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

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.

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.

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.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=91845&page=9

+ about 20 more on the subject.

Whichever path you choose OP, just make sure you don't try to "multi-task" in a manual.

Those look like all the wrong reasons to get a WRX/STI tbh.

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.

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.

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.

Just realized TCoat already posted the link to the thread:D