looking into options

[SRTSamb]

hey guys. Soon to be new to the WRX scene from Va.

i wanted to drop a few questions your way. See what you thought. I have been doing some extensive research and looking at an 09 and up WRX or an 08-09 STi

one of the larger factors for me is cost. I am not buying new and looking at the 19-25K range.

I test drove an 09 (the 275HP) WRX and was thoroughly impressed. I have test driven, the SRT4, the Mazdaspeed3 and GTI. I have to say I am hooked on the Soooooobie!!

anyways, I am trying to weigh the options of the STi vs the WRX. Seems to me that minus the suspension which is important, and the smart drive option, there isnt much difference in the car. I feel like I can dump some money into a WRX and pull the same kind of power as a stock STi? Am I correct in that idea? Am I being naive?

Just a little context, I have only ever owned and driven american cars. I am currently in a monster of a vehicle right now. A 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8 pushing close to 550whp. I know I know, totally different ride, and I love my SRT. but I am ready to move on.

Any help, thoughts, perspective would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

[Drews]

What do you want it for? I guess that will kind of determine what to buy.

[SD_GR]

For 25 k buy new. Subaru are better at making STi cars than anyone else so buy one from them rather than DIY. The power levels are not the real difference between the two models and are not what to consider.

[SRTSamb]

thanks guys. i am looking for something fun with power. Something reliable that i can enjoy. I will use it to drive to work etc.

[SD_GR]

If you want a car made in the US (since your current car doesn't seem to be made in the US) you might look into the Subaru Legacy line. There are turbo models offered and they are a little roomier than the Imprezas.
EDIT: Oops, saw the price range again, the Legacy may be a bit more costly than that. Worth a look though, they are nice cars.

[Stetson]

There are a lot of differences between the STI and the WRX. If things like powertrain, brakes and suspension are important than go with the STI - if looks and the interior with some street performance is important then the WRX is great. You can not make the WRX into an STI with aftermarket parts for the same cost as upgrading to an STI.

The going from the WRX to the STI is like going from college to the pros. There are fans of each, but the bottom line for the fastest action and the hardest hits there is no substitution for the pros. The STI is the pro model.

[BigDaddyRex]

Seeing that money is of interest in it for you, you might want to also call your auto insurer and see what the difference in rates might be.

As a DD the WRX is an excellent car. If you are looking for something that is more of a top-dog, the STI is just that.

[anxiouz]

You won't come near the HP you have now in either car without serious money. If you don't track your cars then I would go WRX. The STI is the better car no question, but saving several grand you would enjoy the WRX plenty. The STI has track features that are awesome but on the street they don't gain you anything. And the price dif is around $8k.

I went from an E85 Evo 8 at roughly 400whp to an 11 WRX. Even stock I found the 11 WRX just as enjoyable even though it was down a lot of power.

When I was looking I found it cheaper by about $2k to buy new than used. So that was weird.

But an equally modded 09+ WRX vs STI would show "close" numbers and the only dif you would see would be at a track. As a DD I honestly think the WRX is the way to go. I was comparing 08+ Evo X and STI and found the 11 WRX the perfect fit.

[SRTSamb]

i forgot i posted this so long ago... almost 1 month later i bought a 2011 WRX with 1K miles on it. and modded it. and then promptly sold my SRT8