Dragonknight

Currently I have a 03 WRX (didn't have any STI's). My question is this. I want to get a STI. Is there any recommendations on weather I should get and STI, or just mod my WRX, or just say forget it and get a different car completely? Keep in mind a STI only runs 30 grand so please don't say some 50g car.

politicophile

For the money, the only competitor I would consider for the STi would be the Evo, especially the MR edition. Personally, I'm a Subaru man and would side with the STi, but you would be smart to test drive both. There isn't really a reason to modify your current WRX because the STi is very affordable and it's probably as good or better than any 2.0L tuner WRX out there, at least in terms of reliability... Go STi

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Tech

get the STi and modify THAT why play catchup? i love the personal touch of a modified car, but start with the goods, then go from there. if the STi was just some bolt-ons and computer work above a WRX i might say just mod the car you have, but it's a very different beast, if nothing else, it has a completely different, more powerful engine. i think it would take a good bit of work to get the WRX powerplant to put out STi numbers, and you would be closer to its limit, as opposed to having an STi with room to grow.

i agree with politico, the only real competition is the Evo, and i'm a subaru man.

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username

Get the STI. No real reason to modify a WRX to an STI unless you like spending more money

ChrisJericho

STI's and wrx's rock.

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j8ear

Aside from the bias control of the AWD isn't that exactly the difference? Bolt-ons and computer work?

-bear

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Dragonknight

No, it's a complete engine and transmission swap with a few other things. The STI has a bigger engine.

j8ear

We might be talking symantics, since you've a 03 WRX...but I did a little more research on this after posting and found that in the 05 model year both versions use a 2.5l engine, of the 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged aluminum-alloy horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine, variety. It's the chip mapping, the intake, water misted intercooler, and exhaust that make the additional ponies....which in essence are just bolt on components.

Also exclusive to the STI are the BBS wheels and the brembo brakes. I think the water injection on the intercoolers is an STI only option. I am positive that all are available in the after-market, if not the dealer itself. This not to mention the hideous wing on the STi.

I'm not sure if the 8 grand premium on the STI is worth it or not. It probably is, but at the same time for under 5 grand I think an 05 WRX could easily be made to perform very similarly to an STI and aside from the fancy embroidery your average daily driver would be hard pressed to actually use the differences which remained. In fact I would venture that unless your a full time rally driver, you'd be better served with the more comfortable and forgiving ride of the WRX with performance improved, over the much stiffer, and bone rattling ride the STI offers.

There's alot to be said for the prestige and exclusivity of a limited edition ride though...

Either way ,your funds, and your needs are what will seal the deal.

submitted imho,

-bear

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Dragonknight

Thanks J8ear, I hadn't looked at the 05 versions yet. I was still looking at the 03 and 04 versions. This brings up a very good point for me. I could happly go with an or wrx and do after market mods myself and be happy. I'll have to check into this more with this new info. Once again I appreciate the info.

theguyondacouch

I believe the Sti has a 6 speed versus a 5 peed in the wrx as well.

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j8ear

Confirmed:

WRX: Fully synchronized 5-speed manual (optional and exclusively available with "the limited package:" 4-speed electronically controlled automatic).

STi: Standard fully synchronized close-ratio 6-speed manual.

^From the Subaru website, at the Sti and the WRX features and options page.

Actually upon further review these are in fact 2006 model year specs.

Also of note: Sunroof only available on the WRX.

-bear

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Funnel

STI is a beautiful beast i love that thing to death. Wish i had 30g i might just end up with a wrx but they are still pretty nice if you ask me. Stick with sti no company makes a car that handles that well and goes that speed for the same price. The Evo's jerk a little to the right when going real fast i have heard.

desal75

You get those wonderful Brembo brakes on the STi. And that blue interior (which matters to some people) too

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tec-9-7

I understand that the STi doesn't take that well to modification. Even the addition of an aftermarket exhaust can cause problems due to the internal wastegate in the turbocharger not flowing enough and leading to boost-creep. This cannot be remedied without either replacing the factory turbocharger w/ one that has an external wastegate, or removing the factory turbocharger and doing some porting on the stock unit.

That said, I'll be getting an Evo.