New WRX...
07 April 2001, 12:49 AM
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It appears only Steve's or Stevie's can reply!
A totally de-catted ScoobySport exhaust DOES make a fantastic improvement.
With regards to steering feel, yes it is a shortcoming, but I can personally cope at the moment due to ridiculous levels of grip that never cease to amaze. Once you have confidence of what the car will do, the lack of feel becomes less of a problem IMHO.
A totally de-catted ScoobySport exhaust DOES make a fantastic improvement.
With regards to steering feel, yes it is a shortcoming, but I can personally cope at the moment due to ridiculous levels of grip that never cease to amaze. Once you have confidence of what the car will do, the lack of feel becomes less of a problem IMHO.
07 April 2001, 10:30 AM
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I have been toying with idea of ordering a new WRX 5 door for some time(as my second car 
) and eventually took the plunge two weeks ago without a test drive as I didn't think I needed too. I got the chance to drive one last week and now I'm having second thoughts so I'd appreciate your comments.
I must say that I found the general refinement,handling and grip to be superb, with better turn in and initial bite through bends than the old car, however the steering feels curiously numb with little feedback, similar too an over assisted Merc of old. It does nothing to inspire confidence when threading a series of bends together. The car turns in sharply but the steering wheel doesn't seem to load up, leaving you with little idea of what is actually occuring beneath you and no clue as to how much grip is left in the bank. To confirm my first impressions I jumped in to Birdys P1 later that day which I am led to believe uses the standard old UK rack and I have to say that it is in different league. Slower yes, but nicely weighted and much more feedback, ultimately proving a better companion on a stretch of winding b road. Also the WRX brakes are much more powerfull than before but too on/off and not progressive enough for my liking. The performance? what can I say? all you have read is true and some...like all the extra emmissions control has squeezed the life out of it.I would say that the car is probably slower than my old Fiat Coupe 20v turbo although the test car only had 2.5k on the clock and may improve a little.Has anyone come across any tweaks that can restore some of the old cars feel and pace, if this can be done I will be as happy as a pig in ****. If not I suppose I could always cancel my order...but for what? a boring old 3 series touring or an Audi A4 avant?hmmmmmmmmmm seems that Subaru don't have try as hard these days for lack of genuine opposition in the price sector.
Steve
) and eventually took the plunge two weeks ago without a test drive as I didn't think I needed too. I got the chance to drive one last week and now I'm having second thoughts so I'd appreciate your comments. I must say that I found the general refinement,handling and grip to be superb, with better turn in and initial bite through bends than the old car, however the steering feels curiously numb with little feedback, similar too an over assisted Merc of old. It does nothing to inspire confidence when threading a series of bends together. The car turns in sharply but the steering wheel doesn't seem to load up, leaving you with little idea of what is actually occuring beneath you and no clue as to how much grip is left in the bank. To confirm my first impressions I jumped in to Birdys P1 later that day which I am led to believe uses the standard old UK rack and I have to say that it is in different league. Slower yes, but nicely weighted and much more feedback, ultimately proving a better companion on a stretch of winding b road. Also the WRX brakes are much more powerfull than before but too on/off and not progressive enough for my liking. The performance? what can I say? all you have read is true and some...like all the extra emmissions control has squeezed the life out of it.I would say that the car is probably slower than my old Fiat Coupe 20v turbo although the test car only had 2.5k on the clock and may improve a little.Has anyone come across any tweaks that can restore some of the old cars feel and pace, if this can be done I will be as happy as a pig in ****. If not I suppose I could always cancel my order...but for what? a boring old 3 series touring or an Audi A4 avant?hmmmmmmmmmm seems that Subaru don't have try as hard these days for lack of genuine opposition in the price sector.
Steve
07 April 2001, 10:47 AM
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by W9GTR:
<B>Has anyone come across any tweaks that can restore some of the old cars feel and paceSteve[/quote]
The Scoobysport straight thro exhaust seems a popular choice.
Steve
[This message has been edited by Steve Sherwen (edited 07 April 2001).]
<B>Has anyone come across any tweaks that can restore some of the old cars feel and paceSteve[/quote]
The Scoobysport straight thro exhaust seems a popular choice.
Steve
[This message has been edited by Steve Sherwen (edited 07 April 2001).]
07 April 2001, 01:05 PM
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Well then I will buck the trend
Steve - I agree with almost all your comments. Very similar to my own thoughts after test driving an MY01 a couple of weeks ago. The new car is more refined, better handling and has a better ride, but it does feel down on power. As has already been mentioned, I can't help feeling that there is nothing that can't be cured with a quick trip to ScoobySport or similar outfit (we've been doing it for years with the old model, so why stop now?)
Also look out for Morrette twin headlamp conversion which massively improves the looks of the new car.
Get the WRX - stuff the boring alternatives and enjoy
Chris
Steve - I agree with almost all your comments. Very similar to my own thoughts after test driving an MY01 a couple of weeks ago. The new car is more refined, better handling and has a better ride, but it does feel down on power. As has already been mentioned, I can't help feeling that there is nothing that can't be cured with a quick trip to ScoobySport or similar outfit (we've been doing it for years with the old model, so why stop now?)
Also look out for Morrette twin headlamp conversion which massively improves the looks of the new car.
Get the WRX - stuff the boring alternatives and enjoy
Chris
07 April 2001, 01:10 PM
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Well wot can i say, i have a MY01 with straight through exhaust and dump valve.
Yes the car is better with the exhaust, and the same same speed as a MY00, with same mod, upto 110ish. But IMHO go for the MY00 if you can still get them. They are cheaper and more fun to drive. Granted the brakes and steering feel better in the new model but its too refined and you loose that ***** out push back in the seat feel!
I dont regret buying the MY01, but if i had the choice again i'd go for the MY00 with all the mods and enjoy the popping and flaming out the back .
Ady
Yes the car is better with the exhaust, and the same same speed as a MY00, with same mod, upto 110ish. But IMHO go for the MY00 if you can still get them. They are cheaper and more fun to drive. Granted the brakes and steering feel better in the new model but its too refined and you loose that ***** out push back in the seat feel!
I dont regret buying the MY01, but if i had the choice again i'd go for the MY00 with all the mods and enjoy the popping and flaming out the back
.Ady
07 April 2001, 05:24 PM
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Cheers chaps
I was thinking of going down basildon for a straight thru zorst if I do take delivery which if it makes the difference you describe should be well worth it.
Stevie I did sense that the car was very capable during the drive particularly in its resistance to understeer during several laps of a fast roundabout and the car seems more adjustable via the throttle I just wasn't confident on fast sweepers, but you're probably right I will get used to it with time.I am probably being slightly harsh on the steering as I am used to my R34 Vspec which must rate as one of the best power assited helms of all time.
To be honest I think I will get the scoob as I have wanted one since driving Birdys original UK car some years back I just needed some reassurrance from people already living with the car (other than Scooby Salesmen)
Steve
I was thinking of going down basildon for a straight thru zorst if I do take delivery which if it makes the difference you describe should be well worth it.
Stevie I did sense that the car was very capable during the drive particularly in its resistance to understeer during several laps of a fast roundabout and the car seems more adjustable via the throttle I just wasn't confident on fast sweepers, but you're probably right I will get used to it with time.I am probably being slightly harsh on the steering as I am used to my R34 Vspec which must rate as one of the best power assited helms of all time.
To be honest I think I will get the scoob as I have wanted one since driving Birdys original UK car some years back I just needed some reassurrance from people already living with the car (other than Scooby Salesmen)
Steve
07 April 2001, 05:33 PM
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Having had my my01 for a couple of weeks now,I can't imagine going back to the my00,ok it may not give you a kick in the back but for A-B driving it is much quicker and generally more refined and those bucket seats-WOW,I'm just glad it has'nt got cruise control!
P.S The looks definately grow on you,every time I walk out to it I develop this kind of wry smirk as those cartoon style lights look back at you with such affection !
I say out with the old and in with the new !
P.S The looks definately grow on you,every time I walk out to it I develop this kind of wry smirk as those cartoon style lights look back at you with such affection !
I say out with the old and in with the new !
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09 April 2001, 05:53 AM
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I think I remember that Mr. Croney said that his modified 01' has no such steering feel problems. Though I can't seem to remember what it is that he has done to his car to achieve that?
But getting used to a lack of feel through the steering? I don't think so. Steering feel is always going to be one of the very best links between a driver and the road. Any number of cars, such as the toyota Supra, Ford Escort Cosworth or any current Audi, have little steering feel, and indeed many owners of these cars have gotten used to their poor steering, but this does not excuse the problem or the potential safety hazards it could bring about. The bottom line is that on some challenging roads the ability to feel what level of grip your car has on the tarmac is very important and irreplaceable.
But getting used to a lack of feel through the steering? I don't think so. Steering feel is always going to be one of the very best links between a driver and the road. Any number of cars, such as the toyota Supra, Ford Escort Cosworth or any current Audi, have little steering feel, and indeed many owners of these cars have gotten used to their poor steering, but this does not excuse the problem or the potential safety hazards it could bring about. The bottom line is that on some challenging roads the ability to feel what level of grip your car has on the tarmac is very important and irreplaceable.
09 April 2001, 06:17 AM
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Having owned a MY01 since November 2000 I can honestly say its a fantastic car.
Reading all the guff about how its slower etc... than a MY00....well never having had a MY00 I didnt know what all the fuss was about. Now I can say to all of you...GET A LIFE....
I spent the whole of Sunday at Sandown International Raceway in Melbourne Australia.
I was up against a MY99 and a MY00 and they aint got it when it comes to a track compared to the MY01. The MY01 was faster thru the bends, equally as fast down the straight and has far less understeer than previous imprezas. Hell, this car was mixing real well with a 1998 Carrera. And when the rain came down, nothing could match my little MY01..not even the MY00..
So to all you tossers that havent owned a MY01...just test driven it and not felt the huge rush like a MY00.....live with it and then comment.
The old one is a piece of crap that drives like a porsche...
The new one is a great car that drives like a porsche...
NUFF SAID
Reading all the guff about how its slower etc... than a MY00....well never having had a MY00 I didnt know what all the fuss was about. Now I can say to all of you...GET A LIFE....
I spent the whole of Sunday at Sandown International Raceway in Melbourne Australia.
I was up against a MY99 and a MY00 and they aint got it when it comes to a track compared to the MY01. The MY01 was faster thru the bends, equally as fast down the straight and has far less understeer than previous imprezas. Hell, this car was mixing real well with a 1998 Carrera. And when the rain came down, nothing could match my little MY01..not even the MY00..
So to all you tossers that havent owned a MY01...just test driven it and not felt the huge rush like a MY00.....live with it and then comment.
The old one is a piece of crap that drives like a porsche...
The new one is a great car that drives like a porsche...
NUFF SAID
09 April 2001, 07:28 AM
#10
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Hell, this car was mixing real well with a 1998 Carrera. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
and that's a claim to fame
I'd be <B>seriously</B> embarrassed to claim that
Richard
Sheesh Even my little ole Yankie MY99 will p1ss on a GT4.....
[This message has been edited by rsquire (edited 09 April 2001).]
and that's a claim to fame
I'd be <B>seriously</B> embarrassed to claim that
Richard
Sheesh Even my little ole Yankie MY99 will p1ss on a GT4.....
[This message has been edited by rsquire (edited 09 April 2001).]
09 April 2001, 07:35 AM
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RSQUIRE
Whats to be embarrassed about being competitive with a Porsche Carrera?
At last check they r one of the few companies in the world churning out true performance cars for the masses.
The MY01 is a great car, but put things into perspective. Its still a little Jap car that goes fast.
What do you drive rsquire?
Whats to be embarrassed about being competitive with a Porsche Carrera?
At last check they r one of the few companies in the world churning out true performance cars for the masses.
The MY01 is a great car, but put things into perspective. Its still a little Jap car that goes fast.
What do you drive rsquire?
09 April 2001, 07:52 AM
#13
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Joking aside, the new MY01 wagon is narrower track than the old one and not the same as the 4 door, unlike the MY00 and prior, where they were both the same. This may explain the perceived difference as I have only seen one road test on the wagon, and it picked up shortcomings that the 4 door tests have not.
09 April 2001, 08:00 AM
#14
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Hi Dave Ok Dave
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>What do you drive rsquire?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
One or two nice cars..
Richard
[This message has been edited by rsquire (edited 09 April 2001).]
Ok Dave <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>What do you drive rsquire?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
One or two nice cars..
Richard
[This message has been edited by rsquire (edited 09 April 2001).]
09 April 2001, 08:10 AM
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Mornin Richard (or evening, past your bedtime....... )
I take it the new baby is the RS200.....??
I told you didn't I, my neighbour has one (an original) he has turned into a Pikes Peak car, about 700bhp, and has Stig Blomquist driving it....
And does this mean I don't get a drive in your 22B before it leaves???
)I take it the new baby is the RS200.....??
I told you didn't I, my neighbour has one (an original) he has turned into a Pikes Peak car, about 700bhp, and has Stig Blomquist driving it....
And does this mean I don't get a drive in your 22B before it leaves???
09 April 2001, 08:15 AM
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W9GTR,
Just go buy one. You won't regret it. As I've said before on this noticeboard, I sold a MY00 saloon for a MY01 wagon, and I have to say that IMHO the 01 is best by some distance.
Funnily enough the test car I drove seemed to have less urge than the 00, but the official figs seemed to suggest that the 01 was faster all round. The extra refinement in the 01 counts for a lot. I'm very used to the speeds around certain corners in my locality, and I know I can confidently take them faster in the new car. The steering is less communicative, but I for one don't mind the trade off as the wheel does not try and jump out of your hands on rutted roads like it used to in the 00.
Just gone through 2000 miles now and the motor's livening up nicely. Certainly 0-60 is faster than the 00. Motorway cut and thrust is a bit more of a chore due to moving between 4th and 5th, but cruising ability is WAY better at 80 - 90mph.
Just do it.
Cheers,
Rich
Just go buy one. You won't regret it. As I've said before on this noticeboard, I sold a MY00 saloon for a MY01 wagon, and I have to say that IMHO the 01 is best by some distance.
Funnily enough the test car I drove seemed to have less urge than the 00, but the official figs seemed to suggest that the 01 was faster all round. The extra refinement in the 01 counts for a lot. I'm very used to the speeds around certain corners in my locality, and I know I can confidently take them faster in the new car. The steering is less communicative, but I for one don't mind the trade off as the wheel does not try and jump out of your hands on rutted roads like it used to in the 00.
Just gone through 2000 miles now and the motor's livening up nicely. Certainly 0-60 is faster than the 00. Motorway cut and thrust is a bit more of a chore due to moving between 4th and 5th, but cruising ability is WAY better at 80 - 90mph.
Just do it.
Cheers,
Rich
09 April 2001, 08:31 AM
#18
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by rsquire:
<B>Hi Dave
Quick bugger aren't you
Richard[/quote]
Yuppetydoodah matey....you should know by now
<B>Hi Dave
Quick bugger aren't you
Richard[/quote]
Yuppetydoodah matey....you should know by now
09 April 2001, 09:31 AM
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by bugwaan:
<B>
So to all you tossers that havent owned a MY01...just test driven it and not felt the huge rush like a MY00.....live with it and then comment.
NUFF SAID[/quote]
Thats exactly my sentiments. You wouldnt believe the grief i got in Jan from users on this BBS slating the WRX. Loads of bullsh1ters saying theyd tested one and it was "so slow". I then go on the midlands cruise and find that my unmodded WRX can just about keep up on the straights against modded MY00~ cars. And in the bends and on the breaks i catch up. And lots of owners complained of understeer in the frosty conditions - i felt none the whole trip!
The exhaust mod is a cheap way of getting back some of the power. Pete Croney said the engine managements much more sofisticated on the WRX - Subaru had to make more effort to get the same power as the old car - and at the same time meet "world" emissions and noise regulations (WRX sold in turbo form in USA) that otherwise strangle the cars performance.
So i agree completely - my cars done 3000 miles now - and has loosened up a fair amount already.
Cant wait to see what Prodrives PPP will do!!!
Apart from the power issue - the cars fantasticly comfortable - quiet on motorways and the rides superb. Cant recommend one enough - just be prepared to add an exhaust!!!
Jza
<B>
So to all you tossers that havent owned a MY01...just test driven it and not felt the huge rush like a MY00.....live with it and then comment.
NUFF SAID[/quote]
Thats exactly my sentiments. You wouldnt believe the grief i got in Jan from users on this BBS slating the WRX. Loads of bullsh1ters saying theyd tested one and it was "so slow". I then go on the midlands cruise and find that my unmodded WRX can just about keep up on the straights against modded MY00~ cars. And in the bends and on the breaks i catch up. And lots of owners complained of understeer in the frosty conditions - i felt none the whole trip!
The exhaust mod is a cheap way of getting back some of the power. Pete Croney said the engine managements much more sofisticated on the WRX - Subaru had to make more effort to get the same power as the old car - and at the same time meet "world" emissions and noise regulations (WRX sold in turbo form in USA) that otherwise strangle the cars performance.
So i agree completely - my cars done 3000 miles now - and has loosened up a fair amount already.
Cant wait to see what Prodrives PPP will do!!!
Apart from the power issue - the cars fantasticly comfortable - quiet on motorways and the rides superb. Cant recommend one enough - just be prepared to add an exhaust!!!
Jza
09 April 2001, 09:49 AM
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All this discussion about steering 'feel' and feedback seems to be limited to the car itself. The tyres can play a big part. I had an Escort Cosworth and the steering was pin-sharp and very communicative on P-Zeros but absolutely crap on Avons (although they did last twice as long!). My Sti5R was quite lifeless on original Bridgestone RE01's but came alive on new Toyo Proxies. Perhaps with more experience of the new WRX someone will find the ideal tyre and pressures to give the best setup.
09 April 2001, 10:04 AM
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It seams that the old shape Vs new shape arguement will continue until the new shape becomes the old shape in about 7 years time.
It will then become the new - new shape Vs the old - new shape arguement and all these posts will be seen again!
Steve
It will then become the new - new shape Vs the old - new shape arguement and all these posts will be seen again!
Steve
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