Well my friend took delivery of the first STI in Bergen County on Wednesday. He's not great at driving stick so from time to time he let me drive so he could enjoy the car alittle without being freaked by people coming close behind him at a stop. I drove the first time for about 20 miles and the second for about 30 miles, heres the review:

Appearance:
Lets just say pictures don't do the car justice, its just plain beautiful. The lines flow perfectly around the body and the wing doesn't bisect rear vison like the ITRs. The overall dimensions are smaller than the evo all around and the Brembos are just huge. The interior is just as nice. Comparing interior to an Evo's is a joke. The sti is SOOO much nicer with its two tone suede seats, center mounted tach, and accented metal trimmed shifter. I LOVED the factory installed shift light (which we set at 5k) and DCCD. Another cool thing was the headlight leveling system which was controlled by a **** with 5 settings (up and down) next to the IC spray button. My friend didn't get the radio so I can't tell you about that. The only gripes I have are that the seats look better than they perform and the clock and climate controls light up green while the instrument cluster lights up red.

The Drive:
Well with only 14 miles on the clock I hop in an get going. First thing I notice is how weird the shifter feels. It feels sloopy to say the least. Its not rifle direct like the itr's is but the throws were definatly shorter. Since this was a new car we couldn't get on it but I took it to 5k a few times at half throttle and it was faster then my modded ITR at full throttle (its just sick). The exhaust tone is deep and bubbly, I feel it sounds great. Its louder than the evo with the turbo sound much less pronounced. Even though I couldn't rip it, I still can take turns at low-medium speeds under 5k right . So thats what I did and let me tell you the car does have an understeer problem. The nose dives way to much into a turn but the gripe was just sick. AT the speed I was going I was no way near the maximum gripe level but I didn't feel as confident as I did when I drove an Evo. This car definatly does not need 6 gears. Going around a turn I had to shift into third (cause I didn't want to crest 5k) and I found myself searching for the gear. At low-medium speeds I guess its ok but on a coarse this would be unacceptable, I think this baby needs some beefed up syncos or something. Also the seats that LOOKED so nice don't really hold you in place. The side bolsters kinda give when you push the car in the turns. I found myself bracing against the door during turns, maybe a racing harnest can fix this problem.

Overall Final Impression:
Well I loved the looks of the car inside and out. Hands down beats in the evo and ITR in that catagory. The seats sucked, even the USDM itr seats held me better in place. The gear box should lose and gear and some howget more direct like the ITR and even the evo. Speed, well lets just say I can't wait till its broken in cause its a beast waiting to be unleashed. This is a great car for 30k, less crazy in respects of ride quality and performance than the evo, but just sick in all out speed. I definatly found a new respect for the ITR after driving the sti, I would not buy the scoody over the honda. The ITR gear box is almost perfect and the car communicates with the drive much better than the sti. Now itr vs. evo vs. sti. Sorry guys but the evo wins hands down.

ITR: (for pure driving joy)
STI: (for sick speed and handling, but be subjective cause I didn't push the car)
EVO: (all out performance machine)

end note: I know the ITR will get raped by either car and the STI wasn't broken in. Maybe once I get more wheel time behind both cars the stars will change.


Modified by hooptie157 at 12:15 PM 6/20/2003

 

Nice review. I came very close to putting a deposit on an STi and selling the R. But, I decided to hold on to my R for a while longer. As for the STi, before it came out, I assumed it would be better than the EVO, but all reviews I've read from drivers and publications have stated otherwise.

 

nice review brian

I saw my first new body style WRX today, and I must say that I liked the looks better in person than on paper. Im sure the STi looks just as nice and probably a lot meaner. I still think I like the EVOs styling better though, must more aggressive looking to me.

BTW, EVOs are running RAMPANT in north jersey and southeast NY...I saw about 11 of them the other night at one of the local hang out spots. Kinda crappy, its like the new civic or something, everyone has one.

 

Sweet non-biased review. I havn't driven either cars yet, but looking forward to it...
I like the Evo look better in person as well, but as RTW said, they are running rampant here in south fl.

Keeps reminding me the reason for having an R.

btw, once you sell, what do you plan on buying?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by r1zen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
btw, once you sell, what do you plan on buying?</TD></TR></TABLE>

what got 5 stars . I know they are running ramped, but thats one more reason for me to get one. I won't have to worry about theft as much cause there are more of them. Its weightless white evo for me next, AWD, turbo and 4 doors own me. Believe me though I WILL NOT PAY OVER STICKER for an evo. Its not worth over 30 cause the interior looks much cheaper than the similary priced sti. With the way teh sales are going I think I can get one for 28k.


Modified by hooptie157 at 10:54 AM 6/20/2003

 

Nive review. There is a brand new STi that came out to the last autocross and you're right, it was beautiful and the brakes were huge. I like it.

 

2 week ago at race track, there was an STi lapping, well it was actually lapping with new M3. from what i saw, STi isnt a bad handling car at all, it pretty much killed M3 (may be the driver 2) but when i see that thing cornering, i told my self, that would be my next car. for STi
as for evo, they dont have in canada yet so i dont know

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hooptie157 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Overall Final Impression:
Well I loved the looks of the car inside and out. Hands down beats in the evo and ITR in that catagory. The seats sucked, even the USDM itr seats held me better in place. The gear box should lose and gear and some howget more direct like the ITR and even the evo. Speed, well lets just say I can't wait till its broken in cause its a beast waiting to be unleashed. This is a great car for 30k, less crazy in respects of ride quality and performance than the evo, but just sick in all out speed. I definatly found a new respect for the ITR after driving the sti, I would not buy the scoody over the honda. The ITR gear box is almost perfect and the car communicates with the drive much better than the sti. Now itr vs. evo vs. sti. Sorry guys but the evo wins hands down.

</TD></TR></TABLE>


****...lol.....I drove the 1st one when we recieved at out Subaru store. I think it had 2 miles and decided to rip it, lol. Yes, I would have to say a fast car in its price range. It has a cool shift light when you are in the redline area.

I also had a Evo for 3 days and I did too concluded it may be the best street car in the 30k price range. However, even though I don't own a ITR, I wouldn't really compare to a FWD car to AWD car.

But keep in mind that the design of a ITR is almost 10 years old too.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hooptie157 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So thats what I did and let me tell you the car does have an understeer problem. The nose dives way to much into a turn but the gripe was just sick. AT the speed I was going I was no way near the maximum gripe level but I didn't feel as confident as I did when I drove an Evo. This car definatly does not need 6 gears. Going around a turn I had to shift into third (cause I didn't want to crest 5k) and I found myself searching for the gear. At low-medium speeds I guess its ok but on a coarse this would be unacceptable, I think this baby needs some beefed up syncos or something.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No offense, but I would attribute these "problems" to driver error.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No offense, but I would attribute these "problems" to driver error.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

What reid said. Even a miata will plow if you dive into a turn at way too much speed. I found the STi to be very rewarding and neutral as you dial up grip in turns. Also, i completely disagree with your analysis of the shifter - It may be a little vague on center, its precise, short throw, has a very positive engagement and you'll never miss a gear in it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No offense, but I would attribute these "problems" to driver error.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I also don't think a fair assessment of the 'capabilities' of this car can be talked about after a short drive on a public road.

Yea, you can say it has lots of power, torque, whatever, and that it 'feels' nice, but how do you know its handling characterists when you are 90% away from the limit of the car??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No offense, but I would attribute these "problems" to driver error.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Always negative reid. Anyway I was comparing the way this car took a turn to the way an evo took the same type of turn and at the same speed. So even if it was driver error the evo felt better with my "driver error".

 

I still love the Evo

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I also don't think a fair assessment of the 'capabilities' of this car can be talked about after a short drive on a public road.

Yea, you can say it has lots of power, torque, whatever, and that it 'feels' nice, but how do you know its handling characterists when you are 90% away from the limit of the car??</TD></TR></TABLE>

did any of you read my end note or are you BLIND????

 

Nice Review

I decided to just buy a Daewoo

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hooptie157 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Always negative reid. Anyway I was comparing the way this car took a turn to the way an evo took the same type of turn and at the same speed. So even if it was driver error the evo felt better with my "driver error".</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's not a negative comment, did you see what I wrote as a precursor?

I'm just saying that the only true way to know how a car feels is to wring it out for yourself on the track where it is legal to do so.

 

Here, everyone stop arguing and just watch this Top Gear video. Its large though so give it some time to download. Its a very good comparison between the EVO and STi, and gives a nice idea of the handling and power of both cars in different situations. I think they are eurospec in the video, so Im sure how different the specs are compared to USDM. Either way they give very unbiased opinions on both cars. And yes, they do mention understeer as a "problem" with the STi. Listen and learn ****'s.

http://forums.evolutionm.net/s...27141

Now, stop acting like you know

 

Very good review. I'm glad you can confirm the understeer. I guess that's why most suby owners are always very adament about modifying the suspension first. Maybe there's an advantage of the understeer on the dirt?

My buddy on NASIOC took his STI out to the local track and bested a 13.4 -- room for improvement since he wasn't launching as hard as he could. The thing is definitely a straight line beast.

Again, awesome review. I hope I'll be able to get myself a driving impression soon.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I'm just saying that the only true way to know how a car feels is to wring it out for yourself on the track where it is legal to do so. </TD></TR></TABLE>


And with that said hooptie's not's-so-thorough writeup comparing two completely different cars is nothing more than an opinion.

 

I switched sides, no more ITR hello Sti.

As someone who's driving an Sti regularly let me just say that the two cars do things in completely different ways. You can't drive the Sti like you drive the ITR and expect it to be the same, you've got to learn the new car. The shifter does indeed feel awkward, at first, but it just takes some getting used to. Far better than some shifters I've used. I'm shifting almost as effortlessly as I used to in the R, it's getting better all the time.

As far as the handling is concerned, the car is more disconnected than the R but it's still doing it's job. In fact, I find staying steady on the throttle during a turn, much like a motorcycle, in order for the 4WD system to work like it's supposed to makes the car feel like it's on rails. And you definitely apply throttle much earlier than you can with other cars.

I'm sure as I get even more familiar with the car I'll find more qualities to explore. I loved my R for what it was and as I discovered all that she had to offer. I tracked it, drove it and enjoyed the hell out of it. My new car offers a whole new learning experience and it's going to be fun.

Take care R owners!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hooptie157 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Appearance:
Lets just say pictures don't do the car justice, its just plain beautiful.[/i]</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sorry, hooptie, but I just can't agree with you there. I think the STI (and the Evolution) are fugly. PIG ugly. PONTIAC AZTEK ugly. Here, see for yourself:



Of course, looks are a matter of personal taste, and every person has his own opinion on them. But I've heard lots of other people agree with me, including most of the reviews I've read in the automotive press.

Make no mistake, I think the STI is an awesome car in a lot of ways. But the looks just don't do it for me.

 

Yeah, I don't know how anyone can think it's a pretty car. Same goes for the EVO...however, the previous-generation WRX (non-U.S.) was not bad at all, nor were the previous EVOs, up til around VI I think.

 

i'd trade evo anytime if it's available in canada

 

EVO 6 = gold!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hooptie157 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

what got 5 stars . I know they are running ramped, but thats one more reason for me to get one. I won't have to worry about theft as much cause there are more of them. Its weightless white evo for me next, AWD, turbo and 4 doors own me. Believe me though I WILL NOT PAY OVER STICKER for an evo. Its not worth over 30 cause the interior looks much cheaper than the similary priced sti. With the way teh sales are going I think I can get one for 28k.


Modified by hooptie157 at 10:54 AM 6/20/2003</TD></TR></TABLE>

Evo's are going well under sticker now. My friend picked up a white one for 700 under sticker a month ago. Got it from a dealer in Baltimore.