Comparison Test: 2015 Subaru WRX STI vs. 2011 Subaru WRX STI

Drivetrain

Left relatively unchanged, the 2.5L turbocharged horizontally opposed four cylinder engine still puts out 305 horsepower as my brother’s did when it came from the factory. Scott’s car has undergone a transformation of sorts in this department though with full, larger-bore exhaust, intake, fuel injectors and custom ECU tune. This all makes his car sound and act like something that came out of a Gran Turismo video game.

For 2015 Subaru has adjusted the throttle response, making its reaction to inputs a bit more immediate. If we hadn’t driven the cars back to back, I’m not sure I would’ve noticed, but we each felt it at driver swaps and it makes the new car seems more lively and responsive pulling away from a stop and at low rpms. Once the modified car spools up its full boost, it leaves the new STI in its dust of course, but then, it’s not exactly comparing apples to apples here and everything done to this last generation car can be done to the new car too (and more).

In 2011 when my brother ordered up his car, he had the dealership install the optional short-shifter kit making the throws more precise and, obviously shorter. This modification took the six-speed action from simply acceptable to just what it should be with true action requiring a deliberate heft and a slight bit of notchiness. Happily Subaru now makes the short shift unit standard fare on the 2015 STI, just as it ought to be.

2015 Subaru WRX STI vs 2011 Subaru WRX STI. Click image to enlarge

Practicality

Cutting right to the chase here, the reason my brother loves his STI so much is because it does everything he needs it to do, no matter the season. It’s an exhilarating sports machine, reliable daily driver, passenger carrier and convenient cargo hauler due largely to its cavernous hatchback configuration.

His hatchback, with the seats up can swallow 538 L of whatever junk he wants to throw in there. With the seats folded, that number swells to an SUV-like 1,257 L. For 2015, Subaru is offering the STI in sedan format only, having killed off the hatchback. The sedan at best offers about a third of the volume for cargo space of the hatch.

While this decision is enough for Scott to join the legions of hatchback-loving STI owners with their torches and pitchforks, it’s important to note that this is not the sole measure of a car’s practicality. The new STI, is incrementally longer which equates to an improvement in rear passenger legroom (from 852 mm to 900 mm) and when looking at sedan versus sedan, an improvement of cargo space from 320 L to 340 L is realized.

2015 Subaru WRX STI vs 2011 Subaru WRX STI. Click image to enlarge

Still, if you’re like my brother and occasionally need to carry bulky items, Subaru’s decision to axe the STI hatchback could very well be enough to cause current owners to seriously consider leaving the brand for their next car.

But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Spy photos have started circulating the internet with a WRX hatchback mule in testing camouflage, so although at the time of writing, Subaru is still unwilling to confirm the future of a WRX / STI hatchback, it may just be in the cards yet.