BRZ vs 2015 WRX STI

[thill]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

Not to talk poorly about the 2015 STI, as it's definitely a car that is greater than the sum of it's parts, but I highly doubt that.

The last WRX STI tested at VIR (Car & Driver's Lightning Laps), in 2011, recorded a lap time of 3:13.8. The V6 Mustang tested the same year turned a 3:12.5 (despite hitting it's speed limited) and the 5.0 (also tested that year) a 3:08.6.

Even if the new WRX STI were to be 4 seconds a lap faster (possible) the brand new GT is surely faster as well. Obviously this is just one instance, but it's important to note that all 3 cars were tested the same day.

I think what that shows is that the STI needs more power. If you look at some of the recent track tests, the 2015 STI really shines on shorter tracks with lots of turns. While other manufacturers have upped the hp/tq in their cars, Subaru has not done the same with the STI. Clearly Subaru addressed the chasis with the new STI, but not really the engine/power. Perhaps in the future with a new engine or if you modified the current platform for more power.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Motor Trend tested the 2015 STI against the M235i and CLA45 AMG, and while it won against those cars on the track...

Which to me is a truly impressive feat, since I recently got a chance to drive an M235i fairly hard, and it is a very good car. Easily the best handling BMW I've driven from the past couple of years (though I'll admit, I haven't driven a recent M3).

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by chrisl

Which to me is a truly impressive feat, since I recently got a chance to drive an M235i fairly hard, and it is a very good car. Easily the best handling BMW I've driven from the past couple of years (though I'll admit, I haven't driven a recent M3).

Agree it is definitely an impressive feat. But not ground-breaking, which it would have to be to take down something as fast as a Z06.

To give some perspective on this using CD's Lightning Lap (VIR):

- GR STI - 3:14
- Evo X - 3:11
- Mustang GT 5.0 - 3:09
- C6 Z06 - 2:58
- C6 Z06 Z07 - 2:54

Even if the 2015 STI could edge out the current Evo X, it still wouldn't be in the same area code as a Z06.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by thill

Will share my thoughts on BRZ vs 2015 WRX soon. My car should be here in about 10 days (hopefully sooner).

Didn't you say you were done with swapping cars for a while?

Just do what most car nuts do. A car for each function.

WRX for daily/winter/kids
Cheap S2000/Miata for weekend/track/wrenching

Might be cheaper down the road than trying to combine the best of everything into one car.

Out of curiosity, have you considered an M3 sedan?

[RosarioBRZ]

Sticking to my brz, just needs a turbo and a good tune, and call it a day, hopefully they fixed the ej issue.

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[Dark]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Motor Trend tested the 2015 STI against the M235i and CLA45 AMG, and while it won against those cars on the track, it's performance wasn't ground-breaking, certainly not enough to take down bona fide supercars like the Z06 Vette. In fact, I'd say it's performance was most comparable to the current Evo X.

2015 STI
0-60: 4.6 s
1/4: 13.1 s @ 104 mph
60-0: 108 ft
Skid: 0.97 g
Fig-8: 24.9 s

Evo X SE
0-60: 4.5 s
1/4: 13.3 s @ 103 mph
60-0: 112 ft
Skid: 0.93 g
Fig-8: 25.0 s

I'd probably look at the current Evo X as the closest comparable for track performance, with the STI having a small advantage.

Impressive? Yes. Supercar-killer? No.

Except for the part that it's very easy to drive and very comfortable compares to Evo X. Not as comfortable as a Lexus though.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Dark

Except for the part that it's very easy to drive and very comfortable compares to Evo X. Not as comfortable as a Lexus though.

I've actually never found the Evo X to be uncomfortable or hard to drive. I might be a bit of a masochist when it comes to cars though.

[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by Dark

Except for the part that it's very easy to drive and very comfortable compares to Evo X. Not as comfortable as a Lexus though.

How is the Evo not easy to drive? I haven't personally driven one but everyone that has says it makes you feel like a hero with the kind of antics you can pull off at the track.

[Dark]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

I've actually never found the Evo X to be uncomfortable or hard to drive. I might be a bit of a masochist when it comes to cars though.

Not uncomfortable, it's just more harsh then the Subie. It's a monster when you push it hard. Now STI can be as fast, but more comfortable.

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

How is the Evo not easy to drive? I haven't personally driven one but everyone that has says it makes you feel like a hero with the kind of antics you can pull off at the track.

EvoX is an awesome ride. I didn't mean to say it's not easy to drive because it is. It's just a little bit stiff.


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[thill]

Previous WRX's were setup softer than the Evo. So for a daily driver some people preferred a more forgiving suspension whereas the Evo can be harsher on bad pavement. The other problem is the Recaro's in the Evo. Don't get me wrong, I loved them, but again many people buying a car may not fit into them properly and find them uncomfortable.

When I drove the Focus ST I loved the Recaro's in that car. Thought they were head and shoulders better than the BRZ. My friend who test drove the Focus ST hated them. He could not get out of the car fast enough.

Evo is an awesome car. I love the way they drive. But my biggest gripe was the trunk (it is tiny and has the battery, washer fluid, and subwoofer with the sound package in it). The trunk does not fold down either.

The other problem I had was backseat legroom. The whole point for me, in getting a sedan, was being able to haul actual humans in the back and the Evo was noticeably tighter than the WRX.

And of course there is the whole Mitsubishi thing. Will they or won't they still be around in 5 years in the US? I have one dealer that is conveniently located to me and they suck. I would not buy or have a car serviced there.

[WolfpackS2k]

Unlike with most cars, even if Mitsubishi withdraws from the car market the Evo's value will remain high. And I'm sure there are plenty of experienced techs in this country and have no problem working on them. Not like we're talking about a Ferrari or something.

I considered the Evo when looking for my BRZ replacement. I never test drove one b/c I couldn't find any acceptable to me in my area. The poor gas mileage and cheap interior were turn offs to me. The tiny trunk and lack of a folding rear seatback was the nail in the coffin though. Like thill mentioned, what's the point of owning a sedan if it has no practicality of a sedan?!

[thill]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

Unlike with most cars, even if Mitsubishi withdraws from the car market the Evo's value will remain high. And I'm sure there are plenty of experienced techs in this country and have no problem working on them. Not like we're talking about a Ferrari or something.

I considered the Evo when looking for my BRZ replacement. I never test drove one b/c I couldn't find any acceptable to me in my area. The poor gas mileage and cheap interior were turn offs to me. The tiny trunk and lack of a folding rear seatback was the nail in the coffin though. Like thill mentioned, what's the point of owning a sedan if it has no practicality of a sedan?!

And the no telescoping steering wheel on a $35ishK+ car was annoying. I think my biggest concern about Mitsubishi going away would be dealing with getting parts and warranty work done on a car still under warranty.

You have to give Mitshibishi credit though. The Evo X has not really changed much since 2008 and it is still a really good car. Mitshubishi, of all companies, nailed the suspension and handling out of the box and their engine can make crazy power with some simple mods and still be pretty reliable.

[thill]

Originally Posted by ayau

Didn't you say you were done with swapping cars for a while?

Hey, you sound like my wife

Just do what most car nuts do. A car for each function.

WRX for daily/winter/kids
Cheap S2000/Miata for weekend/track/wrenching

Might be cheaper down the road than trying to combine the best of everything into one car.

Out of curiosity, have you considered an M3 sedan?

I would really love to do this. I am considering it. I have been looking at used S2K's (because I really like them and have never owned one) and any decent S2K really holds it's value. I actually came really close to buying a used Cayman S.

Used Miata might be the way to go, but I have a three car garage and right now the third car port is where we have bikes, riding toys, snow blower, lawn mower, etc. I just don't have room to park a car and our HOA will not let me park a car longterm in the driveway or the street. So then I have to store the damn thing...

I am hoping the 2015 WRX will give me the best of both worlds for awhile until the kids get older and I can re-evaluate the third car garage

[DeeezNuuuts83]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

I considered the Evo when looking for my BRZ replacement. I never test drove one b/c I couldn't find any acceptable to me in my area. The poor gas mileage and cheap interior were turn offs to me.

The gas mileage isn't great, but if you can restrain yourself, highway is more than decent. You can click on my Fuelly link, I hit 32.2 mpg two weekends ago, and 31.9 mpg the weekend before that. However, I was going for good mpg, and highway is more likely to be 24-26 mpg when driving normally, as reflected in my average that is shy of 22 mpg (though it's mostly due to my commute being really short at the moment -- less than three miles).