Initial thoughts on the Subaru WRX
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 630
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From: Canton
Initial thoughts on the Subaru WRX
Yesterday I test drove a WRX. I'm (possibly) looking for a replacement for my '01 Altima. The S2000 just makes the Altima seem so boring. Anyway, it has a very different feel than the S2000, but I'm trying to compare the two just for reference purposes. Besides, I don't view different than the S2000 (which I really love) as bad, as long as the whole car feels "right" and is a good value. Here is my comparison:
Acceleration: The WRX seemed faster than the S2000 right off the line. If they were both wound up, it seems like they were about equally responsive.
4 Wheel vs Rear Drive: The 4 wheel drive made the acceleration and turning feel different. It sure felt like it was really sticking to the road. I can't say which I like better, but either beats front wheel drive (I have torque steer).
Handling: It took everything that I could dish out, but the car seemed to lean more.
Brakes: I like the feel of the S2000 brakes better, but must say that the WRX brakes did everything I asked them to do. Perhaps, it's just what I'm used to.
Gear Box: The distance between gears seem quite large when compared to the S2000. After my test drive, I went through the gears of a WRX that has a factory short shifter installed. This made it feel as good as the S2000's gear box and is a must have in my opinion.
Looks: The WRX looks good for a compact 4 door car. I wish they made a two door version. The interior was not quite as high end as the S2000, but still acceptable. I think that the turbo boost gauge looks like a cheap afterthought though.
Overall: It seems like a really good value for the $$$$$, just like I think the S2000 is.
Those are my thoughts. I would appreciate some more information on stuff that I might have missed. Of course, constructive disagreements are also welcome. Whatever I do, I'll be waiting for the new '04 body style.
Acceleration: The WRX seemed faster than the S2000 right off the line. If they were both wound up, it seems like they were about equally responsive.
4 Wheel vs Rear Drive: The 4 wheel drive made the acceleration and turning feel different. It sure felt like it was really sticking to the road. I can't say which I like better, but either beats front wheel drive (I have torque steer).
Handling: It took everything that I could dish out, but the car seemed to lean more.
Brakes: I like the feel of the S2000 brakes better, but must say that the WRX brakes did everything I asked them to do. Perhaps, it's just what I'm used to.
Gear Box: The distance between gears seem quite large when compared to the S2000. After my test drive, I went through the gears of a WRX that has a factory short shifter installed. This made it feel as good as the S2000's gear box and is a must have in my opinion.
Looks: The WRX looks good for a compact 4 door car. I wish they made a two door version. The interior was not quite as high end as the S2000, but still acceptable. I think that the turbo boost gauge looks like a cheap afterthought though.
Overall: It seems like a really good value for the $$$$$, just like I think the S2000 is.
Those are my thoughts. I would appreciate some more information on stuff that I might have missed. Of course, constructive disagreements are also welcome. Whatever I do, I'll be waiting for the new '04 body style.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Honolulu, HI
Well, if you already have an S2000, the WRX will be a fun commuter car. Just be careful of the stock tires, they're horrible! If you want a short shifter, don't pay for the STi shifter. Go to www.kartboy.com and buy their's. They're good Subaru guys with a great short shifter at about 1/3 the price. I have the Kartboy and have used the STi. I prefer the Kartboy.
If you want a fun commuter car, go for it, but if you want it to auto-x you'll bitch of understeer. AWD is only fun in slippery conditions.
-Matt
If you want a fun commuter car, go for it, but if you want it to auto-x you'll bitch of understeer. AWD is only fun in slippery conditions.
-Matt
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: SF Bay Area
I have to say the WRX brakes are really bad in comparison to my last two cars, the S2000 and e46 M3. Definitely something I would look into upgrading if I already didn't have a deposit on a STi with those lovely Brembos. 
So far I've been quite pleased with the WRX as an interim car... I would say aside from the turbolag in the lower gears, the crappy tranny and the brake issue, it still a good bang for the buck.
So far I've been quite pleased with the WRX as an interim car... I would say aside from the turbolag in the lower gears, the crappy tranny and the brake issue, it still a good bang for the buck.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: mount airy
Originally posted by charlie
hmm never considered the S2000's interior high end... guess the WRX's is just plain cheap.
hmm never considered the S2000's interior high end... guess the WRX's is just plain cheap.
It is cheap, I mean it is a $14K car that's been modded up to $24K.
The boost guage is just a dealer installed option so it might well be an afterthought.
I was thinking about getting a WRX but am more looking at the STi when that comes out. Now we have a $14K car modded up to $32K.
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 630
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From: Canton
Is there any news on the '04's yet? Like, is the interior better? The dealer told me that the engine, tranny, brakes, etc. will all be the same. Is this true? He said that the changes will only be cosmetic.
