The WRX comes into it's own with the Cobb Accessport.
Which car for Dad?
Greetings all!
I'm a big fan of the WRX until recently I'd had only driven the 2012 hatchback. But i loved it. So rewarding to turn the wheel. When I drove the car I instantly felt connected to it and it handled very intuitively. Over the last few years I've researched and driven the better performers Camaro SS, Mustang GT, Cadillac ATS/V, etc, etc, and kinda fallen for a car that is the personality opposite of the WRX...Dodge Challenger. The Challenger is so American, more mouth and power than is necessary for the chassis. But a fun drive and so much space for family even though containing a reasonable track ability. The Challenger seems like a great GT car for visiting the kids, handling the duties of cartage/groceries/luggage but also when just me....sporty and fun. What has never left my mind is the feeling of AWD... the Audi S4 and the WRX...although the RWD cars have a better turn-in/handling for high performance, I live in a sun state and my kids live in a snow state. So, AWD has very practical appeal. Plus, I have a city guys mind to go barrel down some dirt roads. Does the new gen WRX do that well?
This past week, I test drove both cars 17 WRX and STI. I drove the CVT first and loved it. I tested it in an area that has great twists, rolling hills, and was able to put the car through its road handling abilities...loved it. I'm very at home with paddle shifting and found the 'mock' shifts to be better than most manuals. Shifts were fast, I got engine braking and the size of the paddles was perfect. The torque is low end and was very difficult to drive below 45 mph. I didn't understand the layout of the S modes enough so maybe what I experience was the purple throttle mapping, S#. But, this car made me feel great. comfortable. athletic and looks great. Later I took my son to get his review of the rear seats and got his approval. He liked it! I was also surprised at the trunk space. Harmon Kardon only for me though. Geez who can tolerate the base radio.
STI
In the STI, i figured out the blue drive mode gave me access to easing the car through traffic incredibly calmly..more so than the WRX with his hyper low end power. The STI manual transmission also seemed much better than the 2nd WRX I tested that had a manual transmission. The STI, seemed more pliable in city traffic conditions...and I know that it is built to handle the high speeds of track use..its power band is there.
So, I'm confused. It would seem that a sporty Dad car would be the WRX, 'better' fuel rating, less power so 'safer' for families, and a more compellable suspension. And yes the STI suspension seems like ti would be tiring over 12hr trips but it seemed the friendliest in typical driving conditions.
Curious of any of your experiences with either car for family duty, weekend windy road seeking and heading to the track every other month. Thanks
I'm a big fan of the WRX until recently I'd had only driven the 2012 hatchback. But i loved it. So rewarding to turn the wheel. When I drove the car I instantly felt connected to it and it handled very intuitively. Over the last few years I've researched and driven the better performers Camaro SS, Mustang GT, Cadillac ATS/V, etc, etc, and kinda fallen for a car that is the personality opposite of the WRX...Dodge Challenger. The Challenger is so American, more mouth and power than is necessary for the chassis. But a fun drive and so much space for family even though containing a reasonable track ability. The Challenger seems like a great GT car for visiting the kids, handling the duties of cartage/groceries/luggage but also when just me....sporty and fun. What has never left my mind is the feeling of AWD... the Audi S4 and the WRX...although the RWD cars have a better turn-in/handling for high performance, I live in a sun state and my kids live in a snow state. So, AWD has very practical appeal. Plus, I have a city guys mind to go barrel down some dirt roads. Does the new gen WRX do that well?
This past week, I test drove both cars 17 WRX and STI. I drove the CVT first and loved it. I tested it in an area that has great twists, rolling hills, and was able to put the car through its road handling abilities...loved it. I'm very at home with paddle shifting and found the 'mock' shifts to be better than most manuals. Shifts were fast, I got engine braking and the size of the paddles was perfect. The torque is low end and was very difficult to drive below 45 mph. I didn't understand the layout of the S modes enough so maybe what I experience was the purple throttle mapping, S#. But, this car made me feel great. comfortable. athletic and looks great. Later I took my son to get his review of the rear seats and got his approval. He liked it! I was also surprised at the trunk space. Harmon Kardon only for me though. Geez who can tolerate the base radio.
STI
In the STI, i figured out the blue drive mode gave me access to easing the car through traffic incredibly calmly..more so than the WRX with his hyper low end power. The STI manual transmission also seemed much better than the 2nd WRX I tested that had a manual transmission. The STI, seemed more pliable in city traffic conditions...and I know that it is built to handle the high speeds of track use..its power band is there.
So, I'm confused. It would seem that a sporty Dad car would be the WRX, 'better' fuel rating, less power so 'safer' for families, and a more compellable suspension. And yes the STI suspension seems like ti would be tiring over 12hr trips but it seemed the friendliest in typical driving conditions.
Curious of any of your experiences with either car for family duty, weekend windy road seeking and heading to the track every other month. Thanks
1 - 20 of 39 Posts
This is pretty subjective. For example, some people have felt that the STI (speaking generally) can have too rough a ride for daily use. I actually prefer feeling the road, so wound up modding the suspension on my WRX's to get to that.
So for you personally, it comes down to enjoyability, practicality (roughly the same for WRX and STI, I suppose), and of course, cost. If you have a family to think about, choices like this get trickier, because you only have so much that you can (in good conscience) budget towards your car, while doing right by the kids, saving for your future, etc.
So I guess I'm little help. Selecting a car is a very personal decision. I'm a screwup in a lot of ways, but I can honestly say I've never let someone else choose my personal vehicle for me, even after marriage. I'd consider input from my wife, of course, but, well, I'm the one that will have to live with it, for many years.
</droning on and on...>
So for you personally, it comes down to enjoyability, practicality (roughly the same for WRX and STI, I suppose), and of course, cost. If you have a family to think about, choices like this get trickier, because you only have so much that you can (in good conscience) budget towards your car, while doing right by the kids, saving for your future, etc.
So I guess I'm little help. Selecting a car is a very personal decision. I'm a screwup in a lot of ways, but I can honestly say I've never let someone else choose my personal vehicle for me, even after marriage. I'd consider input from my wife, of course, but, well, I'm the one that will have to live with it, for many years.
</droning on and on...>
I will never own a two-door vehicle that was anything other than a toy (I use my back seats too much, including transporting a 50-lbs / 60-lbs dogs out hiking). Therefore, Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger are out.
ATS-V is very intriguing to me; four-doors, good power, great handling. From a practicality standpoint, however, I wouldn't be able to own one; RWD sedans, even with snow tires, can have difficulty with my driveway, and if I can't drive up it, I wouldn't want to try to walk up it. On public roadways, generally a good set of snows is all you'd need, but I have pretty hefty gradient to my driveway, and put down 300-400lbs of salt down in a single application. FWD/AWD/4WD only from now on.
As for the WRX vs STI, I personally would prefer to sacrifice a bit of daily duty ride quality for better experience when I want to go out and have fun (if it was performing true double-duty). I never found the STI to be overly harsh for daily commute (whether it was 15 miles round-trip to the office or 350 miles round-trip home every weekend). Mine went through a few iterations from stock, to fairly modified. I actually found that after some suspension modification, it got even nicer to drive (and handled better, too).
Even in current fashion, I think it's fine to drive on a daily basis. Only reason it was retired from daily/fun to simply fun was I wanted to keep the miles down. When I drive the Subaru (I drive it once/week to work, and then on weekends when I want to go for fun runs into the mountains and state land), I do miss a few comforts/niceties from my Tacoma. My Subaru doesn't have blind spot monitoring, sunroof, bluetooth, reverse camera, etc., but as soon as I peg the gas, I don't miss them.
ATS-V is very intriguing to me; four-doors, good power, great handling. From a practicality standpoint, however, I wouldn't be able to own one; RWD sedans, even with snow tires, can have difficulty with my driveway, and if I can't drive up it, I wouldn't want to try to walk up it. On public roadways, generally a good set of snows is all you'd need, but I have pretty hefty gradient to my driveway, and put down 300-400lbs of salt down in a single application. FWD/AWD/4WD only from now on.
As for the WRX vs STI, I personally would prefer to sacrifice a bit of daily duty ride quality for better experience when I want to go out and have fun (if it was performing true double-duty). I never found the STI to be overly harsh for daily commute (whether it was 15 miles round-trip to the office or 350 miles round-trip home every weekend). Mine went through a few iterations from stock, to fairly modified. I actually found that after some suspension modification, it got even nicer to drive (and handled better, too).
Even in current fashion, I think it's fine to drive on a daily basis. Only reason it was retired from daily/fun to simply fun was I wanted to keep the miles down. When I drive the Subaru (I drive it once/week to work, and then on weekends when I want to go for fun runs into the mountains and state land), I do miss a few comforts/niceties from my Tacoma. My Subaru doesn't have blind spot monitoring, sunroof, bluetooth, reverse camera, etc., but as soon as I peg the gas, I don't miss them.
I drove my previous Sti as a DD and would go on 700 mile trips and the ride wasn't that bad(the exhaust was alittle loud at the time). Even in my 13 I think the ride is just fine but I have a few people who ride in it who say its rough. Like Ray said I prefer to have the driver sense and feel the road. Saying a vehicle is more safe for a family is all depending on how you drive really. If I could go back in time I wouldn't change my Sti over a WRX even if it saved me acouple thousand. It sounds like you have already partially made up your mind by saying you wanna barrel down dirt roads and visit your kids in a snow state because the other cars you listed will not be as much fun in the snow.
I bought a '16 WRX MT this past June and I use it as my DD work/family car almost exclusively. Prior to purchase I looked at the Mustang and Challenger, and while those cars are great, the fact is that for everyday family use they would be tiring. Neither has the backseat room for my 10 yr old, and him getting in and out over the rear seat - especially in winter with slush and snow - just looks to be a filthy nightmare over time. My coworker has an '09 Challenger SRT8, so I know the power and fun aspect, but I think even the std. WRX feels better handling-wise, so I don't think I'm missing much.
As for practicality, the WRX replaced a 4dr Cobalt which, though a turd mobile, was perfect for family use. The WRX has the same ease of seating, similar trunk capacity, similar overall size, and surprisingly actually better mileage. I get about 20-21 in the city, and last road trip hit 31 on the hgwy, so no complaints. Handling is far more than adequate for any normal driving, has no real issues for autox usage or back road fun either; downside is that the stiffness is at the limit for my wife, she would not tolerate an STI. As for drivability, I think for DD use the WRX is better suited. Low and midrange torque are what you want, and with the MT I have no issues after about 4500 miles of use with driving it in normal low speed traffic smoothly and easily. In fact, it's the easiest car I've ever had for that (once you get used to it) and the punch to get around in traffic feels great when I need it. It may feel awkward at first, but you'll get used to it in time and I don't see it as ever being an issue if you're a capable MT driver. CVT model never crossed my mind, so can only comment on what I know.
As for the STI, great car, but I think for the extra money, unless you have a real need for the improvements it adds, can tolerate the firmer suspension, and don't mind the crappy mileage, I don't think it's worth it. Not for DD/family use with fun on the side. The WRX, right now, is the more balanced of the two.
As for practicality, the WRX replaced a 4dr Cobalt which, though a turd mobile, was perfect for family use. The WRX has the same ease of seating, similar trunk capacity, similar overall size, and surprisingly actually better mileage. I get about 20-21 in the city, and last road trip hit 31 on the hgwy, so no complaints. Handling is far more than adequate for any normal driving, has no real issues for autox usage or back road fun either; downside is that the stiffness is at the limit for my wife, she would not tolerate an STI. As for drivability, I think for DD use the WRX is better suited. Low and midrange torque are what you want, and with the MT I have no issues after about 4500 miles of use with driving it in normal low speed traffic smoothly and easily. In fact, it's the easiest car I've ever had for that (once you get used to it) and the punch to get around in traffic feels great when I need it. It may feel awkward at first, but you'll get used to it in time and I don't see it as ever being an issue if you're a capable MT driver. CVT model never crossed my mind, so can only comment on what I know.
As for the STI, great car, but I think for the extra money, unless you have a real need for the improvements it adds, can tolerate the firmer suspension, and don't mind the crappy mileage, I don't think it's worth it. Not for DD/family use with fun on the side. The WRX, right now, is the more balanced of the two.
WRX MT 2016 was my choice when faced with the same questions. Newer motor, 30 less HP that someday will be gained back by some go fast parts and a new sound. Gas mileage is way better, not really a much better ride. $10K LESS! No giant boy racer park bench on the trunk. I couldn't do it! I like the way the STI looks, handles, performs etc. but I don't want it in my garage specifically.
I had the WRX. It was sporty and practical, each in good measure. To be honest, the ride isn't all that great in the WRX. It is OK but it isn't exactly luxurious. I bought the limited with the Nav which yielded the upgraded sound system, as well. It served me well. No problems and no faults with the vehicle.
You wut mate. Don't forget to mention that the Sti has brembos, Dccd, a better suspension, Si drive, Alcantara seats, ect. The price is well worth the extra money which isn't 10k diff unless you buy a base wrx with not as many bells and whistles as either. Also you can purchase a Sti with a low profile wing that is not noticeable at'll for 0$. I wouldn't say the MPG is way better I'd go more with slightly better based on driver.WRX MT 2016 was my choice when faced with the same questions. Newer motor, 30 less HP that someday will be gained back by some go fast parts and a new sound. Gas mileage is way better, not really a much better ride. $10K LESS! No giant boy racer park bench on the trunk. I couldn't do it! I like the way the STI looks, handles, performs etc. but I don't want it in my garage specifically.
Having that sweet Camaro, I bet you don't miss it (WRX), though.I had the WRX. It was sporty and practical, each in good measure. To be honest, the ride isn't all that great in the WRX. It is OK but it isn't exactly luxurious. I bought the limited with the Nav which yielded the upgraded sound system, as well. It served me well. No problems and no faults with the vehicle.
The WRX is the perfect Dad mobile. It's a Subaru, for gosh sake, relatively conservative styling, but when Dad wants to hoon it a bit when the wife isn't in the car, there's that.
The wing is a dead giveaway, granted you can get the STI without, but when I was looking online recently I only found 1 out of about 40 or so for sale nationwide without the wing.
I find the WRX ride tolerable and reasonably refined; not sure I'd want anything harsher. I also appreciate the gas mileage.
I think we should realize that while you the driver may tolerate a lot of imperfections in the ride, your companions will definitely notice them and probably comment on them. My GF complained all the time about having to ride in Z4 because of the rough ride. She finds the current '17 WRX to be tolerable and much better than my 2012 WRX. I just have a feeling she would not appreciate the ride in the STI and would definitely veto the wing, as in, I'm not getting in that car.
The wing is a dead giveaway, granted you can get the STI without, but when I was looking online recently I only found 1 out of about 40 or so for sale nationwide without the wing.
I find the WRX ride tolerable and reasonably refined; not sure I'd want anything harsher. I also appreciate the gas mileage.
I think we should realize that while you the driver may tolerate a lot of imperfections in the ride, your companions will definitely notice them and probably comment on them. My GF complained all the time about having to ride in Z4 because of the rough ride. She finds the current '17 WRX to be tolerable and much better than my 2012 WRX. I just have a feeling she would not appreciate the ride in the STI and would definitely veto the wing, as in, I'm not getting in that car.
Excellent posts, all. Thank you. Everyone seems happy with whichever car they've purchased. So, I believe that I cant go wrong with either car. I have every intention on tracking the car though. Not enough to deem it 'my track car' but enough that I'll have to set aside some annual tires/fluids budget.
But yeah, I noticed a need for a heavy braking foot in the WRX....given my need to test that my speedometer does function properly all the way around its metrics. Not so evident with the performance Brembos in the STI. You've given me an excuse to take my lady for a test drive next week (in the low spoiler version)...its my birthday week! Hmmm?
Threw an S3 around for a bit, brilliant little car. 400hp RS3? Understood. But perhaps with the Cobb Accessport (Wont that mean bolt-on$ too for significant gains?) the RS3 will be a Scooby snack for less money.
You guys are soooo much nicer than the Challenger forum folks. Thanks !
Don't forget to mention that the Sti has brembos, Dccd, a better suspension, Si drive, Alcantara seats, ect. The price is well worth the extra money which isn't 10k diff unless you buy a base wrx with not as many bells and whistles as either. Also you can purchase a Sti with a low profile wing that is not noticeable at'll for 0$. I wouldn't say the MPG is way better I'd go more with slightly better based on driver.
But yeah, I noticed a need for a heavy braking foot in the WRX....given my need to test that my speedometer does function properly all the way around its metrics. Not so evident with the performance Brembos in the STI. You've given me an excuse to take my lady for a test drive next week (in the low spoiler version)...its my birthday week! Hmmm?
Threw an S3 around for a bit, brilliant little car. 400hp RS3? Understood. But perhaps with the Cobb Accessport (Wont that mean bolt-on$ too for significant gains?) the RS3 will be a Scooby snack for less money.
You guys are soooo much nicer than the Challenger forum folks. Thanks !
Gas mileage is way better son. I did buy the base model with a short shifter and a couple small upgrades. 27k vs at least 36k -40k here in MN. If i was going to spend 40k it's not going to be on a Subaru.You wut mate. Don't forget to mention that the Sti has brembos, Dccd, a better suspension, Si drive, Alcantara seats, ect. The price is well worth the extra money which isn't 10k diff unless you buy a base wrx with not as many bells and whistles as either. Also you can purchase a Sti with a low profile wing that is not noticeable at'll for 0$. I wouldn't say the MPG is way better I'd go more with slightly better based on driver.
Focus RS comes to mind. Audi, awd BMW's etc.. but that was not my intent at all, hence the base model WRX that will easily produce 305 HP for me when the warranty is up for a fraction of the cost of the STI or previously mentioned cars.
O.p.
The Sti has better everything.
If you want what a Subaru is really about.
-it even has a better engine. Yeah. I said it. "A better engine". Along with better brakes, and gearbox. If i was looking at a new one?
First mod would be top shelf coilovers. To have a smoother daily ride. That can be made more rigid for track days if you choose.
And. .Sti's have better seating. As mentioned earlier.
Finally. Depreciation.
Look at any year model. Sti's hold their value better. Meaning if you ever want to sell it later on for an upgrade? You will get a better return. Saving you money in the future.
Simply put, Sti's are Better.
And if you can afford it, why not?
The Sti has better everything.
If you want what a Subaru is really about.
-it even has a better engine. Yeah. I said it. "A better engine". Along with better brakes, and gearbox. If i was looking at a new one?
First mod would be top shelf coilovers. To have a smoother daily ride. That can be made more rigid for track days if you choose.
And. .Sti's have better seating. As mentioned earlier.
Finally. Depreciation.
Look at any year model. Sti's hold their value better. Meaning if you ever want to sell it later on for an upgrade? You will get a better return. Saving you money in the future.
Simply put, Sti's are Better.
And if you can afford it, why not?
1. The better engine statement is highly debatable. Both engines have their weaknesses.
2. I certainly wouldn't jump to coilovers, particularly not on the new chassis and for the $$ most people are willing to spend. Tires, brake pads, and alignment should take precedence.
3. The seats are identical in the WRX vs. STI.
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2. I certainly wouldn't jump to coilovers, particularly not on the new chassis and for the $$ most people are willing to spend. Tires, brake pads, and alignment should take precedence.
3. The seats are identical in the WRX vs. STI.
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If you don't track it the WRX would be my choice. All and all better everyday car, saves a little money over the sti, gets better fuel economy, yet still handles superbly, and will go like stink.
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There is no debate on the engines. Period.
(Or Sti's would have an FA too)
Not sure on your experiences with Coilovers. But they can ride very nice.
Sti's come equipped with decent brakes and tyres. Both of which will need to be replaced with better items when you get into tracking.
But look inside them. Which one is nicer?
If you stick to offering opinions, instead of debating mine, the O.P can make his own mind up.
Oh, and people modify and tune Sti's too. So the "but Cobb Accessport" points are moot.
If you can afford it? My points all stand.
Don't compromise, get what you want.
Test drive both, read the options brochures, and choose what works for you in all aspects.
(Or Sti's would have an FA too)
Not sure on your experiences with Coilovers. But they can ride very nice.
Sti's come equipped with decent brakes and tyres. Both of which will need to be replaced with better items when you get into tracking.
But look inside them. Which one is nicer?
If you stick to offering opinions, instead of debating mine, the O.P can make his own mind up.
Oh, and people modify and tune Sti's too. So the "but Cobb Accessport" points are moot.
If you can afford it? My points all stand.
Don't compromise, get what you want.
Test drive both, read the options brochures, and choose what works for you in all aspects.
There is no empirical evidence that says the ej257 engine is a better or longer lasting platform than the fa20f. You can't provide anything outside of personal opinion.There is no debate on the engines. Period.
Not sure on your experiences with Coilovers. But they can ride very nice.
But look inside them. Which one is better?
If you stick to offering opinions, instead of debating mine, the O.P can make his own mind up.
Oh, and people modify and tune Sti's too. So the "but Cobb Accessport" points are moot.
If you can afford it? My points all stand.
Don't compromise, get what you want.
The fa20f gets better fuel mileage, cleaner, more efficient on every front. Those are the hard facts.
Coil overs can ride nice. However not until you get into kits that cost upwards of 2k+. Cheap coilovers always ride and perform worse than stock suspension systems. If you see something for sub 1k walk away.
If it's a daily driver the new WRX is really tough to beat. If you hit the track you may see the advantages of the sti.
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O.p said he wants to track.
Sti is fine as a daily.
Spending as much money as a new Sti costs? 2k could buy great coilovers. -delivered to your house. No hurry. Only if that's what you prefer.
No empirical evidence FA's last as long as an ej either. So do tell. . .
Knowing for a hard fact that the 2017 sti would have an ej before it was released.(told you in the chatbox) And that there are no plans to build an Sti FA engine yet known by Subaru techs. Tips the scale for me.
So my personal opinion is: if it's not good enough for Subaru's in house tuning? I won't touch it. They know better than i or you do.
Different animals. If you want the raw Subaru? Sti all day.
Compromise and get a sporty camry?
Wrx.
A subaru without an ej is like a corolla without a 4age. Hence the FRS and the 86 are both an abomination. And the Fa is the catalyst.
Sti is fine as a daily.
Spending as much money as a new Sti costs? 2k could buy great coilovers. -delivered to your house. No hurry. Only if that's what you prefer.
No empirical evidence FA's last as long as an ej either. So do tell. . .
Knowing for a hard fact that the 2017 sti would have an ej before it was released.(told you in the chatbox) And that there are no plans to build an Sti FA engine yet known by Subaru techs. Tips the scale for me.
So my personal opinion is: if it's not good enough for Subaru's in house tuning? I won't touch it. They know better than i or you do.
Different animals. If you want the raw Subaru? Sti all day.
Compromise and get a sporty camry?
Wrx.
A subaru without an ej is like a corolla without a 4age. Hence the FRS and the 86 are both an abomination. And the Fa is the catalyst.
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