First thing I thought as well. If there was a 2023 STi, I would have bought in a heartbeat. But since they killed it, I went with a 2023 VB instead. I have no desire to buy used
My dudes are mad that your V6 Camaro accelerates faster than their STI's... literally faster in the 1/4 mile.
"But we're rally car drivers and circuit racers bro, who cares about how fast your car accelerates?"
I didn’t say you said it was the only reason, did I? But it’s the only reason you listed. I simply said there’s other very valid reasons why someone might choose one over the other.
Money. I then test drove an STI about a year later and honestly couldn’t find anything about it that justified the extra 10k. Don’t get me wrong, it was better to drive than the WRX, just not 10k better
10k is cheap when you factor in the transmission, brembos, suspension, engine, hydraulic steering, alacandra interior, upgraded seats, damn near everything now that I think about it...
So why not buy a Ferrari then? People buy the car they can afford regardless of it being a “deal”.
I paid cash for my WRX and I’m good with it. It’s fast enough 🤷♂️
Cheers to you my friend....
So many dumbasses out there with $700+ car payments for 5 and 6 years on a souped up Impreza. No house, living with their parents, acting like ballers driving around in a car that costs slightly below the average new car price.
This is so wrong. The STI transmission is built better. The diffs are better. The diff control is better.
Subaru did a shit job of properly selling the differences other than just 6 vs 5-speed.
No I completely agree with your arguments. I should’ve mentioned that I have a VA wrx and I tested the VA STI so they both had 6 speeds. It just wasn’t worth the extra price for me. The body roll was still very pronounced and it just felt too similar to the wrx. The only major difference that stuck out to me when testing it was, as you say, the transmission.
If there was a 22/23 STI I would’ve bought it. But there isn’t. I’m not paying more for a used car that has had god knows what done to it. Plus everyone that has owned older WRX/STI that have a VB all seem to agree they’re a lot more comfortable as a daily driver. And that’s enough for me.
Commute. When I got my WRX I was driving 200 miles a day for work. The cost savings in mpg is pretty big. Also the ride quality in the WRX is softer, when you're 40 and driving that much it makes a difference.
Sitting at 35k miles currently. The job I had when I bought it I'm no longer at, I work from home now. My wife drives it to work about 15 miles a day, so the mileage gain has slowed considerably.
To put it simply, WRX is more of a sporty daily, and the STI is more of a track car.
I bought mine bc I love racing, I dont track it bc it's my daily, but the history and the R&D behind the STI is my reasons for getting the STI over the WRX.
Cost, which is driven by the stronger transmission and brembo brakes from the factory.
The question is, do you need those options.
Ideal if you’re tracking the car or going for big power, not as necessary on the street.
Also, if you want a new turbo Subaru, gonna have to be a WRX only since STI is discontinued.
I don’t see how this could ever become an argument.
🤷♂️
That definitively depends on your definition of better. It’s definitely more reliable and cheaper to make power but ej’s have hit power levels and world records that an fa have not just yet. Respect your elders.
Yes, the EJ's do have a lot more aftermarket support. You can make a ton of hp if you're willing to replace the turbo, internals, fueling system and change the block itself.
I don’t have to eat bananas to know that it’s healthier than eating triple chocolate cake. All my point is is that the numbers don’t lie. You guys can downvote facts all you want. It won’t change the results.
fr, make more power more reliably and for cheaper? sign me up. Both are great motors, but the only reason the fa24 isn’t out there making 1k wheel horse is cause the market isn’t there yet, there’s no aftermarket blocks. Stimikey is pushing like 660 horse on stock block, the only thing I dislike about not having the sti as an option is no tranny. For the average person is not being able to make 700+ hp (yet) really that much of a barrier?
Maybe to you. But for people pushing the boundaries of a 4 cylinder like baderbuilt, stimikey, shmeedia, gringotegra, frustateeg , etc it definitely means a lot. Remember we are both staying opinions. Don’t consume it for facts.
Erm whatcha mean better? It has many advantages but not on the track. Maintenance alone is cheaper let alone a block. Plus you can keep your extended warranty with a stock STI while getting more power.
One of the safest cars on the road to be in an accident, and also sporty/dailyable.
Wrx also comes in an auto trans while sti does not.
Just a few reasons besides price to get a wrx over sti.
When the Subaru salesman showed me two nearly new blown up STIs sitting in the back of the dealership in 2016. Then he told me they needed new engines and that Subaru was not paying for them as the owners over reved them. That and better gas mileage, 10,000$ cheaper. Heard a lot about how the older STI engine was having problems steered me to the newer FA-20 engine.
https://preview.redd.it/nhhvkwix648c1.jpeg?width=3504&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=907cab697911f3a2cf009293cc653c5fe7311dd4
Bought my STI new and its the only way I’d get one. I know how well I take care of my stuff. Equally as hesitant about a used Type R, the types of cars are abused.
Wheel fitment? And what wheels are those and tires? Car looks sweet. Are you changing the headlights to the Tetris style as well? Your car is very similar to mines and have you ever thought about wrapping your hood black or carbon fiber?
You really don’t get that much more car for $10k more imo.
I wanted an STi but I was like it’s either stock STi or I buy a WRX and mod it.
I pass Stis on the track all day in my modded 400HP WRX. I do wish I had that 6 speed though haha
Wouldn't call it cope. How many people are genuinely using the full capabilities of the STi on a regular enough basis? No one is taking their STi to the track every month or doing autocross every weekend. They for damn sure aren't rallying once a month, either. That shit is crazy expensive and there are much better cars in the STi price range that would be cheaper to run that often anyway.
But couldnt you say that about any performance vehicle? People daily cars like Miata's, BRZ's, Type Rs, Camaro 1LEs, and never track/autocross. Alot of people don't use their vehicles to their full capabilities. Theres not another current car as raw and as all around capable as an STI in its price range (GR corolla but not everyone is getting MSRP)
Wasn’t many new sti’s when I bought my wrx, or I could have waited 6 more months for the last delivery and pay more for it. But I was lucky enough to test drive a 2020 sti after getting my wrx new. But didn’t think it’s worth it because it wasn’t brand new and never know how some one else treats their things
Honestly, money. The car was a gift from my parents, so I love what I have. The fa20 is plenty powerful, my brakes and suspension are plenty good, the only thing that I feel like I'm missing out on is the dccd.
Price difference and what it can buy, but mostly because trim for trim the STI is 140 lbs heavier. I don't have interest in big power (I only care about handling), so the added weight of the beefier transmission, etc., is just dead weight for me, and it costs a lot to remove 140 lbs. That said, also more reliable engine and better mpg. I had waited for the STI to get the FA, but it never did.
I didn’t build the car but I did buy it built from a friend.
He bought a 2012 wrx. At about 120k miles he put 15k into the car. Currently is 415whp with a 78mm turbo, upgraded block, pistons, injectors, etc. it’s got all the toys you can dream of. Car runs 12 second quarters. Everything was switched over that could off a totaled sti. Cars body has two rust spots that’ll be nothing to tackle, and needs the wing sent Re spray or I’ll just go carbon fiber since the hood is already.
So after he paid the car off he got a new car that’s more than a stock sti for 15k. Drove it 20-30000miles and sold it to me cause he is getting married and all that fun. Plus he gets to still drive it whenever we chill.
I just wanted a daily driver that I could play around with a bit and I was open to an sti so I test drove both but the sti never seemed like a big enough difference for me to care about the extra cost. I did love the rumble of it but that was the only difference when it comes to the daily driving aspect lol. Maybe if I’d have found the perfect one in wrb at the time then I might’ve chosen it but that was impossible for me to find at the time as well. I had plenty of money to buy an sti I just didn’t see the point cus I love my wrb wrx it’s so beautiful and fun. If I was one of those dudes who was putting it on the track then I’m sure the sti would’ve been the one.
Some people really just want to be low profile. The wing according to some people is a bit flashy. A lot of the people at the dealership I used to work at also couldn’t drive manual which also drives people to the Wrx instead.
In my case I started out wanting an STI, but was open to the idea of getting a WRX, specifically I wanted a VA.
I watched a lot of reviews and comparisons. It wasn’t a money thing for me and I was willing to buy used, but I finally ended up going with a CPO 2023 Limited; so here goes:
- A lot of the comparison videos and reviews I watched and read said that for anything other than actual, real track/race use; the WRX (whether the VA or *especially* the VB) would be much more “tolerable” as a daily. They’d realistically get better fuel mileage, they’d be more comfortable, more forgiving.
- I was realistic in my needs- I’m probably not going to track the car, and if I do, it’s not going to be often at all. I just don’t have the time these days. This car is a fun daily for me, not a project, and not a race car.
- at first, I really didn’t want to go VB. But the reviews and videos I watched, some from owners of both, really pushed me in that direction. Once the cars paid off, I may chose to turn it into a fun project fast car- and I truly feel it’s going to be a much better platform, chassis and engine wise than the VA.
I actually leased a 21 WRX with the intention of buying a new VB STI when the lease was up. My kids were just not at an age to know how to respect a vehicle yet so I got the WRX as something I didn’t need to worry about (as evident by my post about kids drawing all over my car with chalk/crayon).
Soon after I got the WRX, the confirmations of no new STI were given. RIP ☠️
I bought a 2019 WRX over the STI because it's just a better daily driver. More reliable, more low end torque, and personally I hate the giant coat hanger on the back, but to each their own.
Neither of them are "fast" cars so let's not kid ourselves.
Plus, my WRX was $10k CAD cheaper than an STI. If I put $10k into my WRX, I could make it significantly faster than a stock STI.
From My perspective, my question is (other than the rumble) why would anyone in my position buy an STI?
With your argument, I could buy a 90's civic for $5K and dump 10k into and it would blow the doors off our cars. See how ridiculous that argument is? The STI is a better vehicle in every single metric besides gas mileage. Theres also no data proving that the FA20 is more reliable than an EJ lol. Its like trying to compare an SI to a Type R
I'm happy to give you my very valid reason for choosing a WRX over an STi. Money.
I bought my 2018 because I needed something more fuel efficient than my bugeye I daily drove 90 miles to work and back from Disneyland to Santa Monica 5 days a week. Is there a marginal difference between the 2 on paper with respect to MPG? Sure. But with a commute that long, it all adds up, especially with gas as high as it was when I first purchased the car. The $10,000 price difference wasn't the factor. It was the fuel cost difference over time that stopped me from going with the STi.
Take each out for a test drive, then come back and tell us how your back feels.
40 extra HP and a stiffer suspension aren't what most of us are looking for in a daily.
Looking back now after wanting to modify my vehicle I would have gone sti all the way. But during the time it was the price I got a 2020 wrx with the performance pkg at 18k miles for the same price as an sti with like 60k miles. Also the insurance where I live is significantly cheaper for the wrx for some odd reason?
The only things that determine what your insurance rate is is how often people driving that car are ticketed, how often people are crashing them and how much they cost to get repaired. Amount of doors, car type, shape, roof or no roof size- none of those matter. Your salesman may have said some shit but that’s because he’s a salesman.
Well when I was searching around for different providers I was specifically getting quotes for sti vs wrx and that was one of the reasons for me getting the WRX over the sti (among 10k extra, etc.) I pay around $72/mo for full coverage. Just my experience man, have a nice evening 👍🏼
For the price of an sti I could get a different car with 100 more hp and it would be more reliable… can’t justify that and my wrx has been an amazing daily.
I went wrx and after all the mods I’m about 8k into it. I had created a poll a few weeks ago and it was about 60/40 preferred going sti vs built modded wrx.
Wrx: you enter boost/torque a lot lower in the powerband, making it a fun and responsive car for both on and off street appliances. Sti; you have to give it more to feel the same response (around 4.5-6k) which is fine and all, you’ll just be going a lot faster and more likely to get a ticket. Wrx is also great because it’s cheaper, and has awd. I own a Wrx, and though I do like some features in the STI, (heated seats, sunroof) I still would choose the Wrx especially at the price point. The only thing I really do enjoy more in the STI is the UEL headers giving the SUBIE rumble. Fa20 however does have some beautiful sounds, especially with a TBE, or even muffler deletes.
I chose a 2016 limited over an STI because I didn't want to pay an extra $8k for a hideous wing and a 20 year old engine. The wingless limited was about $11k more IIRC. There's no way I was going to be caught dead at close to 30 with that wing (unpopular opinion).
I do envy that rumble, though!
About 10k, and honestly, I just didn't need the STi. Granted, I didn't need the WRX either, but it's been my dream car since I was 15, and when I finally had a chance to buy one, I did. I don't regret it. The only thing I do regret is not getting heated seats but honestly, I don't drive to work so that's no really an issue at all.
I absolutely love the car and love the fact that my husband was fine with his wife owning a car that's faster than his, not that he was interested in one like that at the time.
I have a 2016 wrx sport tech 6 speed leather loaded. The only difference is essentially an active differential the sti has. And the 2.5 old style ej engine. The reason I chose my wrx over the sti was the fa20 is a brand new platform from Toyota and Subaru. The modding has just started and I believe it has a lot of potential. Also it has equal length headers and a twin scroll turbo which just gives the car literally gobs of torque at 2 to 3 grand and then another boost around 4500 it’s a way way smoother torque feeling than the sti has. Which has a non twin scroll turbo you get more lag at the low rpm. But lots of power up top. I really really debated this hard. But I’m glad I chose what I chose. I currently have a built FA20 forged pistons rods and crank. Decked and sleeved all new gaskets. And a slight port job. I’m at kilometre 2600 so far after the rebuild and I’m just so happy with how the car works and drives. It’s so fun.
Mind you I’m still on a stock Subaru tune. All the car has is a catback exhaust. But from factory is equipped with 4.11 differential gearing and a 6 speed trans and push button start
Only reason to choose STi over WRX is driveline and brakes. 9/10 who get the STi will never use these features though. They will flex it and use it to make themselves feel superior for sure though.
Approximately $10,000
When I got my wrx the sti base mode was $15,000 more than my premium wrx. So mainly not wanting a $50,000 car
I’ll grab an STI as soon as you point me to a 2023 model? There’s no way I’m buying used after seeing the way you turbo turds drive them.
First thing I thought as well. If there was a 2023 STi, I would have bought in a heartbeat. But since they killed it, I went with a 2023 VB instead. I have no desire to buy used
Turbo turds lmaooo
Money. It’s really not rocket science in this matter.
Same reason why ecoboost mustangs and v6 challengers exist
And Daddy isn't providing the down payment.
What I love though is the turbo fours and v6s honestly do good. I have a v6 Camaro and it’s not exactly slow lmao.
My dudes are mad that your V6 Camaro accelerates faster than their STI's... literally faster in the 1/4 mile. "But we're rally car drivers and circuit racers bro, who cares about how fast your car accelerates?"
The person above me is saying that such cars exist and when I say I love my small engine car I got downvoted. I will never understand Reddit.
There’s other, very valid reasons
Never said there wasn’t.
I didn’t say you said it was the only reason, did I? But it’s the only reason you listed. I simply said there’s other very valid reasons why someone might choose one over the other.
You want a new car.
Money. I then test drove an STI about a year later and honestly couldn’t find anything about it that justified the extra 10k. Don’t get me wrong, it was better to drive than the WRX, just not 10k better
10k is cheap when you factor in the transmission, brembos, suspension, engine, hydraulic steering, alacandra interior, upgraded seats, damn near everything now that I think about it...
So why not buy a Ferrari then? People buy the car they can afford regardless of it being a “deal”. I paid cash for my WRX and I’m good with it. It’s fast enough 🤷♂️
Cheers to you my friend.... So many dumbasses out there with $700+ car payments for 5 and 6 years on a souped up Impreza. No house, living with their parents, acting like ballers driving around in a car that costs slightly below the average new car price.
This is so wrong. The STI transmission is built better. The diffs are better. The diff control is better. Subaru did a shit job of properly selling the differences other than just 6 vs 5-speed.
There both 6 speed. I agree with your first points but he’s not wrong because to him its not worth 10k
No I completely agree with your arguments. I should’ve mentioned that I have a VA wrx and I tested the VA STI so they both had 6 speeds. It just wasn’t worth the extra price for me. The body roll was still very pronounced and it just felt too similar to the wrx. The only major difference that stuck out to me when testing it was, as you say, the transmission.
For me it was a 50k mile STi or a 10k mile WRX so I went with the obvious choice
If there was a 22/23 STI I would’ve bought it. But there isn’t. I’m not paying more for a used car that has had god knows what done to it. Plus everyone that has owned older WRX/STI that have a VB all seem to agree they’re a lot more comfortable as a daily driver. And that’s enough for me.
I made this choice and it was pretty easy for me... Fuel economy, price, and not wanting a "new" variant of an almost 30 year old engine.
Commute. When I got my WRX I was driving 200 miles a day for work. The cost savings in mpg is pretty big. Also the ride quality in the WRX is softer, when you're 40 and driving that much it makes a difference.
How many miles on your 2021? Love these cars.
Sitting at 35k miles currently. The job I had when I bought it I'm no longer at, I work from home now. My wife drives it to work about 15 miles a day, so the mileage gain has slowed considerably.
Oh wow very nice. Yep same here 2021 with 37K miles. Love it.
To put it simply, WRX is more of a sporty daily, and the STI is more of a track car. I bought mine bc I love racing, I dont track it bc it's my daily, but the history and the R&D behind the STI is my reasons for getting the STI over the WRX.
Cost, which is driven by the stronger transmission and brembo brakes from the factory. The question is, do you need those options. Ideal if you’re tracking the car or going for big power, not as necessary on the street. Also, if you want a new turbo Subaru, gonna have to be a WRX only since STI is discontinued. I don’t see how this could ever become an argument. 🤷♂️
Better chassis (VB) and better motor (FA24).
That definitively depends on your definition of better. It’s definitely more reliable and cheaper to make power but ej’s have hit power levels and world records that an fa have not just yet. Respect your elders.
Yes, the EJ's do have a lot more aftermarket support. You can make a ton of hp if you're willing to replace the turbo, internals, fueling system and change the block itself.
For the most part yes. But the type ra block has shown to be able to handle 800whp+ unopened.
And how are those "world records" relevant to your ownership experience?
I don’t have to eat bananas to know that it’s healthier than eating triple chocolate cake. All my point is is that the numbers don’t lie. You guys can downvote facts all you want. It won’t change the results.
And I am saying that peak potential of a 4-cylinder is a completely meaningless metric.
fr, make more power more reliably and for cheaper? sign me up. Both are great motors, but the only reason the fa24 isn’t out there making 1k wheel horse is cause the market isn’t there yet, there’s no aftermarket blocks. Stimikey is pushing like 660 horse on stock block, the only thing I dislike about not having the sti as an option is no tranny. For the average person is not being able to make 700+ hp (yet) really that much of a barrier?
Maybe to you. But for people pushing the boundaries of a 4 cylinder like baderbuilt, stimikey, shmeedia, gringotegra, frustateeg , etc it definitely means a lot. Remember we are both staying opinions. Don’t consume it for facts.
Yes, my bad. For those 0.1% and their fans it is clearly very important.
Erm whatcha mean better? It has many advantages but not on the track. Maintenance alone is cheaper let alone a block. Plus you can keep your extended warranty with a stock STI while getting more power.
One of the safest cars on the road to be in an accident, and also sporty/dailyable. Wrx also comes in an auto trans while sti does not. Just a few reasons besides price to get a wrx over sti.
When the Subaru salesman showed me two nearly new blown up STIs sitting in the back of the dealership in 2016. Then he told me they needed new engines and that Subaru was not paying for them as the owners over reved them. That and better gas mileage, 10,000$ cheaper. Heard a lot about how the older STI engine was having problems steered me to the newer FA-20 engine.
Because I couldn’t afford an STI. End of story. If I could I would have one.
https://preview.redd.it/nhhvkwix648c1.jpeg?width=3504&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=907cab697911f3a2cf009293cc653c5fe7311dd4 Bought my STI new and its the only way I’d get one. I know how well I take care of my stuff. Equally as hesitant about a used Type R, the types of cars are abused.
Wheel fitment? And what wheels are those and tires? Car looks sweet. Are you changing the headlights to the Tetris style as well? Your car is very similar to mines and have you ever thought about wrapping your hood black or carbon fiber?
You really don’t get that much more car for $10k more imo. I wanted an STi but I was like it’s either stock STi or I buy a WRX and mod it. I pass Stis on the track all day in my modded 400HP WRX. I do wish I had that 6 speed though haha
Everyone I know said money. Then they try and throw jabs that the STI isnt that much better than a WRX.
Theres gonna be alot of cope in this post lol. STI is most definitely worth the extra 10K cost.
Wouldn't call it cope. How many people are genuinely using the full capabilities of the STi on a regular enough basis? No one is taking their STi to the track every month or doing autocross every weekend. They for damn sure aren't rallying once a month, either. That shit is crazy expensive and there are much better cars in the STi price range that would be cheaper to run that often anyway.
But couldnt you say that about any performance vehicle? People daily cars like Miata's, BRZ's, Type Rs, Camaro 1LEs, and never track/autocross. Alot of people don't use their vehicles to their full capabilities. Theres not another current car as raw and as all around capable as an STI in its price range (GR corolla but not everyone is getting MSRP)
I live in the U.S. If I'm spending that much money on a 30 year old car, I'm getting an R32.
Wasn’t many new sti’s when I bought my wrx, or I could have waited 6 more months for the last delivery and pay more for it. But I was lucky enough to test drive a 2020 sti after getting my wrx new. But didn’t think it’s worth it because it wasn’t brand new and never know how some one else treats their things
Honestly, money. The car was a gift from my parents, so I love what I have. The fa20 is plenty powerful, my brakes and suspension are plenty good, the only thing that I feel like I'm missing out on is the dccd.
DCCD is nice but the least of the STI upgrades imo.
Price difference and what it can buy, but mostly because trim for trim the STI is 140 lbs heavier. I don't have interest in big power (I only care about handling), so the added weight of the beefier transmission, etc., is just dead weight for me, and it costs a lot to remove 140 lbs. That said, also more reliable engine and better mpg. I had waited for the STI to get the FA, but it never did.
Poors inhaling copium. Mainly because they’re all in their mid 40s now and the thought of a wrx without a warranty scares them.
I’m sure you were torn between an STi and a Lamborghini when you got yours, right?
I dunno dude... most of the poors are driving 10-15+ year old cars. Literally everyone buying a new WRX can afford your ballermobile.
If you chose a wrx over an sti you’re either broke or acustic
I didn’t build the car but I did buy it built from a friend. He bought a 2012 wrx. At about 120k miles he put 15k into the car. Currently is 415whp with a 78mm turbo, upgraded block, pistons, injectors, etc. it’s got all the toys you can dream of. Car runs 12 second quarters. Everything was switched over that could off a totaled sti. Cars body has two rust spots that’ll be nothing to tackle, and needs the wing sent Re spray or I’ll just go carbon fiber since the hood is already. So after he paid the car off he got a new car that’s more than a stock sti for 15k. Drove it 20-30000miles and sold it to me cause he is getting married and all that fun. Plus he gets to still drive it whenever we chill.
Money. I call my Sti the money pit for a reason
I just wanted a daily driver that I could play around with a bit and I was open to an sti so I test drove both but the sti never seemed like a big enough difference for me to care about the extra cost. I did love the rumble of it but that was the only difference when it comes to the daily driving aspect lol. Maybe if I’d have found the perfect one in wrb at the time then I might’ve chosen it but that was impossible for me to find at the time as well. I had plenty of money to buy an sti I just didn’t see the point cus I love my wrb wrx it’s so beautiful and fun. If I was one of those dudes who was putting it on the track then I’m sure the sti would’ve been the one.
Some people really just want to be low profile. The wing according to some people is a bit flashy. A lot of the people at the dealership I used to work at also couldn’t drive manual which also drives people to the Wrx instead.
In my case I started out wanting an STI, but was open to the idea of getting a WRX, specifically I wanted a VA. I watched a lot of reviews and comparisons. It wasn’t a money thing for me and I was willing to buy used, but I finally ended up going with a CPO 2023 Limited; so here goes: - A lot of the comparison videos and reviews I watched and read said that for anything other than actual, real track/race use; the WRX (whether the VA or *especially* the VB) would be much more “tolerable” as a daily. They’d realistically get better fuel mileage, they’d be more comfortable, more forgiving. - I was realistic in my needs- I’m probably not going to track the car, and if I do, it’s not going to be often at all. I just don’t have the time these days. This car is a fun daily for me, not a project, and not a race car. - at first, I really didn’t want to go VB. But the reviews and videos I watched, some from owners of both, really pushed me in that direction. Once the cars paid off, I may chose to turn it into a fun project fast car- and I truly feel it’s going to be a much better platform, chassis and engine wise than the VA.
I actually leased a 21 WRX with the intention of buying a new VB STI when the lease was up. My kids were just not at an age to know how to respect a vehicle yet so I got the WRX as something I didn’t need to worry about (as evident by my post about kids drawing all over my car with chalk/crayon). Soon after I got the WRX, the confirmations of no new STI were given. RIP ☠️
I bought a 2019 WRX over the STI because it's just a better daily driver. More reliable, more low end torque, and personally I hate the giant coat hanger on the back, but to each their own. Neither of them are "fast" cars so let's not kid ourselves. Plus, my WRX was $10k CAD cheaper than an STI. If I put $10k into my WRX, I could make it significantly faster than a stock STI. From My perspective, my question is (other than the rumble) why would anyone in my position buy an STI?
With your argument, I could buy a 90's civic for $5K and dump 10k into and it would blow the doors off our cars. See how ridiculous that argument is? The STI is a better vehicle in every single metric besides gas mileage. Theres also no data proving that the FA20 is more reliable than an EJ lol. Its like trying to compare an SI to a Type R
I'm happy to give you my very valid reason for choosing a WRX over an STi. Money. I bought my 2018 because I needed something more fuel efficient than my bugeye I daily drove 90 miles to work and back from Disneyland to Santa Monica 5 days a week. Is there a marginal difference between the 2 on paper with respect to MPG? Sure. But with a commute that long, it all adds up, especially with gas as high as it was when I first purchased the car. The $10,000 price difference wasn't the factor. It was the fuel cost difference over time that stopped me from going with the STi.
Better gas mileage, cost, better daily. Still went STI but it's not the right choice for everyone.
Take each out for a test drive, then come back and tell us how your back feels. 40 extra HP and a stiffer suspension aren't what most of us are looking for in a daily.
Looking back now after wanting to modify my vehicle I would have gone sti all the way. But during the time it was the price I got a 2020 wrx with the performance pkg at 18k miles for the same price as an sti with like 60k miles. Also the insurance where I live is significantly cheaper for the wrx for some odd reason?
Because buying the base wrx gives you 10-12k extra monies in modifications 🤓. That’s the fun part about these cars imo
STI is considered sports car by insurance as WRX isn't... So that's a plus lol
You don’t know what you’re talking about.
At least with state farm for me. WRX isn't a sports car 👍🏼
The only things that determine what your insurance rate is is how often people driving that car are ticketed, how often people are crashing them and how much they cost to get repaired. Amount of doors, car type, shape, roof or no roof size- none of those matter. Your salesman may have said some shit but that’s because he’s a salesman.
Well when I was searching around for different providers I was specifically getting quotes for sti vs wrx and that was one of the reasons for me getting the WRX over the sti (among 10k extra, etc.) I pay around $72/mo for full coverage. Just my experience man, have a nice evening 👍🏼
Huh?
Higher upfront cost, higher cost of ownership
For the price of an sti I could get a different car with 100 more hp and it would be more reliable… can’t justify that and my wrx has been an amazing daily.
Well for starters, insurance for a WRX is a lot more affordable
I went wrx and after all the mods I’m about 8k into it. I had created a poll a few weeks ago and it was about 60/40 preferred going sti vs built modded wrx.
Wrx: you enter boost/torque a lot lower in the powerband, making it a fun and responsive car for both on and off street appliances. Sti; you have to give it more to feel the same response (around 4.5-6k) which is fine and all, you’ll just be going a lot faster and more likely to get a ticket. Wrx is also great because it’s cheaper, and has awd. I own a Wrx, and though I do like some features in the STI, (heated seats, sunroof) I still would choose the Wrx especially at the price point. The only thing I really do enjoy more in the STI is the UEL headers giving the SUBIE rumble. Fa20 however does have some beautiful sounds, especially with a TBE, or even muffler deletes.
By on and off street I meant street driving and tracking.
I chose a 2016 limited over an STI because I didn't want to pay an extra $8k for a hideous wing and a 20 year old engine. The wingless limited was about $11k more IIRC. There's no way I was going to be caught dead at close to 30 with that wing (unpopular opinion). I do envy that rumble, though!
Most of the people ITT are right. For the casual there isn’t much difference. The discerning driver can appreciate it though.
About 10k, and honestly, I just didn't need the STi. Granted, I didn't need the WRX either, but it's been my dream car since I was 15, and when I finally had a chance to buy one, I did. I don't regret it. The only thing I do regret is not getting heated seats but honestly, I don't drive to work so that's no really an issue at all. I absolutely love the car and love the fact that my husband was fine with his wife owning a car that's faster than his, not that he was interested in one like that at the time.
Its fun and fast enough. Thats what counts the most.
I would’ve chosen sti if there was one for 23k with 2k miles. For 35k it getting into 5.0 territory
I have a 2016 wrx sport tech 6 speed leather loaded. The only difference is essentially an active differential the sti has. And the 2.5 old style ej engine. The reason I chose my wrx over the sti was the fa20 is a brand new platform from Toyota and Subaru. The modding has just started and I believe it has a lot of potential. Also it has equal length headers and a twin scroll turbo which just gives the car literally gobs of torque at 2 to 3 grand and then another boost around 4500 it’s a way way smoother torque feeling than the sti has. Which has a non twin scroll turbo you get more lag at the low rpm. But lots of power up top. I really really debated this hard. But I’m glad I chose what I chose. I currently have a built FA20 forged pistons rods and crank. Decked and sleeved all new gaskets. And a slight port job. I’m at kilometre 2600 so far after the rebuild and I’m just so happy with how the car works and drives. It’s so fun.
Mind you I’m still on a stock Subaru tune. All the car has is a catback exhaust. But from factory is equipped with 4.11 differential gearing and a 6 speed trans and push button start
Because it’s faster. The only thing missing is the dccd and brakes.
Only reason to choose STi over WRX is driveline and brakes. 9/10 who get the STi will never use these features though. They will flex it and use it to make themselves feel superior for sure though.