[F430]

I really like the STI after driving it yesterday, but also really like the 135i. Money is not a factor, so it is just preference.

The 135i felt like it had a bunch more omph. I like the look of the STI 5 door better. The six speed in the STI really has a short first gear you got to be fast into second to not loose momentum.

Anyway just rambling........Steve

 

[rage-wrx]

The STI can be modified to make it faster if performance is the issue.Plus it comes with storage space & 4 doors.I will agree to the first to second gear issue.But that can be remedied somewhat with a short shifter.

 

[Stu_Gotti]

Do you have more specific criterion that you're hoping to get a comparison on or do you want generalized feedback?

I also looked at the 135i but opted for the Subaru. I personally wanted a 4 door vehicle and an AWD platform.

 

[jd92677]

Where do you live? I'm in Ohio so RWD was not an option for me. I also like the utility of the hatchback.

 

[wrxtreme06]

i havent driven the 135i, but i drove a 335i and absolutely loved it so im sure the 135 feels even better.

drive both again and make your choice. i'd personally go with the bmtroubleyou. lol

 

[F430]

The car I drove had the short shifter so I am sure that helps. I am just in the mood for a fun fast car that is different. I have no doubt as to the tunability of the STI there is fantastic after market support.

Like I said earlier, the 5 Door STI in WR BLUE MICA looks killer to me and AWD is a real plus in Iowa winter.

So I think it comes down to the character of the car. Both of them are unique in thier own way.

I think I am noodling out loud just because I can and sometimes having a choice is just as hard as not having one in its own perverted way......Steve

 

[F430]

Where do you live? I'm in Ohio so RWD was not an option for me. I also like the utility of the hatchback.

I live in the middle of Iowa. If you have dedicated snow tires I find that RWD works fine. I had an 08 M3 as my DD for a year and it worked great in the winter with snows when I lived in Minnesota.......Steve

 

[SD_GR]

I would go Subaru just because I am unconvinced of current BMW reliability. Both are interesting cars. The 1 series is probably more interesting with the big motor but I don't think I'd be in the mood for quirks.

 

[F430]

I just found this link in another thread on the 2012 STI and this is the exact car I want: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD Limited 4dr Wagon 5M 2.5L Turbo H4 265hp 244ft. lbs. 5-Speed Manual

I really want the 5 door but want the sun roof and all leather. Need to call dealer and see when I can order it........Steve

 

[rage-wrx]

That is a limited WRX.

 

[SD_GR]

That's a WRX though. I'd go for the 6spd gearbox and brakes of the STi personally. Consider it.

 

[F430]

Man I am a real NOOB when it comes to Subaru........Wonder why there is no Limited STI 5 Door offered..........Thanks for your help.........Steve

 

[teflon_jones]

I was looking at almost the same cars before I went with another STI. It's the only car I've ever bought twice (other than a 911, but a C4 and a Turbo are not the same cars.). I was looking at the 335 or an M3 but I really need AWD living in the mountains, plus with the thin air here the 335 felt just as fast as an M3 (drove them back to back).

Money isn't an issue for me either, but they came out with the STI Limited (I have a 4 door) and that made up my mind. The car is just as fast, better AWD system than BMW, leather, heated seats, sunroof and is much cheaper to mod than a BMW. Personally none of my cars ever remain stock so it was an easy choice. I'm not very far into modding my STI but I don't regret buying another one. They made huge improvements in the suspension of the 2011 and I'm struggling to think of what I'm going to mod in the suspension. It'll definitely go stage 1 at some point. Stage 2 isn't much better than stage 1, unlike previous STI's, because the car now has a much higher flow cat than previous models.

 

[F430]

I was looking at almost the same cars before I went with another STI. It's the only car I've ever bought twice (other than a 911, but a C4 and a Turbo are not the same cars.). I was looking at the 335 or an M3 but I really need AWD living in the mountains, plus with the thin air here the 335 felt just as fast as an M3 (drove them back to back).

Money isn't an issue for me either, but they came out with the STI Limited (I have a 4 door) and that made up my mind. The car is just as fast, better AWD system than BMW, leather, heated seats, sunroof and is much cheaper to mod than a BMW. Personally none of my cars ever remain stock so it was an easy choice. I'm not very far into modding my STI but I don't regret buying another one. They made huge improvements in the suspension of the 2011 and I'm struggling to think of what I'm going to mod in the suspension. It'll definitely go stage 1 at some point. Stage 2 isn't much better than stage 1, unlike previous STI's, because the car now has a much higher flow cat than previous models.

I really appreciate your experience and insight. I Agree that the C4 and Turbo are not at all the same car.

I like the look of the 4 door and it is not a deal breaker for me, I just wish I could get the STI 5 Door as a Limited.

I have always admired the WRX from a distance and think it is a great car.

So I think I just need to decide if I can live without the few extra perks the Limited offers and get the 5 Door or will the 4 door grow on me.......Thanks again for your help.......Steve

 

[kcwrxfan]

Not sure how the 135i's are but my sister had a 2010 335i and I loved it, but after 4months and having soo many issues with it, that BMW knew existed and fixed she traded it in for Audi. I know money isn't a factor but I read alot of the 335i's an 135i's having some issue and IMHO i do think the 135's are too small, good luck shopping.

 

[T0rque]

The first to second isn't a short shift issue, to me when stock it really feels like a tune issue.. I don't notice that issue anymore but I am beyond a stage 2. Do you know anyone with a Subaru? Having owned Audi, BMW, Lexus, C5, and so on I have always come back to Subaru as my DD. Reliability even when built is hands down ten times that of any other car under 50k. I would say that an STi at even stage 1 would get rid of the weirdness between 1/2 shift. Always has been my opinion that Subaru should of came from the factory feeling like the stage 1 tune car..

 

[Drews]

I really appreciate your experience and insight. I Agree that the C4 and Turbo are not at all the same car.

I like the look of the 4 door and it is not a deal breaker for me, I just wish I could get the STI 5 Door as a Limited.

I have always admired the WRX from a distance and think it is a great car.

So I think I just need to decide if I can live without the few extra perks the Limited offers and get the 5 Door or will the 4 door grow on me.......Thanks again for your help.......Steve

If you don't mind going a tad older see if you can find a Legacy GT Spec B....those are gorgeous. I'm not sure if they make newer Spec B Legacys though. We have an 06 LGT that stage 2 and it's quite the little sportster for being a Leggy. It's probably not what you're looking for but I just figured I'd through in my .02.

 

[F430]

If you don't mind going a tad older see if you can find a Legacy GT Spec B....those are gorgeous. I'm not sure if they make newer Spec B Legacys though. We have an 06 LGT that stage 2 and it's quite the little sportster for being a Leggy. It's probably not what you're looking for but I just figured I'd through in my .02.

That is a cool car after looking it up. I must admit I really want a hot hatch and I love the look of the WRX 5 Door. Hoping that the order bank opens up so I can get one optioned my way.......Thanks.....Steve

 

[SD_GR]

I would imagine eventually supply will catch up with demand. Options are important to me so I'd want to buy the right car.