 rpm equals to about 125Km/hr, 75MPH. If you spend a lot of time on the highway this may be a concern.

TRIGGER

I run a type RA - 4 dr but similar short ratio gearbox and quick rack steering to type R. Seems to me, if you're doing loads of motorway stuff the gearing may get on yr nerves, so get a RB5, but for sheer performance, there is nothing like the type R/RA. There is no ABS on the R/RA but then the brakes are much much better with great feel. As Chris says, the handling is more rear biased and wet roundabouts can be fun - it is all that much more extreme.
Basically - go for the R.

Mark Pattison

I lived with a honda typer with had very similar ratios, so i think the typer will be ok. Did get a bit annoyed with the honda before but that thing was seriously noisey at 4000rpm with very little engine insulation.

Usually drive at about 80-100 km/h unless i know there won't be any police around :P

Neil F

A 4 door STi has the taller "UK" gearing which is why some people find it "a nicer drive" than the TypeR (2 Door).
£200 gets you Eibachs fitted and they are the perfect partner to the "standard" STi Bilstein dampers; this should give you the P1/RB5 handling you desire. I have Eibachs and like countless others, am more than pleased/impressed with the handling.

I tested a UK car and STi back to back and would always go the STi route personally. The performance difference (60BHP) was too much to resist. This is all just my opinion of course.

Neil.

PS. Do you know the full spec difference between STis and UK cars (including RB5s)?

Jonathan

The 4 door STI has slightly shorter gearing than a UK car.

Jonathan

Denz

never driven a type r is it alot quicker then my MY00 UK Car with FULL catlesss scoobysport exhaust. i.e. is it worth changing

thanks

Denz

JayRaj

I think the Type R is winning by a mile...!!

What is the major differences between the v5 and v6? Is it just body styling?

I've also heard that the V3. is the best version to tune up. Is this so?

Cheers

Jay

Stanley

V6 type R has a dark blue colour not previously available in any type R. That's the one to have if you want a unique latest version of type R.

Blow Dog

UK roads? Type R?
Erm...lets get a reality check here. The RB5 wins hands down, for ease of use and chuckability. Get a Type R if you wanna risk facing the opposite direction in the wet on an average UK road (wet, greasy and somehow constantly covered with leaves) everytime you hit a bend.

My UK car was faster than a Type R on UK roads!

Do a quick survey. Find out what percentage of totalled Imprezas were Type R's? I should imagine you would be suprised.

Cem

...purely academic, mind.

Blow Dog

me..

Dont forget, lets compare standard to standard.

Trout

iTrader: (1)

Why? Does this thread say that?

Is it unreasonable to recommend that a car should get a full specialist geometry set up (whether UK or Imported)?

Trout

iTrader: (1)

Also think about budget...

...you can probably get a brand new, unused STi for just over £20k if you look hard enough, possibly even less.

How much is the RB5 - and is it a WR spec.

So, I reckon you are really comparing a second hand RB5 or a new STi. Also, personally I would go for the 4-door it is a REAL STi, but not as compromised (focused?) as a Type R. Even EVO magazine preferred the 4-door.

Personally I have a 4-door and sometimes miss the shorter gearing of the Type R - but in reality the 4-door is short enough.

As for UK roads - about £300 spent on 'tuning' the STi suspension will make it very, very palatable. Main thing is replace the rear anti-roll bar links as this makes the car MUCH less twitchy which is a standard STi comment.

Cheers,

R

DazW

iTrader: (1)

Jay,

See if you can get a copy of EVO Jan '99 theres a full review of the V5 Type R by John Barker. If you can't get hold of a copy I can scan the review and email it to you if you want.

Daz.

TRIGGER

In terms of handling the type R is a bit more twitchy more rear biased but it isnt THAT much harder to control ! As others have said, if the suspension is sorted and you are used to the car, the additional power not only makes it more fun, but quicker. But lets be honest here - who can really use these cars up to their limits ?

Scott J Davies

Type R, You must buy the type R.

Thought I'd try the ol Jedi Mind Trick

My two penneth, the Type R is more of a Sports Car, more rear wheel bias coupe, shorter gearing, more exclusivity.

If you got one set up properly then they are pretty awsome, I am hankering after one!

Bajie

Spooky...
But all of a sudden I want a Type R.
And a hanky.

Trout

iTrader: (1)

This might help

Blow Dog

Rannoch,

I said standard to standard, because if we start to consider the realms of tuning into this equation, the cars start to lose purpose. Anyone can take a standard UK car and turn it into an RB5 and much, much more, but you have ended up with something completely different and, in fact, irrelevant.

If I had the choice, I would go for an RB5 WR, no choice.

Cem


[This message has been edited by Blow Dog (edited 10 October 2000).]

Stanley

Interesting as no one mentioned that Type R does not have ABS, like the type RA. Is that another Type R weak point that I can dig out?

Trout

iTrader: (1)

Cem,

This has the potential for getting away from the point - but isn't an RB5 WR (like the P1 WR) a modified car? They are both improved aftermarket by dealer (Prodrive) fitted options including things such as geometry set-up, suspension, etc. Basically, a prescribed WR modification kit. Or do approved modification kits not fall within your request for 'standard'

Does bump-steer alignment fall into this category? I merely underline this as STi would *appear* to have more to gain from this mod than standard UK cars. So in the same way a plain RB5 would benefit from the WR mods (or pick the best bits from the menu) the same way an STi for SIMILAR money can be significantly improved.

I am not saying either are better or worse - Simon says it all - it is about what suits you.

Bottom line is - work out budget, decide candidate cars whether UK, UK 'approved' or non-approved mods, or Japanese with or without mods. Lots of choice - but budget and objectives are the best levellers.

R

JayRaj

I think from some of the messages that are appearing in this thread that there are a few Prodrive fanatics out there.

I think Type R with a few suspension mods and other bits will be great on UK roads.

Yes I have seen some real bargains out there, can't believe that even with these rare/cult cars the values have just dropped!

I'm probably going for the "Misty Cool Grey"....NICE.

TRIGGER

Ref ABS - lack of it on R/RA is a plus point - much better feel. Takes a better driver to get best out of it though...