Ok...so I will probably get flamed big time for this but oh well...here goes.

I test drove a WRX 5-speed today. I got to drive it in some good corners, a nice long uphill and on the freeway. The car handles great, brakes very well and is very pleasant to drive in traffic.

But that engine is weak! I was not at all impressed with the power. I thought it would grab my attention more but it wasn't as bad azz as I thought it would be (by reading this forum you'd think the car was a rocket or something).

Don't get me wrong...I love Subarus. I'm even building an Open class ClubRally Impreza right now but I can't see spending that kind of cash for a car that isn't all that fast. Is that why so many of you WRX owners are searching for more go? It wouldn't suprise me...

Nice car....just needs more power!

mg

ps - I drove a high 11-sec Buick Grand National for two years so anything less than scary is not fast enough :)

ps - I drove a high 11-sec Buick Grand National for two years so anything less than scary is not fast enough

Uhh,... so did you expect ANY bone stock car to impress you with it's speed?

Well, I was impressed with the S4...for a 3400 lb car its pretty fast and it handles nicely.

...oh and the SVT Cobra Mustang....for a bone stock factory ride it was impressive too. a little squirly though.

...my moms northstar eldorado is not slow by any means, I was impressed with how much power it has.

...My new '01 F-350 crew cab powerstroke pulls pretty hard for a 7400lb truck...and its a diesel...with a 6-speed for cryin' out loud!

do I need to go on? I'm impressed by alot of cars these days but the huge amount of hype I saw on this site and many others was just that...hype. get over it man...the WRX needs a little more.


It was just an observation...I'm sure alot of you out there are happy with the WRX.

mg

two things

1. You have to rev it up all the way to get the power. its sucks ass below 4k.

2. Part of the slow feeling is due to 1st gear getting only 10lbs boost.

easily correctable with a $30 boost controller.

just something to consider

Well, in order to get the full power out of the rex, you need to take it to about 6500-7000 rpm's between shifts. If you drive it like that, it hauls a$$. I am pretty sure that the dealer did not let you drive her like she is meant to be driven. Also, the motor does not really get as strong as it is going to be until about 1500-2000 miles. I think that it was the lack of torque that dissapointed you. If you look at the speedo, you are really going faster then it feels. It really is a quick car, it just doesn't feel so quick.

Andy

I will admit I barely got it over 4k but still....it doesn't have THAT much more in it.

I truly enjoyed driving the car...overall I liked the feel and the ergos and the looks and....I could go on and on. I guess I just expected more from the powertrain. no big deal...it can be fixed if you have the money.

I am used to a turbo car that when it comes on boost things get blurry and plain street tires vaporize if you keep your foot in it!

...then to drive a turbo car that you can barely hear any turbo spool let alone feel any significant pull when boost starts building up is kind of a let down. maybe I just have my turbo car standards set too high.

mg

Maybe you need to drive the car harder. Ford trucks suck BTW.:p

um ur prolly not getting all the boost u can get below 4k what the hell are you saying....duh duh i test drove the car didn't get it anywhere near redline and its weak......

well in your gran national im sure it guzzled gas...if it was the 70s ver stage 1 that would be what a 7.6-7.8 liter engine....5-8 MPG
if its later 80s ver its what a 3.8 single turbo .......still prolly guzzles gas

plus id like to see that gnx or any other muscle car with turbo handle as well you and a wrx drive in some snow and see who spins out into a rock wall?

im not sure if this is true but if you remove 2 out of 3 cats on the wrx (which is illegal) i heard u get something like 280-300ish hp instead of stock 227

or boost controller + new headers,injectors,rods,pistons (if hte stock ones aren't good enough) = more lbs of boost = more power foo

I will admit I barely got it over 4k but still....it doesn't have THAT much more in it.

Ummm... yes it does. At 4K the boost has only been on a short while. You need to keep your foot into it to have it feel fast.

--kC

I think one thing is obvious. How fast a car seems is a function of what you are use to. If you spent most of your life in a mini van , pick up truck or Honda Accords this car feels very, very fast and a pleasure to drive.
Isn’t the WRX really a type of compromise ? Many of the cars I see compared to the WRX are very fine cars. However most of these compared cars probably would not last a month on the ice and snow we get around here. In this part of the country the majority of people with fine autos put them in a garage for the winter.
I think this car is “what it is”. A cross between a very drivable and safe winter car and a “relatively” high performance sports car. There is no doubt there are better cars on either side of that compromise
But very few better in this class.

mark

You know, customarily, I take the high road in silly threads like this one, but no more. If you drove the car and weren't impressed, so what? If you owned a Grand National and it was fast as hell, so what? Drive it and live happily ever after. Why must we always spread our crap to other people, and try to bring stuff down that other people are fond of? This must be about the 48,000th "The WRX isn't all that hot...nyah, nyah" thread that has found its way to this board. If you don't like the car, I don't know that anyone cares except for you, but by bringing it to an IMPREZA board, you knew that you would start a silly flame war, behavior that I find outrageous.

If you didn't take it beyond 4K rpm, you have no idea what this car can do. If you don't know how to launch a small displacement turbo car, you have no idea what this car can do. If you didn't drive it long enough to get a feel for the power band, you have no idea what this car can do. If you haven't driven it in the snow or rain, or through a nice set of twisties, you have no idea what Subaru AWD can do. Crikey!

So as a universal plea do anyone considering, in the future, posting "WRX doesn't impress me, I used to own a NASA space shuttle" threads, save yourselves the bother. They're just silly, because people who own and love the car know better, and it's all a matter of perspective anyhow.

Kevin

well said kevin.

I don't think ANY car could live up to the HYPE that this one has generated.

I think you have to look at the list of cars MGMETAL mentions and realize these are all low-end torquemonsters for the most part. I remember reading about the new VW W8 engine- it makes more than 270 ft-lbs of torque way below 3,000 rpm. The feeling you'd get from driving that, or even the S4 which has more displacement than the WRX is going to be way different than a small displ. turboed engine. Only the Legacy / B4 twin turbo set-up might alleviate this some by using a smaller, faster spooling turbo at lower RPM.

The WRX IS fast, but the driving/engine characteristics may not make it FEEL fast. On the other hand I think the 2.5s FEEL fast, at least at slow speeds, b/c they're just nice and torquey.

all the stock cars that impress you cost 35 grand or more, the base price of the wrx is 24 grand, its all about bang for the buck, for less that 30 grand, nothing (stock) compares the the rex.

mark

In conjuntion with the two posts above me, you listed all cars that have a V8 (except the audi). And all those except the Audi is a "I put my flashers on in the heavy rains and snow while on the highway" kind of vehicle. Yes including your gas-guzzling, overweight, underpowered, waste of steel ford truck. (sorry so harsh...but I owned a ford once.....once) You cannot engage your 4WD (more like 3WD) on the highway and travel at a decent speed.


And you also have to remeber if you did not get above 4K on a wrx it il like saying I test drove a car through a parking lot and was disapointed with the way it handled. You got nowhere near the potential of that car.

You know, the funny thing about this message board is that people see one little negative comment and it gets turned all around into a big deal.

I said I liked driving the car didn't I? I said I loved Subarus didn't I? The only part I didn't like is that it didn't thrill me as much as I expected it to. big deal...you guys don't have to respond do you? What do you want to see on this board anyway? would you like for me to blow sunshine up your asses and say that the WRX is the best car in the world and that all other car makers are crap? Is that what you want? Well guess what...the WRX is just a little car that putts around faster that most little cars.

Damn...I figured we could have a well educated discussion about the car's downfall and possibly people would chime in to say how to make it better but I guess you people can't handle that. You get one little comment on something that someone doesn't like and you get all defensive. Someone here attacked my Ford and my GN...do you see me getting defensive? I don't care what you say about my rides because I know 99% of this board hasn't ridden in a GN and they don't own a 1-ton crew cab. I read this board for the longest time thinking I would be impressed with the WRX (and overall I was). Now that I've driven it I have come to this conclusion....the definition of fast is different between the import guys (the i-club, and other import forums) and the muscle car guys (my background).

More than a few of you have said "you have to rev it up to get the power"...how often do you really get to rev it up to 6-7k? is that really useful power? Go ahead and keep thinking thats ok....I'll keep my GN 'cause it comes on hard around 3500.

mg

Taking a WRX for a test drive and not getting it past 4k and then saying it's slow is like riding a two stroke dirt bike and not hitting the power band! ;) I admit it's doggy under 4k but I expect that from a little engine. RPM is everything on this car.

Go back and buzz it a little more or find someone with one and let them take you for a real evaluation ride :P I have to admit that I had to exceed the 4k break in limit a couple of times on my test ride just so I could get a good feel for the Rex..

Mike

P.S. My dream car is a 1997 Buick GNX :D 3.8L Turbo with a McLaren traction system. (Homer Simpson drool........) ;)

If I may chime in....

I think it's just a matter of unmet expectations. You expected a small displacement, low-compression, turbo motor to react the same way as your large displacement, huge torque motor. And that's why you expected "fast" to come quicker than >4k rpms. And when you voiced that displeasure that your expectations were not met, the rest of us (i hope i'm speaking for at least most of us in here) got a little defensive because it SEEMS like you were attacking the one achilles heel, if you will, of small displacement, turboed motors. There are ways to remedy that of course, but again, it costs money.

The way the wrx motor is tuned, I feel that it needed a little more mid-range punch. Low end is a lost cause :) unless we add a supercharger or a second smaller turbo or nitrous. Adding a chip will greatly enhance drivability. For example, with the 280hp APS/Cobb kit, full boost will come at around 2600 rpms.

When I was in the market for a new car, I was extremely motivated to give Audi 40 large for the pleasure of one of their S4s. But after driving it, I came away disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it's a VERY fast car and it can be made even faster easily and cheaply. But it just doesn't speak out to me; to me, the car is very nerve numbing. I know, that's my personal observation; a lot of S4 owners will disagree. But I have spoken with the most tangible, powerful thing any consumer can do: I have spoken with my wallet. And my money went to Subaru.

budi

Anyone else not impressed with this guy? :rolleyes:

I don't usually get involved in these posts, but I'm having a bad day at work... ;)

It's been said, with the tone in your first post, what did you expect from a Subaru board?

But that engine is weak!

A comment like that is borderline trolling.

227HP would seem pretty weak to that GN.

I figured we could have a well educated discussion about the car's downfall and possibly people would chime in to say how to make it better but I guess you people can't handle that.

Well educated discussion? Your initial post never mentions any sort of discussion. It never asks how to add more power. It was meant to antagonize and inflame.

how often do you really get to rev it up to 6-7k?

More often than you get to take your GN on the town with drag radials and run 11s...

I don't think that any of us considers this to be "a big deal." On the other hand, there have been any number of posts like your initial one, that have added nothing new to the base of information available about the WRX.

If the car didn't thrill you as much as you suspected, that's fine. Many undoubtedly share your opinion, but why bring it here? It's your opinion. The reams of hype attendant with this car's introduction have brought people out of the woodwork, comparing this car with everything from Audi S4s to BMW M3s.

But the WRX is a unique car, that occupies its own little sliver of the market. It's an all-wheel-drive, relatively inexpensive little beastie that is fast (not quick, like the RS) in all seasons. This is why the advert shows the WRX hauling tail on wet, curvy roads, and sliding sideways in the mud--to make that point.

Nor do I think anyone wants you to blow sunshine up their tushies, and tell them that the WRX is the best car in the world. It isn't....not even close, and we already know this. That's why the aftermarket is active. But it's safe to say that NO car is the "best" car in the world, despite all the comparos by car magazines, and steadfast consumer loyalty. Tell us something that we don't know about the car, please, if you want to be helpful.

We've heard: It's slow compared to...; the interior is cheesy; the turbo is laggy; the suspension comes up short of the car; the tires suck; the headlights are ugly, and any number of other grouses about the WRX that are old news to denizens of this space.

And "downfall," what downfall? Have we had the WRX before, and I just didn't realize it, and this '02 model is a pale imitation of that previous platform? Perhaps you meant a word other than "downfall," like "shortcomings?"

But in terms of any potential downfalls, we got exactly what we were told we were going to get: a 227-hp, bug-eyed AWD sedan. Anyone who thought we were going to get the 275-hp beastie was severely misguided, if not delusional.

And indeed, I rev my WRX to 6K when shifting, all the time. It's a riot from when you start feeling the turbo at about 3K, to feel the liquid stream of torque at the wheels. Great fun.

I rather imagine there are indeed different definitions of fast to different crowds, just as some prefer straight-line speed, while others want to go fast in the twisties, or in the snow. Muscle fans want the big torque down low, and when you're used to that, driving a small-displacement turbo car takes some re-education. Different strokes, for different folks.

You said in your initial post that you expected to get flamed, and indeed you did. How could you expect anything else from people on an Impreza board with your series of rather condescending posts? When someone comes at this group with useful information or assessments of the WRX, discussions do take place, and these chats are often quite interesting.

But when someone says "This is an enjoyable little car, but my Grand National is faster," what is there to say except: a) Duh! You have a very fast car, and b) Advance our body of knowledge about the WRX, please. Heck, WRX owners gripe about the car more than anyone else EVER could. If you think I'm joking, visit the WRX forum. Hilarious.

We know that the WRX isn't the best car in the world, nor is it the fastest car in the world. We know that the hype has been insane for this car, building expectations beyond anything reasonable so that if the car doesn't sprout wings and take off during the test drive, its acceleration is unimpressive. The same will undoubtedly be true of the STi, when and if it comes, and guys start saying 280hp isn't enough...are there power mods available for the STi?

Kevin

Well, I have ridden in the GNX, when they first hit the streets. (girlfriends dad took us for a ride). I loved it. One of the first I had ever seen with the digital speed read out. I still look at them everytime I see one. I RESPECT that car. Now speed is different by definition. I understand why you feel that it is not that fast. You have been conditioned over the years and spoiled by the large t-4/t-3/ 3.8 liter motor turbo. The stock gnx ran 13.4 @ 103.


Try being in my shoes. I own a 98 gsx-r 750(high 10's) and a 1999 Hayabusa 1300r(low, low 10's).
EVERYTHING feels slow to me after I get off my bike. But let me tell you this, I have not had this much fun with a car, ever. I really enjoy the WRX. I accept it's flaws and look forward to making those up with a few select aftermarket parts.




***disclaimer-it's been a while since since I talked gnx's, so if my info is a little off, sorry. but you get the point

sorry guys....I'm done with this topic cause you're right...I didn't get a really good drive in it.

If any of you would like to come over to my shop and show me what the car can really do, I'd be glad to accomodate you.

we're just from two different worlds and we'll never see eye to eye...I can accept that and move on.

I appologize for making waves in your pool. (on the other hand if all the world agreed on everything this place would be boring!)

mg

what a h e a d a c h e !


j.

Threads like this probably shouldn't be indulged, but perhaps he wanted some wheel spin?

mg-

Hey, I totally respect your opinion. I don't think you said anything that was untrue, and I think it was a bit silly the way some of the people here attacked your words. I do think your comparisons between the WRX and other cars you've owned/driven are very apples-to-oranges. But hey, if you aren't impressed by the WRX, that's cool. It isn't for everyone. Please don't think that the attitudes of a few very defensive people reflects on everyone here.

Jordan

Originally posted by Sporin
I don't think ANY car could live up to the HYPE that this one has generated.

Wrong car for Hype. You'd be suprised how many people DON'T know what a WRX is.

I think you're referring to Honda products here, not the WRX:

Integra Hype R
Sellsfor2000overMSRP

lateRZ
"I have more fun pushing my WRX in the corners than my ~450hp other car because the AWD is more forgiving by a long shot :)"

see you have to hit the gas like you gotta sac!!!!
da
the dirtbike comment was funny as hell, he doens't know what a powerband is. And i would like to know what year rally car is he building??? cause i will look for him adn hope he one day enters a prorally adn gets smacked by the group N or Open class WRX...I will be in the ClubRally too adn i have a wagon....but that is off the point, it is all about hitting the gas like you have a sac!
chris
haha
I think the WRX was faster then the new integra adn i never thought the WRX would be used for 1/4 mile times either...i thoguht they were meant for off the road, hence All Wheel Drive, haha

c'mon guys, he didn't really get to test out the "FULL" potential of the car, the WRX is a great car but not the "GREATEST", that would be the 22b :D , it was just his opinion. By the way that GN is one kick ace car!!

jt

Also, how many miles did it have on it? There's a huge performance difference between a 100 mile WRX and a 4,000 mile WRX.

Glenn

Glenn, are you telling me that in 3K or so miles my car's gonna be FASTER?? :D

Kevin

Are you sure you didn't test drive the 2.5RS? I got severely smoked by a wrx the other day. That wrx was gone before I could blink....
Are you saying it doesn't do well at higher speeds or something because it doesn't make sense to say a car isn't all that when it does 0-60 in under 6 seconds... That's pretty good for a sedan that costs under $30,000. Especially considering what you can do to the car with the money you would have to fork out in order to buy an Audi A4. I just can't believe that its the power that bothers you about the car... There must be something else... Now, I could understand if you've been driving sports cars all your life and the wrx seems slow in comparison, but in comparison to the wrx and its competitors, its on top....
Thanx
Stefan

Look, why is this still even being discussed?

I will admit I barely got it over 4k but still....it doesn't have THAT much more in it.

Anybody who drives a WRX and doesn't take it much above 4 grand is not going to have fun in it. They certainly shouldn't buy one. I'm reasonably sure mgmetalworks could drive a Honda S2000 and say it was no faster than a Civic! And he would be right if he didn't rev it above 4000 rpm! He would also be very impressed with a Viper or any other low-rpm torque monster. The WRX isn't the car for him. Which is fine, since it's one more for the rest of us :)

Oh, and the WRX does have that much more in it above 4k. That's where all the fun is.

-J

After going from thread to thread and reading all I could about the WRX..........I finally got to experience it firsthand.
This morning I called in late to work just to see what the WRX was all about. I currently own a 2000 Legacy GT Ltd and have been deprived off performance and fun for the last year.
So here's my impression: WOOOOOOOOOOW:D :D
What a difference, now I can enjoy driving again.
The salesperson let me take it out and really push it. I never made it into 4th gear because of all the lights but I definitly reved out every gear through third. The lack of torque is evident early on in but the car makes up for it a second later. I was very impressed to say the least. The exterior could have been done better but it has it's own personality. Regardless, I wanted pure performace this second time around, so creature comforts and luxury are secondary right now. I'm 24 and need to live a little before settling down with something less exciting.
Plans to get one are in the works.

i give this guy mucho credit for realizing (and admitting) he may have been to quick to judge the WRX.

dude, give the car another test drive...it may feel weird having to put the revs up high, but once you do, the rush of the 'bo just might get ya hooked!

also, if yer used to the roar of a V8, the WRX's scream takes some gettin' used to. i bet it'll grow on you too, tho.

HOW CAN U EXPECT TO GET THE FEEL OF HOW FAST THE CAR GOES WHEN U R GOING FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH A DEALERSHIP CAR R U NUTS THOSE PEPOLE DONT LET U EVEN TOUCH THE PEDAL I GURANTEE IF U BOUGHT THAT CAR BROKE IT IN A LITTLE THAT CAR WOULD FLY THATS LIKE SAYING I TEST DROVE A CAR AND TOOK IT 95 MILES AN HOUR ON TE HIGHWAY WITH THE DEALERSHIP GUY IN THE CAR TRUST ME THAT CAR HAS BALLS ANY CRA THAT DOES 0 TO 60 IN 5.7 SECONDS WHICH IS ONLY 4 TENTHS SLOWER THAN AN M3 CAN MOVE

hey, do me a favor, hit the Caps Lock button on the left side of your keyboard. you'll notice a difference when you type. thanks :)