I've driven both quite hard.

The STi beats the s2k in every performance category except "fun factor." It's slalom speed is even way higher than the s2k.

Thing is, even though it wins in the 1/4, 0-60, braking, slalom and skidpad, the S is still my preferred car. Why? Because it just "feels" better.

 

my best friend has an 04 STi, and it is wicked fast. Off the line there isn't any hope. But rolling there is a good race.