Originally Posted By: Pablo
WRX Limited 5dr ordered. Satin Pearl.
Estimated January 2014 delivery.
NICE! Excellent choice! I didn't see this thread until after you made your decision but if I had, I would've put my 2c in to say that the WRX on its own is plenty satisfying and IMO the extra $$ for the STI is not necessarily worth it for a daily driver unless, like gathermewool, the circumstances of the purchase are considerably different from "normal".
Great color, too.
I would recommend you get the STI short throw shifter option (port installed IIRC) if you can!
Originally Posted By: dparm
If you don't get the STI, you will always be subconsciously saying "I should've gotten the STI". In other words: go big or go home (assuming you can afford to do so).
I think this is true of some vehicles, but I can honestly say that since I bought my WRX (a 2011 5 door) I have not once regretted not getting the STI. My car is a daily driver, not a track car, which is an important consideration here (since as has been mentioned the STI has beefier transmission and suspension). When I was deciding what the buy, the following were points for the WRX over the STI (which may or may not apply in any given situation):
- STI requires 93 octane for full power, which I can't get around here anyway.
- WRX has 17" wheels with slightly taller sidewalls making slightly better ride and durability as well as lower cost tires (although not sure how much .. I may be wrong on the cost).
- 5 speed transmission is just fine and IMO shifts really nicely with good gear spacing.
- It's a little lighter weight.
- Intercooler shape means the transmission dipstick is more accessible. Does the STI even have a dipstick on the trans? (LOL! This one is kind of a joke. Kind of.).
- I'm not in an area with "weather" so the DCCD isn't really an asset, although the rear bias and LSDs are nice.
- The suspension tuning is actually pretty nice. Stiff enough but not painful in real world driving. I honestly don't think the WRX rides any worse than most other compacts.
The WRX pulls plenty hard and the 50/50 torque split simple, mechanical AWD setup does mean that adding throttle around turns feels good, despite the front-heavy (understeer prone) Subaru drivetrain layout.
I've been very happy with my WRX. I think it's a great mix of performance and practicality, is enjoyable to own, and it's rough and "pedestrian" enough that I don't feel bad about putting the miles on it, getting it dirty, or any of that (in other words: driving and enjoying it). Just a great package overall.
Oh, and oil changes are pretty easy too!