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2017 STI vs 2017 WRX

20423 Views 23 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  WRX-maniac
Extreme Noob here, so if this is a dumb question i apologize. I am going to purchase one or the other, but if money were not a question would you purchase the 2017 STI or the 2017 WRX? Both will be in the limited trim and the vehicles use will be as a daily driver with very little track days. I keep coming up with pro's and con's for both. mod's will be very limited on both (read, exhaust and cobb tuner port).

thanks
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I was in the same boat as you. I bought my 17 WRX Limited two weeks ago. I spent a lot of time on YouTube watching reviews on both before I made up my mind.
I was in the same boat as you. I bought my 17 WRX Limited two weeks ago. I spent a lot of time on YouTube watching reviews on both before I made up my mind.
what was your deciding factor?
If money weren't an issue, I'd get an STi.. hands down.
I would test drive both and get an insurance quote on both before you make up your mind.
good point as well on the insurance as i got a quote for the STI and it was ok, but i'd be curious as to what the wrx is.
I would absolutely get an STI over a WRX if money weren't an issue. But that's just my opinion. The WRX is a more than adequate daily driver. Why not see if you can test drive both?
They have distinctly different characters. I do feel the WRX is a better daily.

The STI really is the last bastion of the "old school" turbo car feel. Some prefer it; others don't. Really you have to drive both and decide.

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I would absolutely get an STI over a WRX if money weren't an issue. But that's just my opinion. The WRX is a more than adequate daily driver. Why not see if you can test drive both?
I drove the STI and absolutely loved it, at the time I didn't even think to test drive the wrx which i will do this weekend. One of the big deals is if i get the WRX i can keep my jeep, the STI requires me to use it as a trade in.
Sti hands down. If money isn't an issue then its a no brainer.
Picking up my 2017 WRX Limited tomorrow, it also took me months of research and youtube reviews to make up my mind. It basically came down to me being more of a daily driver and the gas. Then I went for a test drive on both cars.
I have to believe the 2018 STI will bring some changes. Early forecasting indicated a semi-major update for the model. Maybe wait a year? Or not.

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I have always wanted an STI.

But...

The downsides are $8000 more than the WRX (which means $640 more when titling the car in NE, btw), worse gas mileage, insurance rates higher, a suspension more tuned to the track than daily driving in the Midwest, and that spoiler is a magnet for both cops and thieves, at least around here. And kids in their tuners or muscle cars wanting to race.

My fiancee for one doesn't see the beauty in the spoiler. To be honest, when you get out of your 30's, not too many of your peers appreciate it either. Not that this would dissuade me, if I really wanted one.

The WRX (unless it's in a flashy color) pretty much flies under the radar. Which for some of us, is not a bad thing at all.

I think it boils down to how much money you have and how much you want the extra performance of the STI. Your preference.
I have always wanted an STI.

But...

The downsides are $8000 more than the WRX (which means $640 more when titling the car in NE, btw), worse gas mileage, insurance rates higher, a suspension more tuned to the track than daily driving in the Midwest, and that spoiler is a magnet for both cops and thieves, at least around here. And kids in their tuners or muscle cars wanting to race.

My fiancee for one doesn't see the beauty in the spoiler. To be honest, when you get out of your 30's, not too many of your peers appreciate it either. Not that this would dissuade me, if I really wanted one.

The WRX (unless it's in a flashy color) pretty much flies under the radar. Which for some of us, is not a bad thing at all.

I think it boils down to how much money you have and how much you want the extra performance of the STI. Your preference.
He did say if money wasn't an issue and its actually only $3,700 between the limited wrx and the base Sti. You do know the new Sti you can get in sedan without the wing right? almost identical to the WRX with more performance parts. Also the WRX doesn't really fly under the radar. Trust me every cop in your town and towns across the US know what a WRX is.
He did say if money wasn't an issue and its actually only $3,700 between the limited wrx and the base Sti. You do know the new Sti you can get in sedan without the wing right? almost identical to the WRX with more performance parts. Also the WRX doesn't really fly under the radar. Trust me every cop in your town and towns across the US know what a WRX is.
I was basing the price difference on the base WRX vs base STI MRSP. If you go from a WRX Limited to a base STI, you're losing the sunroof and a fair amount of amenities.

I am aware you can order the STI without the wing, but I have never seen this in the flesh. I did see one listed on Carmax. Most of them you buy off the lot or used will have the wing.

As far as cops knowing a WRX, I had a cop pull me over once and say, "These are pretty fast cars, huh?" My reply was, "Depends who's driving it."

I'm sure cops and most enthusiasts know the WRX is a fast car, but there's no doubt the STI stands out from the crowd. WRX's as a group, uh, get a lot of tickets:

These Cars Get the Most Traffic Tickets - NBC News

I guess I can't prove the STI with wings attracts more cops and more tickets, but as I stated there's something to be said for looking mild-mannered but being able to smoke the competition.
That NBC News like is 2 years old. Here is a newer one: These Cars Gets The Most Speeding Tickets | Digital Trends
Yeah. I would (and have) gotten the STi. The OP asked what I would do and that is my answer. Others may differ.

There are perfectly good reasons to chose one over the other that are unconnected to price. However, they do each offer a somewhat unique value proposition. Not everyone will subjectively value the different parts of the unique equations identically.

Kudos to Subaru for offering us two great choices. But you really do need to test drive both. Yes YouTube/reviews offer some varied perspectives but these really are cars you need to drive to appreciate fully as the value equations are subjective and specs don't really let you appreciate the differences. The specs seem to indicate to many that these cars are basically right on top of each other... but the driving experiences are quite distinct.


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I was basing the price difference on the base WRX vs base STI MRSP. If you go from a WRX Limited to a base STI, you're losing the sunroof and a fair amount of amenities.

I am aware you can order the STI without the wing, but I have never seen this in the flesh. I did see one listed on Carmax. Most of them you buy off the lot or used will have the wing.

As far as cops knowing a WRX, I had a cop pull me over once and say, "These are pretty fast cars, huh?" My reply was, "Depends who's driving it."

I'm sure cops and most enthusiasts know the WRX is a fast car, but there's no doubt the STI stands out from the crowd. WRX's as a group, uh, get a lot of tickets:

These Cars Get the Most Traffic Tickets - NBC News

I guess I can't prove the STI with wings attracts more cops and more tickets, but as I stated there's something to be said for looking mild-mannered but being able to smoke the competition.
The only difference between the Wrx limited and the base Sti that you would lose is the leather seats(which suck compared to the alcantara) and a moonroof. for more horsepower/performance parts, a more easily upgradable platform, and limited slip differential. Like J said though they are 2 different machines and drive differently.
The only difference between the Wrx limited and the base Sti that you would lose is the leather seats(which suck compared to the alcantara) and a moonroof. for more horsepower/performance parts, a more easily upgradable platform, and limited slip differential. Like J said though they are 2 different machines and drive differently.
There are more differences:

Www.cars101.com

The STi also gets dual climate control and the Alcantara which, to be frank, is nicer than the leather IMO.

At least in 2015, no trim of the WRX got dual climate control.

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