twintracks

was dead set on getting a type RA, still seriously considering it but my sensible side is kicking in

is the running costs of an RA MUCH higher than a normal sti would be ?
insurance is pretty much the same...what about mpg, servicing etc ?

I know ANY subaru isn't really a good optiob if I'm worrying about cost, but there's a limit...

also purchase price is a hell of a lot lower for an sti, especially the estates, but then again the ra might be worth it ! (would definitely be if I wasn't thinking sensibly )

Maz

iTrader: (34)

There won't be much in running costs I wouldn't have thought. The type ra has a shorter ratio gerabox so will probably be heavier on fuel because of this. The ra may be a little too extreme as a family runabout i.e short gearing, no sound deadening etc. However as a drivers car it is an extremely focused machine with lightning acceleration from three thousand revs up. Service and general maintenance is the same as a normal sti. Is the extrra premium over the normal sti justified? Probably not in my opinion as all sti's make fantastic driver's cars.

GC8

This 'RA myth' ****e is starting to get on my ****. The WRX Type-RA was the cheapest model in the range ffs. Its little more than a standard WRX with revised gearing a couple of homologation parts and a raft of deleted options!

scoobygez

thats exactly what it is!! no spoilers no side skirts no central locking or electric windows imho ****e!!

twintracks

i would still rather have the ra...having seen how much sti's are (and that they are the same engine wise) it's made me think if it's the right thing to buy

twintracks

ANother question....the sti estates...l, m reg , they are 280bhp ?
or are there different versions sti estates too ?

VAL113R

If you're planning on modifiying it I'd go for the sti as it will cost you less or you'll get more power for the same money

twintracks

modifying...not sure, depends on insurance really
just been reading http://www.sidc.co.uk/faq.htm#1.4 again, I thought the sti's were to do with engine spec, but according to that WRX's are the same, it's suspension etc that the sti has that's different
confused as **** again ha

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Not all. Most of the ra's had the extras added as part of the dealer options ie central locking, windows and air con. It was never intended to be a 'superior' model in any way and was intended as track or rally base something which it does very well. Most of them have have had the missing body acoutrements added as well.

Maz

scoobygez

ra, race altered??? so why would they add elecy windows?? think you will find if you look into them them they had winde up windows so they could be changed for perspex.

as for being superior?? it wasnt it was a stripped out rally car more raw and ready if you will. that was the wholke point behind em otherwise you would of bought a wrx.

Maz

iTrader: (34)

I have a Wrx ra v limited so am qualified to comment Gez. Yes they did come with keep fit windows but you could order them with electric windows too and the other extras. That is at logger heads with the lightweight and raw ethos but it still came in lighter than the standard wrx and with the group n gearbox and steering made for a faster accelerating car, and no it most definetely was NOT superior.

Maz

twintracks

have just read they didnt have underseal !
surely that's not good! not the end of the world i suppose but for the gae of car can only imagine it's not too good...
have ordered a book i saw on another thread anyway to have a good read about them

scoobygez

i own a house but it doesnt mean i can comment on how well the brickie did his job!!!

who am i too judge though??

pointless arguement we all know it isnt superior in any way just stripped of its good bits and made to go and handle better. simple.

scoobygez

the p1 book by any chance?? i have it too!!!

scoobygez

well p1 on the cover anyway!!

nufc1892

im here

scoobygez

so am i!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maz

iTrader: (34)

None of the imports are undersealed mate. Not terminal as it only costs about a hundred quid to get it done and you could probably do it yourself if you have some axle stands.

Dave uk blue mica

i had a sti type ra and it was good, all the trick bits were there which made it a fun car to drive and easy to convert to a rally car which is what i wanted it for, the dccd is the best thing they fitted, close ratio box was good but the water spray a bit pointless, i'd definitely buy another one or just a type r if not another ra

Maz

iTrader: (34)

I meant qualified to comment on wether or not it had leccy windows. Yes it is a pointless arguement as I said it is in no way superior, just a more focused driver's car that's all.

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Hey nufc you found me this time.

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

None of the import imprezas have underseal

scoobygez

LOL!!! so we are agreed then!!!

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Yes there was never any disagreement just confusion.

scoobygez

there sure was!!

GC8

There seems to be a lot of confusion about actual models too. Why do peopel keep interchanging the names STI Type-RA and RA/Type-RA; they arent the same thing for f*ck's sake!

The WRX Type-RA was the cheapest car in the range with deleted options shorter gearing and a few other homologation tweaks; it has the same power as a contemporary WRX. The STI Type-RA is a completely different car.....

twintracks

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...132247-2450259
that book

about the model names
from sidc.com....
In Japan, home of Subaru Impreza, the standard model is known as the WRX (not to be confused with the Australian WRX). Most of the current 2 and 4 door models produce 280 PS (276 BHP), on Japanese 100 RON super unleaded fuel, and between 240 to 260 lb ft of torque. Acceleration times are close to 5 seconds for the 0-62 sprint, however top speeds are limited by Japanese law to 112 mph. A Japanese gentleman's agreement also prevents any production vehicle producing over 280 PS (276 bhp), hence a number of vehicles quote this as their standard output, but are widely accepted to produce more.. Bypassing the speed limiter and releasing more power from the engine can be simply achieved by certain under bonnet modifications, including changes to the engine management system.

according to that the engines are all the same, although I hink it's just referring to 98 on cars (but it doesnt say that) hope this book's a bit clearer

bluerigster

iTrader: (9)

[QUOTE=twintracks]was dead set on getting a type RA, still seriously considering it but my sensible side is kicking in

is the running costs of an RA MUCH higher than a normal sti would be ?
insurance is pretty much the same...what about mpg, servicing etc ?

I know ANY subaru isn't really a good optiob if I'm worrying about cost, but there's a limit...

also purchase price is a hell of a lot lower for an sti, especially the estates, but then again the ra might be worth it ! (would definitely be if I wasn't thinking sensibly )[/QUOTE

If you can afford the petrol for running a Sti RA get one!, as i'm averaging 15mpg in my RA running a EJ25 at 320 bhp. Absolutly awsome performance and grip and no need for running massive power as 85kg lighter than a normal Sti.
Leaves anything on B roads which you can be bothered to race, It's the best car i've ever owned and the petrol & insurance costs are a small price to pay as the car is very rewarding. The Sti Ra is the only 4 door impreza with a dccd diff and really makes a difference to the handling. The standard brakes are rubbish so invest in some 4 pots for the front and as far as electric windows and bodykits are concerned who needs them anyway. Be hardcore and purchase one and you will never look back. Just pissed off a owner of a orange focus st worth 20 grand today yet to come across a car which will keep up with her.