yea, if you didn't notice i'm real late on this one. i have a 2001 2.5 and love it, i've driven WRXes, but would chose mine over them. i love the higher displacement (i like american more than import) and the looks of the 01 over any WRX. it handles like a dream. the GC8 is said to be the greatest handeling impreza built. the trans set up on a 2.5 is also said to be better than the WRX. it may cost more to milk power out of the EJ251, but i think it's worth it. i currently have a cobb CAI and love the sound of the exhaust/intake mixture when I get on it. i'd sugest anyone who can't afford the insurance of a "sports car" get an impreza. oh, all-whee-drive drifting is worth it in its self
