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2014 Wrx vs 2015 Wrx?

39K views 45 replies 17 participants last post by  chris410  
#1 ·
Good morning everyone,

I just signed up to this forum this morning to find out more about the Wrx. I'm coming from a 350z. I'm thinking of purchasing a wrx within the next month or so.

I really like the looks of the 14' hatch. I was thinking about going with the hatch instead of the 15' wrx sedan.

Are there any major differences between the 14' and 15'? What do you guys recommend going with?
 
#5 ·
^ Huge differences, even though I love the current WRX the '15 is a much better car. but do some research and happy shopping :)
 
#4 ·
14' wrx still has the rumble. 15' wrx does not. If you like the sound of the exhaust I wouldn't get a new 15' because they have equal length headers thus no rumble.
 
#6 ·
This is commonly quoted as a reason not to buy the 2015, and given the tremendous improvements with the 2015 a fairly ignorant reason at that.

I'm not saying that you are suggesting to pass on the 2015, just strikes a nerve.
 
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#8 ·
Either one will work out fine as a Daily Driver. The '15 will be better suited for track use, but no one will know how it responds to mods for a few months. All we really know so far is it runs out of breath up top thanks to a smaller turbo.

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#9 ·
Thank you for all the replies so far! I've been doing a bit of research for the past week or so. I'm really excited to make the transition to a wrx from a Z. It fits my needs much better.

From my understanding the 2015 gets better gas mileage, more hp/tq and stiffer chassis. Isn't the 2015 a bit slower though? Is there anything else I'm missing?

Honestly I like the looks of the hatchback. I wouldn't mind going for the 2015 sedan if the improvements make a difference. Why do you guys recommend the 15'?
 
#10 ·
The 14 vs 15 debate has been hashed out quite a bit on here recently.

It honestly boils down to personal preference. I would 100% get a 2015 over a 2014 because I like the improvements it has. Interior, drivetrain and chassis are all much better in the 2015.

If you can live without that stuff and just want a hatch then the 2014 is for you. Now, I'm not saying it is a bad car because it isn't. Just that in everything else outside of style and 0-60 times the 2015 wins.
 
#11 ·
There are several members who have made the switch from 350z to wrx. I sold my 08 350 touring for my 13 wrx sedan last year. The wrx is far more of a driver's car and is much more enjoyable to drive, not to mention mod.
Drive a 14 and a 15. Decide which one you like better.
 
#12 ·
Wait a year and see how the new engine responds to the aftermarket. Even though I can't figure it out right now, there's got to be a reason they stuck with an EJ in the STI.

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#13 ·
There are two glaringly obvious reasons:
1. ROI -- The STi has continued to sell in small quantities over the decades regardless of the internals. The STi will continue to sell despite the less-modern powerplant. The WRX outsells the WRX STi by a decent margin, though Subaru lumps the two models together in the same sales figure so it's difficult to know the exact margin. By ROI alone, it makes less sense for Subaru to spend radical R&D money on the vehicle unless for marketing "Halo Vehicle" purposes. By priorities, it makes sense to target the WRX for the refresh (where the market base CARES about a modern powerplant) before the STi. Keep in mind that compared to other Subaru models, neither the WRX nor the WRX STi have high volumes in sales.

2. The WRX STi caters to the market that demands track duty. At the moment, there is little in the way of aftermarket following for the FA20 powerplant. To change the powerplant immediately would force many of the shops that specialize in the WRX STi to spend countless resources in R&D on new product. The lack of immediate product would likely cause a slump in the (already small) WRX STi sales. By introducing the FA20 on the WRX first, the aftermarket will generate thus paving the way for the more modern motor to make its way into the STi.
 
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#17 ·
The published dyno test? That failed to show the flat torque curve expected from the WRX, and there could have been some user error in there as well. I think we need to see more information before knowing if the figures are indicative of the way the 2015 will be.
 
#18 ·
IF those figures are fairly accurate, It's not too surprising. Smaller turbo for quicker spool. I'm impressed with how quick it gets up to speed though.

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#19 ·
Do you just like the looks of the hatch??? or do you actually need the utility ?? That could be the tipping of the scale 15 or 14 ....
 
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#20 ·
The biggest issue for me, aside from looks, is the strength of the new motor. There's a huge list of blown motors on the 86 Forums once boosted, even at lower power levels. I'm hoping we don't see that with this new generation.

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#25 ·
Thank you once again for the replies.

I've decided to go with the 2015 wrx. There are a good amount of improvements (especially mpg) that I think are important to me.

Now I'm curious on how to negotiate on price with a pre-order. Most of the dealerships nearby offer reservations for $500 down. How would I go about negotiating price when invoices don't exist yet?
 
#27 ·
Excellent choice. Nearly everything on the 2015 has been improved over the outgoing 2014.

My only quarrel is the extremely low 4.9" of ground clearance. I'll get over it.
 
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#30 ·
I wonder if the feeling I have is the same feeling that hawkeye owners had when the 08 came out... :/

All this talk about how superior the '15 is really is a debbie downer to someone who just bought his wrx a year ago :cry:
 
#31 ·
Well, you could always trade in yours if you feel it is so much worse, they hold value quite well.

:confused:i will tell subaru to start making the new cars worse than the older Gens for you...:p:eek3: IMHO that front end is not my taste at all, I would commit subie-cide if i didnt have any other options. I bet a nice lip or some style mods would make it more apealing tho:thumbup:

Good luck with your amazing ride OP, and post tons of pics when you pick it up!!!
 
#35 ·
Well resale is still high on the 2014s. If you're that conflicted, sell the car and put it down on a 2015.

On the other hand, you're in a good position to wait a year. If the WRX is all it's cracked up to be, the 2016 would be a good time to buy.
 
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#36 ·
^^^This - you're going to have to face up to a newer and better model at some point, so let others find the problems in the 2015 then you can move up to a better car in a year. They'll bump the power in the year after you buy though :p
 
#39 ·
Personally, I say grab the hatch. But this just my opinion. I've noticed many dealers in my area selling WRX/STI's for great prices while they get ready to stock up on new inventory.

On another note... If you want the newer model I would suggest waiting a year a let others experiment with it a little more. This way you'll get a better idea with what you're working with. As with anything new, it's always good to wait it out!

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#40 ·
Within 2 hours of me (central Ohio), there are still a fair number of '14s on the lot (and that includes hatches). Had I known the pickings would have been this good later in the game, I probably would've waited in hopes of doing a real side-by-side comparison.

That said, there aren't any '15s on the ground here yes, so really getting a side-by-side comparison still isn't in the cards. My main concern is that, when the '15s finally did show up, I still wouldn't be sold and then found myself with slim pickings in available '14 hatches.

I've only had my '14 hatch a month and hearing about all these folks putting down their deposit on the latest and greatest has given me a little twinge of remorse, but hey. Damn, if I don't love the looks of the hatch.

I can't wait to see 'em on the road. Congrats to all who choose the new beastie!
 
#46 ·
My wife and I were considering the '15 however, after seeing one we both ended up with 14's ( WRX and an STi). I will say that the 15's have better interior and the transmissions/chassis are supposed to be better. However, we both like the look of the '14 better so, that's what we went with. Of course they were both solid when we drove them. I dont think you can go wrong, whatever you like is what you should end up with. Good luck!
 
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