Choose Your Weapon - Subaru Edition

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I'd Daily The SS & Track The STi

These Are The Best Performance Cars On A $50,000 Budget

Subaru WRX STI $36,095

The WRX STI is not a refined and luxurious sedan. It does not offer a soft suspension setup to absorb road irregularities. What it does offer is Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a 305-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine and the kind of handling prowess that will have you hounding supercars up a mountain pass. At $36,095 it undercuts just about all of its natural rivals and is available solely with a 6-speed manual transmission.

 

Chevrolet SS Sedan $46,625

The Chevy SS is no more. This big and brash V8 sedan was a characterful alternative to the anodyne and all too straight-laced modern turbocharged sedan and it will be sorely missed. The big and booming 415-hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8 gave it proper pace with 60 mph taking only 4.7 seconds and you could even have it with a 6-speed manual transmission. It wasn’t all old-school either, magnetic selective ride control and powerful Brembo brakes were standard fitment, a bit of good news is that they are still listed on Chevrolet’s website which may mean that there are a few SS sedans still waiting for a new home.

Complete list (CarBuzz.com)

No Manual? Really Subaru?

Levorg STI Sport

Look at the ones for sale in Australia. They’re actually not a bad deal, and what you get in return is essentially a Subaru Legacy wagon, with the addition of a 264-horsepower engine out of the regular Subaru WRX. Plus some sporty bumpers and everything. It’s a great looking car, too.

And then Subaru gives it a CVT. Only.

(Jalopnik.com)

I'll Take A WRX STi, Please

By The Numbers: 2017 Honda Civic Type R Vs Focus RS, WRX STI, Golf R

(Jalopnik.com)

Did You Know - Subaru WRX STi Edition

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Subaru Impreza WRX STI

So you want a peanut eye or hawk eye WRX STI? Our buyer's guide will give you an idea of what to look out for.​​​

What to look for

The later 2005 model looks much the same as the '04 (Subaru enthusiasts call these years "peanut-eye"), but comes with the 5x114.3 bolt pattern that would extend over the next decade, that all-important immobilizer, and a revised interior. It's a little heavier than the '04, but otherwise identical.

For 2006, Subaru switched up grille to something resembling an upside-down Alfa-Romeo, and moved the torque split further forward to 41/59 front to rear. The 2006s also have unique aluminum front control arms, offering bragging rights more than an actual performance enhancement. Specific issues only really apply to the easily-replaced liquid-filled motor mounts. Some Subaru fans consider the '06 to be the best year for both the STI and the WRX.

What to avoid: 

A bad first impression isn't the end of the world. Subaru paint was apparently applied by the good people at Crayola, and is highly susceptible to chipping, fading, and scratches. The body panels pick up a dent from just looking at them too long, so spots and ripples aren't necessarily accident damage, just Subaru cellulite. Something to watch for is the paint on the Brembo brakes; if discolored by heat, it's likely the car's been on the track.

The STI is also a very noisy car to drive. All Subarus more than three years old develop rattles–it can sound like there's a mariachi band fighting a rattlesnake in the dashboard. Add in a loud transmission and little sound deadening material and you might go a little deaf.

However, there are things to listen for on any test drive. First, almost all STIs can suffer from the rear struts clunking over bumps. This issue can be resolved with disassembly and lubrication, but it's a pain. Of greater worry is any actual grinding coming from the transmission. A little clutch judder is normal, and the gearbox can be notchy, especially when cold.

You should, of course, have any car you're considering for purchase inspected by a reputable mechanic. In particular, you may want to have a compression and leakdown test done as the STI is very susceptible to knocking (either from bad fuel or a poor tune). 

(Road&Track.com)

A Suby That Can Boogie

Prodrive builds new Isle of Man Subaru for record attempt

STI and Prodrive team up to build another record-breaker.

(AutoBlog.com)

Some Great Reasons To Daily A Suby Impreza

Engineering Explained: 7 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Subaru Impreza

From the base Impreza to the WRX and STI, Subaru offers significant advantages throughout its lineup!

1. Full Time All-Wheel Drive

• None of that part time FWD nonsense. Though I think the tech is cool for highway driving (disconnecting the rear axle can lead to better fuel economy), often these systems can be hit or miss when it comes to off-road capability. Delays in sending power to the rear axle and non-ideal torque splits can lead to discouraging situations off the beaten path. Subaru has a clever AWD system, with short and wide boxer engines running the AWD system longitudinally, with the weight evenly balanced left to right. The system is always active, so even if the front and rear differentials are open (as is often the case with entry-level AWD systems), you’ll know that both axles will be receiving power.

2. Practicality

• I drive a different press car every week, and I’ve been in every major Subaru model. One thing that stands out is how consistently practical the vehicles are. Every model has above average visibility; it’s hard to think of a company which does this better. Large glass and pillars that don’t block your view - I’m always perplexed at how willing some companies are to sacrifice visibility. Cargo space is always exceptional, and rear legroom is sufficient for adults (though don’t try it in a BRZ). Its vehicles generally have higher than average ground clearance, and with standard AWD this makes getting to any trailhead (or ski slope) a breeze.

5. Manual Transmissions

• Subaru is keeping the manual alive across nearly its entire lineup. You can choose to row your own gears in the Impreza, WRX, STI, BRZ, Crosstrek, and even the Forester. In a world where driving joy is often put on the back burner for everyday cars, Subaru at least lets the customer choose between an efficient CVT or a less mind-numbing stick shift.

Complete list (CarThrottle.com)

Suby Family Tree

(CarThrottle.com)

Suby Faces

(CarThrottle.com)

STi Family Portrait

(CarThrottle.com)

The STi Is Looking Good Again

Subaru WRX STI S207

[T]he folks at Subaru Tecnica International are adding quite a bit to take the STI's performance to new heights. Among the upgrades, the 2.0-liter, turbocharged boxer now makes 323 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque[.]

(AutoBlog.com)

That's A Nice Family Portrait

(CarThrottle.com)