STi

i'm about to buy a new STi but they won't let me test drive one. i've done the research and know the car on paper but i don't know how it drives. does anyone know of any quirks about the car or even (gasp!) regrets about buying one?

The STi is not an easy car to drive, and it does have some strange handling quirks. Your best bet is to go to www.nasioc.com and do a search there.

i guarantee they'll let you drive it if you show them a check for a downpayment or what they're offering price wise for the car. they just don't let people test drive them because they don't want non-buyers coming in and beating on the STI. it's just like Ford's SVT's or any other manufacturer's "top-of-the-line" vehicles. they'll let you test drive it if they know you have intent to buy. if not just tell them you'll go somewhere else if they won't let you drive it.

yea that makes sense, b/c my dad wanted to test the the S2000 but they wouldnt let him drive, because he had no intentions on buying it. on the other hand he was allowed to test drive the accord v6 even though he had no intentions on buying that either.

all depends on the car, sports cars people, a lot of times, jsut go in to mess around with it, you arent gonna have nearly as much fun driving an accord

i dunno the AV6 is a pretty quick car. its no WRX, but honda knows how to squeeze power out of there small displacement N/A engines.

thats stupid.. not many young guys want a STI cause they don't know much about them.. they should let interested ppl drive them.. i remeber once i went and tryed to test drive a WRX and they wouldn't let me until i signed some papers.. i was like seeya.. Yet i go to ford and they let me take out there supercharged Cobra thats rwd with 390hp.. how hard can it be to drive an awd car on a test drive.. their just fags trying to make the wrx seem like its worth more than it is...

They let me take a WRX out by myself for like an hour without even checking my license 1st

yea here in TX at our dealer ship that let me and some friends test drive an STI and a EVO and all we had to do was show them our liscense and we are 17.. lol

When i bought my first WRX i test drove it and i just showed them my license, i was 17 at the time also. Bought it the same day too lol.

Yeah, when I test drove the WRX, they offered to let me test the STi. They didn't check my license, they didn't make me sign anything, and they didn't want to come with me when I drove. I had to talk the guy into coming with me to answer questions. If I could afford to spend the time/money to run an STi, I would have gotten one in a heartbeat.

Hey all.....I test drove one yesterday after driving a WRX. The didn't ask for anything, I asked if I could test out the STi and the sales guy said, "Sure!" I asked him about 00Wayne originally posted in not being able to test drive an STi. The sales guy's manager said that was strange but that each dealership has their own discretion in terms of the cars like the STi (FYI..this rule also applies to the EVO VIII@Mits). Some will and some won't I guess....

Anyway, the STi is a BEAST! I definitely dig that car, but I can only afford a WRX which I will be getting in a matter of weeks. I'm just waiting for the cheddar!

damn, you guys are lucky or rich.. Cause here subaru dealers are gay and don't let anyone drive them unless they are ready to buy them.. the guy said its because ppl come in a drive them but never buy them.. putting tooo many miles on them, then when a real buyer comes they don't want it cause it has too many miles.. which i can agree with cause theres no way i'd buy a car like an STi with 20 miles of pure abuse from 17yr old kid on it... i dunno, i don't think the market for evo's and sti's are as big here in rochester.. and whenever i do see someone driving it, it's never anyone young.. there just too expensive.. i would seriously buy an srt-4 before an evo or sti.. way cheaper and with the left over cash you have room to mod the shit out of it.. sure its not an awd rally car, but who honestly buys an evo to go rally racing? maybe 2%

You might be at a wrong forum if you want to promote piece-of-crap American cars.

You might be at a wrong forum if you want to promote piece-of-crap American cars.

Piece of crap American cars???? :sly:

Hey I got one for ya, the corvette Z06. Sh*ts all over any import and oh what a coincidence, its an american car. :iceslolan

Well...if the only thing you're interested in doing is going straight, then it might serve your purpose. Some of us actually like to make turns and "drive" the car. Some of us also like cars that aren't ugly...the ones without ulgy stripes and crap, you know.

OK, to the guy who wanted a Dodge Neon, just go get one, because you have no idea what you're doing in a car. The Neon is a poser car. I think the only American sport compact that's worth anything at all is going to be the Saturn ION Redline, and it still won't compete with the WRX, much less the STi or the Evo. If you think the Subie is not worth the pretty penny it costs, and you think the Dodge is worth it, you've got another thing coming. AWD is just as useful on tarmac as it is on rally courses. Get those babies up to 150mph and then turn the steering wheel to take an off-ramp at speed. The Subie turns. The SRT-4 either slides out of control or rolls over. And the MOPAR car can forget about taking the Subies either at the drag track or the autocrosses, too.
To the guy talking about the 'Vette, yes it will beat the snot out of an import. But it's also a whole other class of vehicle. If you want to compete with the Z06, go buy a BMW M3 or a Porsche. Those of us driving sport compacts just watch the full sportscars blow past us, except on twisty dirt roads where the AWD of our WRXs gives us an advantage.

And while I'm on my soapbox, I just have to say that racing stripes, tastefully done, kick ass. When they look ghetto, they look ghetto, but when they look good, they look hella good.

I'm telling you guys now, don't turn this into flaming and name calling.

I agree its cool to hear what others like/dislike about our Scoobys but the name calling is just stupid! and to the topic of testdriving a STI if the dealer you are at wont let you drive one just find a dealer that will then pull up in your new STi and show it to the sales man and say wow I am glad "( ) <-- dealers name" let me drive one

I just drove home my STI, I can't wait tilll the break-in period is over, and man was it worth the upgrade over the WRX. I was a little apprehensive about buying a car I had never test-driven, but all the press said it was amazing so I took the 30 or so writers I read at their word. This car is definitely not your grandmothers WRX. First gear is almost a waste of time; you're into second before you even realized you were moving. There's not a whole lot more I can elaborate at this time since all I did was drive it home. I'll post more (with pics) tomorrow.

John

PS. The point of this is... if you are thinking of buying one but can't get a test-drive... JUST SHOW THEM THE MONEY!

I'm telling you guys now, don't turn this into flaming and name calling.

Got ya Boss.
I just thought that it's inappropriate to start bashing imports at an import forum, and I also felt that calling Dealers "fags" or "gay" just because they don't let some 17 year-old punk kids test drive an STI is quite juvenile.

I also feel that it's quite juvenile to start bringing up Corvettes into this picture. It's like me bringing up BAR Honda F1 car or Murcielago into the conversation and telling this kid they can beat a Corvette, and it's an "import"! Silly, silly.

Didn't mean to bash on domestic cars, I guess if you are happy with them, that's fine--it just seems to me that those people don't have an open mind to even consider domestic cars because they are domestic. At least I've tried domestic cars, and I still don't like them after an impartial evaluation.

I dunno if the dealers here would let me test drive an STi, but I doubt it, seeing as how I'm not that good with manual, and I'm only 17...but I guess if I have the money to buy it and show them that I do, then it's all good.

Ok, i won't get nasty, but i will defend my thoughts on the matter.. First off, who really uses an STi to its potential? no one! and taking off ramps at 150 is rice! your the kind of kid we read about in the paper and you make sport compacts look bad.. i'm not all about straight line performance myself, but unless your autocrossing then your not using the car for anything else then clowning around like a gook in a rally race trying to kill people.. As for the deep hatred for domestics thats just plain ignorant.. especially comming from a subaru owner.. how is a 4 door, AWD, Boxy grociery getter better looking than a sexy Cobra or Vette? Yea and you gotta love that turbo lag from the tiny little turbo the sti sports.pfff... Get real, the sti is a nice car but its far from being the best car.. so take your head out of your butt and face reality! your not a rally champion!!! And no one like rally racing in america!

Someones been watching a little too much ESPN!!! leave doing 150 in the dirt to the professionals and don't kill anyone!

daveshapellSVT,
its seems to me like u dont like STI's and imports, so why do u come to these forums and start stuff with people. That is kinda childish dont u think? so keep the cobra talk to people who want to talk about cobras and let us talk about rally racing and our "grociery getters" that have excellent acceleration and no turbo lag. were all here to talk about cars at least most of us so lets just talk about them instead of cutting them down. thanks

i never said i don't like imports or hate sti.. infact i'm not even the one that started the bashing of others cars.. i just think import guys are cocky and ignorant at times.. As demonstrated in this thread...

Actually, as a matter of fact, I do both autocross and rally racing. And I do them in front-wheel-drive cars, which sucks a lot, but it's what I can afford right now. And actually, one of them is a Neon. It blows, but it was free. After having driven the USDM WRX and STi and the JDM STi (a cool story for another day), I have to say that they can outrun anything I've ever driven on both the autocross circuit and especially on the rally courses, except maybe my friend's 911. I used to own a Mustang (much better than my current Saturn or Neon for racing purposes, but was broken more often than not), as well, and I'd buy the STi over it every time.
I can honestly say that I--and all of my racing friends (only one of whom is "rice"... and he's actually Asian, so it's OK)--can and would use an STi to its full potential. However, I'm only going to buy the WRX because an '02 WRX is hella cheaper than an '04 STi. I don't think anybody who's not serious about performance driving is going to buy an STi. It's not even a good poser car, 'cause it's not the prettiest thing on the road.

keita, "Well...if the only thing you're interested in doing is going straight, then it might serve your purpose. Some of us actually like to make turns and "drive" the car. Some of us also like cars that aren't ugly...the ones without ulgy stripes and crap, you know"

Yea you import guys really know how to dress up a car!RICE!!! (http://funny.entensity.net/flash/flash.php?flash=asianpride.swf)
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/452000-452999/452383_7.jpg http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/148400civic.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/148400CRX.jpg http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/148400crx2.jpg

Decal it up rally boy.. lol Seeya ya done went and pissed me off by calling my car ugly.. now why did ya have to go and do that?

Ugly car that goes relatively fast, deficient driving skill with inferiority complex, low IQ, deficient logic....that's what we call a "fatal combination". Don't forget to sign your donor card, you might do some good. Go back to your cobra thread, and don't let the door hit your arse on the way out.

keita, "Well...if the only thing you're interested in doing is going straight, then it might serve your purpose. Some of us actually like to make turns and "drive" the car. Some of us also like cars that aren't ugly...the ones without ulgy stripes and crap, you know"

Yea you import guys really know how to dress up a car

Decal it up rally boy.. lol Seeya ya done went and pissed me off by calling my car ugly.. now why did ya have to go and do that?

Now you're simply acting childish.

Grouping ALL import drivers as "rice" = stereotyping and lame. Just because you can find pictures of SOME imports that are "riced" doesn't mean ALL are.

Trying to act like domestics are immune to rice is also lame. If you think people with bad taste don't drive domestics too, you're kidding yourself.

If all you're going to do is talk down on import drivers instead of acting like a car enthusiast who can respect all types of cars that do their thing well, you'd be best off to find the door before I show you to it. Consider that a 2nd warning.

how is a 4 door, AWD, Boxy grociery getter better looking than a sexy Cobra or Vette?

In my opinion, yeah, the EVO and the STi both look tons better than a Cobra or Vette. Wanna know why? Cuz the EVO and STi both look plain mean. They look functional, purpose built. They have that "I don't care how I look, cuz I'll tear you apart" thing going for them. They're rare, they're meant for performance, and everyone who sees them knows it. The Mustang on the other hand, I can pull into any random WalMart parking lot and see 30 Mustangs, and 20 of them will be driven by secretaries or highschool kids. Doesn't exactly scream performance to me. Same for the Vette, although it's less common than the Mustang, it's still like the Honda Civic of sports cars, because it's the most common and the cheap one for everyone to afford. Also too often driven by older men or women who only want it for the name.

Yea and you gotta love that turbo lag from the tiny little turbo the sti sports.

Are you hearing yourself? It has no lag BECAUSE it's a "tiny ass turbo".

And no one like rally racing in america!

I do, and I don't really care what anyone else likes, cuz I'm the one buying the car, not them, so I'll buy what I like.

Ok, i won't get nasty, but i will defend my thoughts on the matter.. First off, who really uses an STi to its potential? no one!

I've run a rally-x, and a track day before the snow hit last fall in the STi, and with the relatively small club I run with, there are 3 people that ran STi's last year. FWIW, I was the fastest of the 3, and was running 2 sec/lap slower on the stock tires than a well driven 99 Mustang Cobra with suspension mods on Kumho Victoracers.

Did you also notice that of all the pics daveshapellSVT posted, none were Subarus?

The STi does have turbo lag, though it is not as pronounced as it is in many other turbo cars.

For the record, I do think the STi is goofy looking, and the C5 Z06 is a very good value for the money. I just happen to live somewhere that it snows occasionally (like yesterday), and the Z06 is useless in the snow.

I gotta say, the C5 looks better than the STi. I mean, I love the STi and would buy one over the Corvette, but the Corvette is sexy, especially with the top down. The STi is hardcore, but I wouldn't call it good-looking. Not bad looking, either, but it looks like every other import on the road, except with a wing and some pink letters on it.

Why woudl you come on here just to flame a car? I mean expression ones opinion is one thing but being an ass is another.
If you dont liek imports dont p[ost a comment in an import section. Simple as that.
The STi is a different class of car then a Stang. Its built for road holding, and blitering acceleration out of the hole. Not for top speed runs, or doing burnouts/donughts.
I like some Stangs, and i like some imports. But i would not waste my time telling people how much i dont like there car.

thats the thing, i didn't come on here to flame a car.. someone started degrating my car and naturally i'll defend it... anyhow, maybe this group of ppl does use an sti for what its ment for, but thats rare.. For example, i know this dorky kid who owns an sti and a wrx.. the kid doesn't even beat on the car.. never had it full throttle, never shifts fast or hard and deffinatly doesn't autocross with it.. So around here, i've never seen anyone use a wrx or sti for anything more than just having another turbo car to street race with.. i mean you have to admitt that you fellows are the small percentage that actually do what the car is ment to do.. props for that, but no need to go off and say domestics are crap and ugly.. thats the only problem i had.. i still think the sti is a great car so...no hard feelings..

Now lets talk about cars.. moderator was saying that the sti and evo look more ready for action opposed to the stang.. fine opinion, but the impreza doesn't start off as a rally car.. it starts off as a normal 4 door sedan.. in fact it has a different drivetrain the 2.5 liter non turbo.. So its more of a car that was upgraded to suit the performance.. this is where my opinion differs with the stang cause its a sports car even in base trim.. two door couple with decent acceleration and performance... in my opinion a RWD carnormally is a better set up for taking turns and what not.. this is why most times on awd cars they convert them to rwd or set the center differential to the rear.. don't get me wrong, AWD is still way better for rally racing, but for auto cross and circuit i think RWD is where its at.. So what i'm trying to say is that the Mustang IS built for performance just like the STi.. it's been a well known sports car for over 20 yrs.. And sure many normal ppl own V6 stangs, but many ppl own 2.5 RS imprezas too.. every performance car also comes in a mellowed out version.. I just don't think the STI looks anymore performance orrianted then the mustang.. i mean lets be honest the mustang is known for good acceleration and performance.. the impreza is more awd saftey...


And to clear some things up, i do like imports, never said i didn't.. the thing i don't like about any group of car guys is cocky ignorance.. I always keep respect for all car guys.. As a matter of fact most of the ppl i hang out with are import guys.. plus imports are a huge market, who doesn't like ferrari's or lambos...

Alright, as long as we can keep it calm like that, I don't mind anyone expressing their opinions. And how I feel about the way the cars look is only my opinion, but you asked so I gave it. I'm not saying I don't like Mustangs or Vettes, they just don't do anything for me when I see them.

hey, thats fine. glad we can be civilized.. I only post on this forum because its a good place to get information, and i also like talking about cars.. i'm ok with the occassional aggressive debate.. no harm done.. i sleep good at night regardless :)

Domestic carbohydrate (http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/News/select3038.htm)

*flame repellant mode off*

...my opinion a RWD carnormally is a better set up for taking turns and what not.. this is why most times on awd cars they convert them to rwd or set the center differential to the rear.. don't get me wrong, AWD is still way better for rally racing, but for auto cross and circuit i think RWD is where its at.. So what i'm trying to say is that the Mustang IS built for performance just like the STi.. it's been a well known sports car for over 20 yrs.. And sure many normal ppl own V6 stangs, but many ppl own 2.5 RS imprezas too.. every performance car also comes in a mellowed out version.. I just don't think the STI looks anymore performance orrianted then the mustang.. i mean lets be honest the mustang is known for good acceleration and performance.. the impreza is more awd saftey...

In general, I agree that the Mustang looks sportier than the STi, and the base 6-cyl Mustang will have slightly better performance than the 2.5RS.

As far as auto-X and circuit racing go, in general the RWD cars are both more fun and easier to drive, but they are not as fast as the AWD car. The day I had the STi on track, I did play with the DCCD settings. What I found was that the car was fastest (according to the stopwatch) with moderate understeer and the % lockup of the diff more than I would have expected. Note that this is not what felt fastest, it felt faster with a lower % diff lockup, but did not put the power down as well coming out of the corners.

yea putting the power down is always a battle with powerfull RWD cars.. only way to help it is to get huge fucking tires.. i'm planning on running 325 35 17 on my car. I wanna attend some autocross events this yr but, i have to get some cash for a blown shock i have.. i have a decent setup on my cobra.. Qa1 adjustable shocks, and eibach springs.. i also have adjustable camber plates.. The tires i have now, which are bald, are nitto 555R drag radials so before i can do some autocrossing i'd have to get tires and a couple shocks.. i also wanna get a bushing kit to further tighten things up..

I am an import fan and i happen to like domestic cars as well, just not the compact american cars like a cavalier or a neon. I've always loved the fox body 5.0's and my buddy has an '03 Cobra that I drove...one hell of a thrill ride!!! I'm just saying, why cant we just stop all the negative shit like compact cars are all rice, and domestic cars are all drag...obviously you guys dont see the Z06 or the Cobras autoX.

If you want to make the 'Stang faster for autoX (I realize this is still the WRX forum, but it's here, so...), you probably need to do some body stiffening instead of--or in addition to--fatter tires. Bigger rubber will improve your power % to the asphalt numbers, but it will also increase your unsprung rotational mass significantly. Think about some frame bracing first, I think. It will be cheaper, and it will keep the rubber that you currently have in better contact with the tarmac. The 'Stang wasn't set up by Ford to turn all that well. There's a lot of body-flex inherent in the system. Welding in some bracing or buying an X-brace (not to mention setting the camber plates to like -3.5º or so) will be much cheaper than a new set of tires. What's the camber setting of those rear tires, while you're autocrossing...

My car has some under supports that were welded in.. Hey last night i came across this evo but he wouldn't race me lol I wanted to redeam myself cause when my car was stock i lost to one cause i had a shitty launch... how are your sti's up top? whats the fastest you guys have gotten up to? i've done 150 in my Cobra with my 4:10 gears even..i think it would max out at 155 or so.. just run out of gear

My car has some under supports that were welded in.. Hey last night i came across this evo but he wouldn't race me lol I wanted to redeam myself cause when my car was stock i lost to one cause i had a shitty launch... how are your sti's up top? whats the fastest you guys have gotten up to? i've done 150 in my Cobra with my 4:10 gears even..i think it would max out at 155 or so.. just run out of gear


Hey Dave,

I would have to disagree with you about the AWD just being for safety. I think Audi has proven the advantages of AWD on the track. Yes there are some disadvantages like weight for example but the track numbers prove themselves. I have an '02 M3. I think the DSC (traction control for non-bimmer drivers) has saved my hide plenty of times. If I had AWD, I don't think there would be a need for traction control.

For all of the domestic bashers, the Z06 will blow the doors off ANY stock car in that price range. It is a hell of a car and has come a LONG way from what they used to be.

By the way, sorry to say that the base Mustangs SUCK. I rented a convertible one and the handeling was horrendous. This is supposed to be a sports car (at least a sporty car) for crying out loud. I was supposed to rent another one but decided to get a Maxima instead. Better handling, better power, and much more comfortable.

I love the USA but they still have some catching up to do in the automotive world. BUILD QUALITY!!! The US car companies have the money but they need to invest in the technology that will allow them to compete. This means doing something other than increasing displacement to get more power. (Variable valve timing for example)

Anyways STi's are not the prettiest things on the road but they sure haul butt. I know they cost at least $20K less than my M3 and can most likely smoke me. You all have to admit that the chick magnetism is MUCH stronger for the M3.

I have to second that comment about a base Mustang. There are a lot of those around for rental cars and boy, I have very few good things I can say about them. I would think that most people would prefer to "own" a base impreza 2.5RS compared to a base mustang after a logical comparison, but who knows.

I also do agree that US automoitve industry in general has a lot of room for improvement. I feel that their design has been improving in the last decade, and the same can be said about Japanese auto industry as well. Nissan has done a marvelous job (although I'm definitely NOT a Nissan fan) in terms of their overall design and quality. Totota/Lexus design is on the upslope in my opinion, with near perfection of their quality improvement. Subaru design is definitely improving now with major changes in its design department. You have to see the new Legacy that's been out in Japan...it's a beautiful thing.

What's wrong with the American auto industry...? I just think that the BEST American engineers go into the aerospace industry, which is by far the best in the world. I went to one of the best engineering schools in the country (U.C. Berkeley), and many of my engineering friends (I'm not an engineer) were interested in aerospace, but none interested in American auto industry, which is somewhat understandable. I really don't think that American auto industry will change their philosphy significantly and shy away from brute force of large displacement engines that they are so happy to continue producing, and shift their focus into milking every bit of horsepower out of small displacement engines.

As far as cars are concerned, it all depends on what you want from them. I would choose to own a sophisticated 3.2L Acura NSX with its superior engineering, fit and finish anytime over an overwhelming, gas-guzzling 8.3L viper, and I would happily drive a finely tuned WRX than a mustang, and choose a refined yet powerful M3 over a Vette. I guess I'm just more into fine engineering, fit, quality, finish, and handling rather than overwhelming torque, 1/4 mile time, and top speed, which might be important to some people. And to me, it really doesn't matter if it's an european import, Japanese import, or domestic... it just boils down to evaluating the individual car one by one. I just feel that domestic cars are still (in general, that is) quite far behind euro/japanese imports interms of novel engineering, quality, fit and finish, and their fortes: torque, horsepower, and such are not attractive enough for me to ignore other important factors. I'd be happy to change my mind when American auto makers improve on aforementioned aspects and come up with cars that have all of those outstanding qualities....

I agree with most of the above but what is the solution? I don't believe that aerospace is really taking that many engineers. The airline industry is really struggeling and that translates into decreased orders. The defense industry is strong but also limited in terms of the number of jobs as well. I think the main problem is that top notch engineers don't want to be associated with domestic car companies. One thing I can say is THANK GOD they exported Chris Bangle to BMW. Domestic cars don't need to get uglier. Lucky for me my Bimmer hasn't been bungled my Bangle... yet. What the hell is BMW thinking??? Don't they do market studies and focus groups to see what the public thinks??? The 7 series is one of the butt ugliest cars out there. I'm not saying that its poorly engineered. It may even be sweet to drive. Almost everyone hates the I drive and I think the same can be said about that ugly rear end. The previous generation was a very desirable car.

I think that the push to improve the technology in domestic cars needs to come from the top. Get rid of some old blood and bring in some execs from leading import car companies. I think nostalgia is highly overrated. Look what happened to the Thunderbird. I also think that the car was way underpowered and way overpriced.

One of the most important issues is build quality. I think Dodge/Chrysler is seeing some improvements since MB has taken over. They really do need to add some juice to the crossfire to make it work though. Most American cars give a cheap plasticky feel inside. They should really learn a thing or two from Honda and Lexus.

Last thing... forget about the NSX. I think only a fool would spend that much money for that car. It still looks good but what changes have been made in the last 10 years??? The bang for the buck is seriously off even with the great handeling. Hell, by an M3 and an Acura TL with that money.

i'm about to buy a new STi but they won't let me test drive one. i've done the research and know the car on paper but i don't know how it drives. does anyone know of any quirks about the car or even (gasp!) regrets about buying one?

So... back to the origin of this thread... What are the quirks and regrets about the STi?

oh...the STI. We sort of went on a tangent. I don't know about test driving STI, the dealer I went to never had one in stock. I was able to test drive WRX's without any problem and bought one.

About NSX...although I'm a WRX owner, I still like those hondas. NSX seems to be undergoing a serious upgrading, and I'm sure that the next generation would have substantial performance improvements. I like the S2000 as well, another well engineered car. As far as other Acuras go...I think that they need to start making some rear-wheel-drive cars. At least that seems to be the biggest criticism of the TL or the RL (or whatever it is, I get confused). I understand the Honda philosophy, but I don't think it'd hurt a bit to start adding some turbochargers... I was a big Ayrton Senna and Turbo-charged Honda F1 engines back in the days, so I know that they have an expertise, but I believe that they want to stick with NA VTEC's and continue to milk out some serious horsepowers from their NA engines.

FWIW, the STI is a very different car than the WRX.

The STi has many different characteristics than the WRX, most of which have been tracked down to the different front and center differentials. In moderate cornering, the car can tend to either have a front end tuck-in condition, which is a very strange sensation, or, especially if the DCCD is in auto mode, you can get a severe lift off understeer. This condition has been traced to the DCCD changing settings mid-corner.

I have no regrets, it's just not an easy car to drive and requires constant attention if you're above 50% of the max capability of the car. The biggest regret I have is that it's much harder to get that catchy song out of your head without a stereo.

STi's don't have radios? that sucks

Hondas are great reliable cars but, here in the states we never get to see what tehy are really all about.. No type R sucks... I know tons of ppl with RSX type S and they are quick but high 14's suck.. the NSX is way over priced, and the s2000 is ok, nothing special.. only thing i must argue about with hondas is that they are gutless and need more torque.. its such a pain in the ass to drive them around town.. from a dead stop you have to wind the piss out of it to get any movment.. i myself own a civic which is the weakest of the bunch, but i've driven many RSX's, GSR's, SI's.. same deal.. thing thats cool about the 04 s2000 is that they made it more torquey.. and what do ya know it's much faster and much less annoying to own..

You're right about the lack of torque. I think you can say that about many(most?) Japanese cars. I believe that having a large displacement and a thick torque is not their "thing". They could easily increase the displacement and increase the torque, but that's no brainer! Somehow I don't think that Japanese auto engineers are intending their cars to be used on 1/4 mile tracks. Although I won't argue that many people still do. Just a diffence in philosphy.

The only STi stereo option is a $980 6-disc changer. I just haven't gotten around to putting one in yet. Even without the stereo, it does com pre wired.

Less stereo, less weight. It's just a racecar that they upholstered and made DOT legal. And that's why it's so badass. Stereo option is definitely recommended for a street car, though.

I can understand weight savings but unless you only use the car for racing, going bare bones is a little extreme. I live in Miami and I don't care how much weight it adds. I WANT MY AIR CONDITIONING. Think how much better YOU would perform if you weren't suffocating in the car, your palms weren't all slippery, and if your eyes weren't burning from sweat. I don't have the luxury of having a weekend racer and an everyday car. My car is an everyday racer with all the ammenities!!!

yea thats what i love about my Cobra. i can spank most cars on the road with the a/c on lol i'm gonna keep the AC in.. That would be badass an 11 second car with air lol just for shits and giggles i should run my Cobra with traction control and the ac on down the track..

I run a 13 flat with absolutely no weight reduction on my car besides the light weight flywheel and clutch :P

I run a 13 flat with absolutely no weight reduction on my car besides the light weight flywheel and clutch :P

13seconds flat in the 400m with a stock standard WRX wih the exception of a lightweight clutch and flywheel ?????? Sorry but this sounds a bit shoddy to me.

The 2002 WRX runs the 400m stock in 14.2 - 14.7 seconds, so you're telling me and everyone else on this board that you ran the 400metres by almost 2 seconds faster just by having a lighter clutch and flywheel?
sorry, not trying to flame you or anything, but you gotta admit it does sound kinda wrong. I'm curious, do you have anything else added to your car that maybe you forgot or something?
Again, like I said, not trying to flame you so please don't take it the wrong way, but i just can't help but see the numbers look a bit wrong. I mean the STI runs 13's so how can a stock WRX with just a lightened flywheel and clutch run a flat 13?

lol i never said my car was stock, i said it had no weight reductions. learn to read lol.