Contemplating on this one and trade in my EX35

[AWGD8]

I had a chance to test drive a 2015 Subaru STI Limited today and It was really fun and tiring at the same time. The last time I drove a stick shift car was in 2000 (Type R Acura Integra)- Although, driving my EX35 manually 99% all the time really helps with the rhythm of changing gears at the right speed.
Wow! 5 minutes of test driving, and It all came back like the year 2000.

Last 2013 I had a chance to test drive a 2013 STI sedan and a 2013 EVO back to back same day. Both were not as refined as the G37x or even my EX35. The EVO X handling is insane, way better than my 2000 Acura Type R. All I remember was the EVO did not press me against my seat when my friend punched it off the line, unlike the STi. Lastly, the 2013 STi interior is way better than the EVO X, but mine (EX35) hands down better interior-wise.

Now back to 2015 STi. Interior is way better than the 2013 STi. I love the 2015 STi 360 degrees visibility (even with a huge rear spoiler) way better than the EX35 or G37. Specially, on the A pillar area.




The exhaust note is better, not a screamer like my Integra R. A lot of previous Sti owners hate the 2015 bec. the rumble sound is gone! I think I prefer this new exhaust sound. I also noticed there is now turbo lag, the power is there as long as you are in the right gear. (Although, I only had to peak at 4.5 RPM since the car is new, but that RPM is enough to keep a smile in my face). The car has an optional short shifter, very smooth and the clutch is smooth also. It has an optional Nav in the lower center screen (Bigger screen) and a digital boost gauge (middle high small screen) that turns into a backup camera when you shift in reverse. When the car is stop, I do not see what gear I`m at on the dash like my EX35 using the manual mode. Once the car is rolling, the dash will show number correspond to what gear I am in. This is very helpful since the shifter is very close to each other. I sometimes confused with the 1st and 3rd. Sometimes, from 5th gear I wanted to shift in 4th, but it goes to 2nd. It is just too close or I guess It has been awhile driving a stick. It is just scary when making a left turn in the middle of the intersection. You really do not want to bog down or kill the engine during the Left hand turn.




I heard that the regular 2015 WRX is a lot better for DD. ($10-13 GRAND cheaper) It has a newer engine 2.0L direct port injection and a 6 speed M/T or optional CVT.. The power deliver comes quicker compare to the STi. Great for stoplight to stoplight runs or dd car.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews ... wrx-vs-sti




This is the only thing that I do not like with the 2015 STi. The rear spoiler is huge, but it does not obstruct key area visibility.


The regular WRX has a chin spoiler.

2015 WRX :
0-60 mph : 5.2 secs
1/4 Mile : 13.7 secs @99.5 MPH
FUEL economy : 21 city/ 24 combined / 28 hwy

2015 WRX Sti
0-60 mph : 4.8 secs
1/4 mile : 13.3 secs@ 102.8 MPH
FUEL economy : 17 city / 19 combined / 23 HWY.


I wanted a 2013 BOSS 302 or a BMW 235i , but both are rear wheel drive. It seems like the regular WRX might fit the bill or If I trade in the EX35 I can get the STi for $300 a month (60 MONTHS). Darn, I kindda like the smoothness and comfort of the G37x too! The WRX/STi is a 365 days fun driving it around the midwest. (Snow, rain etc...)

What do you guys think?

For some reason, I like the power deliver of the G37x and it`s smoothness, but It is nice to have a 13.3 secs car stock once in a while///

[AWGD8]

Correction, I meant there is no Turbo lag that I felt during the test drive.

Though, both the WRX and Sti has 6 speed MT, both transmission are totally different.


This is how the A pillar looks like in the 2015 WRX/STi

http://youtu.be/4sYEHy4nYiQ

[NJGuy]

Nice! Sounds like fun.
I wonder what prompted you to visit the dealer for a test drive?

If I had to give my opinion, I'd say to keep the EX for now; mostly because you're one of the more active members in the EX forum, and I don't think we'd want to lose you here .

If I had to choose between the standard WRX and the STi, I'd probably get the WRX. You did mention that it is better for daily driving. Unless you go to the occasional track day, I don't think you'd be able to exploit the performance difference between the two cars at their limits. I also think it would be hard to even push the WRX to its full potential on public roads without getting into some sort of trouble. The STi looks like a cop magnet with the rear wing of that size.
In addition I would choose to pocket the extra $10K and additional savings in fuel costs.

The Mustang and 235 also look like nice and fun cars to have. But I can kinda see why you prefer an AWD vehicle. The only other downsides I see for these two vehicles is that: 1) they're 2-door coupes, which is less practical if you have to carry passengers on a semi-regular basis; and 2)while I didn't check the specs, it appears that the Subaru would have a bit more interior space in the rear seating area.

Please see if you can take another test drive in the standard WRX and report back your findings . You are also required to drive the BRZ and report to us on that as well .

I do miss having a car with a clutch pedal. When the time is right, I hope someday to be able to get my hands on one before they stop making them .

[AWGD8]

NJguy, thanks a lot for your feed back. The dealership just called me back today. There is a black WRX that just came in. I probably test drive it on Friday.

[AWGD8]

Nice! Sounds like fun.
I wonder what prompted you to visit the dealer for a test drive?

I have been checking youtube for the 2015 WRX/STi reviews and I was curious what the hype is all about

If I had to give my opinion, I'd say to keep the EX for now; mostly because you're one of the more active members in the EX forum, and I don't think we'd want to lose you here

Ha ha ha ! Yes, I am keeping the EX35 per wife instructions.

If I had to choose between the standard WRX and the STi, I'd probably get the WRX. You did mention that it is better for daily driving. Unless you go to the occasional track day, I don't think you'd be able to exploit the performance difference between the two cars at their limits. I also think it would be hard to even push the WRX to its full potential on public roads without getting into some sort of trouble. The STi looks like a cop magnet with the rear wing of that size.
In addition I would choose to pocket the extra $10K and additional savings in fuel costs.

Me too! Just the fuel economy alone for DD , the WRX wins hands down


Please see if you can take another test drive in the standard WRX and report back your findings . You are also required to drive the BRZ and report to us on that as well .

I already set an appointment to test drive a Black 2015 WRX this coming Friday. Hmmmm, I'll check if I can play the Black BRZ that was parked next to the STi that I test drove yesterday

I do miss having a car with a clutch pedal. When the time is right, I hope someday to be able to get my hands on one before they stop making them .
honestly, after the WRX test drive, I felt more comfortable with the EX35. It is so relaxing to drive and very smooth, but I did notice that even my car is tuned, it felt like a 2005 Civic EX coupe

[seldomseen]

I had a chance to test drive a 2015 Subaru STI Limited today and It was really fun and tiring at the same time. The last time I drove a stick shift car was in 2000 (Type R Acura Integra)- Although, driving my EX35 manually 99% all the time really helps with the rhythm of changing gears at the right speed.
Wow! 5 minutes of test driving, and It all came back like the year 2000.

Last 2013 I had a chance to test drive a 2013 STI sedan and a 2013 EVO back to back same day. Both were not as refined as the G37x or even my EX35. The EVO X handling is insane, way better than my 2000 Acura Type R. All I remember was the EVO did not press me against my seat when my friend punched it off the line, unlike the STi. Lastly, the 2013 STi interior is way better than the EVO X, but mine (EX35) hands down better interior-wise.

Now back to 2015 STi. Interior is way better than the 2013 STi. I love the 2015 STi 360 degrees visibility (even with a huge rear spoiler) way better than the EX35 or G37. Specially, on the A pillar area.




The exhaust note is better, not a screamer like my Integra R. A lot of previous Sti owners hate the 2015 bec. the rumble sound is gone! I think I prefer this new exhaust sound. I also noticed there is now turbo lag, the power is there as long as you are in the right gear. (Although, I only had to peak at 4.5 RPM since the car is new, but that RPM is enough to keep a smile in my face). The car has an optional short shifter, very smooth and the clutch is smooth also. It has an optional Nav in the lower center screen (Bigger screen) and a digital boost gauge (middle high small screen) that turns into a backup camera when you shift in reverse. When the car is stop, I do not see what gear I`m at on the dash like my EX35 using the manual mode. Once the car is rolling, the dash will show number correspond to what gear I am in. This is very helpful since the shifter is very close to each other. I sometimes confused with the 1st and 3rd. Sometimes, from 5th gear I wanted to shift in 4th, but it goes to 2nd. It is just too close or I guess It has been awhile driving a stick. It is just scary when making a left turn in the middle of the intersection. You really do not want to bog down or kill the engine during the Left hand turn.




I heard that the regular 2015 WRX is a lot better for DD. ($10-13 GRAND cheaper) It has a newer engine 2.0L direct port injection and a 6 speed M/T or optional CVT.. The power deliver comes quicker compare to the STi. Great for stoplight to stoplight runs or dd car.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews ... wrx-vs-sti




This is the only thing that I do not like with the 2015 STi. The rear spoiler is huge, but it does not obstruct key area visibility.


The regular WRX has a chin spoiler.

2015 WRX :
0-60 mph : 5.2 secs
1/4 Mile : 13.7 secs @99.5 MPH
FUEL economy : 21 city/ 24 combined / 28 hwy

2015 WRX Sti
0-60 mph : 4.8 secs
1/4 mile : 13.3 secs@ 102.8 MPH
FUEL economy : 17 city / 19 combined / 23 HWY.


I wanted a 2013 BOSS 302 or a BMW 235i , but both are rear wheel drive. It seems like the regular WRX might fit the bill or If I trade in the EX35 I can get the STi for $300 a month (60 MONTHS). Darn, I kindda like the smoothness and comfort of the G37x too! The WRX/STi is a 365 days fun driving it around the midwest. (Snow, rain etc...)

What do you guys think?

For some reason, I like the power deliver of the G37x and it`s smoothness, but It is nice to have a 13.3 secs car stock once in a while///

The Sti and Evo are both "throw away cars" and/or a "second car" for most owners. You're better off getting a manual G37x. I guarantee you will get tired of the Sti/Evo within the first year. You will appreciate the added refinement, and balance of the G37x since you'd be coming from an EX35.

[AWGD8]

Did not get a chance to test drive the WRX. It was sold right away. The dealer said it only took 5 hours to sit there and gone!

I think I will go for Q50 RWD when it is time. I am keeping the EX35.