Wrx Vs Sti Daily Driver - programmes-guru’s blog

Subaru STI vs. Mitsubishi Evo vs. VW R32 It still has to be an everyday driver, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and the Volkswagen R32.

Встроенное видео 2015 Subaru WRX STI: Track Performance in a Daily Driver. Chad Kirchner May 7, 2014. Reviews Test Drives 3 Comments 1958 views. Fast.

Do you regret "settling" for a WRX over an STI? • /r/subaru

2015 Subaru WRX vs. 2015 Volkswagen GTI the 2015 GTI is bigger in all dimensions except height, First Drive Review 2015 Subaru WRX STI;.

Nov 19, 2014 The bottom line: The WRX STI is one of the last of a dying breed: street-legal rally cars. We re glad Subaru is committed to improving this gem.

Right now I have a 2008 Impreza Hatch base model and will be replacing it with either a 2013/2014 WRX or STI Sedan sometime this year. I ve always wanted an STI, but I feel it may be overkill for me. I don t plan to track it, it ll be my DD, and a WRX will still feel just as fast I d assume, butthe spoiler of the STI brings the overall look of the whole car together to me, and the 6-speed would be a nice upgrade from the 5-speed tranny. All in all, I feel like a WRX will still put a smile on my face, but I feel I ll never be able to rid the itch of wanting an actual STI.

Curious to see if anyone else has been in the same kind of dilemma I have, and how have your feelings changed towards your decision if you ve settled for a WRX over an STI for costs/practicality/things like that. Any regrets.

EDIT: You guys advice and input have been greatly appreciated so far. Can t thank you enough for all the friendly words here; they re definitely giving me exactly what I was looking for real-life situations and suggestions.

To order by credit card, call 1-800-639-4099, or click Order to order online with check/money order or via PayPal. WRX VS STI DAILY DRIVER.

User Name

Remember Me.

Password

Welcome to NASIOC - The world s largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts.

Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members PM, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today.

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

09-27-2010, PM

Scooby Newbie

Member : 192683

Join Date: Oct 2008

Location: Lebanon, PA

Vehicle:

2005 STi

WRB

WRX vs STI for daily driver

Hi All,

I m trying to get some opinions on something I ve been contemplating. I ve owned my 04 WRX for the past two years now, and am thinking of upgrading to an 05 STI. I was wondering how many of you out there upgraded from the WRX to an STI. I really like the WRX as a daily driver. I don t do any racing, but have always enjoyed cars that are faster than the norm. I ultimately will test drive an STI, but am just looking for opinions and people who have been in my shoes. The STI would be a daily driver. I know I would really enjoy the 2.5L with the 6-speed, HIDS, bigger wheels and brakes..ect. But, there are some things I would miss such as heated seats, sunroof, and a quieter and softer ride. I guess my question is to those of you who have owned both the WRX and STI, which one did you like better for daily driving.

Thanks for your help,

Brandon

Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Sponsored Links

Member : 36929

Join Date: May 2003

Chapter/Region:

TXIC

Location: Houston

2012 Evolution GSR

Mercury Gray Pearl

I can t really compare the 2.0L WRX to the 2.5L STi but I can tell you that in the 08 a lot seem to prefer the WRX for daily driving more then the STi. The 2.5L WRX has higher compression pistons and a 5 speed that allows you to take off from a stop and drive around in a more relaxed matter then the low compression short geared STi. The fuel economy is much better too.

If I would have to guess the 2.5L STi would probably be a better car then the 2.0L WRX. Unless you re seat on an 04-05 the 06-07 STis are a little more refined and compliant in terms of ride quality.

Member : 258491

Join Date: Sep 2010

South East

Location: NCF, FL

2002 VF34 d Bugeye

My Other Ride s your MOM

09-28-2010, AM

Member : 250237

Join Date: Jun 2010

MWSOC

Location: Greater Detroit area, MI

2010 WRX

OBP

My honest answer -- and this isn t an attempt to be a smart a -- is that I can t justify the STi as a DD. I honestly won t need or be able to take advantage of, for that matter 90 of the driveline upgrades of an STi over the WRX.

I also came from a Camry and appreciated having a softer ride; being able to take a corner at 45 MPH instead of 37 wasn t a big enough factor to sway me into a ride that s slightly more jarring than that of the WRX.

Your preferences may differ, but given that I m not really planning on using the car for anything other than a DD at least until I get out of the Midwest, the WRX is plenty for me to handle.

09-28-2010, PM

NASIOC Supporter

Member : 123843

Join Date: Aug 2006

NESIC

Location: Connecticut

2006 WRX Sedan SGM

Let LED s light your way.

Either model would be fine.

I have two friends that have a 2006 and 2007 STI, respectively. The only complaint is their having to change gears more frequently with the 6-speed versus a 5-speed.

It also depends on how much driving you are going to do every day and where you live.

Why buy an STI if it s not going to be driven or will go say less than five miles one-way to work.

I live in sunny New England and you have a lot of stop-and-go traffic and a lot of little windy hills - not the nice long swooping mountain roads of the West. It s: shift, shift, shift and hence where my friends complaints come in.

FWIW, I could have purchased an STI and chose not to because I would never fully utilize what the car has to offer. The STI is a road and track car, whereas the WRX is more of the road car that can be taken to the track if properly modified.

Scooby Specialist

Member : 79222

Join Date: Jan 2005

W. Canada

Location: Canada BC

09 STi 297.5 WHP

Blue

I drove a stage 2 4EAT 02 WRX for 7 years and loved it Then I bought an 09 STi last year and within a week was thinking maybe I made a mistake. After 6 months when I went stage 1 with the STi then I think the STi got slightly better. So now I am happy with it. My pet peeve is the stupid hill holder, it still makes me stall the car about once a month. May he who ever decided to put something like that onto a car like this.

Member : 183705

Join Date: Jul 2008

Tri-State

Location: New Hartford, New York

2004 STi

Psm

I owned an 02 wrx and upgraded last year to an 04 sti and I am so happy. Just the whole look and feel of the car is so much better. Especially because you can get 05 sti s for a pretty good deal now I would definitely reccommend it. So what if you don t race it is still nice to have the performance.

Member : 244879

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: PA

2006 STI stage 2

Needs a 20g

If you can afford an sti then I say get it as I regret getting a wrx when I could have and should have gotten an sti.

Member : 220036

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: Goose Creek, SC

2006 STi

I have an Sti and would be one to admit if you just want a good daily the wrx would be fine.. The only thing that made my decision is I wanted to add power adders and rather not deal with a broken tranny before I can get my setup together.

Member : 255702

Join Date: Aug 2010

BAIC

Location: bay area

2011 wrx

obp

i m subscribing. i can t afford the extra 10k sti over the wrx 2011 i would like to get, but want to know i made the right choice in finding a dd in the wrx.

NASIOC Vendor

Member : 136396

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: Minneapolis, MN

2015 WRX, 2012 WRX,

2013 BRZ, 2006 STI

I have owned both and while I loved both dearly I have to say the wrx held its place much better in my heart, its just as fast with a couple mods, cheaper on insurance and when things break, yeah its tranny isn t as strong and the 2.5 is nice but it will cost a lot more too. Put some money into your car, maybe swap for STI interior and buy some brembos, no one will be the wiser.

Will

Member : 209218

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Park Ridge

2005 WRB WRX 4EAT

93 MR2, 2008 Yaris

I was thinking of doing the same thing. But now that the wrx and sti are becoming more and more similar why bother. But if you want 05 I d say get it i know I would do the same

Thanks for the replies. There are good points from both sides. This weekend I ll be driving by a dealer that has an 05 STI on the lot, and I am going to take it for a test drive to get a feel for it. I d really like to test drive it for a week to see how it would be for the day-to-day commute. Truthfully, I wish I could snap my fingers and have a 2.5L w/ 6-speed in my WRX and call it a day. Thanks again guys,

Brandon

Member : 208296

SCIC

Location: Inland Empire

2012 Chrysler 300

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you want a WRX with better brakes and wheels then just buy them.

Hawk pads and some cheap 18 wheels from your local for sale forum. You get to keep your comfy ride and heated seats.

Member : 212399

Join Date: May 2009

NWIC

Location: portland, or

09 wrx 301hp/328tq

00 miata blue

lol, this thread is funny. i think psychologists term this groupthink people opinions start to converge as they read other people s points of view.

there are sooo many other threads where everybody says sti all day long. anyway, i would ask if you need the tranny and upgraded driveline parts as someone has suggested already. BUT, in the end, just go drive one. I test drove my 09 wrx and an 08 sti and they DO feel different enough to notice. TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE.

Member : 143419

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: chattanooga, tn

2008 EVO X MR

2009 WRX, 2004 WRX priors

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimbus09

exactly, test drive and find what you like best. I have owned 2 WRXs and both times I have wished I bought the STi. I am in the same situation. 2011 WRX or STi. Some huge selling points for me are the HID lights, black headliner, signal mirrors, and outstanding tranny. If I were to get the WRX it would be a limited as opposed to a base STi, so the price difference is much closer. Just make sure you get what YOU want.

Member : 231356

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: chi-town

09 2.5i

black

good thread the sti was like the ultimate dream car for me back when i first got my license. i just pictured myself doing some gymkhana stuff in it and how awesome it would be. but now that i ve driven my impreza for over a year, i realize that i rarely drive it aggressively, and of course im not doing 360 s through flames and over water balloons. im not jumping it off the grand canyon, or doing rally cross. for me, the 2.5i is a great car, maybe a wrx would be nice too. but an sti just wouldn t make sense for my lifestyle. it wouldn t make it over my highschool speed bumps and i d be getting gas mileage.

and for the most part, i d only end up with more guys on my dick, girls at my school hardly care for fast cars. all of them just like the rice ass civics.

09-29-2010, AM

Member : 172698

Join Date: Feb 2008

Location: Des Moines, IA

11 STi BW 8374 E85

02 v8 Spec C E85

I recently took the exact upgrade path you re considering and I have zero regrets. It helped in my case that my 04 WRX was up to 72,000 miles and I had found an 05 STi that was bone stock with only 27,000 miles.

Condition and miles aside, it did suck to lose heated seats, sunroof, softer ride, etc, but the shear low end power and handing of the STi have more than made up for it. You ll really love the low end of the STi and unless you are trying to win a drag race, you will probably enjoying the close gearing too. It winds up and finds the power band very quickly. The brakes are an incredible difference as well. They are probably the one thing that surprised me the most.

Good luck.

Member : 206505

Join Date: Mar 2009

Location: O-H-I-O

04 STI

JBP, 360whp 355tq 18psi

Going from a 2.0l to a 2.5l makes a big difference around town. It wasn t the reason I upgraded my WRX to an STi, but it is why I won t go back. The extra displacement makes it much more fun to just drive around town.

Scooby Guru

Member : 183529

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: PM yourmom For Reach Arounds

i wanna help teh

haters love life

I have an 05 sti and recently bought an 04 wrx as my new dd. The wrx is def more comfy and better on gas mileage. The sti is not exactly the best choice for a dd imo

Keep your car man

Sent from my T-Mobile G1 using Tapatalk

Member : 197154

Join Date: Dec 2008

sounds like there are too many pansies in this thread. i guess DDing the STi takes balls.

Member : 65711

Join Date: Jul 2004

Location: NJ

2004 WRB WRX Wagon

2.5 Hybrid STI Conversion

I m happy most of the time with my wicked little 2 liter, but drive both and see. You may want to consider an newer wrx since the HP has gotten so close.

Maybe my yardstick is off but I have driven an 07 and my 08 STi and I don t know why people complain so much about the ride being so harsh. For a car of this caliber the ride is quite civilized. If you want a cushy pampered derriere you should invest in a caddy not a rally car.

FWIW When i was looking to get into a Subaru the general consensus was if you buy a WRX you re going to wish you had spilled for an STi but again.. I do like my side of speed and tuning with my driving.

Member : 236710

Join Date: Jan 2010

Location: Indian Township, Maine

2010 WRX Five Door

WRB.

I think you ll get the STi once you drive it, unless you drove Lincolns and Caddys prior to your WRX..LOL. GL.

Member : 166947

Join Date: Dec 2007

Location: OC

2006 WRX Sedan

Crystal Gray Metallic

My friend and I have 05sti and 06wrx respectively, both as modified daily drivers.

My friend loves his sti and wouldnt trade it for anything else as daily driver.

I love my wrx and wouldnt trade it for anything else as daily driver.

The wrx is easier to deal with on daily driving situations, but if you re nuts like my friend, then you would justify those inconveniences with pure driving pleasure in the canyons or track.

My personal opinion for daily driver is wrx. as you get older, you become less tolerant to certain nuances like noise and ride harshness. STI in stock form would be okay for DD. Then again, who keeps sti stock.

User Name

Member : 125937

Join Date: Sep 2006

RMIC

Location: 4894 above sea level.

03 WRX I do not

like your tweed, chap.

4EATs GUZZLE gas, especially when modified, but having anything more than a stg. 1 clutch and driving it in stop go traffic is a royal pain unless you truly enjoy standing on your clutch pedal. Personally, I would say an IDEAL DD of the options would be like an 04 or 05 WRX with the winter package, manual trans, and really don t modify it a whole ton. Maybe a cobb exhaust, some MAF scaling, and a drop-in filter. STi would be a performance car. All the way. Even though they are nice to have for some things, you have to remember that having a radio in the STi was an OPTION you could pay for. It was made to be raced/modified, and won t be as forgiving as a WRX.

Member : 139167

2009 STi

Originally Posted by wrxdrvr

You know you can turn it off. Check your manual

Stage 2 4eat doesn t guzzle gas that bad. I don t have any issues.

Originally Posted by FreakBurrito

Yes I know, but then there I am, looking at the warning light all the time

09-29-2010, PM

Member : 185318

Location: Detroit-ish

06 AW STi

13 LR BRZ

Yes I know, but then there I am, looking at the warning light all the time

electrical tape.

I originally bought an 05 wrx and loved every minute of owning that car. thankfully I did suspension first because the instant I wanted more power and upgraded to stg2 I was disappointed stripped it all down to stock and bought an 06 STI. Oh and I like not having a sunroof, being over 6 and wearing a helmet gets really cramped. I do miss heated seats and keep contemplating modding the sti ones.

I actually looked at 09 wrxs first and was impressed by their relative quickness but it takes ONE test drive in an STi and you re sold. I recently drove my friends 09 after having the sti for a year and it s true they are fantastic DD cars in terms of stop and go around the city. I forgot what having a useful 1st gear was like.

Electrical Tape LOL 1 For Ghetto Tech.

Member : 87327

Join Date: May 2005

Location: Bama but coming back to TEXAS

2010 12 parsec Evo X

I still kill threads

Good lord you guys kill me, there s no such thing as justify having a STI or even a WRX for that matter.

It comes down to this: What do you want. Now can you afford it. Then go get it.

Both are great daily drivers, and what you get, or don t get, out of them on a daily basis, or on the track, is up to you to interpret as value.

Originally Posted by Yoo Shin

What do you want.

That s one of life s great mysteries. That s why we spout nonsense at each other hoping someone will boil it down to a real perfect answer or an exact mod path that will cause tears of joy to well up in your eyes at the very sight of your car.

Member : 248965

Location: CHARGER NATION

i have an 06 sti as a dd. i drive a lot, about 20k/year and i never race. never once launched my car nor seen the track. i dont even hit boost/turbo 99 of the time. and my car is 100 stock. the only complaint is yea the shifting gears so often. i shift gears at about 3k/rpm but it hits 3k so fast so i feel like im constantly shifting gears. but other tan that i love my sti and would not sell/trade it for any other car out there.

Member : 119397

Join Date: Jul 2006

Location: Snohomish

98rs 06sti

RBP WRBBLUE.

The new STI s 08 have SI-Drive that gives you different throttle mapping which is perfect for regular driving or stop and go traffic.

Comfort wise the 08 wrx/sti are going to feel very similar.

I have no issues DDing my STI.

However if gas mileage is something you are concerned aboutDO NOT get the STI.

City mileage blows.for a reason.

Originally Posted by R L Newb

No no, the what do you want part is easy, it s the cost part that s the kicker. Hell, I know I really want a Nissan GTR, a M3 sedan and Eliminator Daytona boat, but I can t afford them. When I was 10 I wanted a Dyno Pro Comp freestyle bike but mom and dad couldn t afford it. Waitnow I CAN afford one.

Originally Posted by geddesk2

The SI-Drive gets old in a hurry.

Intelligent mode is only useful when you re cruising at 62.3MPH on the freeway for maximum fuel economy.

Sport Mode I have never used.

Sport Sharp I drive around in 95 of the time in city a lot because you don t run the risk of being flattened by a runaway county squire at an intersection because your turbo is not spooling and a 300K mile EJ18 can blow your doors off.

I m with you 100 on the fuel economy around town. My Mustang GT with mods was way better in that respect.

Member : 84006

Join Date: Mar 2005

Location: Auburn, WA

2005 Impreza WRX STi

WRB with Goldies

I ve been DD my STi for 5 years now, and it still puts a smile on my face every day. I came from a very heavily modified Honda Civic The Guppy, and it s suspension was almost painful to drive on the street. The STi seems like a kitten by comparison. I ve tracked it a few times, and done a dozen or so AutoXs which are fun. But it s still my DD come sun, rain, snow or whatever

If you have to worry about comfort, or gas mileage, then an 05 STi probably isn t something you would be happy with.

Rocket s two cents

10-01-2010, PM

Well that figures. I stopped by the lot to test drive the 05 STI I was looking at, and the darn thing is sold.

Member : 88939

Join Date: Jun 2005

2011 WRX STi Hatch

World Rally Blue

I took possession of my 2011 WRX STi Hatchback yesterday. I have previously owned 2 2004 STi s.

This new model probably all 2008 is both technologically superior and more refined than the 2004 model, which was also a DD for me.

Aside from diminished gas mileage, this car is a wonderful daily driver. I love the fit, finish, handling, reliability and power. A truly wonderful car.

Frank

10-02-2010, AM

Member : 144244

SWIC

Location: Albuquerque

2006 WRB STi

www.CAMtuning.com

Originally Posted by 004rexer

you gotta jump on em when you see em. sti s move off lots really fast.

went from 02 wrx to an 06sti and am so happy everyday i go to drive my car. it is my drug and i can t get enough

Member : 247485

Join Date: May 2010

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

2006 WRX TR

Originally Posted by ph0shizle

Having never driven an STI, would it be possible to skip shift certain gears like 1-3-5 or something along those lines or does it not have enough gusto down low to make it feasible. Just curious. Obviously this doesn t apply to me since the 5MT s gearing is so wide hey 1-2 upshift.

Member : 189606

Join Date: Sep 2008

Location: Oceanside, CA

E46 M3

Ti Silver

What. I m not really sure why you would do that. I don t really see the point. I ve never heard of that, personally. Maybe someone else will chime in IF there is more to this.

Originally Posted by u2_m4r1n3

It s just for those who don t like shifting every 2 seconds That s why I said maybe if the STI had enough gusto to do it for those who DD it.

10-02-2010, PM

Member : 193757

Join Date: Nov 2008

Location: Cedar, MI HP Techs MPS-SSLR2.5

2006 XTI Limited

OBP, Junior tuned 573WHP

Not to throw a wrench in this thread but you could look for a FXT 5MT Limited. A bit rarer yes but very practical, same mod paths as 06 WRX and STI s and the best of both. I love my 06 FXT Limited now a fully converted FSTI. After having drove this stock, then stage 1, then stage 2, stage 2, then currently stage 2 STI, I can say I like it as an FSTI best. The car/ 6 speed does not care if you skip gear changes but it s so smooth to shift and drive that the I really don t skip gears that often. I drive a fair bit both city and highway as I am a sales rep.

I wholeheartedly agree on the FXT. I love my WRX sedan but I really wanted a FXT or a WRX wagon

Of course you can skip gears and not have any problems keeping up with normal driving

I ve been skip shifting almost since day one. You don t do it under a heavy load, but if I m pulling out from a stop sign and the speed limit is 40 mph, I ll frequently shift from 2nd to 4th or 5th. I only use 6th on the freeway

09-29-2010 AM by Kentrik

09-29-2010 AM by FreakBurrito

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxdrvrI drove a stage 2 4EAT 02 WRX for 7 years and loved it Then I bought an 09 STi last year and within a week was thinking maybe I made a mistake. After 6 months when I went stage 1 with the STi then I think the STi got slightly better. So now I am happy with it. My pet peeve is the stupid hill holder, it still makes me stall the car about once a month. May he who ever decided to put something like that onto a car like this.

09-29-2010 AM by crash60068

09-29-2010 AM by wrxdrvr

Originally Posted by FreakBurritoYou know you can turn it off. Check your manual

09-29-2010 PM by R L Newb

Originally Posted by wrxdrvrYes I know, but then there I am, looking at the warning light all the time

09-29-2010 PM by EAGLE 5

09-29-2010 PM by Yoo Shin

Originally Posted by Yoo ShinWhat do you want.

09-29-2010 PM by ph0shizle

09-29-2010 PM by geddesk2

Originally Posted by Yoo ShinGood lord you guys kill me, there s no such thing as justify having a STI or even a WRX for that matter.

Originally Posted by R L NewbThat s one of life s great mysteries. That s why we spout nonsense at each other hoping someone will boil it down to a real perfect answer or an exact mod path that will cause tears of joy to well up in your eyes at the very sight of your car.

Originally Posted by geddesk2The new STI s 08 have SI-Drive that gives you different throttle mapping which is perfect for regular driving or stop and go traffic.

09-29-2010 PM by STirocket

10-01-2010 PM by 004rexer

10-01-2010 PM by Frank_Zuccarini

10-02-2010 AM by theguy

Originally Posted by 004rexerWell that figures. I stopped by the lot to test drive the 05 STI I was looking at, and the darn thing is sold.

10-02-2010 AM by bluesmobile440

Originally Posted by ph0shizlei have an 06 sti as a dd. i drive a lot, about 20k/year and i never race. never once launched my car nor seen the track. i dont even hit boost/turbo 99 of the time. and my car is 100 stock. the only complaint is yea the shifting gears so often. i shift gears at about 3k/rpm but it hits 3k so fast so i feel like im constantly shifting gears. but other tan that i love my sti and would not sell/trade it for any other car out there.

10-02-2010 AM by u2_m4r1n3

Originally Posted by u2_m4r1n3What. I m not really sure why you would do that. I don t really see the point. I ve never heard of that, personally. Maybe someone else will chime in IF there is more to this.

10-02-2010 PM by manitou

10-02-2010 PM by bluesmobile440

10-02-2010 PM by wrxdrvr

10-02-2010 PM by STirocket

2015 Subaru WRX STI: Spoiler Alert Everyone knows the STI is incredible on the track and rally course. But how does it fare as a daily driver. 34,495.00.

Apr 02, 2014 The Daily Drivers: 2016 Subaru WRX STI Limited. 2 Months Ago. The Daily Drivers: Note: The 2015 WRX is expected to be available this spring.