Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Subaru WRX STI

[Autos_Editor]

It ain't subtle, but with the WRX STI it's all about the chassis and the drivetrain.

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[JohnnyMac]

Well one things for sure, this is one beast on the track and a performance stud.  That being said, the compromise you need to make in order to have such performance is just too much for me to consider this.  Maybe the next generation will be better, at least we know the interior will be better because it is pretty much impossible to get worse.  I think for around the same money I'd be getting the VW Golf R, especially when the next version comes out with comprobable power and performace to this STI.

[redman]

I like this car or should say I liked this car. The problem I have with it is that it just looks so outdated both inside and out. Subaru really needs to do what Mazda has done and adopt a new progressive design style encompassing both interior and exterior changes.

[ChaosphereIX]

I resepct this car's capability, I really do. Man is it quick, and it sounds great when you are not just cruising - then it is annoying.

But the interior is a real let down, as always. Also, I dont know if I could live with those looks. Better than the late 2000s, but not a nice as the 2004-5 model year by far.

An ugly track toy...

[Threader]

Good move by author to not post test drive fuel economy numbers.

I traded in a 2001 Elantra for my 2008 so believe me the interior and accommodations of the STI were truly a huge upgrade.

Also the suspension on the 2008-2009 is softer than it is on the newer models. This I have not touched as I only drag race and do not track. I am rewarded of this every time I drive on Quebec's terrible roads.

Looking forward to seeing and reading about the next generation WRX and STI 

[ChaosphereIX]

Why do people keep saying it's good on the track? It's terrible on the track unless it has mods. Then it is fantastic.

I think it looks great. Interior needs improvement.

if it is not good on the track, then what is is good for? Drifiting around on snow covered roads once or twice a year? There are better cars for that that you can live with the rest of the time.

I have seen ones do well on a track [the one time I went heh] but yes indeed they were modded [bugeye 2002 I believe].

[mixmanmash]

Why do people keep saying it's good on the track? It's terrible on the track unless it has mods. Then it is fantastic.

I think it looks great. Interior needs improvement.

Agreed.  It's more setup as a rally car than a 1/4 miler or road course car.  That said, because of the initial traction it gains, it does pretty decent on the 1/4 mile.

The one thing I found with these is up top (higher speeds), they kind of fall flat on their face.  I've had no problem catching up to and passing STIs on a road course.  But I have been schooled by them in an auto-x because of their traction mostly.  But then, stockish Miatas have schooled STIs at the auto-x too.

[johngenx]

The STi is an extremely entertaining road car.  It hooks up like mad and can rip off some startling 0-100km/h times thanks to the AWD, and with the DCCD it can be drifted through on ramps with the driver laughing insanely all the way.  It's not precise enough to post really low lap times (it's not slow, but it's a blunt weapon) but on a twisty road, it can be a lot of fun to drive.

And yes, they are an amazing base to build upon.  Chose your mods wisely and you can build a pretty hot car for not a lot of money.

[johngenx]

I think this particular test sums it up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORmy3q8ctL4

The STi is fast, but with near equal specs to the BMW, it's still slower on the track.  The Subaru puts the power down, but the chassis is not as composed and precise.  Even on the corners where they drift the BMW, it snaps back in line, where the STi takes more time to regain complete control.

I love driving the STi, and would love to own one.  It's a ton of fun, and can be driven on the edge all year around.  While the RWD cars might be fun in the winter, they're restricted to city use and are dog slow in the snow compared to the rally-bred Subaru.  The poor-traction-road performance is due in many ways to the lack of track ability of the Scoob.  The softer suspension and lazier steering are great on gravel, rough bits, and snow.

[Noto]

I'll agree that this car, though loved by many, is not what it could be in this day and age.  Subaru is always known to be about 5 years behind its competitors.

I'll repeat myself over and over again until I get what I want - that lil' SI control knob, PUT IT IN THE NEW FORESTER XT!  It's already got the SI drive (albeit a crappier version thereof), but buttons are far less useful than a knob you can use to default to S#!

...and a 305hp variant of the FA20 would be lovely in the Forester XT too.

[nlm]

A couple of personal beefs with the article:
1.) SI drive is not exclusive to the STi. Unless this one is different than the other SI systems?
2.) Not aurally pleasing!?! To me the distinctive burble is one of the best sounds on the road.

The only mods I would consider is suspension and tires so that it would be more compliant on public Quebec and gravel/dirt roads, where it is meant to shine first and foremost IMO. I wouldn't track it, but I would take it on the back, back roads. 245/40/18!?! that's almost the same profile of a mid-90s Mustang GT, but even thinner!!!

[Snowman]

Clicky...

[Threader]

SnowMan, your vidclip doesn't sound like a stock exhaust but much better! I know my stock exhaust was depressingly quiet. I had to wait a year to save the coin for a full turboback exhaust from Perrin.

[Fobroader]

Still one of my bucket list cars. Easily one of the most fun ways to get 4 people around without breaking the bank. Dont know why you would leave it stock......

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I want a CrossTrek STi.

[rrocket]

I want a CrossTrek STi.

With CVT?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I want a CrossTrek STi.

With CVT?

 

[Threader]

I want a CrossTrek STi.

With CVT?

Oh God forbid  One of the great things about the 6 speed manual transmission used in the WRX STI is its dependability history with power upgrades. My engine output has been at over 450HP these last two years without trans issues.

CVT not a chance in hell. It would melt down.

[rrocket]

I want a CrossTrek STi.

With CVT?

Oh God forbid  One of the great things about the 6 speed manual transmission used in the WRX STI is its dependability history with power upgrades. My engine output has been at over 450HP these last two years without trans issues.

CVT not a chance in hell. It would melt down.

I am well aware.

I said CVT as Sir Osis owns a Subaru with CVT

[alexdc]

the best is to come. With a car like the BRZ and toyota's money it can only get better