Topic: Changes for 2009 Impreza US model (maybe Canada?)

[initial_D]

You know your beans, Bob. 


Wonder what the insurance cost difference is between the STi & WRX265.

[Snowman]

The performance numbers for the 265 are so very close to a COBB Stage 2. Typical gains from stock from a stage 2 are 55-60 HP that results in a 0-60 of 4.6 seconds. Now toss in the improved handling as a result of suspension work and proper tires the package is complete. However a prospective buyer will have to budget $1000 for winter boots.

I have bounced back and forth between the STi and 265 for RUT RO 3 but the more you think about it the 265 is the logical choice. Just imagine what an aftermarket turbo-back would do to it?

[jaman]

Just from an acceleration point of view, the 0-60 times for awd cars are always misleading because unless you're okay with killing your clutch/transmission, you're not coming anywhere close to the reported times. I personally like the 5-60 time better; more representative of real world.

However, I'm not trying to take anything way from this car's performance, a 0-60 time of 4.8 is wicked anyway you look at it.

[DriverJeff]

Jaman, that's a very good point -- the 30-50 and 50-70 numbers also mean a lot to me too.  If the car has good, usable power throughout the rev range (like, oh, say BMW's 3L turbo) and proper gearing, then it should excel in all those tests. 

Vman, WRXs have historically been hideous to insure in Ontario.  Second highest theft rate or something like that, not to mention so many young bucks writing them off -- they're brutal to insure compared to some of their competitors.  In both '04 and '06 when I seriously considered picking one up, the combination of insurance costs and unfavourable lease rates all conspired against the Subies for me.  At least one of those has been addressed...   

[Snowman]

Just from an acceleration point of view, the 0-60 times for awd cars are always misleading because unless you're okay with killing your clutch/transmission, you're not coming anywhere close to the reported times. I personally like the 5-60 time better; more representative of real world.

However, I'm not trying to take anything way from this car's performance, a 0-60 time of 4.8 is wicked anyway you look at it.

People with no experience with AWD cars tend to dump the clutch at launch which is a no no. The correct procedure is to slip the clutch while maintaining minimal rpm slightly above full turbo boost. The trick is to release the clutch in a fashion similar to lifting your foot after stepping in a pile of dog poo and applying full acceleration. I have beaten up two WRX’s in the past 6 years with countless dead stop launches with no transmission or clutch issues. It is all in the technique.

[jaman]

By correct procedure, do you mean to get the lowest 0-60 time or clutch/transmission life? I would imagine that if your car has enough power to get some wheelspin, then dumping the clutch will result in lower 0-60 times.

So you're saying that after "countless dead stop launches" you didn't neeed a new clutch?

In either case, the presence of awd allows for much greater torque application before you get wheel spin. So there is much more stress on the entire drivetrain than would be in a 2-wheel drive car during a start from a dead stop. If the Subaru WRX is sufficiently built, then it's not a problem, but if it's like the Nissan GTR....then you're 

People with no experience with AWD cars tend to dump the clutch at launch which is a no no. The correct procedure is to slip the clutch while maintaining minimal rpm slightly above full turbo boost. The trick is to release the clutch in a fashion similar to lifting your foot after stepping in a pile of dog poo and applying full acceleration. I have beaten up two WRX’s in the past 6 years with countless dead stop launches with no transmission or clutch issues. It is all in the technique.

[Snowman]

By correct procedure, do you mean to get the lowest 0-60 time or clutch/transmission life? I would imagine that if your car has enough power to get some wheelspin, then dumping the clutch will result in lower 0-60 times.

So you're saying that after "countless dead stop launches" you didn't neeed a new clutch?

In either case, the presence of awd allows for much greater torque application before you get wheel spin. So there is much more stress on the entire drivetrain than would be in a 2-wheel drive car during a start from a dead stop. If the Subaru WRX is sufficiently built, then it's not a problem, but if it's like the Nissan GTR....then you're 

People with no experience with AWD cars tend to dump the clutch at launch which is a no no. The correct procedure is to slip the clutch while maintaining minimal rpm slightly above full turbo boost. The trick is to release the clutch in a fashion similar to lifting your foot after stepping in a pile of dog poo and applying full acceleration. I have beaten up two WRX’s in the past 6 years with countless dead stop launches with no transmission or clutch issues. It is all in the technique.

My 2002 WRX was modded to 345 HP and required no clutch or transmission work after 135,000 km. I was so happy I go another one. Wheelspin is counterproductive to traction   IMO people who mangled 2’dn gear and clutches in their WRX’s had skill set and IQ issues.

[Triple Bob]

Well, I think "dumping" the clutch in any car is going to give you transmission woes.....

Exactly, I never dumped the clutch in the exige, too much mechanical sympathy...

[evil_twin]

Man, all the positive reviews for this car make it harder and harder to consider anything else in the price range.

That performance is incredible, plus the practicality of AWD and space in the 5-door...

PLUS...you could get one loaded out the door for under $40k.

The obvious downsides are in the styling (subjective...but really, what were they thinking with those tail lights on the hatch?) and maybe interior quality.  But to be fair, I haven't sat in one, so maybe I'll be surprised.

I will certainly be stopping at the local subie dealer next spring for a test drive.  Or maybe even a winter test, just to see what the AWD can do

me likey.

[Zombie]

My 2002 WRX was modded to 345 HP and required no clutch or transmission work after 135,000 km. I was so happy I go another one. Wheelspin is counterproductive to traction  IMO people who mangled 2’dn gear and clutches in their WRX’s had skill set and IQ issues.

Are you saying that you dump the clutch or not here?

In my WRX I haven't dump the clutch yet. What I have done is rev to about 3300, take my foot slightly off the gas, drop the clutch, get the car moving and then hammer the gas. It seems to be all about timing because sometimes I get better launches then others.

I would be scared to do this over 4000 in my car. I used to do it in my civic SIR but the wheels would just spin. Well actually once I did it in a loaded car, the wheels didn't spin and the clutch got stinky. I never did that again.

[Snowman]

My 2002 WRX was modded to 345 HP and required no clutch or transmission work after 135,000 km. I was so happy I go another one. Wheelspin is counterproductive to traction  IMO people who mangled 2’dn gear and clutches in their WRX’s had skill set and IQ issues.

Are you saying that you dump the clutch or not here?

In my WRX I haven't dump the clutch yet. What I have done is rev to about 3300, take my foot slightly off the gas, drop the clutch, get the car moving and then hammer the gas. It seems to be all about timing because sometimes I get better launches then others.

I would be scared to do this over 4000 in my car. I used to do it in my civic SIR but the wheels would just spin. Well actually once I did it in a loaded car, the wheels didn't spin and the clutch got stinky. I never did that again.

No dumping