Here's a story for ya:

A buddy and I went to the local Subaru dealership a few hours ago to see if they had any WRX's in. Well, they had 3 and since my buddy is considering one, he started to chat with a salesperson. Well, out of the blue, the guy asks us if we've ever driven one. Both of us hadn't, so we handed him our driver licenses. He took my buddy first while I waited at the dealership. About 30 minutes later, my buddy comes back in the WRX (which had the 17'' BBS wheels) with the biggest shit eating grin I've ever seen. I asked him how it was and he couldn't stop giggling like a little school girl.

Well, the saleman then took me out. We're in Coloado Springs so there are a lot of nice fast curvy roads. I thought this was going to be the regular nice and easy test drive...boy was I in for a surprise. After we switched places, I started off nice and easy. The guy turned toward me and told to punch it. I don't think I've ever felt anything like it when the turbo kicked in...the sense of acceleration was amazing. Well, basically, we took it up into the foothills and just beat the ever living crap out of the car (it was a demo solely for this purpose). The AWD is amazing. I really don't know much about performance driving, but I scared the crap out of the salesman a few times! I don't think I was under 50 the whole way (except the time I slammed on brakes from 95 mph...straight as a line I might add). We got back about 20 minutes later and I couldn't stop laughing until we got back to the Academy!

Anyway, I used to be diehard S2000, but now I think I'm having second thoughts! The WRX was FAST, it's a sedan, and it has AWD. But a part of me wants the rawness and open aire of the S2000. Could anyone who has driven both give me an idea the difference between the two (I driven an S2000 maybe a half of mile) and why I should stick with an S2000?

Just thought I'd share my AWESOME dealer experience!

Jay

 

I'd have a very hard time putting these 2 cars in the same category. Both are a ton of fun, but under different circumstances. I think Japan is finally learning that we (americans) will buy "hot-rod" versions of their cars if they bring them here, I have seen several WRXs locally already.

 

I'm holding off on trading in my '00 2.5RS for the WRX STi.
225-series tires (vs. 215), 6-speed, better suspension, 12.8" front brakes (vs. 11.7" or so), and best of all....

...276hp. (Standard WRX is 227.)

Now that's a car!!! The WRX is very nice though, indeed.
Glad you gave the salesman a startle, though--most of 'em need it.

 

Le car still prefers the s2000 http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...?threadid=15824
A plus/minus discussion
http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...?threadid=12713
da hapa has a good comaparo:
http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...?threadid=12124

 

I would seriously consider buying a WRX or STi if it looked like the prev. gen 2.5RS. The new one is just fugly. Im holding out, hoping that the Evo VII isnt watered down for us here in the US.

 

It probably will be. Everything is.

If you don't like the new Impreza, get an old one, hunt down all the new STi suspensions, and find the 276hp. turbo setup...

There you go. It's been out in Europe for years. Kinda gray market, but folks have them.

I'm a member of http://www.i-club.com ...Register and do a good search or two, lots shall come up!

-S2-

 

I just don't get it. How could anyone compare that plain Jane butt ugly thing to our S2000. Performance wise the S2000 is faster 0-60, 0-1320', 60-0, top end, and slalom. But what gets me is the looks. It has uninspired shoe box lines, and a silly frog face front. It is far from a head turner, except maybe to turn the other way. I guess some people can see beauty in most anything after all AMC sold some Gremlins.

 

Yeah, but how well does the S2000 handle rallying through the mud and snow?

Just reinforcing my point, these 2 cars really shouldn't be compared. Apples and oranges.

 

If I lived closer to the North Pole (several thousand miles closer), I would probably consider the Subaru a viable alternative to what would be a short-season Stook; however, since we get at most one, or maybe two days of snow/ice here annually, there is no question about which is the better choice for me.

 

Wait for the STI WRX, or better so, the Mit. Lancer Evo 7
They will blow you out of the door in performance for the money. Forget about the look of those cars if you want pure performance.