The STi has Brembos and 40 more HP, but what else makes it worth an additional $10k over the "lesser" model?
I also wonder the same about MINI Cooper S vs JCW.
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Sept. 16, 2009 12:18 p.m. z31maniac Dork
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Sept. 16, 2009 12:22 p.m. Gotsol New Reader
Depends on the year.
SIT's all get better Front center and rear diffs
A bullet proof 6 speed vs glass 5-speed
Intercooler water sprayer
shift light and warning chime
Better wheels (05-07 are 17x8)
Better Wheel bearings on the 05+ STIs
"better" Seats (not really)
Taller hoodscoop on the 04-05 STI
better axles
Better exhaust
Better heads and turbo
Inverted Struts ans stiffer springs
More Caster (aluminum control arms)
06-07 have better aerodynamics and an underbody spliter
STI has hight adjustable HID Headlights
I think that is it
The JCW Cooper got a reworked head with more boost and I believe better struts
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Sept. 16, 2009 12:48 p.m. Tom Heath Marketing / Club Coordinator
Gotsol wrote:
A bullet proof 6 speed vs glass 5-speed
This is the biggest difference in my mind. The peace of mind when jamming gears in a hurry is worth it. Just about everything else can be fixed by the aftermarket if you're looking to upgrade.
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Sept. 16, 2009 12:48 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork
the JCW also has some weight lightening going on too.. it certainly does not have a back seat
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Sept. 16, 2009 1:12 p.m. njansenv Reader
Depending on the year, the STI also gets another .5L of displacement. STI center diff is DCCD (and driver selectable).
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Sept. 16, 2009 1:25 p.m. sachilles Reader
In the luxury department the sti gets the climate control system, where it was only optional on certain years of the wrx. Certainly if you do any type of auto events, the sti is better. The brakes/transmission/diffs are where the most helpful items are.
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Sept. 16, 2009 1:26 p.m. amg_rx7 Reader
So the STI has more power and is more robust to handle the extra power. Essentially it was designed to handle more "abuse" vs. the more pedestrian WRX.
Is it worth it?
Depends how you are going to use the car and how deep your pockets are.
Driver talent usually makes the biggest difference.
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Sept. 16, 2009 1:44 p.m. jstein77 HalfDork
In my experience with novice's cars, the STi understeers much less in stock form than the WRX.
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Sept. 16, 2009 2:03 p.m. HiTempguy Reader
Also to be considered, at ONE point (I don't know if it is the same now), the actual unibody itself is structurally stiffer due to thicker materials used and some added bracing.
I don't even consider the WRX and STi to be the same car... or even really a buying comparison. It would be like buying a mint DSM (oh wait, there aren't any of those
) versus buying an Evo.
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Sept. 16, 2009 3:31 p.m. Woody SuperDork
Let me chime in here, since nobody else who has commented seems to own either of these cars.
In 2003, I bought a new 2004 WRX. I wanted an STi and had the cash, but I hated the spoiler and wanted a sunroof and heated seats. I bought a WRX with the premium package and it was seven grand less than an STi, as well as the BMW and Audi that I was looking at.
It's my daily driver and I have 108,000 miles on it. I live on a dirt road and I have a long commute over one of the best sports car roads in my state. If I could describe every mile that I have put on the car, the best word would be "torture". It is more fun than my Miata and faster than my 911. It has been reliable and had fewer squeaks and rattles than my last three new Hondas.
I think that the idea of "paper transmissions" is nonsense. I know how to shift and I have had no problems. These cars have a ton of grip and a lot of power. If you repeatedly dump the clutch like you did with your Civic, something's gotta give. If you have sticky tires, that "something" is either going to be your clutch or transmission. Use your head and you will have no problems.
Originally, I wanted the faster ratio steering of the STi, but my car is already a bit twitchy on the highway. I'd love an extra 75 horsepower, but I don't really need it.
Possibly the best car I've ever owned. Hope this helps.
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Sept. 16, 2009 3:37 p.m. z31maniac Dork
I was talking of the new ones, but info on past STis is good as well. I test drove a new WRX back in 2005, but wasn't done with school yet so I couldn't afford it.
Damn was it alot of fun. The utility aspect of the 5dr WRX and MazdaSpeed3 have me considering selling my S52 coiloverd, big braked E30--saving up some money through the winter and buying one.
Not that I could afford a new STi, was just curious.
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Sept. 16, 2009 3:49 p.m. Tom Heath Marketing / Club Coordinator
Woody wrote:
Let me chime in here, since nobody else who has commented seems to own either of these cars.
I used to own an 04 STi, but don't need the beauty of AWD in Florida.
Woody wrote:
I think that the idea of "paper transmissions" is nonsense.
Possibly the best car I've ever owned. Hope this helps.
The point isn't that the 5-speed is fragile, but that the 6-speed is bulletproof. Depending on your goals for the car, it might be worth having that peace of mind. I've never had trouble with a 5 speed personally, but know several folks who have.
And agreed, possible the best car I've ever owned too. Almost makes me wish it snowed in Florida.
