WRX vs STi

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.

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

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.

the JCW also has some weight lightening going on too.. it certainly does not have a back seat

Depending on the year, the STI also gets another .5L of displacement. STI center diff is DCCD (and driver selectable).

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.

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.

In my experience with novice's cars, the STi understeers much less in stock form than the WRX.

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.

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.

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.

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.