2015+ WRX/STI Review: Comparison to FRS/BRZ

[ramiram1984]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Gotcha. I'm actually getting ready to move back to California from Oklahoma next month.

I was just curious of there was something particular about the vehicle itself that made you decide to keep it, rather than sell it.

Haha okay, my ex-gf in WA has a 13 WRX Hatch. And I liked the stock power, but the body roll, handling and drive ability was very different than the brz. I just love the connectedness you get with the brz.

But also, I read reviews etc on the new updgraded STI and told myself I would do more research and wait til I moved to CA.

Where are you moving to?

[thill]

Originally Posted by ramiram1984

Haha okay, my ex-gf in WA has a 13 WRX Hatch. And I liked the stock power, but the body roll, handling and drive ability was very different than the brz. I just love the connectedness you get with the brz.

But also, I read reviews etc on the new updgraded STI and told myself I would do more research and wait til I moved to CA.

Where are you moving to?

Having gone from a 14 WRX to a 15 WRX I can tell you that the 15 is light years improved in terms of handling, bodyroll, stiffness, etc. The previous gen always felt soft and floaty to me and the 15 is much improved including a much tighter steering rack for the 15 WRX and STI. It really is much closer to the BRZ than it is the previous gen WRX.

At the end of the day though, you are still talking about a larger, heavier AWD car and there are dynamics there at play that affect how the car "feels" vs a lighter RWD car that is almost solely focused on the driver.

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by ramiram1984

Haha okay, my ex-gf in WA has a 13 WRX Hatch. And I liked the stock power, but the body roll, handling and drive ability was very different than the brz. I just love the connectedness you get with the brz.

But also, I read reviews etc on the new updgraded STI and told myself I would do more research and wait til I moved to CA.

Where are you moving to?

Orange County

Yeah, these new ones are much better than the previous gen. The steering is much more direct and the suspension/chassis has been improved a lot compared to before. They aren't perfect, but they feel properly put together now from the factory, like how they should have been coming for years.

[ckim]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Orange County

Yeah, these new ones are much better than the previous gen. The steering is much more direct and the suspension/chassis has been improved a lot compared to before. They aren't perfect, but they feel properly put together now from the factory, like how they should have been coming for years.

I'm in the OC. We should get together with some STi guys once you're here.

[MokSpeed]

Do you all think the FA platform will eventually replace the EJ in later generations of the STi?

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by ckim

I'm in the OC. We should get together with some STi guys once you're here.

Definitely!

Originally Posted by MokSpeed

Do you all think the FA platform will eventually replace the EJ in later generations of the STi?

I wouldn't be surprised, but everything regarding the new engine is speculation. It could go one of very many ways:
1. The STI gets the same FA20 engine as the WRX with more power.
2. The STI gets an FA20 engine similar to the WRX, but with other internal changes.
3. The STI gets an all new FA25 or some other form of FA engine not found in the WRX.

Then, the following can happen:
1. The new engine in the STI is very good and reliable.
2. The new engine in the STI has a few bugs that need to be worked out, but is otherwise good.
3. The new engine in the STI is not that great.

The fact is that there's no way to know exactly what will happen. I'm sure the FA will get put into the STI at some point, but will it be the same as the WRX, similar, or a completely different engine? Then how will it perform? Then how will it last as it ages?

These are all questions that we know the answers to when it comes to the EJ series motor in the current STI. The answers aren't really the best in every category, but I know what to watch for and what will and won't work.

[ramiram1984]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Orange County

Yeah, these new ones are much better than the previous gen. The steering is much more direct and the suspension/chassis has been improved a lot compared to before. They aren't perfect, but they feel properly put together now from the factory, like how they should have been coming for years.

Yay just got mine

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by ramiram1984

Yay just got mine

STI?

[ramiram1984]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

STI?

yes sir. so we'll need to meet up when you move to CA!
Now just wanna sell the car parts on the BRZ.

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by ramiram1984

yes sir. so we'll need to meet up when you move to CA!
Now just wanna sell the car parts on the BRZ.

Will do! And congratulations!

Any pictures of the new car?

[malave7567]

Great write-up Tyler. My older brother in OKC just traded up from his BRZ (owned 2 years, kept stock) to a WRX. His thoughts are in line with what you have already stated.

[ramiram1984]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Will do! And congratulations!

Any pictures of the new car?

2016 Premium

[ramiram1984]

Originally Posted by raven1231

Only about a week until I take delivery!

Ready for yours??

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by ramiram1984

Ready for yours??

Definitely! Every time I drive my Bro's I get more anxious lol I got a DGM also. My favorite color on these.