mjd

I'm kind of curious about this car. I know it hauls ***, but some say the ride isn't that great. Don't get me wrong, I love my 8, but I might try to squeeze an Sti test drive out of a dealer, although I have no intention of buying one. Also, any website addresses to Impreza forums like this one?

Omicron

I have. It goes like a bat out of hell once you get the revs over about 2500... majorly fast. However, the interior is sub-par, and the handling feels like an economy car with stiffer springs. Not bad though.

red_rx8_red_int

I didn't test drive the sti, or the str-4. They will both beat us hands down, I picked the car with beautiful lines.

PoorCollegeKid

Try www.nasioc.com or www.imprezawrxsti.com if you're looking for Impreza websites.

DemonRX-8

I haven't driven an STi, but I have driven an Evo and it goes like stink! The STi does so also, I'm sure. I just couldn't see spending $30+k on an econobox on steroids though.

mjd

I actually went to look at one today, and I couldn't believe what I saw. A 33,000 car with no stereo?? Are you freakin' kidding me??

sti_eric

The 2005s do come with a stereo; part of the reason for the price hike. Van Bortel Subaru in Rochester, NY sells them for invoice + $400.

Ike

www.WRXclub.net is another good Suby site. Nitpick all you want about the STi, drive one and try to keep a smile off your face, it's just not possible unless you think Buick makes great cars.

Ike

It was a good thing, why pay for a subpar factory unit when you can get a better one for the same price.

mjd

I'm really not ripping on the car for not having a stereo, it just surprised the hell out of me. Then I read somewhere they wanted to make it a true "rally" car, hence, no stereo. I did notice the 2005's cost more, so then it makes sense that they added a stereo. I'd still like to test drive one and I suppose I wouldn't mind having one someday, but I would definitely replace that rear wing with a smaller one. For now, I'll just try to test drive one and be happy with my 8

Overport

Yeah thanks to turbo lag....man i hate that. Thats why i like superchargers better, you get instant power.

Senseny

I may be in the minority. I like a little lag--not horrible lag like when my AC is on in the wagon. But it makes driving the car a little challenging and in inclement weather power=disaster so you can keep the car in the low RPMs and stay safe. Plus when the turbo does come on, it is fun.

Ike

The lag in the STi isn't even there, it really feels like an N/A car, even the RX-8 has far far more of what feels like lag at lower RPMs.

Racer Rick

I've driven the STi on both the street and the track. Great power, the RX8 would be awsome with equal power / torque. The one thing I didn't care for comes from its rally car heritage. To me, the STi has a noticably high centre of gravity; makes the car feel sluggish and akward in transients. I really noticed the mass of the car moving around, particulary in high-speed corners.

Ike

It's most likely a result of the longer suspension travel. It's easily fixed with some suspension bits but as is the STi handles very well but isn't overly harsh day to day like an EVO might be for some.

takahashi

it is from my experience...

It was another present Friday morning when I decided to tackle the “blow you mind” car. The turbo-charged highly modified 2 litre box engine from the Subaru factory unfortunately does not have the look to go with it.

From the outside it stimulates the World Rally Championship model and in my opinion it lack of class. The built quality is of Subaru standard. So thinking of this worth $63k car, I think I will be just buying the engine and the performance mods. Why don’t I just solely concentrate on that aspect only.

From the cockpit it is comfortable, presented as it is supposed to be - you can not say it is sub-standard as it has all the information you need. Starting the engine the sound is harmonic and not as muscho when the Turbo is not fired.

The first pressure in the gas pedal reveals the world famous turbo lag. A wider aftermarket muffler will certainly freeze the car at the stop signs. The salesman said it is the STi's sedation for a normal city drive - oh well, what a perfect excuse!? Further into the test drive I found the car is very hard to drive smoothly. The turbo rush at 3000 rpm just blows me away. If it is as accurate as described by someone that the rush is like the first organism with a Brazilian virgin, well oh my... internet booking...www.qantas.com.au :D

It will be a very nice to track the car but personally I fear of the lack of feedback from the steering wheel. That will avoid me having a fang at the mountains. Don’t take me wrong! I think the car is very neutral without any understeer detected. However, the dynamic sense of adequate connection between the driver’s hand and the wheels is something that I cherish. I hope you agree.
Recently I read the Motor magazine who took the STi to Wakefield circuit and it performed exceptionally well – just a touch slower than the Porsche Boxster S. Well not bad, isn’t it?

As I said, STi is a track car – not recommended for a everyday driver with high sense of taste. STi is contraindicated to driver or passenger who are faint-hearted or with spinal pain especially in the cervical region. It is the word from THE DOCTOR!!

See link of my test drive ------>

boarder

Just a note, the american STi model is not a WRC car (displacement is too large). I actually like the fact they deviated from WRC just for us

Sti is a great drivers car. I've driven it quite a few times. And now a WRX owner here at work traded his in for a new STi version. Interior is still somewhat sub-par for a 30K car, but its not horrible in any particular way. Exterior is aggressive albeit interesting looking. Spoiler is laughable, but differentiates it from the standard WRX. Brakes are huge and quite nice. Engine has a definite turbo-lag, but to use the term "lag" is somewhat of a misnomer since it has a decent power from a start. Steering is a little dull in standard driving, but the car grips in turns like nobodys business. The engine is a beast. Its just waiting to be tuned.

As far as the "no stock stereo" ? Just because I can replace it with a cheaper item doesn't mean it shouldn't come with one. I could probably replace the steering wheel with a cheaper version, but I notice its got one stock

Ike

Keep in mind Takahashi the STi you know is more like our WRX with some more ponies when it comes to the lag department, the STi here has lots of low end grunt and very little lag.

Ike

Cheaper and better, lets face it, factory stereos are always overpriced crap from just about every carmaker out there. By the way, even in the 04 STi you could get a factory stereo if you wanted, it was just an option.

zoom44

i said this the other day about stereos. the audio philes NEVER like the on ethat comes with the car. everyone is howling for a stereo delete option. so Subaru does what "everyone" says they want- no stereo stock but you can get it as an option. so now people whine about it not having a radio. you just can't win