It's not about the mods because both are going to be much more with the right mods. It's about looks, a smoother and bulletproof trans and like stated above, it just drives different. I do not have enough seat time in an STi to make a more solid judgement though. I think a lot of my issue is coming from a 2005 Evo MR, I am just used to a more complete machine. I screwed up and thought the WRX limited would be a nicer DD but it just feels lacking to me.