Howdy all,

I recently recorded someone at ScoobyShootOut who has (IMO) a modified WRX. It's a WRX colour, 5 speed box, WRX headlights etc.
Now, I am in the firm belief that a WRX is never an STi - despite it's modifications, but this owner is adament that to him, it is an STi, not a WRX - despite just being a highly modified WRX.

So what are your views on this?

Can a modified WRX be an STi?

This is the car and video which sparked the debate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaiuZ7XYF54

Thanks

ScoobyDoo69

 

The answer is no albeit the WRXs performance may be like a STi or better of course

TX.

 

I'm exactly with you there TX.

 

What they said ^^^

 

A wrx will be a wrx regardless, a bit like trannies, they will always be blokes.

 

Second that a Modified WRX there's loads about including mine

 

I don't get why people pretend they have an STI when it's a WRX. A WRX is nothing to be ashamed of!

 

Whereas a tranny with an STI would

 

a wrx can never be an sti, just like a sport can never be officially a wrx or turbo2000.
It is was it is (based on vin numbers) and to be honest I cant see why people cant be happy and proud of what they have.....

there was a simmilar debate on the RSOC many years back re XR3's and RS's

 

I wonder what he insures his car as, a WRX or a 'STI'

I can imagine the phone call now..........

'Can I have the registration number please sir'

'Yes its **** *** '

'Ah, a subaru WRX, nice car you have there sir'

'Its not a WRX, its an STI, I've highly modified it so therefore its an STI

'Yes sir, I understand that but its registered with the DVLA as a WRX, so thats what it must be insured as, regardless of the modifications done'

'I think I'll take my business elsewhere then................'

 

Don't get me wrong, I have a couple of Sti badges on my wrx, I am under no illusion that my motor hasn't actually been breathed on by Subaru technica international.
Mudflaps and foglights are fair game in my opinion.

 

What about a tranny driving an STI????????

Does that make it a WRX

 

That makes them one cool tranny.

 

I don't know Simon, you WRX NB-R owners pretending to be something your not.

Just be happy in the knowledge you'll always be second best.

 

You know it

 

Its a wrx, no matter what you do to it, it didnt come out of the factory as an STI and has not been anywhere near STI, and the vin will say its a wrx, so end of, its a WRX

Tony

 

Thank you all for comfirming my thoughts. He says it is registered as an STi now due to the engine change.. meh.

 

+1
I hate it when badge cars up as something their not, a bloke at work has his Vectra badged up as a VXR...

 

I badged my old rover 220 Gti Turbo years ago as a 214

on the wrx front, yeah it came out of the factory as a wrx, it still is a wrx, just a quick one. As my car has an engine out of a hawkeye sti does that make it one now

 

No

 

Still a WRX whatever he does to it.

 

All they have done is shoved his car into a higher tax bracket and calling it said STI is the easiest way of doing that, its just had a 25% increase in capacity, but its still a WRX no matter what they say it is
An engine doesnt make a car

Tony

 

A WRX is not an Sti but an Sti is still a WRX.
It's simply a WRX with modified parts with Sti logos on them.

 

Well no not really, they look similar but thats as far as it goes.
Pretty much 90% of the car is different, its not just modified parts, its a totally different set up for the car, better handling, more feedback, better braking etc, its chalk and cheese to say they are even close to each other.

Tony

 

Tony, I bow to your superior knowledge, but if the two cars are so different, why have Subaru always marketed the STi under the WRX banner and also continue to market the latest 2011 car as a WRX STi. Even when there isn't a standard WRX model available.

 

It's because the WRX is a production line car, that forms the basis for an altered model, the STI..

Japan + history.

I personally would be more chuffed to call a WRX a WRX even if it was way faster than an STI, have pride in your efforts.

dunx

P.S. Many years ago a pal had his WRX mapped to 265 bhp, and I ****'d off and left him for dead... Why ? better brakes and suspension.

 

I used to know a Welsh lad at university whose MkIII Cortina GT was badged 1.3. Shocked a few people..........

 

not sure why you would want to do this ??????

 

Nice thread very controverisal i like it.

I would point out that an STI is a example of the sum being greater than its parts. What makes STI's so great is the way everything is enhanced over a WRX. It is badged as an STI as Subaru Technica International had made the car they want. How can it be an STI if Subaru Technica International have not touched it.
For what he spent on his car he could of had a true STI rather than what most people would arguably call a modified STI.
Something i have noticed over my years of modified car ownership everyone wants a sports car which is why the UK is the biggest market of them in europe. Just look at all the BMW,Mercedes Benz and the like with the AMG/M sport wheels and badges on but nothing else.

 

Mine still wears its WRX badge proudly on its rear, even though its a good bit faster than a standard STI