FR-S/BRZ VS. Impreza 2.5RS

[Alex]

Lets compare the BRZ, Subaru's newest N/A coupe with Subaru's last N/A coupe(although it came in sedan as well) released in the US, the Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. I thought it would be entertaining to compare the two. I have a 2.5RS and it's and excellent car and waiting for the BRZ. Besides apart from AWD and RWD, the two seem to be very similar.



Toyota FR-S/Subaru BRZ Specs:
Horsepower: 200 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 151 ft-lbs. @ 6600 rpm
Curb weight: 2706 lbs.
Length: 166.9 in.
Height: 50.6 in.
Width: 101.2 in.
Wheel base: 101.2 in.
Layout: RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed

VS.



Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Specs:
Horsepower: 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 162 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
Curb weight: 2825 lbs.
Length: 172.2 in.
Height: 55.5 in.
Width: 67.1 in.
Wheel base: 99.2 in.
Layout: AWD
Transmission: 5-Speed

[station2station]

You own both. How do they compare in feel and excitement? How can you define "similar" ? Like in power? Handling?

My 2.5RS is "built"
SRS19 running 93, Full exhaust and hi-flow at and cold air style duct into torque box.
Plus full suspension and bushings.
http://station2stationautoblog.blogs...at-put-me.html
http://station2stationautoblog.blogs...012/07/so.html

I notice yours is a unicorn, so that is the DOHC correct?

[Tanuki]

I owned a 2.5 last year. Power is similar, but that's about it. I personally think the driving experience is pretty different, though I can see a few similarities.

[registered4this]

I have an 01 RS coupe with 120k miles and a 99 Miata with 45k....haven't gotten to test drive an 86 yet.

If I go right from the Miata to the Impreza, the Impreza feels like a pig. The Miata feels light and nimble, and seems to beg for you to bury the gas pedal. Of course, the RS feels torquey down low, while the Miata sort of needs to be wound up. Comparing both to modern A-to-B cars, both feel much more mechanical.

Of course, the RS is a lot sportier feeling than many other cars, which is obvious when I go from a rental to my RS.

The RS is bit loud inside and has developed some rattles over the years, but is still more comfortable than the miata, which has a lot of wind noise with the top up - too much, imo, for it to be my daily driver.

I'm assuming the Miata vs RS comparison is similar to the 86 vs RS comparison, except the 86 gains practicality (fold down rear seats) and chassis rigidity with the fixed roof, while losing the top down fun. I'm probably selling the Miata for a BRZ, and debating whether or not to keep the RS. RS doesn't have fold down rear seats, which has always bugged me.

[7thgear]

ive owned a 2001 RS with stock power but upgraded suspension for the last 3 years before i dumped it like a sack of potatoes for the FRS

stock for stock, there is no comparison, the FRS is better, period.

[BioRage]

Those RS's are my favorite.

Drop an USDM STi Motor, and you are good to go!

[Turbowned]

My friend John has had two 2.5RS's, a 2000 and a 2001, both sedans. He ran the first one in auto-x with coilovers, sway bars, lightweight flywheel, and exhaust. I co-drove a couple times and it was a lot of fun, albeit understeering quite a bit. The second one he has swapped a full '04 STi drivetrain, brakes, suspension, wheels, and dashboard into, and has added a turbo-back exhaust and custom ECU tune. It's super-quick! Makes over 350bhp and 380lb/ft of torque, and weighs just under 3100lbs. However being a 12-yr-old car it does show it's age; he does find himself frustrated with it often, and thinks about getting a BRZ to complement it someday. It still feels like a small car however; I remember when I had my S4 we switched cars and I was like "wow, my S4 is a real oinker compared to this!"

Our friend Roy demonstrating how the RSTi makes you feel:

[brz007]

Loved my 01 RS. I'll find some pics of it. It was great till some uninsured jackass ran a red and totaled it

[Turbowned]

That's what happened to John's first RS. He actually just completed the STi swap in that car two weeks prior and some 16-yr-old in a Jeep cut him off and totalled the car. Luckily the drivetrain was unharmed so he found the new RS and re-swapped everything. Quite an expensive ordeal, though.

[MattQ-WP]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Our friend Roy demonstrating how the RSTi makes you feel:

OMG!! A car that makes you feel like Ace Ventura! That's pretty cool!!