STi v GTi

Author
Discussion

NailedOn

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

235 months

Tuesday 16th July 2013
quotequote all
I'm looking for a pokey 4x4.
We have a WRX hatchback on the fleet, and I'm after something with space, pace and real grip. We live out in the Dales so grip in snow is a must.
I plan to keep the WRX and am looking at Golf RS32 v an STi.
Auto would favour the Golf but does grip favour the STi?
What else should I consider ?
All ideas welcome.

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

226 months

Tuesday 16th July 2013
quotequote all
Modding your WRX Wagon would give you what you are looking for.

It certainly has the grip, and the space in the back is good to fit to big dogs which i've done many times for trips to scotland. Add to that a bike rack, 3 bikes and all out stuff on the back seat and you are ready for some serious mile munching at pace. As for pace, it's certainly quicker than an R32 out of the box, if you don't think it is then you're not driving it quickly enough biggrin

Minor mods to exhaust and induction will see 270-280bhp and 290-310lbft torque. Further mods to exhaust, injectors and turbo will safely see to 330bhp and similar torque. More than that and you will be near to limits that could see the WRX engine and gearbox fall down.

An STi won't give you the space. A modded WRX will be every bit as quick and then some over a standard STi.

Maybe what you want is something like a Forester or Legacy Estate. Forester has bit more ground clearance over a WRX wagon and bit more space in the boot. Legacy has a cavernous boot, more cabin space and plenty of pace. All Subaru are great handling in any conditions out of the box.

Golf R32 might look better, have good build quality and nicer interiors but it's not quicker, roomier or better handling than a Subaru. Plus Subaru reliability is second to none.

I rest my case your honour!! thumbup

NailedOn

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

235 months

Tuesday 16th July 2013
quotequote all
I love it! Thanks for the advice.
I do like the idea of boning the WRX up to nearer 300 bhp.

The car I was looking to trade in is my trusty Outback 3.0 Rn. Goes like a train and carries like one too. We're tight for parking and the family grew up and left, so smaller is better. The WRX is Mrs. NailedOn's car so the next one is for me.

I'd looked at some later 5 door STis and they look like terrific value. The saloons are out of my price range just now, but I could live with a hatch back for sure.

Hear what you say about the Golf. Never had a GTI but do wonder if they are hyped up.
Cheers

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

226 months

Tuesday 16th July 2013
quotequote all
NP YW thumbup

gowmonster

2,471 posts

167 months

Tuesday 16th July 2013
quotequote all
WRX isn't actually that big inside, as above, legacy or forester would be better.

The Terminator

432 posts

243 months

Thursday 18th July 2013
quotequote all
Forester STI , job done

NailedOn

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

235 months

Friday 19th July 2013
quotequote all
The Outback 3.6 is starting to look good value. Clearly no hatch, but some out there for £20k. Just looked at the spec and they are faster and more economical than the 3.0. Rn that I have.
Hmm...

Separately, does anyone like the XV? Reviews are poor and dealers are discounting by £2,300.

Ved

3,825 posts

175 months

Friday 19th July 2013
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The Terminator said:
Forester STI , job done
I concur!

paulmoonraker

2,850 posts

163 months

Friday 19th July 2013
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New Age STi. Mapped to 350bhp. It would mince the golf in every way.

If your not worried about age get a 2005 car.

Hol

8,412 posts

200 months

Saturday 20th July 2013
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NailedOn said:
We live out in the Dales so grip in snow is a must.
You need permanent asymmetrical Awd and not a system that is 2wd until grip is lost.


That should narrow your search.


NailedOn

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

235 months

Saturday 20th July 2013
quotequote all
Hol said:
NailedOn said:
We live out in the Dales so grip in snow is a must.
You need permanent asymmetrical Awd and not a system that is 2wd until grip is lost.


That should narrow your search.
It has narrowed it to Subaru!

Screaming Beagle

187 posts

172 months

Sunday 8th September 2013
quotequote all
NailedOn said:
The Outback 3.6 is starting to look good value. Clearly no hatch, but some out there for £20k. Just looked at the spec and they are faster and more economical than the 3.0. Rn that I have.
Hmm...

Separately, does anyone like the XV? Reviews are poor and dealers are discounting by £2,300.
Just acquired a 3.6 outback. Absolutely fab car. You would not be disappointed.

Tommy Kaira

49 posts

160 months

Monday 9th September 2013
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I had a superb condition R32 Golf...and it was absolute toilet! It might have had quite a lot of grip but the typical VAG lack of feel ment I have no clue! Poorly engineered, unimpressive and expensive for what they are.

+1 for the Forester!

NailedOn

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

235 months

Wednesday 11th September 2013
quotequote all
I took my WRX to the TVR track day on Monday.
It was a blast. You could not have more fun and the 230bhp is delivered just when you need it. The speed out of bends was amazing.
These cars are going for a song so I'd say great value.