WRX test drive and review

[danix]

Pasted from email, hope this formats OK...

I cannot disclose the where or how, but I was able to spend some time driving a WRX sedan last Thursday.

I'm tied up at work, so this will be a brief summary, and I will try to post more later.

Previous biases... my last Subaru was a 1986 XT Turbo, and my latest car
was a 1995 Audi S6 wagon with stage 1 chip upgrade (~280hp). I have
owned Audis and VWs almost exclusively since 1990.
Some of you know that I run audifans.com, and have a strong interest in
the WRX.

I am posting this summary as objectively as I can. This is not a troll,
not an attempt to piss anyone off, and yes, I really did drive one.

Let's begin...

The WRX is better looking in person than in print. With that said, I
look at the curves in the hood and can't get the Hyundai Tiburon or
Santa Fe out of my head. When you drive one, you will understand. The
blue paint is stunning, and the headlights are actually kind of
interesting.

The build quality is pretty good, though I noticed gaps, such as between
the hood scoop and the hood, that could have been tighter. The seats
were nicely bolstered, but were a bit on the soft side. I can't see
them holding up well past 100k miles. Some things were really on the
cheap side, such as the headliner (sunvisor flips up with a loud
metallic THUNK) and the interior light works/looks a lot like the one in
my father's old 1977 Corolla.
The trunk lock is also those cheap chrome ones that sit outside the
sheetmetal, and are so easily pried off the car in urban areas (look for
a WRX with riveted plate over the lock very soon, I bet).

The keyless remote system does not confirm arm/disarm with a beep or
flash of the lights, just silence. I hope this can be changed by the
owner. Also, the design of the remote is very odd, with one huge button
to arm and a tiny one to disarm, I think.

There was also a piece of plastic wirewrap (that accordian-like stuff)
peeking out on either side of the center console. My guess (and hope)
is that the seats are prewired for the seat heaters that they get in
Canada, and you just need to add the switches, or perhaps switches and
heating elements?

Sitting down, everything falls nicely to hand, though I had a hard time
getting comfortable in the seat. Things got better later on when I
discovered the tilt wheel adjustment.
The radio sounds fantastic (or is at least very loud - I was so excited
to see the car, I just turned the radio off).

Now, you are mostly interested in the driving experience. Handling was
very positive - the car feels and handles very aggressively, though not
too stiff. It was raining a bit and this was not my car, so I really
didn't push it. Brakes were just OK, but since the car had very few
miles, they might not have been broken in yet.

The engine... sigh. I felt (again, compared to my Audi S6 with chip)
that the car had way too much lag and I certainly did not feel 227hp.
It's possible that after breakin the car will loosen up, but I was not
wowed. In my S6, I could step on the pedal in 5th gear and be pushed
back in the seat immediately. In the WRX, even when downshifting to
4th, I did not feel a major surge of power.

The tires are Bridgestone RE92, H rated, M&S, 205/55-16. I think they
are lame.

The car is a real attention getter in blue, with several people trying
to keep up and then slowing down to check the car out. I think cops
will be interested as well, so I would think carefully about color
choice.

To sum it up:

Positives:
Handling
Seats nicely bolstered
Sound system

Negatives:
Build quality/equipment, at least compared to VW/Audi
Turbo lag

I hate to say this, but I was disappointed. I will definitely drive one
again, especially a wagon, which I am more likely to buy, but I can't
help wondering how a used A4 1.8tq with some mods would compare. I
know, it's used, not new, but there is a big difference in quality.

I think the WRX will appeal most to someone who used to have an
Eclipse/Talon GSX. The experience will likely be familiar. For me, the
leap from German to Japanese may be too much to swallow, unless I find
compelling reasons (ie, after breakin things improve dramatically).

| Dan

[Jon Bogert]

Hi Dan, I'm a past (4000q, 80q) and present (S4 Avant) Audi owner who defected to Subaru for a 2000RS. Your review sums up many of my fears about the new WRX. If I may ask, have you driven an Ur-WRX for comparison?

Everything I love about my RS, I couldn't get in an Audi. The light weight, precise handling, feeling of being connected to the road, etc.

Has Subaru gone off chasing a luxo-GT ideal they can never achieve, while abandoning the traits that made the Ur-WRX a world beater?

[CP]

Arg...not what I want to hear. My 97 1.8T with lots of mods was just totalled, and I've been drooling over the WRX Avant. Too bad about the lag. I also don't like the fact that there is not any kind of chip upgrade path for this car...just piggyback ECUs and boost controllers.

The quality is not as much of an issue for me, as I'd like to turn it into a track car when I buy my next Audi. And the brakes are cheaply, easily upgraded to STi 4-piston calipers. But that turbo lag...I thought the WRX turbo was pretty small...like the KO3/4. Guess I'll have to drive it before plopping down a deposit.

Thanks for the review.

-Cy

[Skylab]

Finally, an honest pessimistic review of the WRX. My battle has been which car to get; the current '01 2.5RS, or pay AT LEAST "MSRP" on the '02 WRX. The reviews from the Auto 'Zines and TV programs have been grand about this car. BUT, I'm thinking, HOW MUCH greater can it be that what else is out there? I plan on picking up my 2.5RS on Wednesday, yes, I can say that it is NOT FAST, however, like any other car it can be modded for some more 'pep. I don't consider "4 bangers" to be fast being as I'm from the 350 Cube owners club. I admit they can be quick and sporty, and thats the reason behind my purchase of the 2001 Impreza 2.5RS. If I want to haull a$$, I'll do it in my 400 horse Camaro.
OK, basically I'm typing all this to make myself feel better about taking the 2.5RS over the wait-and-purchase of the WRX.

Feel free to bag and burn at will.

[Xeno]

well.. having come from a ~250Hp Liberty RS Turbo to test drive the AU spec WRX.. i thought the power was ok for a stock car.. i wouldnt leave it stock. it needs an ECu upgrade .. exhaust and new breathing gear to make it more drivable.

but i disagree..i thought the power was ok.. but the one i test drove was broken in..

[This message has been edited by Xeno (edited February 19, 2001).]

[DeliciouSpeed]

Cy there are ECU upgrades available, just not the plug in and go type, which I don't like anyway. Link will have an ECU avail in the next few months and a Uni chip is available already. I think the lag thing has a great deal to do with that valve in the intake track. I think with a programable ECU, one could make that thing open fully a 1000 RPM instead of 3000RPM and be rewarded with better response. A ball bearing turbo and EVC will make is even nicer.

Ken

[ANZAC_1915]

The engine... sigh. I felt (again, compared to my Audi S6 with chip)
that the car had way too much lag and I certainly did not feel 227hp.
It's possible that after breakin the car will loosen up, but I was not
wowed. In my S6, I could step on the pedal in 5th gear and be pushed
back in the seat immediately. In the WRX, even when downshifting to
4th, I did not feel a major surge of power.

Your report is somewhat contradictory. If you were expecting a "surge" of power, that seems to indicate a preference for non-linear delivery, or lag, which you claim it also has.

I have not driven one, so your experience is probably more relevant, but riding in a pre-production US spec car the power delivery seemed smooth and immediate to me (though my foot wasn't on the gas pedal), though there seemed to be very little "surge" of power that one associates with high boost engine (e.g. older Saab turbo, etc). If anything it seemed to me like: small turbo, too little high RPM boost, no lag (ie punch once the boost came up...because it was more immediate linear delivery like a low pressure engine).

Glenn

PS

There was also a piece of plastic wirewrap (that accordian-like stuff)
peeking out on either side of the center console. My guess (and hope)
is that the seats are prewired for the seat heaters that they get in
Canada, and you just need to add the switches, or perhaps switches and
heating elements?

There would be wiring to the seats already for the side airbags. Perhaps what you saw was associated with that?


[This message has been edited by Glenn Wallace (edited February 19, 2001).]

[danix]

Replying mainly to Glenn's note here.

It's possible that I was looking for a kick in the pants, which would be associated with lag. To me, lag is when I step on the gas and nothing dramatic happens, until a few seconds later. In the WRX, even a few seconds later, not much happens. In contrast, on the S6 with the chip (or even my wife's Jetta TDI with a chip) stepping on the gas results in an immediate surge of power. If I had a boost gauge, I could quantify it better.

The real measure to me is in a real world situation, like passing another car. In the WRX, even downshifting to 4th did not result in dramatic power. It accelerated of course, but nothing that would make you scream out "wahoo" or grab the wheel tightly.

I don't mean to discourage anyone from the car - certainly if you are not that interested in a luxury type car, you won't care about little details like the visors snapping shut or the 3mm thick carpeting in the trunk, just above the 4mm cardboard floor, and the uncarpeted trunk lid. But when you see VW take steps to address even the little things, you realize they have raised the bar.

I remember my 86 XT had much better interior build quality than my 84 Jetta or even my 86 GLI. Today, the tables seem to have turned.

Someone asked whether this was a "luxobarge" WRX - I think not. One of the best attributes is that the car is well connected to the road, even with the crappy tires. I suspect it has a handling that even a modified A4 will find hard to beat.

As far as the wires to the seats, I certainly hope those exposed wires are not for the airbags - if they are, the build quality is far worse than I think it is, since these look like someone threw in an aftermarket stereo and was too lazy to hide the wires.
This was in fact a production car, not a preproduction example.
Let me correct a term - perhaps what I am terming "quality" should be reworded as "attention to detail".

Again, I don't compare to Audi/VW looking for a religious war, it's just what I know.

If you have any other questions about the car, my friend still has it for a few more days and I can ask him to investigate anything simple.

[ANZAC_1915]

Note: The way to tell if it is a pre-production car is to look for the white EPA exemption sticker on the right hand underside of the hood.

I believe Subaru's engine specs. 227BHP at 6000RPM is 227 BHP. How it delivers the power seems more to me like a Saab low pressure turbo (e.g. 9-5) than the older WRXs (I only have the 22B to base this on).

It certainly seemed 'fast' to me, and my butt dyno did verify the figures . It definitely is NOT as fast as a Minnam Stage II 2.5RS or similar. We expected that.

It weighs a hundred lb or so more (a Minnam kit does add weight you know, so the weight difference isn't as big) and probably has 20-30HP less.

My own expectation is that it is faster than a 2.5RS and not quite as fast as a Minnam equipped 2.5RS ---- and my ride seemed to confirm that.

So what was your expectation? As fast as your S6? (which has how much power? weight?)
To meet certain performance figures? The feeling you get when you drive it? How didn't the power live up to your expecations?

My expectations are that I expect it to drive like a AWD 227BHP 3085lb car.

It appears to be tuned for much less boost above 3,000 RPM yet still delivers quite a deal of power. It is more like a light pressure turbo setup with low RPM "overboost", if that makes sense.

My wife's LPT Saab does not give a big "surge" and yet delivers a lot of power and torque in a linear fashion and is much faster in a straight line than my stock RS! (even with prob 800lb more weight!)

Glenn

[danc]

It sounds like the remote is the same as the Outback remote (and perhaps all Subarus?). One large button to arm, smaller to unlock. Works great, and I don't find it odd at all - seems perfectly natural, IMO.

I actually rode in a WRX (didn't get to drive it though), and it seemed to have plenty of power to me. Guess it depends where you're coming from. I also thought the seats felt very supportive and comfortable (I did get to SIT in the front, just not drive it). The seat adjustment "ratchet thingy" (for want of a better phrase) works quite well.

[DeliciouSpeed]

Let me end the debate by saying, who cares what the stock is like. I plan to mod the hell out of it, then I'll see your Audi my man, in any environment you like. It is that tunnability and potential that make me buy the car.

Let me close by saying my last little project car (Honda Civic)started out running 16.8's and getting around the road course like Ms Daisy was in the back seat. When I was done It ran a 12.84 on street/drag radials and stomped M3s with ease on the road. My WRX will make you say OH Shoot(edited for cooth), when I'm done.

Ken

[This message has been edited by DeliciouSpeed (edited February 19, 2001).]

[Jon Bogert]

C'mon, DeliciouSpeed, don't be rude in front of our four-ringed guest, he'll think he went to Club-Si by mistake...

[RidinLow]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing.

[Damon]

no need to be rude about it mr. speed, but i do agree with you. if i do get one down the road (maybe a 2003 or 2004, depending if the STI model ever makes it over here) i dont really plan on it being stock for a long time. and as far as bang for the buck goes, you cant beat it w/ a stick. audis are XPENSIVE. subarus are relatively cheap in price for what they are. i agree, the trim may not exactly be exquisit, but i will sacrifice that for a cheaper price. if i want a brute of a car, id go buy a lil bimmer or somethin.

[DeliciouSpeed]

Sorry Guys, didn't realize I was being rude. Just showing a little enthusiasm. Maybe it was a little juvenile. Sorry Bro, ya know, if I offended. That was not my goal.
Maybe I should also let you know that I apprieciate your comments on the car.

Ken

[This message has been edited by DeliciouSpeed (edited February 19, 2001).]

[scott_gunn]

I appreciate the candid comments on the WRX. All the reviews I have read have been so overwhelmingly positive (except on the looks of the car) that I had no idea what the negatives may be.

Still, my enthusiasm is not diminished at all. I can barely afford the WRX, and I still believe that it will be the most fun car I can possibly afford. I am not expecting it to be the best car ever. Plus the fact that many aftermarket mods will exist excites me even more in case I stumble upon an extra thousand or two to spend on it.

If I had $10k more, I would buy a BMW. I want room to carry more than 1 friend at around at a time.

[This message has been edited by scott_gunn (edited February 19, 2001).]

[DeanO]

Ladies and gentlemen, you have just witnessed the masterful work of a gentleman troll from the Audi board (danix). It's left us all a bit speechless, eh?

I'll dispute the content of his post later.

It's the style that's really both impressive and very Machiavellian. Look at each paragraph of his mysterious WRX test drive. They have the hypnotizing effect of starting with a very complimentary intro, followed by a condescending slam about the car.

Example #1. "The WRX is better looking in person" and the blue is "stunning," but the car looks like a Hyundai?

The build quality is pretty good, but the interior is compared to a 1977 Toyota Corolla?

Reread the last paragraph carefully, look past the golly/gee style and you'll find the sentiment of a German automobile elitist. The WRX may be good enough for Talon/Eclipse owners, but Audi fans may "find this too hard to swallow."

Honestly, I may be being a bit harsh here, but I sense his criticisms of the WRX are a bit unfair. What's the validity of comparing a chip modified Audi S6 to a $24k WRX? I'm getting a 2002 WRX wagon, but I not foolish enough to compare it to my 2000 M coupe, 1997 Supra TT or 2001 BMW 330i (wife's car).

There's also some insuination that the WRX power is somehow underwhelming. 0-60mph in 5.9-6.3 sec and over 200 lb/ft of torque at 2600rpm isn't slow in my book.

Now for some factual disputes about the post:

The Bridgestone RE92 tires on the WRX aren't the greatest choice, but they're V-rated, not H-rated.

Whew. Glad that's off my chest, guys.

Dean

[DeliciouSpeed]

Very observent Dean-o, I thought is was just us being invaded by Yuppie Scum. You know the type, not good unless it leaves my or my parents pockets empty. I can't wait to see their faces after they spend some time looking at my Hyndai (Spelling who cares though) tail lights. By the way, I like the tail lights, headlights to.

Ken

[Gambit]

Err.... does everyone has to like the WRX?! Danix was disappointed. So be it right? After all he was coming from a 280hp car. How about you test drive a Daewoo Lanos and see how it feels compared to your current Impreza?

[TriniTuner]

As for me the WRX will be the first new car I ever buy, and as I'm coming from a no torque, no HP Civic it will feel like a rocketship to me.

Everyone has their perspectives, depending on their backgrounds and it is very interesting to get all of their ideas.

my 2 cents....

[DeanO]

I like the WRX enough to buy one, but I realize that the car is not beyond reproach. It certainly can't be all things to all people.

What ticked me off was that the moderator of audifans.com, Dan Simoes, drops off an innocent sounding review of the WRX that's really a study in elitism. Mr. Simoes has no intention of buying a WRX, and his subtle prejudices are difficult to hide.

In what other review of the WRX are you going to see comparisons to two Hyundais, a 1977 Corolla, and a Talon/Eclipse in 500 words or less. If I wanted build quality rather than performance I'd buy a used 1995 Lexus LS400.

I couldn't care less about the "cheap" headliner, sunvisors and trunk lock, and I certainly don't give a damn if the remote keyless entry doesn't make a chirping noise.

Let's hear some unbiased impressions of the WRX, with fair comparisons to cars in its price class.

(Damn, I gotta lay off the coffee. )

[This message has been edited by DeanO (edited February 19, 2001).]

[Greg I]

I turned the alarm chirp off on the RS I owned. If my WRX comes chirping from the factory, it too will be disabled...

I'm thinking that the lack of a beep or a light flash was probably not normal.

Greg.

[This message has been edited by Greg I (edited February 19, 2001).]

[Porter]

Gambit -

Actually, the Daewoo Lanos has excellent handling. The suspension on those is tuned by Lotus. With an extra 100hp or so, it'd be a hell of a little car.

[GDA]

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Well Im not really getting my self hyped up for the WRX which i ordered a month ago.

One reason I drive a 180hp 2200lbs JDM style honda civic hatchback.

I am looking forward to the AWD, and MoMo steering, and 4 doors, a more grown up car than a civic, integra or gti. BTW I dont know what i have grown to dislike VW, they just irratate me (so do the drivers).

I was gonna buy a Integra TYPE-R which is a true Race car for the street, but didnt like the rear view visibility, Crammed rear seats (like you wouldnt believe!) and the fact that every dealer wanted a few thousand over sticker (HAAAH!!). Im gettin my wrx for some change over invoice price, so no complaints.
Besides, i would be in the same category again civic, integra, eclipse, etc etc.

I would like to get rid of at least one catalytic converter if i can help it.
Some of you guys dont realize how lucky you are to live in states that have no smog laws (believe that!!).

BTW does anyone want to buy a civic, haha i have to come up with a downpayment from somewhere right?

I am still exicted, the WRX is the closest match and fufills most of my wants and needs as a car like no other one on the market.

EJ20WRX

[Adrian128]

This is interesting... first of all.. I just got out of a 1977 Corolla (KE35 I think) and my..the interior light is much better in my WRX. I dunno what this guy is talking about. I don't have access to a brand new 1977 Corolla, so I compared it to a very used one. Yes..the sunvisor shuts with a thud, but I find that better than some visors which fall down at the slightest hint of a bump. About the hood scoop..of course there will be a slight gap. It is separate from the rest of the hood. You can remove this scoop and you have a hole. The gap is also smaller than all the pther panel gaps. And yes..if you want tighter gaps, I guess you have to pay for it. I can't comment on the seats beacuse we have different seats.
As for the keyless entry system, the blinkers on mine blink once for locked, and twice for unlocked, and yes there is no audible warning, but what's the big deal?
I also think that it's hard for someone to feel the power in a 227 hp car if they are used to something with more power. Jeez.. gimme a break.. it's like flying an F18 all the time then suddenly getting into a Gulfstream.. oh well.. I guess it's his opinion and he's entitled to it.. but we are also entitled to take it with a grain of salt, right?