Topic: 2010 WRX vs 2011 STi vs. 2001 Forester. Forester?

[johngenx]

Well, sort of.  A friend of mine bought a 2010 WRX five door, and while he liked the car, he regretted not buying the STi.  So, on the weekend, he was at the dealer and impulse took over, and he bought an STi five door.

The dealer offered him about a nickel and some lint from the manager's pocket for his WRX, so he didn't bother trading.  So, he has both.  Comparision!!

We spent about an hour today just driving the cars back to back.  Interesting, as the conditions were icy and snowy streets.  Both cars are on performance snow tires.

The DCCD is pretty awesome, but if you don't plan on really using it, don't bother buying the STi.  The WRX will suit most buyers.  However, the diffs and ability to control them is huge when traction is limited.  The WRX is set up for a bit of understeer, where the STi can be tuned to your liking.  With a little tweaking, terrific four wheel full power drifts are easy and fun.  The WRX can do it, but takes real work.  Nice!!

The six speed is nice, but I didn't see any big advantage to the extra cog.  The WRX's ratios are well chosen and the engine can be kept on the boost.  But, if you're paying extra for the STi, the six speed is one thing you get.  The clutch on the STi felt better, with a smoother engagement and more precise slow speed ability.  The WRX could lurch just a teeny bit, the STi, not.

The hilarious thing was that the Forester could walk away from either of them on the icy street in front of my chum's house.  The Forester's WS Blizzaks are noticeably better on the slick stuff, and the old gal's lower power is delivered low and linear.  Okay, the WRX and the STi would have dusted most 2WD vehicles, but it was funny hauling ass away from an STi.

Seriously, I'd have a VERY hard time choosing between the WRX and STi.  The price gap is closer, and so is the performance gap.  The DCCD is simply incredible, and that alone seems to justify the price gap.

[rrocket]

Hmmmm....I think I'd take the STI....(for modding reasons)

[Mike]

Great comparison. I have heard many of things you described here in the difference between the two.  The understeer in my car is my biggest complaint and a thicker rear anti-swar bar is my next mod.

[roundupready]

Very nice review.   

Thanks.

[johngenx]

On the very low traction corners I noticed that the WRX was the understeer champ of the three.  The STi could be dialed (literally) to be steered with the throttle.  The Forester's rear LSD meant it initially understeered, then transitioned to neutral and finally to oversteer with the engagement of the LSD.

I think on a racetrack, the six speed of the STi would allow you to keep the engine in the boost more than the five speed in the WRX, but on the street, not such an advantage.  The clutch/shifter-action in the STi was a bit nicer.  The WRX is much improved from any of the rubbery 2.0L cars I've driven.

In terms of suspension roll stiffness, the icy roads precluded the suspension from loading, so I couldn't feel much of a difference between the WRX and STi.

My buddy's plan is to mod the STi so it puts ~400hp to the ground (well within reach) and for ~$50K total, it will be a pretty serious performance car.  The WRX also responds well to mods, but if you want to make big ponies, the STi might be a better starting point.  The DCCD will make using all that juice more fun too.

The Subarus seem to sell well.  I see quite a few STi and WRX models on the street.  Not many Mitsu EVOs.  Price?  Poor dealers?  Rep for being a little fragile?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Man, I might impulse buy coffee and a doughnut, never though of an STi as an impulse buy!


Tonight, I was "dusted" by an AWD Fusion that had studded tires. Looks like this will be the last year for the Arctic-Alpins. Tires are everything.

[johngenx]

Man, I might impulse buy coffee and a doughnut, never though of an STi as an impulse buy!

He's in a, well, much higher tax bracket than most.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Man, I might impulse buy coffee and a doughnut, never though of an STi as an impulse buy!

He's in a, well, much higher tax bracket than most.

So I gathered!

[Flinter]

Sounds like a fun comparison test.

It's great that johngenx had suitable weather conditions to really expore the differences between the STi and WRX. When I test drove the STi earlier this year it was a short drive on dry pavement and I couldn't really feel any difference as I adjusted the DCCD. It's nice to hear that it actually makes a difference when road surfaces are less ideal.

To me it felt like the STi had a little more top end than the 2010 WRX I drove. At lower rpm the STi and 2010 WRX felt very comparable. Interestingly, my 08 WRX felt like it had more grunt down low in the rev range that either the STi and 2010 WRX. I assume this is due to the differences in the turbos used on the STi and 09+ WRX.

I also did not miss the 6th gear in the WRX since the ratios of the 5 speed are well chosen. That said, I'd still prefer the 6 speed.

For me, the increased stock power, DCCD, 6 speed gearbox, Front/Rear LSD, and wheel/tire upgrades justify the premium in price.