I would say all of these comparisons with the STi and recommendations to wait for the Evo are a moot point if this guy's in the US. We don't get any of these and we are just getting the WRX for the first time this year. It only has 227 HP, so I would think that with it's extra weight and the increased drag of AWD, it would be slower and not nearly as nimble as an S2K. I'm still waiting on a road test to appear in one of the car magazine to see how our version performs, but it all comes down to what type of car you want.

I would also appreciate it if you guys in other countries would stop rubbing it in that you get all of these wonderful car choices that we don't.

Mark

 

We can always rub in how little we pay for registration, insurance, freeways, gas, etc...

 

both

 

It depends were you live. In the US, you can not get the WRX Sti, which is the fun version. The US WRX only has 227hp, so it's not that cool. Although, if you live in a cooler climate(read snow), you might like the AWD.

If you live in the US, get the stook.
If you live in another country and it doesn't snow, get the stook.
If you live in another country and it snows more than 2 feet a week and you need four doors and there isn't a Honda dealership in 500 miles, get the WRX Sti.

-boka

 

S2000 = Great Colorado Summer Car
WRX = Great Colorado Winter Car

And you can buy them both for about the same price as a modestly equiped Boxster S...

 

PFB, that is a really good point about the cost of the two.

Also, Subaru has stated that if the WRX is received well in this country, and so far it has been really well received: 1000 presold, increased allocation from 10,000 units to 12,000 units), then if they can get it to pass emissions, we could see the STi version by 2003. Also, Mitsubishi is watching very carefully the reception the WRX is getting and will bring a version of their Evo here if the WRX is received well.

So, things are looking really good on the performance horizon.

 

PFB
s2000=good Colorado summer car
Audi S4=good Colorado winter car
Although I never drive either in the snow (today) and leave the winter thrashing to my Golf TDI (awesome mileage!!)

 

Hmm considering the WRX is a 4 door not-a-roadster, turbo aspirated, nonconvertible, 4 wheel drive, I think it definitely IS apples to oranges.

I don't think these cars could be any different???

And its notable that the us version puts out only 227hp after turbocharging. Why did they reduce power in the us version? Problems meeting CA emissions??? I haven't heard of a turbocharger for the S2K yet, but the SuperCharger claims to produce around 340hp.

So I'd say your decision all boils down to where you want to go from the start. Figuratively and physically. If you don't want to mod your base model and all you want is fast straightline acceleration without any of the roadster attributes (2 door, appearance, convertible), go for the WRX. If you want to see if the S2K can go over 380hp when a turbocharger is available, well then step up to the plate. If you don't have money for a second car or don't feel like changing snow tires every winter, then avoid the S2K.

I'd never buy a WRX because of the boxy appearance.

-B

 

Remember also that the new WRX, although it has the same power as last year's model, is about 80-120kg heavier (?)

Dave - I assume that you are talking about Jay's car (stock non-STi WRX)? Remember that you are not comparing apples to apples there as he has exhaust and intake mods which do wonders for turbo's.

Guys, another mutual friend of DavidM's and myself (in Melbourne, Australia), also has a 2000 STi WRX (genuine). I have driven this car and I can tell you that right outa the box...it is faaaaassssst! Not quite a quick as my old (2000!) C5 6sp, but very fast nonetheless. It has tenacious grip around corners and was very fun to drive. But that rear wing - ummmmmmm, it's very overdone - but purposeful.

http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/product/index.html

The S2000 definitely has a better top end (even my 'vette had a better top end) than the STi and obviously revs more cleanly than the STi. S2000 sounds better too and has 6sp gearbox.

But, you can't take the roof off the WRX, you get four doors and a cheap looking interior plastic - and the NEW WRX is sinfully ugly (JMHO!!!!). Plus, the US-WRX DOES NOT get the good seats that the Aussie and Japanese WRX's get. US WRX also gets smaller front brakes than it's foreign counterparts.

I would buy the Type R Integra over the stock WRX.

I still really respect the WRX as it is an awesome package for the money. And I love the STi!!! The WRX in the 'states will make a lot of 50-somethings feel young again driving a family car! But, that's exactly what it is, and what it always HAS been.....a family car with a turbo.

My money is on the enjoyment factor of the S2000!

 

Forget the stock vs. stock comparisons: the WRX is a turbo, which means that LOTS more HP s/b readily available by reducing intake/exhaust restrictions and increasing boost. But if that's an important factor in your decision, you're completely missing the point of the S2000. Regardless, I think the handling, looks, and revviness of the S2K make it as fun as any 4-wheeler on the road.

Just came from a 480 hp Supra Turbo, and I have no regrets! (though I wish I had garage space for both of them)