WRX 02', 04' Differences and TURBO LAG!.

Hey everyone..Im really serious about buying a WRX, used, for myself. That or a RSX Type-S..anyways, i was wondering what are the FULL differences between a 02' WRX and a 04'? Apperance, supension, performance etc..Also, iv been reading alot about it and everyone says its got a little turbo lag under 3k? AWD there to save you off the line until the turbo kicks in but is there a way to get rid of that lag or atleast lessen it? Thanks alot guys

The most noticeable difference between an 02 and a 04 is the front facia. The 04's and up got the new face lift from the bug eyed look. Also the newer models have slightly different tailights and nicer interiors in my opinion.

The turbo lag isn't bad at all. You get into boost before you know it, the factory turbo, td-04, is so small it spools quick. Especially if you launch the vehicle, no lag at all. If you are really concerned about the lag invest in an uppipe and downpipe, eliminate all the cats in the car and she will be spoolin' like crazy.

Yeah. The '04 has better interior by far. The mechanicals are all pretty much the same. Hood scoop is bigger on the '04, headlights and bumper are different, taillights are different, upholstry is different, stereo and A/C controls are different (I think), and... that's pretty much it. Any bugs with the '02 will have been worked out (theoretically) with the '04, as well. Oh, and Lance Armstrong is the spokesman for the '04/'05 model type, but not for the '02.

it takes less time for the turbo to spool than any honda crackin v tec, plus turbo pulls much harder than vtec ever will unless u invest some SERIOUs money into it...ide say drive a wrx and you'll see its no biggy

There will be lag with every turbo everywhere. The lag in the WRX is not bad at all. Just keep the revs above 3500 and you'll be boosting like crazy. The same goes for every turboed motor, though. Even naturally aspirated motors bog at low RPMs. With a WRX turbo lag is pretty much the last thing you'll have to worry about.

Alright guys, thanks alot.

I just reread the first post and you were thinking about getting a RSX type S or the WRX? No contest at all there. If you are worried about turbolag, guess where V-Tec comes in in that Acura? Around 5,500 rpm and it reaches it's peak power around 7,000. The WRX hits boost around 3,000 rpm and its max hp and torque are available right when the boost kicks in. Don't get me wrong, the RSX is a nice car, good handing machine but if your worried about acceleration can't go wrong with AWD and a turbo..... :grinyes: