Use the search bar, and read around, there's a ton of these threads so most of your questions will have been covered. In the end you're the only one that can answer! Welcome to the club!!!!

 

Here is the comparison that most use to describe the difference between the two. The WRX is a daily driver that could double as a track car. The STI is a track car that can double as a daily drive. What you ultimately decide between the two is all going to be based on personal preference. The WRX is more comfortable in terms of ride quality on the road and that's about the only reason one would pick the WRX over the STI other than price. The STI offers more performance upgrades; slightly more power, slightly stiffer and more responsive suspension, the 6 speed transmission, Subaru's Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) and the SI drive. As well as a few other cosmetic upgrades and slight interior upgrades over the WRX.

So in summation, is the STI stiffer and more performance oriented than the WRX? Yes. Is it much worse than the WRX to daily drive? In my opinion, not in the slightest bit. I would own an STI over a WRX 9 times out of 10.

With all of that said, get in one and drive them. Test out the difference between the two for yourself. That's going to be the only way you are truly going to be able to decide which is best for you. Words on your computer screen can only do so much.

Good Luck! :thumbup:

 

Echoing what the two above have said. This is a question we can't really answer, it's super subjective. You really will need to drive both and decide which one best fits your needs.

As far as reliability there is a ton of info here and other forums about ringland failure. I would highly recommend reading up on this issue. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me but, it's good to know about.

What year Prelude? I owned 2 of them (91 Si and 92 Si) and a 94 Integra before getting my WRX. I loved those cars.

 

Thanks for the help guys.. Have an appointment to test drive the 2015 WRX and 2015 WRX STI on Sunday, can't find any 08-14 hatchbacks locally. The '15 is sort of growing on me as well.

My father owns a 91 prelude 4ws and i have a 2000 prelude type SH, wonderful cars, only problem is the burning oil issue on my 5th gen which is getting worse and worse everytime i drive it (adding a quart of oil every 500ish miles)

 

I say go 2015 or even better 2016.
I definitely considered getting a hatch, but they were priced way out of my comfort zone for a 2-5 year old car. On top of that the 2015-16 is much bigger and nicer in a lot of areas.

the STi and WRX comparison has been done to death in a lot of threads. definitely search and for that matter check out some youtube reviews. IMHO do the youtube reviews, then drive them. After driving them, you should be pretty comfortable as to which you want, then its more $$ and cents as far as justifying things.