Throwing around an idea
 

I am still waiting for my BRZ, but keep thinking that maybe a WRX 5 door premium 2013 might be more what I might want. Anybody have some input. Could the WRX be as fun and exciting to drive as the BRZ? Can I save money on the STI and make the WRX as good as the STI without too much money?

sporty vs family
more fun vs more practical
IMHO

I just went through this debate. Even borrowed a 2012 WRX from a buddy that was on travel for two weeks. I loved the WRX. Then I test drove the FR-S for the 3rd time, this time more aggressively and realized I enjoyed it more. I ordered my FR-S two days later. In short, both are great choices, just very different.

My co-worker has a WRX with stg 2 tuning, intake, catless DP and few other goodies, nothing too crazy but a fun car. I loved driving it around and always thought it was a blast but wanted a BRZ anyway. Ive been driving my BRZ around for almost two months now and yesterday I went to drive his WRX again, its still a fun car speed wise, but it now feels to me like im driving a school bus due to much higher seating position, and around corners it just fails in comparison. Not to mention the 5speed trans in the WRX feels so sloppy compared to the 6speed in the twins, plus we get an extra gear!
He will beat me off the line, but the twins are WAAAAAY more fun to go on a spirited drive in.

Agreed absolutely... I have WRX wagon - fun but different than the BRZ.

Weren't you and I discussing these cars a couple of years back and you were the Negative Nancy? :D

I am waiting for the STI version... unless I get impatient and buy something else... .

No. Never talked about this car before. I have always loved the STI. Just expensive, that's all. This is my first forum for Subaru. When are you thinking you will see an STI, and for how much?

I won't consider the WRX as anything other than a joke until they get rid of that oldass 5 speed.

I don't think the WRX will ever stack up. You'd have to change a lot to replicate what the BRZ does. When I first bought the FR-S, I thought my WRX (with modified suspension) felt similar to the FR-S. After having driven the FR-S for a while now and driving the WRX again, it's really obvious how different they are in terms of feeling. Steering is so vague. Car is so big. Gearbox is so vague. Seating is so high. I could go on and on.

LOL hey Dave. Which cars the WRX or the BRZ? :) Both sold me in the recent months - I never write a car off in stone. Honestly I never liked the WRX until I drove a 2011+ model.

I am interested in both. I want to see the next-gen WRX STI and the inevitable BRZ STI.

My feedback, buy both lol

On serious side, they're both good. I've driven new WRX & it's pretty good for WRX. I was really surprised on their tq & suspension... For sec, I thought, I was driving a STI... just a fraction of second.

BRZ, it's a great car also. It's a "fun" in totally different level. Just can't take off the BIG smile off my face, every time I drive this car.

Both worth every penny... just which is more realistic to you on YOUR daily life? Hatch or coupe? AWD or RWD? 5 seats or 2.5 seats?

I think both are awesome cars, however the BRZ does give you much more sanctification when driving it. The WRX's feel too soft and numb for me to really enjoy them right out of the box, but the BRZ is just a bit too slow to enjoy right out of the box too, so it is a tough decision. Also I am sure you have considered this, but if you are looking at a brand new WRX, have you thought about a used STi? The steering is still a bit too soft for my tastes, but everything else on it feels great, the LSD's help give you that raw mechanical feel to the car like the BRZ has, and there is something about those front wheels just digging in and carrying you through the corner. I dunno.. haha I keep on going back in forth in my own head of what I would personally get, and it is not an easy decision. I would say the biggest factor is if you have kids, then in that case, WRX all the way. :)

Thanks,
Rick

Yes...............No.................

FWIW, I would not buy a 2012-2013 STi (assuming its unchanged as I have read). The WRX is as good in so many categories having raced the 08 STi vs the 12 WRX and driven both on the street. But there are amenity upgrades I don't like that others do like a sunroof. The base WRX which has everything I would want is selling for $25,500ish out the door. So the price to a premium BRZ is very similar so its just preference. In many ways the WRX is the better daily driver IMO, but the BRZ will be more fun outside of city limits and traffic or autocrossing.

You guys are all very helpful. Thanks a bunch!!

I'm trading my STi in for an FR-S, if that gives you any idea on just how great the FR-S is. Haha

Sounds like the BRZ is the car for me. I just want an all out fun car. It's my 3rd vehical, so practicality is not too important. But 4 seats are a must. Thanks again.

This spring I was having the same debate, and while both cars are fun, they are fundamentally different. While going back and forth between the 2, my son (an STI owner) offered this; "do you want a faster car or one that is more nimble and unique?". The avatar pic says it all.