2008 Subaru WRX STI: Some of the Old Brutality Remains

This is making the $40K price tag for this hopped up econo box seem more and more ridiculous.
And it's making the BMW 135i seem like a screaming deal...
 
p.s. is that Stunt Road?

Yep

"This is making the $40K price tag for this hopped up econo box seem more and more ridiculous.
And it's making the BMW 135i seem like a screaming deal... "
 
Oh I don't know about that... The Subaru is likely faster in a race (that would be interesting Edmunds!!), it's better looking, much roomier, more reliable, cheaper to maintain, far better in the snow and just plain cooler everywhere except maybe California.

I agree. The practical aspects of the STI make it a no-brainer choice over the 135i. Not only do I want a real rear seat, but I want 4-doors—and a hatch—and AWD.
 
The 135i may be a great car, but it's no nowhere near my short list of next vehicle buys.

I'd take the 135 and it wouldn't even be close :p

Faster in a race? The 135 puts down better performance numbers. Better looking? No way, unless you like the you paid $40K for a $20 K car look of the Subie. More reliable? Maybe, maybe not. Cheaper to maintain? 135 has free maintenance program. Better in the snow? Ok, score one for the Subie. Cooler? If you think $40K for an econobox with the refinement of a John Deere is cool...

I think an Edmunds 135i vs STI test is a no-brainer. If this happens, I hope Edmunds will consider all aspects of both vehicles, not just the performance numbers.
 
I'm not saying that because I think the STI is slower (I frankly don't know—or even care), but because there is so much more to vehicle ownership than track numbers.

"But for those who want it, there's perverse pleasure to be had."
 
Guess that makes me a "pervert?" j/k =Þ
 
Please elaborate on how the 135i has "better" performance numbers, Huss.
 
STI Full Test:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=123768
 
0-60 - 4.8
1/4-mile - 13.3 @ 102.4
Slalom - 72.0 mph
Skidpad - 0.90g
60-0 braking - 106 ft
 
135i Full Test:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=123768
 
0-60 - 5.0
1/4-mile - 13.3 @ 104.0
Slalom - 72.4 mph
Skidpad - 0.89g
60-0 braking - 109 ft
 
Comparison
0-60 - STI
1/4-mile - draw/135i
Slalom - 135i
Skidpad - STI
Braking - STI
 
If you're a magazine racer, I'd say things are pretty much too close to call other than the 0-60 time and 1/4-mile speed. The Bimmer's greater power to the wheels (less drivetrain loss since it's RWD and not AWD) shows with the greater trap speed.
 
What I want to see is a comparison of lap times on a "short" track like the Streets of Willow Springs and lap times at a longer track like Buttonwillow Raceway (full track, not the wimpy loop Motor Trend used in their Evo vs. STI comparison). Evo vs. STI vs. 135i on a road course and autocross course is what I *really* want to see! :o)
 
Refinement of a John Deere? I think it's more like a Cub Cadet. j/k
 
Anyway, my fellow Trojan...
 
Fight On for ol' SC!
Fight On to victory!
Fight On!

I think the 135 would win in those situations Suby, but I think it would be damn close (as in, within the margin of a good or mediocre driver). The 135 is a little lighter, a little more balanced, and has less drivetrain sap, more predictable power, and on a track the launch advantage would be lost by the STI.
 
But again, damn close.
 
And, of course, edmunds is required by law to conduct such a test.
 
Joe

Refinement of a John Deere? What's wrong with John Deere? They make great products.
 
I see that as a compliment. :)

I think the STi and 135i will be pretty even in SOW. Haven't been to Buttonwillow yet so I really can't comment on that.
 
If I want a dedicated track car I wouldn't pick 135i, a low mileage E46 M3 would be a better choice. Take everyday driving and practicality into consideration then the STi wins hands down. I wouldn't mind to own one myself if the dash (especially center stack) isn't so ugly.
 
The bottom line is, IMO the 135i virtually has no advantage in any of the situations (DD or track/weekend fun car).

Loren,
Stop clouding this debate with facts!
For arguments' sake, let's say the perf #s are super close. Then what you're left with is build quality, fit/finish, refinement. Then the econobox roots of the Subie are it's downfall.
C'mon man, $40K?!!!!

"This is making the $40K price tag for this hopped up econo box seem more and more ridiculous.
And it's making the BMW 135i seem like a screaming deal.."
 
But the 135i is even uglier and has the same numb steering and soft chassis. See the new SCI.

desmolicious
 
Have you even been in a new STI? It sure doesn't sound like it by your comments.
 
If you have, you must be seeing things I sure don't see. The build quality, fit and finish are just fine IMO.

I've been in both cars, and the win easily goes to the BMW. The Subaru's interior is excellent when it's being sold as a sub-$20k runaround, but up against the 1-series, it really is no contest. Despite the disadvantage in practicality, the BMW is the one I'd have.

Never said the BMW wasn't better. I'm just saying the STI is no way as bad as some say it is.
 
Then there is that pesky item you mention about the 135i's "practaclity," or lack there of...

Brutality - is that a good thing in a car? I say no. I'll take my refinement and pleasure sans perversion thanks.

W/ re. to the Subie's acceleration times, it was mentioned that getting them required being brutal with the car.
A more accurate/real life number would be the 5-60mph times. I bet the 135 would smoke the Subie on that. Anyone got those times?

I reference it to John Deere as the mating between the engine/trans/drivetrain in most Subarus is agricultural, but rugged. It was not an insult to John Deere :)
 
Of course, I am bissed right now.
 
My Legacy GT is breaking-in and it's roughness is decreasing everytime I drive it.
 
Joe

I agree with firstwagon - especially in the snow/gravel department. The comparisons are meaningless when you are on ice and in blinding snow and trying to get around a semi, or on a gravel (or gravel/snowcovered) forestry road. As a matter of fact, I've never seen a 135 on a gravel road or in winter driving - where are they? I'd rather be slamming the gears in the Subaru. Image is nothing over functionality in these conditions.
 
I think a good test would be to take both of them through Rogers Pass in Canada in mid winter. Chances are you might not make it in the 135 though.

Well, you likely wouldn't make in the STI either, as it comes with summer tires standard. Put some proper winter rubber on it and I would agree.

I'm just curious why everyone refers to the STI as a $40k car. Does everyone always refer to the price of a fully loaded model as the cars price? Also just to throw it out there the local dealership here is asking about $2k below msrp to start with, admittedly I have no idea what the 135i's are going for.

I think its amazing that cars so different in execution and mechanical layout ETC ETC can be almost exact regarding paper performance.

FWIW, more base model STIs (MSRP ~$35K - the key words there are MSRP, not what people are actually paying) seem to be selling in maybe a 2:1 ratio compared to the navi/BBS models on NASIOC.
 
Would someone please share with us what most 1ers are retailing for?

forget the STI or 135i, i'll take a Cobalt SS and run them both off the track for over $10k less.

Is that pic from the overlook on the Topanga side of where Stunt, Schueren, and Saddle Peak roads intersect?
 
Here: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=34.08086,-118.642173&spn=0.003737,0.005933&t=h&z=18
 
??

plazomatic: This photo was taken with a hand-held digital camera, so I was actually on Stunt, a few curves south of the overlook.

"I think a good test would be to take both of them through Rogers Pass in Canada in mid winter. Chances are you might not make it in the 135 though."
 
Why is that a good test? These are sports cars not Jeeps..
How about any windy paved road? Ya know, where 99.9% of the owners actually drive ...

"Why is that a good test? These are sports cars not Jeeps.. "
 
Because it's not always summer it's nice to have a car that's always great, not just great half the year.
 
BTW 99.9% of owners spend most of their time driving in a straight line in traffic.... not on this mythical "winding road".
 
I still want to see a race on a track (you know... for bragging rights).
 
Subaru will win.