First off I'd like to introduce myself. I'm a 41 your old, long time car enthusiast who's always liked sports cars. I've owned several older Z cars and last year I finally bought my dream car. A low mileage 2006 S2000. Its fantastic on dry days to rip through the curvy roads here in WV and VA but man I underestimated the limitations of a roadster for my lifestyle. Finally having a fun car to drive again has prompted me to take a lot of weekend trips through this scenic region. Driving the roads is great fun but often times there is a gravel road leading to the ultimate destination.
Last summer my girlfriend and I went to the Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods region (for those of you familiar with the area) only to realize we couldn't go up the gravel/ dirt roads to the top...lol.
I also have 2004 CR-V but that doesn't exactly inspire me to travel twisty mountain roads so I don't want to drive it the three hours just so I can drive the last 5 miles of gravel..lol.
So I'm thinking a new WRX in place of both might just fit the bill. I've driven my neighbors 2012 STI and its pretty damn good. I also did a short test drive in a 2015 WRX but I had two heavy guys with me which sapped a good bit of power. The handling felt surprisingly good for what little I drove it. It was primarily a test drive for my friend. I did like the low end torque a lot but noted that the engine ran out of steam at around 5k rpm. I've read that a basic tune can remedy that but are there any mild tunes that won't void the warranty?
The STI is not quite as race car feeling as the S2000 but I feel like I can drive it just as fast through the twistys. So how does the new WRX compare handling wise to a 2012 STI? I know I drove them both but the new one was very limited.
I definitely am just interested in the regular WRX because of the better gas mileage and daily drivability. Plus I'm too old for a big wing. I know the looks of the new WRX are polarizing but I think they are great! Very sporty and the 245 tires make it look the business. Some call it a suped up Corolla but I have no problem with that either.
Any comparisons or words of encouragement welcome.
Thanks
Jon
Last summer my girlfriend and I went to the Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods region (for those of you familiar with the area) only to realize we couldn't go up the gravel/ dirt roads to the top...lol.
I also have 2004 CR-V but that doesn't exactly inspire me to travel twisty mountain roads so I don't want to drive it the three hours just so I can drive the last 5 miles of gravel..lol.
So I'm thinking a new WRX in place of both might just fit the bill. I've driven my neighbors 2012 STI and its pretty damn good. I also did a short test drive in a 2015 WRX but I had two heavy guys with me which sapped a good bit of power. The handling felt surprisingly good for what little I drove it. It was primarily a test drive for my friend. I did like the low end torque a lot but noted that the engine ran out of steam at around 5k rpm. I've read that a basic tune can remedy that but are there any mild tunes that won't void the warranty?
The STI is not quite as race car feeling as the S2000 but I feel like I can drive it just as fast through the twistys. So how does the new WRX compare handling wise to a 2012 STI? I know I drove them both but the new one was very limited.
I definitely am just interested in the regular WRX because of the better gas mileage and daily drivability. Plus I'm too old for a big wing. I know the looks of the new WRX are polarizing but I think they are great! Very sporty and the 245 tires make it look the business. Some call it a suped up Corolla but I have no problem with that either.
Any comparisons or words of encouragement welcome.
Thanks
Jon