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Experience switching to a WRX/WRX STI
Hi,
I was just wondering if there's anyone here, not married, who has driven both the 2015 WRX and the WRX STi as a daily driver. I was contemplating making the switch for 2 reasons: 1. Want to switch from A/T to M/T 2. It seems like a good time to make the change for more power P.S. reason why I stated not married, is because practicality isn't that big of an issue right now for me. Apart from fitting in my snowboard or sometimes friends, it's not the deal breaker. Also, I know there are forums for this already. I ask specifically for the 2015 model. The 2015 wrx has a new engine. |
Wish I had 4 wheel drive so I could take my car to go snowboarding. Tis the season
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I traded my 13 frs in and now have a 2016 wrx DGM 6mt. What do you want to know? While I miss the FRS at times, I have no regrets. They are both awesome cars for what they are made to do.
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Just wanted to know how well are you liking it in terms of gear changes, higher seating position. I heard the clutch was heavier on this. I liked the frs a lot, but I think because of the A/T I haven't fallen in love with it.
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I have a 2013 BRZ and had a 2014 STi.
I bought the STi when I thought I needed AWD, more power, and a sedan. The STi was pretty slow in stock form, the ability to mod it sucked, working on it sucked, it handled like a turd compared to the BRZ, overall just wasnt for me. It was a ton of fun in the snow and rain, but that was about it. If it was a $20K used car I would have likely had a much different opinion of it, but for the price new it was not worth having. It was also a gas guzzler, especially on e85. If I were buying new right now, it would be the WRX over the STI. No more shitty EJ engine, and the new FA responds well to mods. |
I had a WRX.
Went to a Fr-s for a reason... and I don't look back on my decision. If I needed to get a car for snow/ with AWD I would get a much earlier version of the impreza. Such as maybe a 2000 impreza outback sport. And you can pick them up for relatively cheap (2k-5k) I also really like the new Subaru Crosstrek, got to sit in one at the SF Auto Show on Saturday and it was a really nice car. Just havent been able to go down to a subaru to drive one. |
Pros:
Very easily modified to make great hp with little investment. I'm talking near 300whp on 93 with just a tune, and 350whp on e85 bone stock with a tune. Very roomy, feels slightly more luxurious. Clutch feel is worlds better than the 86 in my opinion, although the spring removal might make them close in that aspect. AWD is great Probably one of the best bang for your buck cars out right now. conservative, somewhat professional look. Con's Heavier than the 86 Seating position leaves much to be desired but you get use to it fairly quickly. The initial switch is a shock however. Shifter feel leaves much to be desired, this can be improved greatly with some minor mods. Looks are subjective of course but there is no denying that the 86 is the better looking car. Along these same lines sometimes it feels like you are driving a sedan more than a sports car. |
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Whichever path you choose OP, just make sure you don't try to "multi-task" in a manual.
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I'm only saying this because I'm guessing you want M/T over A/T to feel more involved. The BRZ/FR-S are much, much more driver oriented experiences. Honestly speaking, a WRX/STI feel somewhat close to a normal sedan, just with more "go". If you needed or wanted 4 door utility and the ability to drive in snow easier, then yeah, the WRX/STI is a good idea. If you just want more power, but still the same kind of driving feeling oriented car, a good step up is the bmw 235M. |
It snowed a bit here yesterday and my back slipped out slightly a couple of times. Gotta say it's immense fun driving the frs now. And you made a good point with the 235M. I didn't even think of german cars around the same price.
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The cars are very different (BRZ/WRX). I would test drive the new WRX and see for yourself. It really depends on what you want but there are pros and cons to each car. I would not get an STI unless you track the car a lot, the WRX is a better daily driver.
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I've driven both, and have personally made the switch from the FRS to the '16 STI.
I did a thread on my experience/comparison between the 3 vehicles here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91845 I'm pretty blunt and honest when it comes to my opinions and overall thoughts. So, if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask or PM me directly and I'll be happy to answer. |
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Finally drove a WRX turbo! (FA20!)
Here's what I found out: 1) I felt like the driving position reminded me of our old Ford (POS) Windstar van. I'm used to sitting flat and straight in the FRS. 2) Just as loud inside as in the FRS under 50-80mph 3) Power IMO was everywhere vs the FRS. 4) Gears felt sluggish and sticky kinda too 'mechanical...' 5) Amazing handling but in times felt like I was driving a long car (like a school bus) 6) Clutch (OEM) was a ton better than the FRS (OEM) 7) All around more comfy and although i prefer seats that hug me, these are softer on my butt 8) MPG in town is 1mpg better (22 city miles ran @ 24mpg) HWY is less (72 miles of HWY non CC) 9) I enjoyed the power more on the WRX, Seats etc... but would not trade it in. I give the WRX a 8-8.5/10 overall for a single guy owner. FRS 7.5-8/10 These were my findings IMO If I had a family I would get a WRX. |
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WRX is more comfy/power; Brz is kind opposite.
But WRX isn't a tuners car like twins. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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Experience switching to a WRX/WRX STI
WRX isn't as much of a tuner's car thou, in essence you are not going to buy an WRX or STI & replace "everything" with aftermarket parts like frs & brz.
How about stop picking on words & look @ a total picture? Is bickering gonna do you anything in a constructive manner *I have been a Impreza fan since colin mcrae times if that means anything, I wouldn't classify WRX as an tuners car like Silvia or the twins thou. It's on a different scale. & yes no matter what you do, you are not gonna have another Impreza as good as the rally legend. Doesn't matter you give it another extra 300 hp or not. Then again, I don't like the new WRXs the same way as the old ones. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
I'm really not sure what a tuner car is to you.
The WRX / STI is a good base to build and to change things on.... and I feel like that is much more prevalent than the FRS / BRZ. |
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Sorry, I guess I was asleep when I made 1st post. I meant in a comparison to twins/siliva/S2k/RX7/NSX/GTR/Zs.. OK cut it easy, if you watch a hot version video today & title is Tuner battle. WRX/EVO isn't likely to be in it. They are in Touge rally & other sections most of time. |
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(PS: If you think what I thought is bizzare maybe it is. PSPS: I literally eats rice everyday. #eatsleepjdm) |
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Now "ricer" is a whole different story... |
The word "tuner" isn't really used as much in the import world anymore...
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I expect a shitload of cards and presents come Father's Day. |
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[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t562L6n4Lu4"]Star Wars The Force Awakens International Trailer #1 - YouTube[/ame] |
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Am I in the Stars Wars Football thread?
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Honestly, they're both "tuner" vehicles.
People just modify them for different things. A large majority of WRX/STI owners seem to build their cars for either hard parking, roll racing their friends on the highway, and auto-x. There's a few that do the track events, but not quite that many. The FRS/BRZ guys seem to build there's more for hard parking/auto-x/track days based on what I've seen on the forums here. If you look at it though, a lot of the modifications are the same. Intake, exhaust, tuning, coilovers, lip kit, wheels, tires, etc. A lot of the parts are even from the same manufactures between the two. They're both good cars, they're just focused on doing different things. To me, if the only reason somebody wants to trade their FRS in is because of the power, I'd say keep the FRS and add the power. The car will come alive. The only reason I'd really cnosider ditching the FRS/BRZ for a WRX/STI is if I wanted the extra space, doors, AWD, usability and practicality for an every day driver. If I didn't care about any of that, I would still have my FRS most likely. |
I have a brz and a good friend has a 2015 wrx.
We swap cars occasionally and I know I wouldn't switch to the wrx unless I needed the utility. IMO, seating position (and seats) are much better on the brz and the tranny is much tighter in comparison to the wrx. It makes the drives much more enjoyable. If one of your main reasons is wanting to switch to M/T, I would suggest you try to test drive a M/T twin and a M/T wrx. |
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