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Old 12-06-2012, 10:44 AM   #26
Plasmabluewrx
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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.
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Old 12-06-2012, 10:51 AM   #27
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Originally Posted by Plasmabluewrx View Post
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.
All I can say is... there's no way I could go back to stock. I was beginning to dread the thought of driving my WRX in the morning. It was so loose and sloppy and vague. So many different weight transfers throughout the whole car. ("held-together-with-ham-sandwhiches") I'd cringe every shift, every clutch depress, trying to 'make' it feel smooth and connected, but it never did.... Until I started with the modding. Now that's all gone.

My next "big" mod is a CF driveshaft, not for strength, not for bling/bragging, but just because I absolutely have the two-piece design and its bouncy BS, (another STI part that I'd want to upgrade).
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Old 12-06-2012, 10:54 AM   #28
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I recently just did this with my 2011 wrx limited. I lost quite a bit on depreciation due to an accident but.. I do not regret it a single bit! I absolutely love the STi, it fixed all the problems I had with my WRX. I even feel like the plastics are softer touch (even though this is probably only because its new). The STi is a completely different car, modding my wrx would have still left me with a wrx. The car simply feels like it is of better quality, my speakers in the STi sound much better than the WRX did also, not sure how the Stock HU is better than the nav I had in my wrx but there you have it. If you can afford it, go for it.
This is what I'm hoping for. A more complete package.
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Old 12-06-2012, 11:21 AM   #29
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I probably could have afforded the STi, but it just didn't seem like the responsible decision for me at this point in my life. I'd feel guilty about it on so many levels.
This to a degree... Could I afford a STI? Yeah, it would have just been $135 more a month for the one I wanted, and for some reason my insurance rate would be exactly the same for the two. But being a grad/PhD student, that money is better used in other ways... Plus the little things like it's generally cheaper to buy snow tires and replacements for the WRX.

Plasma, if you're not satisfied with your WRX, go STI. It's as simple as that. Obviously it's cheaper to start with that platform versus playing catch up. Looks are completely subjective between the new widebody WRX and the STI... Unless you're dying for painted calipers and the wing (except you're going hatch so that's even less of a difference) unless you can't paint and find someone willing to trade... For everyone that complements the 6 speed, the longer ratios of the 5 make it a better road warrior, although the 6 obviously keeps you on boil better in the twisties and it feels better...

What it comes down to is what you already stated in your OP... Your own personal priorities. I've never questioned the WRX after spending seat time in both... And when I'm a doctor... I'll buy a GT-R...

Blehhh, you sound like someone who should've started out with the STI.

Last edited by nightdown fox; 12-06-2012 at 11:26 AM.
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Old 12-06-2012, 11:27 AM   #30
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And when I'm a doctor... I'll buy a GT-R...
Even if I had a GT-R, I would still feel the need to modify it because "if it can be made faster....it's not fast enough!" leaving power on the table!

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Originally Posted by nightdown fox View Post
Blehhh, you sound like someone who should've started out with the STI.
lol, you might be right, the only problem is, I would still be dissapointed with a dozen different things in the STI, (things that are only marginally worse in the WRX, like the steering rack bushings, trans mount, etc), but I would then be too broke to upgrade any of them!

And for anyone wondering, I'm an engineer... It's practically my job to complain and nit-pick and find imperfection so that it may be improved.

Last edited by blehhh; 12-06-2012 at 11:50 AM.
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Old 12-06-2012, 12:30 PM   #31
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It all comes down to what you use the car for. I don't have any plans to take my car to a racetrack, and I don't live in an area with many winding roads. My plain-jane WRX handles and accelerates much better than I'll ever need on a public road, and the more punishing ride and tighter gear ratios of the STI just aren't needed when a majority of my driving involves going down a straight road. I can afford the STI, but the WRX just fits the bill better for normal driving and still has 9/10ths the performance of the STI. If you track your car, it's worth the premium for the STI... but I just don't see it being worth the extra dough otherwise. In the end it just comes down to what the priorities of the driver are, some people want an STI for nothing more than bragging rights (and there is nothing wrong with that if it makes them happy) and will never drive it anywhere near its potential.
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Old 12-06-2012, 01:18 PM   #32
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Originally Posted by mattw278 View Post
I absolutely love the STi, it fixed all the problems I had with my WRX. I even feel like the plastics are softer touch (even though this is probably only because its new). The STi is a completely different car, modding my wrx would have still left me with a wrx. The car simply feels like it is of better quality, my speakers in the STi sound much better than the WRX did also, not sure how the Stock HU is better than the nav I had in my wrx but there you have it. If you can afford it, go for it.
I guess the extra $5K to $8K has a way of influencing the brain into believing things that simply aren't there.

Your STI has the same exact plastics, interior panels, seats (minus the center cover inserts), and speakers as a WRX.
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Old 12-06-2012, 01:29 PM   #33
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I'd say stock-for-stock the STi is better. Faster? Probably not, unless you take it to the track (not the 1/4 mile!).

If you're going to mod, STi definitely. Just dropped 5k into a jdm 6-speed swap myself. Pay now or pay later.
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Old 12-06-2012, 01:52 PM   #34
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Originally Posted by Plasmabluewrx View Post
Yeah I've debated modding the suspension. I know there's a lot to be gained from a tic bushing/bars package but I think for me it's just more the whole package. The trans/ seats/ brakes/ wheels/ dccd/ just the whole enchilada. I think another part of my thought process is while its easy to make a WRX much better the STi has lots of the function and will retain its value better.
WRXs hold their value just as good as the STI, if not a little better. Both cars are in serious demand and selling them outright (2009+ models, both WRX and STI) often result in selling the car for merely a couple thousand than the price paid when new. I honestly can't think of another car on the market that retains value like the cars do. Most cars shed about 30-45% of their value in the first three years. These cars loose about 10%. That's amazing. Will the STI be more valueable? Absolutely, and only really because it costs you significantly more from the start.

Many of the WRX's perceived ills are easily corrected. Sloppy shifter? Buy bushings and an STS for around $150. Don't like the softer ride? Swap in Koni/Bilsteins and RCE springs for $1200 or just do the shocks for $800 since that's where most of the improvement comes from. Don't like the initial lean into turns (which really doesn't affect handling that much)? By a $90 STI rear sway bar and do the springs/shocks. Don't like the "feel" of the brakes? Buy a $70 set of Stop Tech Street pads.

Remember, the STI comes with near race spec, wider rubber which is largely why it can generate nearly 1g of grip vs the WRX's still impressive 0.90g of grip. Change the tires on the WRX and you'll get nearly the same amount of grip on a softer stock suspension. While you're at it, why not just change out the 17" WRX rims to a set of 18X8.5 to 18X9s and improve the looks? If I had an STI, I'd still change out the rims to differiate and improve the looks.

Then there's the fuel mileage. For whatever reason, the STI sees about 15% less MPG than the WRX. For 10,000 miles driven in a year at 91+ fuel at ~$3.80/gal, you're looking at an extra $450-500 in annual fuel costs.
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Old 12-06-2012, 01:55 PM   #35
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If you're going to mod, STi definitely.
No quite sure why so many say this. The 2008+ STI motors (the pistons) are more fragile than their WRX counterparts. The 6MT is beefy, but so is the 2009+ 5MT. Very few come close to maxing out the strength of the newer 5MT.
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Old 12-06-2012, 03:18 PM   #36
blehhh
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No quite sure why so many say this. The 2008+ STI motors (the pistons) are more fragile than their WRX counterparts. The 6MT is beefy, but so is the 2009+ 5MT. Very few come close to maxing out the strength of the newer 5MT.
And while the STi clearly has its strengths and several "good enough from the factory" parts, there are still a number of weakness that the WRX and STi both share, and any aftermarket part will blow away the stock on either.

For example, the pitch stop might be a "6/10" on the WRX and an "8/10" on the STi, but a Kartboy for either is like "9.5/10"

Both need steering rack inserts.
Both need rear diff inserts.
Both need transmission mounts.

So something to at least consider if planning to buy and upgrade an STi is that some of that additional sticker price went into some of those marginally better STi parts that you will still be wanting to upgrade anyway.

xluben is the perfect, albeit extreme, example of this...He's upgraded the tires, wheels, springs, struts, gears, pistons, header, turbo, intercooler, probably all of the drivetrain mods, maybe even brakes? There's not whole lot left of that WRX that came from subaru lol. And I'll bet nearly every part he's touched is now better than what the STi comes with.

I wish I could have stood on the assembly line at Subaru and just handed them all of the aftermarket parts I wanted in my car and just pay the true difference, rather than having tons of stock parts lying around for when I have to revert to stock and sell it

Last edited by blehhh; 12-06-2012 at 04:00 PM.
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Old 12-06-2012, 04:00 PM   #37
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Its simple for DD you do not need an STI - it is purely a want. If you can afford it do it. No doubt it is a better enthusiast car to start from.

In May 2003 I wanted a wagon and there was no STI wagon, so I got a WRX. I knew I was modding over time so it was fine to enjoy the car stock under warranty and slowly upgrade to where I wanted it.

If there was an STI wagon at the time - I would have likely got it and done the same thing - the extra cost over a 5 year loan would have been just fine.
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Old 12-06-2012, 04:01 PM   #38
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Originally Posted by blehhh View Post

I wish I could have stood on the assembly line at Subaru and just handed them all of the aftermarket parts I wanted in my car and just pay the true difference, rather than having tons of stock parts lying around for when I have to revert to stock and sell it
They could do that, but its not likely you would have a factory warranty.
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Old 12-06-2012, 07:42 PM   #39
Plasmabluewrx
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Originally Posted by nightdown fox


Plasma, if you're not satisfied with your WRX, go STI. It's as simple as that. Obviously it's cheaper to start with that platform versus playing catch up. Looks are completely subjective between the new widebody WRX and the STI... Unless you're dying for painted calipers and the wing (except you're going hatch so that's even less of a difference) unless you can't paint and find someone willing to trade... For everyone that complements the 6 speed, the longer ratios of the 5 make it a better road warrior, although the 6 obviously keeps you on boil better in the twisties and it feels better...

What it comes down to is what you already stated in your OP... Your own personal priorities. I've never questioned the WRX after spending seat time in both... And when I'm a doctor... I'll buy a GT-R...

Blehhh, you sound like someone who should've started out with the STI.
It isn't as simple as that though. I do not have much seat time in a STi so I don't know if it would even feel like I am looking for. I do know the 6 speed is a much better feeling trans, even without bushing. You simply skip gears to avoid shifting more, with the tighter ratios, going from 1-3 or 2-4 will feel fine.

You're right that it will come down to my personal opinions/priorities. I suppose I need more seat time in a STi to really decide if its what I'm looking for.

I really just wanted to hear what people who went from 2011/12 wrx to 2011/12/13 STi thought. These are the only people who can give me an informed opinion.
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Old 12-06-2012, 07:47 PM   #40
Plasmabluewrx
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MaddMax

WRXs hold their value just as good as the STI, if not a little better.

Then there's the fuel mileage. For whatever reason, the STI sees about 15% less MPG than the WRX. For 10,000 miles driven in a year at 91+ fuel at ~$3.80/gal, you're looking at an extra $450-500 in annual fuel costs.
From what I've personally seen, they don't. I know 2 people who sold 2011 STis for within 1500 bucks of sticker. The person I know who sold the wrx was about 2500 under sticker. It's going to vary wildly by area though so no real formula can be made to cover all sales/trades. For me I am more interested in the fact that a modded wrx will sell for the same as a stock one. So modding the suspension/wheels/bushing will not retain value per say.
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Old 12-06-2012, 07:51 PM   #41
crick0234
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Originally Posted by Plasmabluewrx View Post
I am sort of feeling like trading my 2012 WRX for a 2013 STi. Please do not start another debate, we all know it is simply a preference or money matter.

My question is to those of you who've traded a 2011-13 WRX for a 2011-2013 STi since I have seen a few posts where people did this.

1. What made you decide to do it?
2. Are you glad you did?
3. Comparing the 2 cars in daily driver fashion, what pros and cons did you notice after owning both?
4. Did you really see the 2mpg decrease?

My reasons are for the 6 speed's durability and I just feel like I should have gone hatch so it would be a good time to go STi.

Just curious here as I see tons of posts on trading earlier years but not much on the 2011+ and would like some opinions from those who've owned both.

Thanks!
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I know I'm going to be in the minority with this one, but... My friend has a PBP stock '11 STI base sedan with no mods (yeh I know, even stock exhaust), and I have a '12 PBP WRX Limited sedan with Stage 1, SPT exhaust and a STI rear sway bar... I've driven his car around town and it's nice but I personally don't feel the need to trade up. As a daily driver, I like the better ride and less shifting with my WRX, but honestly they're both very livable on a daily basis.

Yes I know, with supporting mods the STI is the better car, but then again I'm satisfied with my WRX. I get around the same gas mileage as my WRX when I drive his STI... He gets even better because he drives like a granny.

My coworker traded in his stage 1 wrx (taht's the only mod he did) for an STI after driving mine. He initially wanted an STI but got talked into buying a wrx by the dealership.

eventually regreted that choice and a year later traded up to an STI. His reasonings mostly were that he liked the 6 speed transmission and stock suspension more than his wrx. he also mentioned he shoulda just went with his gut rather than trying to rationalize what's practical.

His wrx i noticed a 2mpg hit from the dash readings (his says 22 on his wrx while mine says 20 on my sti).

I guess in short is if you feel the urge, then its just a matter of time before u cave into it. might as well cave as soon as u can and move on with life! If you're totally stoked with the WRX, then you'd probably wouldnt make this thread.

edit: my buddy's an engineer & single so i would take that its easier for him to throw money around.
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Old 12-06-2012, 09:48 PM   #42
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Haha yeah I'm kidless so the money isn't really an issue. Thanks for the input. I know you're right, I think my rational brain is the reason I'm holding out and making posts instead of finding the car. Damn you reasonable brain, must be my dad and his accountant career that gave me this.
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Old 12-07-2012, 07:43 AM   #43
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This thread has turned into the standard WRX vs higher cost of the STI. A basic premise is that you can not upgrade a WRX to STI specs cheaper than the factory ( unless you happen to own a wrecked STI ). Is the STI perfect, no car is. I think a lot of people mod for the sake of modding. Out of the box both cars are a very good package.

Potential buyers need to evaluate which car best meets their needs and wants.

AG
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Old 12-07-2012, 09:10 AM   #44
Plasmabluewrx
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aggarcia
This thread has turned into the standard WRX vs higher cost of the STI. A basic premise is that you can not upgrade a WRX to STI specs cheaper than the factory ( unless you happen to own a wrecked STI ). Is the STI perfect, no car is. I think a lot of people mod for the sake of modding. Out of the box both cars are a very good package.

Potential buyers need to evaluate which car best meets their needs and wants.

AG
Yip this thread is heading that way. I pretended it didn't happen but now that you stated it... I got some good info and that's all I wanted.

Last edited by Plasmabluewrx; 12-07-2012 at 02:44 PM.
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