I was in the same dilemma last year and went with the WRX. I had a modded 2010 STI before and tbh the WRX is just as fun to drive. I dont track at all tho. One reason I chose the WRX is cuz its just my daily car i go to and from work and the extra 200km a tank is nice.. plus I only had to pay $6,000 on top of the trade-in for a 2016 WRX

The kid in you wants the flash and everything that comes with the STI. The adult in you tells you WRX is all you will ever need... Like someone said only you will know the answer. So who do you want to be?

Went from a GC WRX to a GC STI. I even have a NA 2.2 GC wagon. Although they are not the same cars that you're looking at, they are the same in the sense that you get so much more with STIs; seats, brakes, springs, hp, torque, dccd... all goodies that are highly sought after by Subaru owners who don't have STIs.

They are all tons of fun to drive, but it's ultimately down to what you want the most.
I can tell you right now that if you opt for the WRX, every time you see an STI you will feel nothing but regret. Do yourself a favor and get an STI (:lawl:) so you know what it's like to own one.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3fqEvxLerA/hqdefault.jpg


Remember. It beats the "invincible" Ae86 out of the box. :lawl:

STI hands down.The suspension, brembo, & diff is worth the 10K

Unless you don't care or can't drive manual, then WRX

I wont wave to you in your WRX

STI if you're a kid
WRX if you're an adult.

Just to be clear, there's nothing wrong with being a "kid" in this context. If you simply have the money to afford it, it may be worth while to get the STI anyway. But many people that have a STI just want it for the title. If you're not going to take it out on a track, the differences are kind of negligible on the the street.

I know people who regret getting the STI cause it uses more fuel, the ride is more harsh, it kind of sucks as a daily car, gets attention from police, etc. I think based on your post, you would probably be content with a WRX.

STI certainly wins in terms of mitigating depreciation, for this reason alone I would opt for the STI over the lesser WRX.

Edit: Cross shop with the Golf R, it's a much better car than the STI IMO

WRX spools up quicker.

IMO, WRX for daily driving. You said it yourself, you ain't tracking the car, so why spend $10,000 extra for the nicer stuff?
Save the $10,000 and put it into RRSP or TFSA :awwyeah:

^ plus the savings on insurance and gas... lol

The only people advocating for WRX are actual WRX owners themselves trying to justify their purchase. If you're already torn between the 2 you'll always regret not getting the sti right off the bat.

I test drove both of them and the WRX and STI seem very similar in power, I just feel in love with the STI. The WRX is a great car and I liked it as well, but it's missing the rumble that the STI has. In terms of power, they were both great no complaints for either car. The WRX actully pulled pretty well in comparison. Both cars are great, but after driving the STI I don't think I can go for the WRX.

That VW reliability though. The shit is scary.

STI for sure. I have no regrets getting mine.

Focus RS?

You ballaaaah...:lawl:

if you are buying it, STI is a no brainer imo, it holds its value so much better (WRX is still pretty good in this aspect but STI really takes the cake)

^ how much better though? The STi has to still be worth more than 10k more than the WRX 5 or 10 years down the road and that's doubtful.

For 10yrs old STi and WRX

2005 and 2007 STi
2005 Subaru WRX-STI
2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pristine Condition Super Rare
there were 2 more 2006-07 STi around $22K last week.

2006-2007 WRX
subaru wrx
2007 Subaru WRX
2006 Subaru WRX Sedan
2006 Subaru WRX

So its around $10k more, but the mileage on the WRXs are higher..

I've had multiple iterations of both cars in various generations.
For me, performance was more important than a little extra comfort, so it is STi all the way. The WRX is a good car, but it's like comparing a Type R integra to a GSR. Both are fun, both are fast, but in the end the factory adds so many little extras that the average WRX owner never would add, and those are the difference makers.

It's about what you want. Want comfort and extra money left over? Go WRX.
But if you want performance, go STi.

I was talking to a guy with a WRX back in the day who swore his car was the best. It had about $10k in modifications which I thought was crazy. My BPU (at the time) STi waxed his car. That said, my STi was beat shortly after by a lightly modded JDM spec WRX with twin scroll and about 800 fewer pounds of weight. So maybe the right answer is a 1997 JDM spec WRX with no interior?

durp.

just get an STI badge, problem solved :troll: Kappa

The value that the STI holds is pretty nuts.. I was looking for a 2011- 2013, but they were going for almost as much as a brand new one.