Ramdog81

A mate of mine is looking enter the Subaru Community seen a high spec Bug WRX with 2.5 engine recently rebuilt with big brakes, upgraded suspension etc what is the difference between this and a Bug Sti in terms of spec and value???

Please help as I know more about classics than these...

Markyscoob

Basically the WRX had a 2.0 litre engine, cast pistons, rods and crank, 5 speed box and Subaru branded red colour brakes. KYB Gas normal way struts and 17" wheels. Detail changes between 200 and 2002 models but that was that.

The STi model had a suretrak rear diff, 6 speed box and bigger turbo and intercooler on its 2.0 litre forged steel motor.

Both had 50/50 viscous centre diffs I believe.

The WRX gradually had better spec as the years went on, getting inverted struts, the STi's alloy suspension arms, etc, but never the gearbox and diffs or the forged engine.

The 2.5litre engine was only introduced in the Hawkeye models. This is a cast piston and rod engine and cannot take much upgrading. the STi has a forged crank but the WRX does not.

The engine is a weak point unless it was rebuilt with steel rods and forged pistons.

As to value, well, if it's got a properly rebuilt engine, decent suspension and good brakes it may be O.K. but if it still has a small intercooler, TD05 turbo and a 5 speed box, then it is limited.

Bugs are pretty depressed in price, so an STi may be a better option, particularly a 2002 with Prodrive bumpers/spoilers if you can find one.

Gigsy

6 speed box, bigger turbo, bigger injectors, bigger IC, stiffer rear ARB, stiffer struts and springs, faster ratio steering rack (IIRC), Brembo brakes and wider wheels to accommodate the brakes.

Gigsy

Indeed... an STi is what I'd have it wasn't for needing space to put the dogs!

Ramdog81

The WRX spec is:

Rebuilt engine built 2.5ltr less than 5000 miles ago and new clutch.
ver 5/6 sti heads
20G
APS 70mm CAI
samco turbo inlet
prodrive turbo inlet
full H&S decat system.
GT spec headers wrapped
740cc injectors.
fuellab
walbro
tumbler delete.
CDF light weight pulleys.
samco radiator hoses.
APS 275 FMIC. stealth black
Uk 6 speed gearbox swap.

KYB shocks.adj
eibach springs.
K-sport 8 pot 356mm front caliper/disc set up
std rear calipers
noltec front drop links
whiteline adj rear roll bar
whiteline front roll bar
whiteline anti lift kit.
front/rear braces
mocomracing.com geomertry set up

This or an STi???

Scooby B

iTrader: (2)

That has had a fair few mods done to it, for one no bug is 2.5 in standard form. You cant really compare a heavily modded car against a standard one. Depends what your friend is looking for to be honest.

Ramdog81

Scooby B: thank you I know I think the spec looks great but questioned weither once purchased would hanker after Sti.

Scooby B

iTrader: (2)

Once you start heavily modding them or under going engine transplants it does not really matter if its a sti or a wrx anymore. Because technically its none of them!

L.J.F

iTrader: (31)

That motor is really well spec'd and will be a hoot to drive! beliver me you wont hanker for a Sti, you will be looking in your rear view mirror at most of them

Plus it has a LOT of Sti bits like gearbox etc. All you might want to add is the sti interior at some point.