Well it is a different animal
- On the plus side it feels really, really, fast after driving a BRZ for so many months. Feels faster than my 2.0T twin scroll Gencoupe as well by at least a second and actually feels faster to me than the 3.8 V6 Gencoupe going 0-60. This is my first AWD non-SUV vehicle and it is just planted around turns.
- AWD in Minnesota is really nice to have. With the Blizzak tires on it, there is nowhere I can't go
- I needed the practicality of the backseats and trunk space and that has been really nice already with the kids.
- The steering wheel controls are nice to have and the car is loads quieter inside.
- The WRX does not feel as heavy as it really is on the street.
- I do not miss the horrible touch screen radio in the BRZ..
On the downside:
- It is not as fun to drive around sharp corners as the BRZ. You can't really slide the rear end out like you can in the BRZ.
- I feel like I am sitting so much higher, well because I am. I miss the gocart feeling of the BRZ.
- The WRX understeer was something I am still adjusting to. I have to slow down on the corners and I am already looking at suspension mods to tighten things up (camber, sway bars, better tires, etc).
- If I don't get a speeding ticket soon it will be a miracle. I constantly find myself going 15mph over the speed limit without even trying in the WRX.
- Gas mileage in the WRX is going to be at least 5mpg worse than the BRZ and they both require premium.
- I miss the pushbutton start in the BRZ.
The FT86 is a very special platform. Lightweight RWD with low center of gravity is something no WRX can mimic, and I will really miss those attributes. The WRX is fun in other ways (power), but I won't lie, the BRZ is a more fun car to drive. I will miss it.
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