wrx wagon

[Chris]

how useful. You can haul your stuff, and haul it like a bat outta hell. THE ULTIMATE SLEEPER (ok, maybe not, but close).
Don't laugh, it is the smae as a 'regular' WRX, just more useful. Also, remember the 380hp Audi RS4. Yah, it was a wagon. A useful addition the the WRX line.

[unite@af]

hhheeheheh I agree

[dcdomain]

Having a hell of a time deciding between this car and the Acura TL Type-S. Would have preferred to lease one of these guys instead of buying (rumours of the Skyline in 2003, the STi in 2003, and the next Acura TL in 2004).

Anyway, I'm still a college kid, driving a QX4 right now. I don't want another SUV again, but I still need to haul stuff back and forth to school. The WRX Sportwagon would do the job since, well it's a wagon (although Civic sized) and AWD for the Northeast weather. It's pretty cheap and a sleeper!

Then there's the car I've been wanting for a while, the Acura TL Type-S. I hear it's getting a 6-speed manual this fall. I've always been a Honda fan, and the TL Type-S is a pretty damn good bargain. The navi system is also of note, which I've needed for a while, it's on par with the QX4 in terms of luxury, and the Type-S engine is another sleeper. Too bad the freaking rear seats don't fold down.

So what do you guys think? Sway me in one direction or another?

[Chris]

First of all, I envy you, getting awesome vehicles in college. Anyway, For something like this (advising on a car), I always review everything I can find on them. I hope to have an answer tonight, at the latest tommorrow afternoon. Either car is good, bu tone is always better!

PS, good idea leaving an SUV. A lot of wagons offer MORE space than a lot of SUV's, with a better ride, safer, faster, cheaper, etc.

Expect my answer soon (I am currently leaning to a wrx wagon, though, but if the STi version comes out, I would feel gipped)

[Chris]

Where did you hear the TL type-S is getting a 6-speed?? I know the Lexus IS300 is getting one, but not Acura. Where did you hear it.

[dcdomain]

Yeah the IS300 was to get a manual tranny since it's inception. Surprised Lexus took so long since they already had it in the IS200/Altezza.

Anyway I read about the 6-speed for the TL-S in Autoweek. And it was also in one of those television shows about cars. I forget which one. Anyway, I was reading up on it today. And it looks like the TL Type-S won't be getting the manual this fall. http://www.competitionpress.com/news/carnewstory.mv?story=na38124nb34768nc10629

On that story there, Honda/Acura confirmed the manual for the CL. Since the Type-S came out on the TL following the CL, the same thing might happen. But i need a car by January at the latest. This isn't really what I wanted to hear. I had also considered an A4 wagon, and perhaps the Allroad (way too expensive) if i was to lease. But it looks like the next car I get will be bought rather than lease. I wish I had some time to wait.

[Chris]

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

[Chris]

Here is Car and Drivers review on the TL here
HEre it is for the WRX here


Yeah, It is surprising they didn't have the manual for the Lexus. But the American version has too much torque for the European tranny.

And if you wanted an Allroad, I would suggest the S4 avant. But I'm not you.

I'm glad the CL is getting the stick (hehe).

Again, I would take the WRX (I might be biased, I love rally, driving, and driving crazy fast on back road. One of my fantasies {I stole/changed from a MT editor} is to drive down a back road in a STi with Cindy Crawford in the passenger seat telling me to "Drive Scary!")

[Chris]

A WRX is a four door sports car for any weahter
An Acura TL Type-S is a luxury car with some serious fun attached.

[dcdomain]

You got me leaning towards the WRX! =D

Hmmm, but I hate the feeling of getting gipped when the STi arrives! Anyway, watching my friend modify his Audi, I can't wait to get a car to modify. And it looks like the Subie will be a much better base car to hack at.

Anyone know if those headlights for the SWRT car are available anywhere? Those wheels have to go too. And I heard the brakes aren't that great... damn don't have the car yet and already trying to hack at it.

I have to find a Subie dealership around here for a test drive.

Oh almost forgot... I love the sound of Turbo's...

[Chris]

Yes, the subbie is a much better platform to modify. And as I said, the STi has more boost (a new turbine or chip would fix that!) And a larger intercooler mounted higher and is bigger. Those things you should be able to get easily. I will check for those lights, they look good.
BRB, my pesky friend is tellingme to get off

[Chris]

I e-mailed Subaru to see if they will offer them.
New wheels should be easy to get. The WRC cars use several different designs, the most popular for a Subbie is gold-tint wheels. All other mods should come quickly, especially since its been out for years in other markets (the older versions, anyway).
Heres another idea, the WRX has 3(!) catylytic converters. This lets it meet LEV standards. That is a little excessive. If you were to remove one or two, (at least the one between the engine and the turbo, that one is a huge drag. You get the normal loss, but then the gas to the Turbo is very unsetteled and not as fast. This would get you more boost, giving you even more power!).AND you would still be enviromentally friendly!
Thats a bit for now, I'll get back to you about those lights as soon as I know

[Chris]

This is a letter I got back back from Subaru regarding the lights:

Dear Chris:

Thank you for visiting the Subaru Website and for your inquiry.

At this time, I am not aware of any World Rally type headlights being offered.
Since you live in Canada, perhaps you would want to contact them for any
assistance.

You can email them at (www.subaru.ca) or by contacting 5990 Falborne Street -
Mississauga, Ontario L5R3S7 - Phone: 905-568-4959 - Fax: 905-568-8087.

We hope that Subaru Canada can assist you with your needs. Best wishes!

Thank you for visiting subaru.com!

Kelly Shinault
Subaru of America, Inc.

Thats it.

[dcdomain]

Thanks for all the research you are doing Chris.

I was looking at Prodrive, they said the lights would be available at the end of next month at $900+

A little steep I think...

Anyway, Prodrive is releasing 300 units of the special edition UK300 in the UK which includes the lights, body kit, engine mods to bring it up to 240 hp, 18" gold rims and the like...

Wish they would bring a US300 wagon over =D

[Chris]

Don't worry about it, I love cars, and this gives me a reason to learn more.
That kit seems neat, especially the lights and wheels. I havn't seent he body kit, but prodrive makes good, good stuff. They should have a better engine mod though.