WRX Automatic? how are they?

[bellwilliam]

I did a quick search, did not fin anything on automatic transmission WRXs (I am a newbie on this site, so go easy if I missed the search).

I want a WRX, but my wife won't let me buy a stick, so how is the performance / reliability / driveability on the automatic. on this forum, it doesn't seem like any one bought an automatic (or just to shame to admit it). I did some reading on car magazines, automatic seems to run real slow, 0-60 in high 6s, which is slower than many many family cars. my mom's Lexus ls400 would blow me away, my father's G35 would kick my butt also if I were to drive an automatic WRX.

anyone have any experiences?

[BlowOff]

Im pretty sure they dont make automatic WRX's...could be wrong though.

[bellwilliam]

acutally there are plenty of automatic ones. I am suprised no one in this forum own one, or may be too embarrased to admit one.

there was a review on: http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadt...2/article.html

0-60 was 6.7 seconds.

[BlowOff]

wow i stand corrected..dunno if I would buy one though....its a rally car for goddsakes! haha

[illracer]

I have one.. I like it alot. Not quite as fast as manual but still extremely quick.

Plus there are advantages like its a much stronger transmission that handles higher hp much better (Manual WRX transmission are known to go caput if you put more hp than stock). Plus its AWD system is better because it uses Torsen instead of viscous differentials, and it has VTD which is also used on the rally cars and similar to the DCCD available in the new USDM STi.

Overall the Auto is a much better tranny than the manual (albeit not the 6spd in the STi) but you can't downshift through turns and lose some feeling of control over the car.. Keep in mind an aftermarket torque converter can make a huge difference in performance and make it rival the manual

I still think about how it would have been cooler to get a 5MT but I'm quite happy with what I got and would do it again in a second

[slwittich]

I drive an automatic, and i love it. I found a good deal and figured being a college student and therefore eating and using the cell while driving, the auto was a good choice. The handling and everything is still really good, the turbo lag is really annoying though. I have not driven a 5sp wrx though so i dont know if its just on the automatic or a subaru thing. After the lag pickup is quick, id say still 6.1, 6.2 0 - 60.

[dayna240sx]

Originally Posted by slwittich

...d therefore eating and using the cell while driving, the auto was a good choice.

you guys with autos make me sick!!!!

[brianl]

Originally Posted by BlowOff

wow i stand corrected..dunno if I would buy one though....its a rally car for goddsakes! haha

I have owned two WRX automatics...Ther slower than Pintos off the line...Once the car is at 3000rpm it is a gas...rivals Porsches I have owned... Seems CRAZY that Subaru can NOT figure out how to get more speed in first gear automatic... (heck our Chrysler mini van turbo could squeel the wheels with 6 people in the van...

Anyone know if you can hurt the transmission if you brake torque like the guy suggests above (i.e. hold the brake pedfal while you rev the engine to 3,000)..

I drive around town in second and car is amazingly responsive after 3000 rpm...

[Tomsriv]

Originally Posted by brianl

I have owned two WRX automatics...Ther slower than Pintos off the line...Once the car is at 3000rpm it is a gas...rivals Porsches I have owned... Seems CRAZY that Subaru can NOT figure out how to get more speed in first gear automatic... (heck our Chrysler mini van turbo could squeel the wheels with 6 people in the van...

Anyone know if you can hurt the transmission if you brake torque like the guy suggests above (i.e. hold the brake pedfal while you rev the engine to 3,000)..

I drive around town in second and car is amazingly responsive after 3000 rpm...

It will add a lot of heat to the trans. You shouldn't brake torque for more than 5 seconds without letting it cool. If you do it often you need to change the fluid more often. I don't see why the automatics are so much slower when you can spool up the turbo off the line like that. I dropped 1.5 seconds of my 1/4 mile in my 86 Volvo 740 turbo by power braking it to 2000 rpm. Ran a best of 15.6 in a car with 180,000 miles on it. I embarrased a lot of rice with my "big ugly family car", it was hilarious.