OK, here are some stats. You can visit the manufactures web sites, so I will spare you some.
Acura WRX
260 hp 227 hp
232 lb-ft 217 lb-ft
6.9 5.8 0-60
There is some (basic) stuff. The WRX far more involving to drive, much more fun especially with a nice 5 speed. THe TL is basically a luxury car with some added pizzaz. The CL is more fun. But they have auto's, so aren't a lot of fun, and they are slower, and they can't handle as well.
As you can guess, I have decided on the Impreza. IT is just so cool and fun. The STi should be out in late 2002. It will jave 280 or so hp, and 275 lb-ft. The actual horsepower is probably over 300. It will have a limited slip rear diff, optional on the front. it will weigh under 3200 pounds. It would be about 30 grand. 0-60 in 4.8 seconds! It gets the power by a large intercooler, 3.3 more psi from the turbo. Think of it as a M3 with a rally bent.
The Impreza is reletively small (like any performance car should be), at 173 inches long, a civic is 174. The wagon is versatile, more so than the Acura.
The 'ordinary' WRX is still amazing, and would make me happy.
Heck, jsut drive both (hard, on curvy roads), and you will see the difference. The TL won't do as a pure drivers car compared to the WRX.
SOme more examples, in the April 2001 Car and Driver. "I have got to get me one of these", "Last years Audi S4 hanging on the 35% of rack" "...the ideal 4-seasons sports car" "Theres no seek button on the radio... it's the only thing wrong with the WRX. Otherwise its perfect and I love it" "For the dough, you won't find another car that does so many things so well". That is jsut some. Read the article, they are blown away by it. Most articles tell you about it, in this one they adore it.
About the TL Type-S, they like it alot. It has excellent value, and is good for some people (If you like luxury)
There is nothing wrong with either car. Ask yourself this question: What do you want, an incredible performance machine that will make you smile constantly, can handle bad conditions (at speed, and it will be fun!), will make you feel like Colin McRae beating the snot out of the competition, with tons of versatility to boot, and can handle less-then-luxurious conditions. OR would you like a supreme luxury car that you can drive hard and have fun with, but not super-versatile.
If you pick the first one, get the WRX. If its the second one, get the ACura. Drive them both, but I take the WRX (its cheaper too!) for obvious reasons.
Enjoy your new car, you will love either one
