Recently, I got back into our 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI for a night. It felt like forever since I'd driven it. Somehow how this car always gets picked before both of our Lancer Evolutions. I can understand not wanting to commute in the GSR, but the MR? That's supposed to be the GT of Evos, and it basically has an automatic transmission.
Whether it's our STI's more compliant suspension, its roomy hatch area (unobstructed by subwoofers), its less confining front seats or its better fuel range, this car is a favorite among the parents on staff, particularly now that we have fewer SUVs in the fleet. I found a booster seat installed in the backseat.
I hopped on the freeway, and the ride quality does feel more relaxed than even our 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution MR. The STI feels a little less reactive to steering inputs, too. This can make it less exciting to drive, but it also makes it easier to settle back and cruise to your destination -- a terrible thing to suggest, but everybody gets tired now and then.
Still, there's a solidity that comes with the MR's porkiness (3,658 pounds) that I sort of miss in the Subaru, which weighs 300 lbs less. But I don't want to be an advocate for ballooning curb weights, so forget I said that.
I'm also not sure the STI is any quieter than the MR. There's still plenty of road noise, an assortment of driveline sounds and at least one rattle coming from the open hatch area.
For my personal use, I don't think the STI has an advantage over the MR as a daily driver. But I can certainly understand why others would prefer the Subie.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 17,409 miles
dougtheeng says:
01:31 PM, 01/ 8/09
I love that its a hatch, but I think the EVO's are better looking vehicles hands down. Subaru has been going off the deep end with some of their designs as of late. When they re-do the WRX/STI to look a little less ugly, I'd definitely consider it.
felonious says:
01:40 PM, 01/ 8/09
The US STi has always been the choice for real world daily driver over the US Evo. It gives up a bit of the Evo's sheer performance to be a bit more civil and upscale. That's why I chose an 04 STi over an 04 Evo - nicer interior and a less punishing ride with 95% of the performance.
The new generation of STIs and Evos widen that gap even more, with the STI's hatchback utility vs the Evo's Miata-trunk. The STI also has a far better interior than the Evo.
With that said, if I were buying a single daily driver, I'd probably go STI. But if I were buying a second car just for fun, it'd be Evo GSR all the way.
sabastian says:
02:11 PM, 01/ 8/09
"There's still plenty of road noise, an assortment of driveline sounds and at least one rattle coming from the open hatch area."
Interesting comment on the driveline sounds. Every Subaru I've ever driven has felt very agricultural in that respect. In a way though, if they became more refined, they'd lose that bit of character.
ahightower says:
02:13 PM, 01/ 8/09
If I wanted to cruise, I'd get a regular WRX. Or a Cadillac. If I wanted to kick ass, I'd get the Evo.
huyracing says:
02:38 PM, 01/ 8/09
That is how its always been... the EVO is precise and sharp... where the STI is softer and more relaxed. I've even heard STI owners say the EVO is scary because they have never driven a car with such a quick steering rack.
It is understandable though. Similar to my decision between the Mini Cooper S vs VW GTI. The quick steering and bouncy ride would be tolerable if I had intended to race the car, but the GTI is more relaxed yet just as capable.
I have to say though that I always miss the quick steering any time the roads get twisty... but on my daily commute, I could not care less. After experiencing race cars where you'll cross 4 lanes if you sneeze, i'd just rather drive in comfort.
huyracing says:
02:39 PM, 01/ 8/09
on a race track, its a whole different story though!
misterfusion says:
03:42 PM, 01/ 8/09
+1 to Huyracing. "I'd just rather drive in comfort" has become my mantra of late.
If I were to be placed behind the wheel of a GSR, I'm afraid I would sound like some character from a buddy-cop movie: "I'm gettin' too old for this sh**!"
subytrojan says:
04:32 PM, 01/ 8/09
^ Danny Glover - Detective/Capt. Murtaugh (sp.?) in Lethal Weapon
lazyhater says:
04:43 PM, 01/ 8/09
Solidity feeling don't have anything to do with weight, it all depends on the suspension tuning and chassis rigidity.
A 6000 lbs Escalade "feels" less solid then a 1400 lbs Ariel Atom.
s197gt says:
06:26 PM, 01/ 8/09
"Solidity feeling don't have anything to do with weight, it all depends on the suspension tuning and chassis rigidity."
that's an absurd statement and an invalid argument.
i give one manufacturer 1k lbs of steel and another 1.5k lbs of steel, all else being equal, manufacturer #2 comes up with a more "solid" chassis.
anyone can compare apples and oranges to prove a point.
in any case, erin might have been better served to use the word "substantialness".
rsholland says:
06:36 PM, 01/ 8/09
As a do-it-all-only-sporty-car-in-my-garage-vehicle, the STI—better still, the '09 WRX—is the only way to go.
The EVO is for weekends. The STI/WRX are for Mondays through Fridays. I'll pick a 5-day car over a 2-day car any time.
rsholland says:
06:50 PM, 01/ 8/09
the other thing—and Erin sort of alluded to it—is that the STI (and WRX) take a little time to really get to know and to appreciate. They are not "one-night-stand" cars. There's a real beauty and love here for those who prefer a long-term relationship over a quick roll in the hay.
cx7lover says:
07:49 PM, 01/ 8/09
09 WRX? Hope you love spun rod bearings.
Anywayyyyyyyyyyy, The EVO with it's transmission completely lures me in. I can accept the interior for what it is. Insanely cheap in most places.
misterscoopman says:
09:53 PM, 01/ 8/09
With about $120 in Whiteline Steering Rack Bushings (inclu install at my local tuner shop) my steering rack mushiness complaints were alleviated with my STI.
The rack itself still isn't probably as fast as the EVO, but steering inputs I make are more precise, and feedback is more communicative.
Why don't you guys try this with your STI?
Eddie1971 says:
08:58 AM, 01/ 9/09
I drove the EVO and STI and got the STI. The STI is a better long term car to own. Mitsus don't hold up as well as Subarus. Plus, the STI is meant to throw around. As one other car writer said to the effect "grab it by the back of the neck and toss". Being a rally car, the STI is closer to it's roots with the way it handles. Another big plus for me is the cruising behavior on the highway...the Evo GSR was screaming at 60 mph, the STI is much better..90 g's in a turn isn't too shabby either....and that's the only place where the EVO has a distinct advantage pulling .99 - 1.00.
joefrompa says:
10:44 AM, 01/ 9/09
I'm going to pick the 2010/2011 Subaru Legacy GT STI Wagon 6-speed, with 320 HP/tq and a great all wheel drive system for $34k, over all the others.
Now, I just invented that vehicle. But since we're all talking about what we'd take, I thought I'd jump in :)
In all seriousness, Subaru is a great manufacturer with a prety interesting niche and their vehicles tend to find a great line with road feel, steering feel, etc.
Their drivetrains tend to be rough. I think they'll find a way to fix that, since they are moving more upstream.
It'll be good to see what the new Legacy offers, as it's in a unique sports sedan place to offer great performance, great options and interior, at a respectable price.
Joe
tsy says:
04:55 PM, 01/ 9/09
It's a never ending epic battle between good and evil, East vs West, STi vs Evo, Mercedes vs BMW, Ford vs Chevy, Coke vs Pepsi.
There will always be people on both sides simply arguing preference. Do I want a track star or a daily driver that's fast and fun without causing me to herniate a disk.
I think with some tuning yes an STi would be the equal of the Evo on the track. But there is no way an Evo will ever be as practical as the STi on a day to day basis, which is what ultimately won me over to the STi. It's just a better all around car.
If I wanted a purely track car I wouldn't buy either. But this of course, is just preference. :)
kyolml says:
07:20 PM, 01/ 9/09
For the U.S., we never got the same specs of JDM Spec C STI, which in my opinion is as tight as any EVOs in the past. It has the 8K redline and better suspension. Hope the next STI spec C will be here though...