Impreza (STI) vs Celica GT-Four

[300bhp/ton]

Thinking of replacing my Nissan with a different daily driver. I've drawn up a long list of various interesting motors and have whittled it down to these two front runners.


How do they compare, I need a car most of the time to do 3 miles to the station, but on occasion do 200 miles a day when working on clientsite.

I love the classic Impreza looks and its more practical with 4 proper seats and the sound of that engine. But they are a bit common and I think if I was buying one it would have to be a WRX STI maybe something like a Type IV.

The Celica on the other hand is fairly unique being a proper coupe AWD turbo as opposed to a saloon car and with just as good rallying pedigree as the Impreza. I like the fact is has Torsen diffs whereas the Imprexa uses viscous units (not sure if the STI does or not??) and the rarity factor also appeals.


Which do think is the better bet?

[300bhp/ton]

lol, parking shouldn't be a problem I park away from the station. But that said the station car park is full of Beemers and Jags and other things worth a lot more money.

[300bhp/ton]

ttt

[Marf]

Impreza every time, esp if you are comparing a Type4 STi to a GT4.

Sure the GT-4 looks better, but its heavier, less powerful and slower.

Both will return similar MPG, i.e. not many!

[GravelBen]

I'd go for the STi no question - lighter, faster, better handling, more fun, more practical...

Personally I'd be going for a Type-RA (lightweight homologation model) or Type-R (2-door version) for maximum fun... the DCCD adjustable centre diff is a wonderful thing

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 7th September 09:29

[Mr E]

Marf said:

Impreza every time, esp if you are comparing a Type4 STi to a GT4.

Sure the GT-4 looks better, but its heavier, less powerful and slower.

Both will return similar MPG, i.e. not many!

Decent ST205 will have north of 250bhp. Minor fettling gets them to near 300 with no worries.
1360kgs. What does a STI mass?

Having run against numerous scoobies, my four is faster than a stock wrx, pretty similar to a wrx with the PPP pack and not quite as rapid as a good STi. It was also dropped by a 350z once we got to 70mph (more efficient drivetrain and better aero I guess).

[Marf]

Where are you getting that weight from?

Most sources I can find put the ST205 around the 1.5 tonne mark.

http://www.gtfours.co.uk/stuff/facts/205/facts.htm

Whereas an STi will be around the 1.3 tonne mark

[Mr E]

Marf said:

Where are you getting that weight from?

Most sources I can find put the ST205 around the 1.5 tonne mark.

http://www.gtfours.co.uk/stuff/facts/205/facts.htm

Whereas an STi will be around the 1.3 tonne mark

The handbook?

Mine was 1420 with a tank of fuel but no driver IIRC.

[Marf]

Mr E said:

Marf said:

Where are you getting that weight from?

Most sources I can find put the ST205 around the 1.5 tonne mark.

http://www.gtfours.co.uk/stuff/facts/205/facts.htm

Whereas an STi will be around the 1.3 tonne mark

The handbook?

Mine was 1420 with a tank of fuel but no driver IIRC.

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

[Mr E]

Marf said:

Mr E said:

Marf said:

Where are you getting that weight from?

Most sources I can find put the ST205 around the 1.5 tonne mark.

http://www.gtfours.co.uk/stuff/facts/205/facts.htm

Whereas an STi will be around the 1.3 tonne mark

The handbook?

Mine was 1420 with a tank of fuel but no driver IIRC.

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

I'm sure the STi isn't 1300kgs wet with a driver.

[300bhp/ton]

Wikipedia has the STI V listed at 1270kg. I'm sure the RA is lighter, but I'm not all that fussed tbh.

DCCD would be nice, but I don't think the regular STI has it and if I go Impreza 4 doors just makes more sense I think.

[GravelBen]

Classic STi is 1250-1280, Type-RA 1180-1240 depending which version. Not too sure if those are wet or dry weights though - I would presume the common engine fluids plus half tank of fuel, no driver.

[GravelBen]

300bhp/ton said:

DCCD would be nice, but I don't think the regular STI has it and if I go Impreza 4 doors just makes more sense I think.

Correct, regular STi didn't get DCCD until the newage Version 8. The RA is 4-door but may be be more hardcore than you want - less soundproofing, close-ratio gearbox, no ABS, manual wind-up windows, AC was optional. Great fun!

[300bhp/ton]

Marf said:

Mr E said:

Marf said:

Where are you getting that weight from?

Most sources I can find put the ST205 around the 1.5 tonne mark.

http://www.gtfours.co.uk/stuff/facts/205/facts.htm

Whereas an STi will be around the 1.3 tonne mark

The handbook?

Mine was 1420 with a tank of fuel but no driver IIRC.

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

surely if you are rounding then 1420 would become 1.4 not 1.5???

[Mr E]

300bhp/ton said:

Marf said:

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

surely if you are rounding then 1420 would become 1.4 not 1.5???

Unfortunately, this driver is a bit more than 30kgs....

[Marf]

[300bhp/ton]

Mr E said:

300bhp/ton said:

Marf said:

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

surely if you are rounding then 1420 would become 1.4 not 1.5???

Unfortunately, this driver is a bit more than 30kgs....

Didn't catch the "with driver" bit.....

[300bhp/ton]

Mr E said:

300bhp/ton said:

Marf said:

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

surely if you are rounding then 1420 would become 1.4 not 1.5???

Unfortunately, this driver is a bit more than 30kgs....

Didn't catch the "with driver" bit.....

[Mr E]

300bhp/ton said:

Mr E said:

300bhp/ton said:

Marf said:

So 1.5 tonnes with a driver then?

surely if you are rounding then 1420 would become 1.4 not 1.5???

Unfortunately, this driver is a bit more than 30kgs....

Didn't catch the "with driver" bit.....

I prefer the term "with carbon based ballast"

[kiwifraser]

When I was looking I wanted something quick point to point, reliable, reasonable to insure (under £300 including full business use), not modified to the limit, and on a budget.

Given I live in a nice respectable area of Berkshire, I was also concerned about the image of instantly becoming a bit

and/ or


(or being nicked by one of the above whenever I parked it up!!!!)


Both cars were in the running, but in the end I felt the scooby's generally fell short on the image criteria

I went for the GT-4, and was really happy with it. If it wasn't for the changes in our family recently, I would be keeping it. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1230092.htm