Differences between 05 and 06 STi

**YBNormal07** · 09-23-2005 08:59 AM

OK...here is the roll up of the replies I recieved for the changes to the 06. If you see a mistake or want to add something, just reply to this sticky and I'll edit this. Thanks in advance!

So far we have:

Appearance:
Front lights are smoked
Lower profile front hood scoop
Daytime running lights (yuck)
STi changed to STI -- but only for press clippings. Remains STi on the car.

Interior
Headlight adjusting switch is now an up/down wheel
Embedded Antenna moved to the top of rear window
Optional home link button
Stereo is now standard (not sure if this is different from 05. It was optional for 04)
Front seats have seatback netting on backs

Engine
Windshield fluid reservoir relocated to front of battery, next to radiator
Large fuse box
Liquid filled engine mounts

Aerodynamics:
Roof vane spoiler-directs more air to the larger wing on the trunk
Lower profile front hood scoop
Rear underbody diffuser
Side sill spoilers

Powertrain:
Steering wheel angle sensor input to the DCCD
Yaw Rate sensor (same for 05 I believe)
DCCD distribution ration changed from 35:65 to 41:59 (note..this will be a very good improvement)
Cam-type Mechanical limited slip center diff vs the older hyraulic unit (faster response!!)

Suspension:
Struts are calibrated different now for smoother ride. (someone please confirm this)

Transmission:
Carbon-reinforced synchros on 4th, 5th and 6th gears

Exterior
Redesigned front clip with integrated lip and u-bar for towing
Rear tailights are now more Altezza like
Rear subaru emblem (blue with stars)
Front brake vents (technically, just enlarged/repositioned)

Safety:
Weight sensing passenger side air bag
Distance from steering wheel sensor for drivers side airbag
Dash mounted passenger air bag indicator (to install a gauge pod in this location now, you will need to remove the plastic housing on the airbag dash mounted indicator and leave it on the inside of the dash after you install your gauges to avoid an airbag warning light on the gauge cluster)
Collapsible driver pedals in the event of a crash

Utility
Thicker in-trunk floor mat/carpet.

Driving impressions:
Steering feel is lighter
Ride is smoother, more refined, and less jittery

Possibly:
Different straight projecter headlights vs reflecting projector headlights in the 05???

Thanks to:
whitakerSTi
BlkWRXWag
Digitalfiend
hellafastWRX
amukaoen
jamie007
tossty
SubieGalRacing

**Rick Schu** · 09-23-2005 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by YBNormal07

Deletion of pre-cat (did the STi get the air pump system like the WRX too? Someone please confirm)

The STi never had a cat in the uppipe. And it doesn't get the air pump.

**YBNormal07** · 09-23-2005 06:23 PM

Rick...no idea why I put that in. I know all about the cats in the STi. Must've been a cut and paste error. thanks!

**jamie007** · 09-25-2005 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by YBNormal07

Optional home link button (garage door opener..no change from 05 though, although the SOA website doesn't show this as an option. Does anyone have this on their STi?)

Is the stereo still optional?

My 06' came with the optional homelink and the stereo is standard, 140 watts. Although I yanked the factory stereo a week after I got it.

**YBNormal07** · 09-26-2005 03:54 AM

Thanks Jamie!

**tossty** · 09-26-2005 06:18 AM

Dash mounted passenger air bag indicator (can't put in dash mounted tripod gauges anymore!!)

You still be able to install tripod gauges, I did it on my car (Defy EGT, Boost, and Oil Pressure) ) but need to leave the dash mounted passenger indicator inside the dash. Remove it from the plastic housing and leave it inside the dash or you will get the airbag warning light on the cluster.

**YBNormal07** · 09-27-2005 05:38 AM

Thanks tossty. I'll edit accordingly.

**SubieGalRacing** · 09-29-2005 08:17 AM

Interior:

rear seatback net built in

trunk has a REAL HEAVY DUTY CARPET LINER
(not that crappy little pad of old)

photo:

More Photos:
http://www.subiegal.com/images/event...ru_impreza.htm

jamie

**YBNormal07** · 09-29-2005 12:53 PM

Thanks Jamie. Um..that is the trunk of a USDM 2006 STi? Is the flap for the access hatch to the spray bottle somewhere just out of the picture on the right? Where is the rear seat back net? I can't see it in the pic. I used the walmart cheapy nets and attached them to the trunk hinge pinion bars. Worked like a charm. Still use the same net in my Legacy. Thanks for the info! Nice site BTW.

**jamie007** · 10-01-2005 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by YBNormal07

Thanks Jamie. Um..that is the trunk of a USDM 2006 STi? Is the flap for the access hatch to the spray bottle somewhere just out of the picture on the right? Where is the rear seat back net? I can't see it in the pic. I used the walmart cheapy nets and attached them to the trunk hinge pinion bars. Worked like a charm. Still use the same net in my Legacy. Thanks for the info! Nice site BTW.

The rear seatback net is on the back of the passenger front seat, not in the trunk. The access to the IC sprayer resevior is on the far right side of the trunk out of view in the pic. And I just read in Motortrend that there are carbon-reinforced syncronizers for 4th, 5th, and 6th gear.

**AwdTurboWrx** · 10-01-2005 03:29 PM

stereo was also standard on the 05, so thats not new on the 06 sti. The headlights are different on 06 sti, not just the look but your right about them being projectors.

**Lipster** · 10-09-2005 03:54 PM

I believe I read double cone synchros for first gear and triple for second. Was the '05 like this?

**YBNormal07** · 10-09-2005 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Lipster

I believe I read double cone synchros for first gear and triple for second. Was the '05 like this?

Not sure. Anyone confirm?

**YBNormal07** · 10-09-2005 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by AwdTurboWrx

stereo was also standard on the 05, so thats not new on the 06 sti. The headlights are different on 06 sti, not just the look but your right about them being projectors.

So they are straight projection now? No reflector?