I need opinions... preferably from those who drove a very light, go-kart-like car before they got a WRX.

The Rex is topping my list for next year, but I have a concern. I've been driving a '91 Si for a while now and I'm really use to its chuckable nature. The 900 lbs. that I would add makes me wonder if the POWER upgrade and whatever performance suspension it has would make the weight gain a 'wash.'

I got to drive my brother's WRX for only about 3 miles while it was in its breakin period and it FELT really heavy for such a small car. Maybe it's meaningless at speed, but that feeling is nagging me.

Just wonder how you guys like the difference if you've driven far lighter car prior to your Rex.

Thanks

All I can say is that the WRX is measurably, and significantly faster than the SI despite its added weight.

it also can beat Integra Type-Rs at autocrosses...soo...


but, if you dont like how it 'feels' then you dont like how it feels.

wait, it just dawned on me that you cant be talking about the same Civic SI that I was thinking of....so I don't know thats its faster..

:)

Which SI? My previous car was a '91 Prelude SI before the WRX. My impressions are it is not as nimble around the corners, but the AWD makes up for that.

I have a miata and a WRX. After the miata, the rex definitely feels a whole lot heavier, but also a whole lot faster. Both cars are fun, but different kinds of fun.

I don't think you'll 'regret' getting a WRX, but there will be times when you'll fondly remember the lightness of your previous car. If I were you, I'd get the rex.....or if practicality is not an issue, get a new miata :)

Do what I did....keep both :)

BTW, I autocross my miata and the WRX is a daily driver.

Oh hell, I WASN'T trying to compare speed!!! My Civic has but 108 ponies (Shetlands, I believe).

I was wondering if the heft of the Rex would make for a car that would feel like you're trying to control all the weight in turns versus concentrating on the goal at hand... driving efficiently through the turns.

I guess I'll have to go down to Kentucky and make a few more drives with my brother.

I traded my 92 DX hatch for the WRX, so I know where you're coming from.

The 92DX had 102hp, and you're Si had around 109 I think, and while the cars had some differences, they were close enough for this topic of discussion.

I really enjoyed the go-kart-like "chuckable" nature of my DX - I could just hammer the thing around corners, and knew when to anticipate the slide. While the car's limits were nowhere near high, that's what made the car fun - to keep up a decent sports car I had to drive at 10/10ths - 120Km/h felt llike 160km/h.

I am sure you know that the WRX is a different beast. While it may not be quite as chuckable, it is still bags and bags and bags and bags of fun. The engine is just incredible, the handling is wonderful, and the car feels quite a bit moe substantial than the Civic. And did I mention the engine?!!

The weigt you felt, was in fact weight, but it is negated by both the engine and handling capabilities. Yes the car may have felt somewhat heavy, but that feeling goes away pretty darn quickly. You need not autocross or race to get lots of enjoyment from the car. Go take one for a drive again - maybe on the highway where you'll see the real difference betweent the two.

Incidentally, I took a friend's 94 si (125hp) for a spin a few weeks back and was amazed at how slow the thing was. With the tach slipping past 6000rpm there was no sense of PUSH, no urgent thrust into the seat. While the car felt rather light, it just didn't feel like I remebered it - I am now used to a much faster, better handling, and overall more fun car (which for the fun of it, can pin my passenger's neck onto the headrest without me even flooring the go-pedal).

...oh boy is it ever fun!

I agree... It is a different machine entirely... but you WILL get used to it.
it definitely is a more substantial car than my civic. and now that I have done susp. mods to the rex, it is more responsive and more like my civic with every mile. But there is always a re-learning curve when I go from one car to the other.

you wont regret the WRX.:)

After a little while, the WRX starts to feel pretty tossable. The extra weight is nice on the highway when the car feels more stable than a really light car. I recently ran a really tight auto-x (all 1st gear) and the WRX felt pretty good. It didn't feel like I was tossing a fat pig around. The suspension works with the car.

One thing that should be pointed out...with 108 ponies you can leave the car floored all the way around the corner, and it won't get squirrely on you....with 227 (or more) you have to actually pay attention to throttle position as well as your steering wheel. ;)

I used to drive a 1500lbs car - less than half the weight, and 88hp (Festiva) I loved the car, but it just doesn't compare to the WRX - the WRX's weight feels more solid, but I don't feel like I'm fighting it - it's just heavier, not bulkier.

Funny you should mention a Festiva:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/MultimediaAndFun/gallery/image14.htm

This is the one featured in SCC. A Festiva that runs 13.2-13.3 in the 1/4, imagine the looks on the V8 guys faces when they get smacked down by a Festiva :lol:.

--Jason

A 3400 lb 911 Carrera 4 and a 3300 lb C5 Vette will both fuk your 2200 lb Civic in the twizteez so what exactly is your point???

Yes, it will feel like a bigger and heavier car...no doubt :rolleyes: ...but how is that the only determening factor in how it will ultimately handle??? It isn't, so don't be concerned!!

My street/track old 911 weighs 2200 lbs and has 250hp, so yes there is a big difference in tossability between the 911 and a WRX. That said, there is a reason a lot of 911 drivers really like the WRX--it's just so damn much fun-the combination of adequate power, fantastic rigid chassis, responsive steering, and AWD makes this car a joy to drive. And, considering it is AWD the weight is really very good for a fully practical modern car with all safety requirements. Go for it-you won't regret it.

my old 1993 was a 390rwhp 2650 pound monster
the wrx is slow compared to it. but the fun factor is totally
different. you just have to think what you want and what upgrades you want to do. i plan on keeping my wrx pretty
stock and i have done nothing but enjoy it since day 1.