Any of you convert from a WRX?

[newports]

Sup guys

so for a long time I had my sights on the frs amd doing a lot of research on it. But now I'm wondering if I should go for a 2014 wrx instead. Not STI but just WRX.

where I live it snows a lot and obviously the AWD would be a good advantage and I honestly wouldn't mind the turbo plus the added power.

anyways, for those who went to a subaru wrx/sti or converted to an frs....what are the pros and cons?

Did you like the frs more than the wrx/sti?

Help me out thanks

[stock]

Just remember, if you get the WRX. It will not snow at all next season. Just be aware.

[JSanders]

We don't get snow in SC so this my not be of much help buuuut... I came from a mildly modded 04 STi and while I do miss the power sometimes, the lightweight, nimbleness of the FR-S makes me forget the power difference altogether. As I've been getting more comfortable with the AWD-RWD transfer, I've been pushing the car harder. Through several of my favorite corners around my city I can typically enter and exit the corners at easily 7-10 mph faster than the STi. I love the FR-S and if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing. Hope this helps!

[JSanders]

Gas mileage increase by about 10mpg without even driving it easy is a huge plus also!

[DarkSunrise]

I used to own an STI hatch.

FR-S Pros: FR-S is much more agile and lightweight, more neutral handling balance and rotation, offers better feedback, has a quicker and more direct steering rack, better throttle response, better seating position, better seats, easier shifter, better gas mileage, and looks better IMO. Also consummables are cheaper (tires, brakes, etc.)

STI Pros: STI has amazing traction off the line, much more power and midrange torque, feels like a tank through unplowed snow (and rain/dirt), seats five comfortably + luggage, good amount of cargo space, better engine note, and is easily modded for power (300 whp with TBE + tune). The practical sports car.

Personally I like the FR-S more because it's more fun to drive, but if you get a lot of snow in your area, the WRX or STI would be a good choice as well. I would personally look into the new WRXs as they're supposed to be a huge upgrade over the outgoing models. Could be the best of both worlds.

BTW we had about 6" of snow here yesterday. The FR-S is quite fun in the powder, as was the STI.

[cnk]

LOL. . .you're in NJ like me. It does not snow a lot. . this winter has been an anomaly. I had a 02 WRX for 10 years before selling it and getting a BRZ. Put some winter tires/rims on it and I've been fine. Will it move like an AWD vehicle in snow/ice, of course not, but it's still doable. We have folks up in Canada on this board that get significantly more snow than we do and they are doing just fine.

In the end, you're comparing 2 different types of cars. Sedan vs coupe, turbo vs NA, AWD vs RWD. Best thing for you to do is to test drive both and pick the one you like best. My biggest complaint with my WRX was that the steering always felt a bit delayed and that was with coilovers, strut bars, sways, steering bushings, and a smaller diameter steering wheel. The BRZ felt like it was on rails and handled so much better. The new WRX supposedly has improved the steering and handling immensely. The NA engine gives you smooth linear power, but the rush of a turbo will always put a smile on your face. But the twins just feel more agile in the corners and the weight differential makes a difference between the two as well. You see lots of folks in NJ with RWD cars in the winter without issues. Just drive smart and don't be reckless and you'll be fine.

[Rayme]

One of the biggest drawback of the WRX on a daily basis is how much of a fuel hog it is. It has terrible fuel econony, I had a 2.0 wrx in the winter that average 15 mpg. However the power is great, 4 doors is quite practical and they just look mean with that little functional hood scoop. The noise the car make is great also!

I miss the car but the FRS is much more fun to drive in my opinion.

[serith]

Just remember that AWD will get you going in the snow, but will do nothing to help you stop or corner--that's all in the tire. With either car you should definitely invest in dedicated snow tires and mount them on some steel rims. This will turn the WRX into an unstoppable force, and will remove the butt-puckering from driving a RWD car in the snow.

[thill]

I am averaging right at 21mpg in my WRX in the winter here (which is brutal on MPG) and I drive spiritedly. I was averaging 26.5mpg in my BRZ, so I estimate about a 5mpg difference, but I think it will closer to 3mpg difference once summer hits and my WRX is broken-in.

As mentioned above the two cars are quite different from each other:
- WRX pro is AWD, actual seating for people in the back seats, more power, more of a practical daily driver, they hold their value very well (at least here in Minnesota).

- BRZ pros, better handling, better seating position, more of a pure drivers car, better MPG.

If you plan on having people (even kids) in the back of your car I would say get a WRX. I think you will be fine in NJ with a BRZ in the snow as long as you get some dedicated snow tires (although you have to get better tires on the WRX as well since they are summers). The WRX will handle snow and rain better, but I never had issues with the BRZ unless we got more than 8". That said, the WRX is a lot more confidence inspiring in the snow and rain

You may want to checkout the 2015 WRX. They are hitting dealer lots in April and the handling and interior are improved. On the downside, no more hatch, just sedan only.

You really should drive both vehicles back to back and go into the test drives with an open mind and a list of priorities in what you want from your next car. I loved my BRZ and miss it, but it was not practical once I needed to use my car more to haul kids.

[fatoni]

there is no doubt that the wrx is a lot more car for the money. the issue is that the values are weighted differently for each person. find out how important certain qualities of a car are for you and see which one provides the most value for your personal decision

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by serith

Just remember that AWD will get you going in the snow, but will do nothing to help you stop or corner--that's all in the tire. With either car you should definitely invest in dedicated snow tires and mount them on some steel rims. This will turn the WRX into an unstoppable force, and will remove the butt-puckering from driving a RWD car in the snow.

I have FWD, AWD and RWD in my household, and I can assure you AWD does help you corner in snow.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by shu5892001

I have FWD, AWD and RWD in my household, and I can assure you AWD does help you corner in snow.

and youre sure it isnt one of the other million things different about your cars? i own a mazdaspeed protege and an ls430 and i can assure you fwd outhandles rwd

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by fatoni

and youre sure it isnt one of the other million things different about your cars? i own a mazdaspeed protege and an ls430 and i can assure you fwd outhandles rwd

If you know how to use it properly, AWD definitely helps you corner in the snow. It doesn't make you invincible, but having all 4 tires pulling you out of a corner or a slide can make a huge difference. It also lets you get on the power a bit more during the corner without worrying about understeering into a curb (FWD) or sliding backwards into a curb (RWD). Yes, you can still screw it up, but it takes significantly more effort.

Stopping, on the other hand, is where you really want good snow tires. Nothing else really helps much, regardless of the car.

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by fatoni

and youre sure it isnt one of the other million things different about your cars? i own a mazdaspeed protege and an ls430 and i can assure you fwd outhandles rwd

um no, I was referring to FRS/M3 compared with a Toyota Sienna AWD [not even a good system]. Having 4 wheels pull you out of a sliding corner is much better than 2.