After the somewhat-lackluster 2008 model, we were extremely impressed with the revised 2009 WRX. With the pricing staying very similar to the 2008 model, some of us question if the STI is worth the $10k+ premium over the WRX.


2009 Subaru Impreza WRX - Short Take Road Test

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/evo_wrx_zone/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx_first_drive_review/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx/subimp_wrx_09_225/1596006-1-eng-US/subimp_wrx_09_225_gallery_image_large.jpg
There are few problems that more horsepower can’t fix or at least help you ignore. And as a perfect case study, we bring you the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX. Our first impression of the new-for-2008 WRX left us hot and cold. Interior quality, overall refinement, and noise isolation were vastly improved, but the WRX lacked the thrill of the previous car. The engine was largely unchanged, and weight gain was nonexistent, but the WRX came off as more of an Impreza GT than the street version of a rally car, a trait its predecessors had in spades. And with the Mazdaspeed 3 (http://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/mazda/mazda_3), Chevrolet Cobalt SS (http://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/chevrolet/cobalt/2008_chevrolet_cobalt_ss), and Dodge Caliber SRT4 (http://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/dodge/caliber/2008_dodge_caliber_srt4) all making more than 260 horsepower, the WRX looked anemic by comparison with only 224 ponies on tap.

So Subaru has addressed these issues with a few updates, the most notable being a power boost to 265 horsepower, an increase of 41. These changes only apply to the manual-transmission WRX; the automatic continues unchanged in all but name and is now appropriately known as the Impreza 2.5GT. Subaru’s marketing plan is to align the 2.5GT with the naturally aspirated 2.5i model and liken the WRX to the 305-hp STI (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/performance_files_tested_by_c_d/2008_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti_long_term_road_test). To that effect, the WRX now shares a grille with the STI, and the optional body kit becomes standard. The five-door WRX also gets the rear spoiler from the STI.

Click here to read the rest and see our test results at CARandDRIVER.com (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/evo_wrx_zone/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx_short_take_road_test?cid=3 38)

Many of us like the fact that you can take any older model wrx to the dirt, as easily as an sti. I dont think anyone would consider taking this sedan to dirt. It would almost be embarassing. The hatchback of the '09 wrx is IMO a lot nicer than the sedan.

Many of us like the fact that you can take any older model wrx to the dirt, as easily as an sti. I dont think anyone would consider taking this sedan to dirt. It would almost be embarassing. The hatchback of the '09 wrx is IMO a lot nicer than the sedan.

Even though it is personal preference I totally agree. :banana:

The first time I saw the 08/09 sedan I couldn't believe subaru would actually market that as a wrx. It looks like some kind of econo-box kia. There is no way you can tell that car is the new WRX based off the old ones.

I will agree with that, but I also have to say that the new look is growing on me. I said the exact same thing about the hawkeyes, but now I have an 06 WRX....so I got over it. In time, more people will do the same...

I have both, and I like the Sedan more. Looks better and has a bigger trunk.

The first time I saw the 08/09 sedan I couldn't believe subaru would actually market that as a wrx. It looks like some kind of econo-box kia. There is no way you can tell that car is the new WRX based off the old ones.

+1.....

wait wait wait, i clicked the link. car and driver has the WRX faster than the STI in the 1/4 mile too? am i reading this right?

By the time the pair travel a quarter-mile, the '09 WRX loses some ground, though; both cross the line at 102 mph, with the base Rex edging out the STI by just 0.1 second, 13.5 to 13.6.

Which leads to my next question of, should they have come out with a revised 09 STI with much more power taking it out of range of the wrx, and being able to kill evos out of the lot? I think yes.

numbers like that are a sure way to kill STI sales.

The first time I saw the 08/09 sedan I couldn't believe subaru would actually market that as a wrx. It looks like some kind of econo-box kia. There is no way you can tell that car is the new WRX based off the old ones.

The first time.. I thought someone actually re-badged their kia as a subaru..

Exactly. They need to add power to the sti now as well. Not only to make it overpower its little brother, but also make it a better option than any evo or similar car in its class..

****in sexy

Which leads to my next question of, should they have come out with a revised 09 STI with much more power taking it out of range of the wrx, and being able to kill evos out of the lot? I think yes.

Mid-year bump for the 2009?

BTW... not feelin the tails.

I think the real question at hand here is, WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FENDERS?

Good to hear! I can't wait to see what's in store for the sti in the future... MY 2010 hopefully.

Also, great photo of the sedan up top. Looks sexy, although, I'd probably still go with the hatch for increased usability.

Love The Look, Love The Idea, I Hate The Way The Thing Drives Compared To The 02-07. Soft, Pitchy, And Far From Fun At The Limit.

What is going on with Subaru? they are shooting themselves in the foot, and although its understandable that they are trying to capture a wider market with the design of their new models I see them loosing those who have bought Subaru in the past due to the fact that its a Subaru.

I think the real question at hand here is, WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FENDERS?

+1 :diaf:

wait wait wait, i clicked the link. car and driver has the WRX faster than the STI in the 1/4 mile too? am i reading this right?


It is funny in a way because their own numbers are off. They say its faster to 60mph by .4 seconds but if you look at their past test data on the 08 STI, it is actually .3 seconds.

They say it is faster than the STI in the 1/4 by .1 but if you look at past data it is really both 13.5 with the STI trap speed 1mph more.

I wish they could get their own numbers straight :) haha

I still can't believe Car and Driver registered here.

Well its faster now atleast. I cant believe they ditched the fenders though.

Edmunds ran 13.3 and another magazine ran 13.2 with the STi.
C&D and R&T does "theorteical best" runs with a formula so i take the 0-60 with a grain of salt.
I do like seeing these 09 wrx's on the road though

I think the new STi will most likely get cheaper rather than get a power boost. It seems year, after year the specs seem relatively the same throughout the STi's. But hey, an upgrade in STi performance for the nearly 40k price would definitely be eye catching, which I would highly prefer over a price decrease with the current trim.

I said the exact same thing about the hawkeyes, but now I have an 06 WRX....so I got over it. In time, more people will do the same...

You have to think tho, 02-07 all had relatively the same body styling just different face lifts. As much as everyone didn't like the hawkeye, it was still the same car. The 08-09 is totally different. Its not the same body. It was a drastic change, and I for one will not like it...

Everyone is mentioning how the WRX is getting very close to the STi. Hopefully these are not the initial steps toward discontinuing the STi

I think the real question at hand here is, WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FENDERS?

lack of fenders = less drag = faster than STi in the quarter = JK :lol:

well if they stopped making the front swaybar bigger and back smaller there wouldn't be nearly as much Understeer. back when i had my 2002 just a rear swaybar on medium setting was awesome. neutral and oversteer was easy, especially in rain.

Love The Look, Love The Idea, I Hate The Way The Thing Drives Compared To The 02-07. Soft, Pitchy, And Far From Fun At The Limit.

issues I fixed with a stage 2 tune and sway bars. i'll add pics of what a 2008 looks like with less than 1k in "adjustments" next week after we install the springs.

Edmunds ran 13.3 and another magazine ran 13.2 with the STi.
C&D and R&T does "theorteical best" runs with a formula so i take the 0-60 with a grain of salt.
I do like seeing these 09 wrx's on the road though

MotorTrend got a 0-60 in 4.5 and 1/4 in 13.0 @ 103.5mph in an 06 STi. That means 04-07 STI is still the fastest! ;) I thought I'd throw that in since we're magazine racing here. :p

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0512_rally_cars/specs_price.html

Many of us like the fact that you can take any older model wrx to the dirt, as easily as an sti. I dont think anyone would consider taking this sedan to dirt. It would almost be embarassing.


I considered it. I did it. I took 2nd place in my '08 sedan in a rallyx and had a blast doing it.

i think the new car is definitely more stable at the limit, and easier to modulate once there. the car needs a little bump in power and some sways, but so much better than my 06 sti was (even with ohlins struts and RCE springs) in its ability to handle irregularities in surface.

i think the new car is definitely more stable at the limit, and easier to modulate once there. the car needs a little bump in power and some sways, but so much better than my 06 sti was (even with ohlins struts and RCE springs) in its ability to handle irregularities in surface.

I'm picking mine up tomorrow - what sort of bump in power would you suggest? I haven't seen much for the 09 as far as tuning...but I'm very interested.

Not impressed, looks to much like this, but to my suprise Toy has a bigger rear wing. All Toyota needs to do is add the hood scoupe.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2120935056_9a319ca429.jpg

I think it was a good idea to improve the WRX but they definitly needed to change the look all together and improve the STI. IMO the 08-09s are horrible and I just can't justify spending $37,000 on a hatch back STI much rather have a sedan. Now that the WRX is in such close competion with the STI what is the point of buying an STI? You could take that extra 10,000 you would save and turn your WRX into a beast that would just destroy an STI. Subaru might want to get back to the drawing boards.

MotorTrend got a 0-60 in 4.5 and 1/4 in 13.0 @ 103.5mph in an 06 STi. That means 04-07 STI is still the fastest! ;) I thought I'd throw that in since we're magazine racing here. :p

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0512_rally_cars/specs_price.html


And isn't that 06 doing it in 3 shifts vs 2 for the new rex....that would mean the previous models are much faster

I still maintain that it the new Rexs and STi's still resemble a Mazdaspeed 3/Mazdaspeed 6.... But that is just MY opinion...

hey have you guys seen this, I guess its going to be the 2009 didnt read the whole thing yet.

http://www.zcars.com.au/subaru-wrx-sti-hatchback-pictures/

hey have you guys seen this, I guess its going to be the 2009 didnt read the whole thing yet.

http://www.zcars.com.au/subaru-wrx-sti-hatchback-pictures/

I didn't read the whole thing either, just the first line.

"ZCars - April 2007"

hey have you guys seen this, I guess its going to be the 2009 didnt read the whole thing yet.

http://www.zcars.com.au/subaru-wrx-sti-hatchback-pictures/

I am not one to point this out but.... Epic Fail...

Like someone pointed out above, their numbers on the STI are off compared to what they reported earlier.

Based on their results of the so called comparison of cars in their last report...I could care less. Who is in their pocket? I don't care about that either.

I like my 08 sti...no, I love my 08.

tune and suspension already done.i love my 08!

IMO, one of the less attractive parts of the new sedan, and also the feature that makes it look most like a kia, is having the license plate mounted to the trunk. Subarus with the the license plates at exhaust-level look SOO much better, and its just a cleaner look.

i just picked up my 09 wrx and so far its pretty sweet

hb looks alot better then the sedan

i love my 08 too! it looks like something that was built recently rather than something that looked like it was built in 90s.
i had an 05 in silver...i always thought it was butt-*****in ugly but it was fun to drive...now my 08 looks good and sexy - i notice the performance difference, but its still fun to drive. its not like i rallyx or anything...i just enjoy spirited driving to/from work etc and this car suits me fine

I think it was a good idea to improve the WRX but they definitly needed to change the look all together and improve the STI. IMO the 08-09s are horrible and I just can't justify spending $37,000 on a hatch back STI much rather have a sedan. Now that the WRX is in such close competion with the STI what is the point of buying an STI? You could take that extra 10,000 you would save and turn your WRX into a beast that would just destroy an STI. Subaru might want to get back to the drawing boards.

X2 on that!!!

wish they would of kept the fenders the same... :/ but i still love my 09 wrx!!!!:D

The 08-09 "aero ground effects" are horrible. They are flat plastic, how is that aero dynamic? Usually these ad style and sport. Why does the front bumper underneith have the same shape as the lip? The sideshirts are less dynamic than a roof gutter and rear spats are boring too.
They look worse on the Sedan than the Hatch.

The accessory front underspoiler has some style, that should be the standard

sedan looks alot better then the hb

fixed ;)

IMO, one of the less attractive parts of the new sedan, and also the feature that makes it look most like a kia, is having the license plate mounted to the trunk. Subarus with the the license plates at exhaust-level look SOO much better, and its just a cleaner look.

THIS. Never will I buy an 08/09 sedan because of this. Why do car companies ruin the flow and design of a car by doing this? It's so ugly.

THIS. Never will I buy an 08/09 sedan because of this. Why do car companies ruin the flow and design of a car by doing this? It's so ugly.

It's been that way on the Legacy since before 05... and like you pointed out....nearly every sedan has them there now.

lol.

someone made a comment on shifts 3 vs 2... the gears are longer in the 08/09 than in previous models of wrx and even the legacy... it's wierd driving it for a minute because you are in gear sooooo long .

I still maintain that it the new Rexs and STi's still resemble a Mazdaspeed 3/Mazdaspeed 6.... But that is just MY opinion...

+1

I think it was a good idea to improve the WRX but they definitly needed to change the look all together and improve the STI. IMO the 08-09s are horrible and I just can't justify spending $37,000 on a hatch back STI much rather have a sedan. Now that the WRX is in such close competion with the STI what is the point of buying an STI? You could take that extra 10,000 you would save and turn your WRX into a beast that would just destroy an STI. Subaru might want to get back to the drawing boards.

I think an H6 STi is in order.

they say beauty is in teh eyes of teh beholder, i guess that rule applies to UGLY too :confused:

THIS. Never will I buy an 08/09 sedan because of this. Why do car companies ruin the flow and design of a car by doing this? It's so ugly.

We need a DI STI for 2010, Come on Subaru it is the only thing I am waiting for to buy and STI.

they need to get rid of the third side window, there is no reason for it.

The 08-09 "aero ground effects" are horrible. They are flat plastic, how is that aero dynamic? Usually these ad style and sport. Why does the front bumper underneith have the same shape as the lip? The sideshirts are less dynamic than a roof gutter and rear spats are boring too.
They look worse on the Sedan than the Hatch.

Go take some aero classes, or at least some basic fluid mechanics classes and its pretty self-explanatory. Blunt surfaces cause much greater impedance to airflow than a flat one. An 'aero ground effect' should go for function first, form second. The '09 has a c/d that is .02 lower than the '08 from those 'boring, less-dynamic-than-a-roof-gutter' aero ground effects.

AERO ground effect...not VISUAL ground effect

I didn't read the whole thing either, just the first line.

"ZCars - April 2007"

ouch, that does deserve a fail, definatly was not looking at all, just looking at pics, wooops

As an 09' 5d owner, I can say that compared to my 05' WRX, this car is much tamer overall.

While it would whoop (straight line) all over my old Stage 2 4EAT equipped rex, it doesn't feel like it would outhandle it at all. The steering has a poor center and is numb feeling. The 09' also feels a bit jouncy and tippy over on/off ramp dips, etc. The payoff for this is of course a smoother ride. The brakes have a decent feel, but aren't quite on par with my 05' with Hawk HPS's (but, maybe with a pad swap it will pull in line).

Overall, this car is near perfect for my wants. I dumped my 05' automatic, gaines interior room which nicely fits a car seat without moving the passenger seat forward (we just had a baby boy two months ago), has fold-flat seats, and rides good. It's almost as if they moved the WRX's traits towards the 30-something crowd to retain them as 'WRX faithful'.

Also, its worth mentioning that I've received tons of positive comments on the WRX on how much better (wat?) it looks than my 05'. I wouldn't say it's 'better', just different. These comments come from the boring 'mainstreamers' I know (people who look at a car as A to B transportation). People who thought my old Subaru was quirky looking. I guess Subaru succeeded in mainstreaming the looks.

I think my friend summed it up pretty well when after he was done driving it, he said 'It's like a yuppie WRX'.

ugly im sorry just godamn ugly you can give a mini cooper 400hp but with a british flag on the roof its still freakin dumb, therefore i dont care what you do to this thing , add what you want and "refine" what you want its still......freakin dumb :furious:

Didn't Subaru learn from the mistakes they made with the v3/v4 wrx? (If anyone recalls their history...All you had to do was re-tune it, and now you had an STi without paying for an STi)

and +1 to the mainstream looks...the sedan looks like a boy ricer got a hold of his mom's corolla. The hatch...well, I saw a mazda3 the other day...that turned out to be a wrx.

Sorry, but IMHO, it feels like Subaru boarded the fail boat in 08, reached their destination, then realized that they forgot their luggage.

After reading this... I'm confused and interested to see what they will do with the STI.

I pretty much agree with the majority of people, the wrx doesnt have the looks of the STi and not anywhere close to the new Evo. But, pushing out more hp to bypass the chevy and others, makes me think that subaru is listening to the market. Plus, it is always nice to keep saying/announcing that subies are faster!

After reading this... I'm confused and interested to see what they will do with the STI.

Here's hope the new STi leaves us and the competition dazed and confused.

Couple of things:

The third window on the back needs to be taken out. Majority of the cars with that design has been proven to be the easiest way for a thief to break into the car.

If Subaru incorporate the front bumper and fender of the STI to the WRX sedan, I think it will look completely different. I wonder how hard the convertion is. The break lights looks different which makes the car look cheap (my opinion). Subaru should have designed the back a little conservative since the front is somewhat boring too. Subaru made a mistake of copying a KIA instead the Lexus IS 350.

I think white WRX with gold BBS STI wheels looks nice.

The body is a little out of proportion. Has potential but you need $$$ to make it look better.

that is way too true. its pretty sad.

With the aero kit, I think it looks pretty good. Not aggessive like previous editions. That is probably why most don't like it. It does appeal to a little older crowd as it blends in a little better. That is probably why I like it.:D They are going to pick up a sale with me and I have never even considered a Subaru product ever.

It is just too good of a deal to pass on. Power, performance, economy, price and AWD!!

I'm buying a white 2009 wrx 5door and selling my RSclone- 2000 subaru Impreza L for it. I can't freaking wait.

I think the real question at hand here is, WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FENDERS?

Hell yes! :diaf:

At this point they should do like the american cars companies are doing: take an old school body style ex: (mustang), and remake it but better. A modern GC8 would be interesting maybe even a GC hatch?, it should be like a special edition for 2010. Anything is better then the 08-09 focus Sh@t I mean impreza wrx/sti

At this point they should do like the american cars companies are doing: take an old school body style ex: (mustang), and remake it but better. A modern GC8 would be interesting maybe even a GC hatch?, it should be like a special edition for 2010. Anything is better then the 08-09 focus Sh@t I mean impreza wrx/sti

GL STi wagon ftw!

The STI is a better car, is it worth the $10k? Its up to you.

In STOCK the numbers look pretty similar.

The STI has a much better tranny/drivetrain, BBS wheels (optional) fender flares, and a stronger motor/bigger turbo

Its an all-around better platform.

If your going to keep it stock :rolleyes:, then yes the WRX is probably the better buy.

but

A stage 2 STI will kill a stage 2 WRX

And yeah its great that the 09's have more power than the 08's (kudos to Subaru for the changes), but My buddy has an 08 WRX, and after putting on the sways, springs, TBE and got a protune... :devil:

And he got a killer deal on it, so I dont feel a bit sorry for him.

If I didnt love my bugeye so much I might even be a little envious

^the 09 wrx has the same size turbo as the sti iirc.

and the same motor :rolleyes:

Yes I realize they have roughly the same size turbo, but it is different, and yes they both have a 2.5, but they are NOT the same engine

Sorry, should have put different turbo ;)

If Im not mistaken, unless you plan to go with a FMIC, you cant just swap out turbos

Im all for saving the $$$

Yes you can buy a WRX and spend the $10k on mods and have a car that will kill a stock STI, but I can also buy a bugeye ($10-12k) and spend $25-30k on mods and have a car that would kill the modded 09 WRX...
But how many people do that?


The 09 WRX is a GREAT car, but the STI is still the better platform

The '09 has a c/d that is .02 lower than the '08 from those 'boring, less-dynamic-than-a-roof-gutter' aero ground effects.

AERO ground effect...not VISUAL ground effect

The 08 Premium Package and 09 have the exact same aero ground effects. The only difference is the grill.

The 08 Premium Package and 09 have the exact same aero ground effects. The only difference is the grill.

and the spoiler, the 08 wrx spoiler is small while the 09's have the sti rear spoiler

and the spoiler, the 08 wrx spoiler is small while the 09's have the sti rear spoiler

yes, the Hatch for 09 is different. But the 08 Sedan and 09 Sedan are the same.

Yes you can buy a WRX and spend the $10k on mods and have a car that will kill a stock STI, but I can also buy a bugeye ($10-12k) and spend $25-30k on mods and have a car that would kill the modded 09 WRX...
did you used to drive a civic by chance?

Yes I realize they have roughly the same size turbo, but it is different, and yes they both have a 2.5, but they are NOT the same engine

Sorry, should have put different turbo ;)

If Im not mistaken, unless you plan to go with a FMIC, you cant just swap out turbos

Im all for saving the $$$

Yes you can buy a WRX and spend the $10k on mods and have a car that will kill a stock STI, but I can also buy a bugeye ($10-12k) and spend $25-30k on mods and have a car that would kill the modded 09 WRX...
But how many people do that?


The 09 WRX is a GREAT car, but the STI is still the better platform


you're right, the turbos are different. They have the same output, though.

The STi and WRX share the same shortblock. The heads are different.

And yeah its great that the 09's have more power than the 08's (kudos to Subaru for the changes), but My buddy has an 08 WRX, and after putting on the sways, springs, TBE and got a protune...

So it is like every other WRX and needed these things to make a good car into a great car.

I have both, and I like the Sedan more. Looks better and has a bigger trunk.


Sir I am truly jealous of you.

you're right, the turbos are different. They have the same output, though.

The STi and WRX share the same shortblock. The heads are different.

No.

Shortblocks are different. STI pistons do not = WRX pistons.
In past model years the shortblock was the same between the WRX and the STI, but no longer. The actual block, bearings, rods, crank, oil pump, and other mechanicals are the same. But in all truthfullness the shortblocks are not the same.

Now WRX shortblock = LGT shortblock

Sir I am truly jealous of you.
Id trade em both for an 09 sedan in DGM haha.

No.

Shortblocks are different. STI pistons do not = WRX pistons.
In past model years the shortblock was the same between the WRX and the STI, but no longer. The actual block, bearings, rods, crank, oil pump, and other mechanicals are the same. But in all truthfullness the shortblocks are not the same.

Now WRX shortblock = LGT shortblock


I also believe that the STI still has the oil cooler built in and the WRX did away with this? Although not a big deal its better than nothing.

who else do you know that has an 08?

:lol:

The STI has several items that make it a different car...but the value is in the eye of the purchaser.

If I were to match up my 08 to an STI performance part to performance part... I would spend well more than 10K and still not have the leather interior, and the pink STI emblem that lights up on the dash. :rolleyes:

The STI is a better car, is it worth the $10k? Its up to you.

In STOCK the numbers look pretty similar.

The STI has a much better tranny/drivetrain, BBS wheels (optional) fender flares, and a stronger motor/bigger turbo

Its an all-around better platform.

If your going to keep it stock :rolleyes:, then yes the WRX is probably the better buy.

but

A stage 2 STI will kill a stage 2 WRX

And yeah its great that the 09's have more power than the 08's (kudos to Subaru for the changes), but My buddy has an 08 WRX, and after putting on the sways, springs, TBE and got a protune... :devil:

And he got a killer deal on it, so I dont feel a bit sorry for him.

If I didnt love my bugeye so much I might even be a little envious

I am a little upset that subaru is going to such a laid back body design. We all grew up on the rally bred wrx and sti and now they look more like a family car. :furious: I hope that someday subaru will go back to what they are known for and thats destroying mitsubishi every chance they get on the tarmac and rally. :banana:I have my 07 wrx rally blue of course and I dont ever see myself trading it in for a newer subie! I just cant do it granted they may have more upgrades but I am doing my own work anyways thats what makes them so fun.

The first time I saw the 08/09 sedan I couldn't believe subaru would actually market that as a wrx. It looks like some kind of econo-box kia. There is no way you can tell that car is the new WRX based off the old ones.
This is a Good Thing, as most of you FF's are, "Known to the authorities." :lol:

It is funny in a way because their own numbers are off. They say its faster to 60mph by .4 seconds but if you look at their past test data on the 08 STI, it is actually .3 seconds.

They say it is faster than the STI in the 1/4 by .1 but if you look at past data it is really both 13.5 with the STI trap speed 1mph more.

I wish they could get their own numbers straight :) haha
Road & Track:

O8 STi: 0-60 5.0, 0-100 14.1, 1/4 13.6 @ 98.2
09 WRX: 0-60 5.1, 0-100 13.5, 1/4 13.8 @ 101.0

Doesn't seem to be a precise science.....

This is a Good Thing, as most of you FF's are, "Known to the authorities." :lol:


Road & Track:

O8 STi: 0-60 5.0, 0-100 14.1, 1/4 13.6 @ 98.2
09 WRX: 0-60 5.1, 0-100 13.5, 1/4 13.8 @ 101.0

Doesn't seem to be a precise science.....


haha, yeah definitely not exact. I remember a few Edmunds tests that got the 08 STI to 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and a 13.3 @ 100.3 1/4 mile time.

You can fine the high and low end of the spectrum and maybe compare that?

A stage 2 STI will kill a stage 2 WRX



Yeah, because there's so many Stage 2 09' WRX's out there to compare to.

Oh, and why is every angry 08-09 hatin' person here an 02' owner?

Because they are no longer the ugliest impreza model. :lol:


Oh, and why is every angry 08-09 hatin' person here an 02' owner?

I bet a Stage 2 2009 WRX will beat a Stage 2 STi. Which is why Subaru needs to make the 2010 STi something better, or stop building it. Face it, most people (not all) bought an STi first and foremost because it was significantly faster. And this will continue to be so, but only if the STi bumps it up.

I bet a Stage 2 2009 WRX will beat a Stage 2 STi. Which is why Subaru needs to make the 2010 STi something better, or stop building it. Face it, most people (not all) bought an STi first and foremost because it was significantly faster. And this will continue to be so, but only if the STi bumps it up.

I doubt it, and for a couple reasons, one of them being dual AVCS :)

I doubt it, and for a couple reasons, one of them being dual AVCS :)

I don't doubt it, and here's another reason:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1633679

I bet a Stage 2 2009 WRX will beat a Stage 2 STi. Which is why Subaru needs to make the 2010 STi something better, or stop building it. Face it, most people (not all) bought an STi first and foremost because it was significantly faster. And this will continue to be so, but only if the STi bumps it up.

That looks like a high reading dyno. Even so, it won't beat the STI in the 1/4 mile. Plus, where the STI really shines is in the track. STI will murder the WRX on the track.

WRX= NO Brembos, 5x114.3, stout trans, etc, etc.

Why do people care about such a worthtless stat? Until the trans of the WRX is as stout as the STIs, that 0-60 time does not mean squat when comparing the two. Anyways check out that 5-60 or whatever that other worthless stat is.

The WRX is a good value but the STI is still worth the money... Sans that ringland issue...

2010 STi ftw. I hope.

i'm hoping for a nasty 2010 sti..

Why do people care about such a worthtless stat? Until the trans of the WRX is as stout as the STIs, that 0-60 time does not mean squat when comparing the two. Anyways check out that 5-60 or whatever that other worthless stat is.


I just usually look at the trap speed between the different magazine tests. It seems like the 09 WRX is pretty quick car stock because of the gearing and less weight over the 08 STI. I drove one yesterday and it's a definite improvement over the 08's.

Even stage 2 I think it'll be close to a stage 2 STI due to it's gearing and weight advantage.

Drivers race. :lol:

Drivers race. :lol:

Most likely

I don't doubt it, and here's another reason:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1633679

Cool, good numbers. Yawn...

Oh, and why is every angry 08-09 hatin' person here an 02' owner?

That's not true. Most of the 09 haters are actually STi owners. They expound denial over every track and dyno figure regarding the 09 Rex.

That's not true. Most of the 09 haters are actually STi owners. They expound denial over every track and dyno figure regarding the 09 Rex.

Ha!!!1!

Man ever since 2007 IMO, the WRX and STi have become jokes style wise. I still say that the 2002-2004 models look the best, does anyone agree or it just me?

Man ever since 2007 IMO, the WRX and STi have become jokes style wise. I still say that the 2002-2004 models look the best, does anyone agree or it just me?None of them are going to be enshrined in MOMA.....

Man ever since 2007 IMO, the WRX and STi have become jokes style wise. I still say that the 2002-2004 models look the best, does anyone agree or it just me?

i disagree

don't start your car ;)

signed
07 tr owner

i disagree

don't start your car ;)

signed
07 tr owner

Well, you certainly must agree that the 06 is much better than the 07, especially since the OP said it all started going badly downhill in 07.

However, it is nice to look under the hood and see that 2.5 motor.

I got a chance to see my first 09 WRX (black) in person a few days ago. I think it's a good looking car - inside and out.

yesterday i traded my 08 rex in for my new 09 rex(both satin white pearl) and the money i lost on the trade is barely an afterthought. :devil:

I doubt they will leave the STi unchanged, whether that be price wise or performance.

The best looking subarus are the 05's, hands down.

BRING BACK THE 05's !!!!!

// It's almost as if they moved the WRX's traits towards the 30-something crowd to retain them as 'WRX faithful'.

Also, its worth mentioning that I've received tons of positive comments on the WRX on how much better (wat?) it looks than my 05'. I wouldn't say it's 'better', just different. These comments come from the boring 'mainstreamers' I know (people who look at a car as A to B transportation). People who thought my old Subaru was quirky looking. I guess Subaru succeeded in mainstreaming the looks.

I think my friend summed it up pretty well when after he was done driving it, he said 'It's like a yuppie WRX'.As far as the five door goes, there are now a lot of cars with this body shape. For whatever reason it's an industry trend and in a few years none of them will stand out.

The 09 WRX is still very much an enthusiasts car, as you trade a lot of bells & whistles for performance. The Yuppies in this neighborhood are still leasing BMW's.

That there is some body roll doesn't bother me a bit, as I cut my teeth on German cars with a lot of suspension travel that rolled a lot. You can't eliminate body roll and retain a lot of suspension travel, so if you want to go fast on rough road surfaces, the 09 WRX is about as good as it gets. If you live outside the snow belt where the road surfaces are better, the rules are different.

It's interesting at work as there are two older WRX's, a Legacy GT, a Mazdaspeed 3, Nissan Maxima, 99 Mustang GT, and a 3 series BMW in the lot at any one time. The drivers of those vehicles range from 23 to 61. They've all been surprisingly positive about the look.

At the dealership, next to my OBW and someone's STi.

http://www.geocities.com/theseventhfirst/h6_wrx_sti.jpg

IMO 5 doors do not stand out now. Have the grocery getter look if you are into stealth. Never associated 5 doors with sporty.

IMO 5 doors do not stand out now. Have the grocery getter look if you are into stealth. Never associated 5 doors with sporty.

www.WRC.com

www.WRC.com (http://www.WRC.com)


Whats the point? You can turn any car into a race car. Ever see an 11 second BUICK wagon on the strip? I have.

Whats the point? You can turn any car into a race car. Ever see an 11 second BUICK wagon on the strip? I have.

They are ALL Hatches. A 5door can be a sports car.

So can a DODGE RAM SRT10. That does not make it sporty looking. My point is that a 5 door hatch is not sporty. It may be a sports car, but it looks like a grocery getter.

You're entitled to your opinion. Just don't forget.........it's YOUR opinion, which carries very little weight in this thread;)

As all threads are opinion. It is MY opinion. Does not make it right. Just to my eyes a wagon is not a sporty car. Practical yes. When I think to all great sporty cars, not one wagon comes to mind. Many sedans, even more coupes, but never a wagon.

As all threads are opinion. It is MY opinion. Does not make it right. Just to my eyes a wagon is not a sporty car. Practical yes. When I think to all great sporty cars, not one wagon comes to mind. Many sedans, even more coupes, but never a wagon.

Ymmv, but I think this viewpoint fails to take into consideration the entire era of the American "hotrod," where wagons, hatchbacks, and even trucks were the definition of "sporty"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22793865@N06/2208987234/ :D

Seems like this was a great era for cars, as everyone could get in on the action no matter what kind of ride they had.

Highly modified but that is sweet. Just not my thing. Wagons are the new "hot" item in hotrodding because they were babied, no one wanted them, and so the price is cheaper to get into vs. traditional style. Therefore they are have a new cool factor.

VVG...

You just need a tune dawg!

VVG...

You just need a tune dawg!
I just got a new engine 100 miles ago, I think I'll hold off a while?

absolute CRAP! They used a formula on this and not actual test results. I watched a new STI run an 09 WRX hatch and was WELL ahead throughout the race. And I mean well ahead. Both were stock. They ran twice. Same results both times. People were so disappointed with the '08 WRX not being upgraded, I think that CAR AND DRIVER helped Subaru out with a great article. Now don't get me wrong, that WRX is a great car and looks good. Very fast as well. Is it in the same league as the STI? NO. I saw it with my own eyes.........Jackson Raceway in Jackson, South Carolina............

STI won both drags against the WRX. Forgot to actually say who won. Sorry....

This is at least some good news for those of us who wouldn't be caught dead in a hot hatch.

It's sad that there are a significant number of people who have the money to buy an STI and want the added performance but won't buy one just because Subaru won't make them as a sedan anymore :(

This is at least some good news for those of us who wouldn't be caught dead in a hot hatch.

It's sad that there are a significant number of people who have the money to buy an STI and want the added performance but won't buy one just because Subaru won't make them as a sedan anymore :(

Add me to that list. I finally get in a place where I feel I can actually afford an STI (not just "make the payments") and they redesign the Impreza where it doesn't look like a Matchbox car, and *poof* they only make the STI as a hatch.

*sigh* One lost sale here.

absolute CRAP! They used a formula on this and not actual test results. I watched a new STI run an 09 WRX hatch and was WELL ahead throughout the race. And I mean well ahead. Both were stock. They ran twice. Same results both times. People were so disappointed with the '08 WRX not being upgraded, I think that CAR AND DRIVER helped Subaru out with a great article. Now don't get me wrong, that WRX is a great car and looks good. Very fast as well. Is it in the same league as the STI? NO. I saw it with my own eyes.........Jackson Raceway in Jackson, South Carolina............

So the same driver was in both cars, right?

Whats the point? You can turn any car into a race car. Ever see an 11 second BUICK wagon on the strip? I have.

I saw one when they still had street legal runs at the Pomona drag strip, when it pulled to the line I laughed. Then it made it's pass with a 60 year old guy behind the wheel and I almost crapped my pants. :)

The standard tune on the STI does not help either, while the 09 tune looks more aggressive. As an example, see screen capture below - were the STI has negative 6% boost compensation on until 44Kph, the 09 has none. Its easy to tune these out, but this is how it comes stock.

http://www.stopmotionmaker.com/09wrx_08sti_map.JPG

I have both, and I like the Sedan more. Looks better and has a bigger trunk.

We have both as well.... My wife drives the sedan with all the bells and wistles and I have an 08 STi. I prefer my STi but she still likes hers more. To each his own I guess.

completely agree! lets hope!

the STi is still the better car. Better trans, diffs, brakes, etc...

the STi is still the better car. Better trans, diffs, brakes, etc...

agreeeddd

the STi is still the better car. Better trans, diffs, brakes, etc...

For 10,000$ extra I sure would hope so... The question is... is it worth it? Probably not as much so as in previous years.