Impreza WRX vs Impreza WRX STi

Here's my concern ...

1. WRX is a UK spec that runs on 98RON while WRX STi is a Jap spec that runs on 100RON. Would
it be ok for Malaysian environment (97RON) to run a STi ? If not, are there any rectifications
method.

2. STi comes with a beautiful optitron meter but only up to 180km/h while the WRX is up to
260km/h. Possible to change to a beautiful UK spec meter ? If yes, how much would that cost ?

3. WRX comes from Motor Image with 2 years warranty whereas WRX STi is from Naza with only 1
year warranty. Is warranty very important for WRX during the first and second year ?

4. Is it worth is to buy an WRX STi or to upgrade a WRX ? About 40k difference

5. Japan spec versus UK spec. Which built quality is better ?

6. Is the resale value for WRX better or WRX STi better ? From my check, it seems the WRX holds
its price better.

Thank you for all the help.

1. Lots of jap spec sti running around with no probs, for retification,
your post has been answered on mysubaru

2.yes, search the sg subaru forum, lots of optitron meteres for sale, in
fact the ZTH forum has one for sale

3.depends on wheter you are going to mod it. if you are going to mod it
from the 1st day..doesnt matter wheter 1 or 2 years. I have a MI Wrx, so
far i have changed under warranty, all 4 tires and wipers..nothing major
so far. If you dont intend to mod..then of course 2 years is more peace
of mind.

4. errr....big disagreement over this one...some say yes..some say no,
depends on who you listen to. Unless you are technically minded and know
what you are doing, i wouldnt recommend you buy a WRX and attempt to mod
it to STi level. But if you enjoy modding..its possible.

5. looks exactly the same to me, im pretty sure they are all made in
japan, just built for different countries.

6. depends on the starting price...eg 2002 WRX was sold for RM215k at
launch and the last unitwent for 160k....now 2nd hand is around 150kish.


You are in the exact same dilema as I was 4 months ago...to go for a
recond jap spec Sti..or a new WRX from MI....after much thinking and
agonising...I went for a MI WRX.

Jwrx,

Its a big dilemma, isn't it ? The fact is WRX STi is so much more sexier but a WRX on its own is
still good looking. So, what made you decide on MI WRX ? I need to know your consideration if
you don't mind because it helps me look at it the other way too.

I wanted an STi but worry lor whether the grey import dealer is ok to manage the car well or not.
Which was why I'm thinking of WRX but they come with 16" la ...

Dilemma ....

sexier? i beg to difer, gimmie your email and i will email some pics of
modded Wrx...

isnt the uk spec missing 20 horses?....if your pocket allows it get the
STi...but if ur planning to mod ur car get the WRX...just me oppinion

jwrx, the fella is refering to stock for stock.
personally, i'd get a wrx wagon. but that's just me. In terms of sexi
imprezas, make mine a 22B or the P1.

yup...22B all the way.

anyway not fair to compare stock v stock cos of the price difference.
Obviouxly a M3 will look better then a 318.

True. But let`s say you can afford either car. Which I can. However the STi
with all it`s fangled bodykit is too much for me. So I will opt for the
Legacy Turbo instead. Yeah... i`m getting old la. Old man in a car that has
big wings and scoop just ain`t right. :)

If i could buy a STI, i would still put in a aftermarket kit, too many
stock Sti's running around.

Aqua, Chargespeed, Kaminari all make amazing kits for the Wrx..im afraid
im very much still a closet ah beng...big scoops and vents all the way...

So.....looking for a brand new one?

I don't know if MI would help but there was a WRX "Sport" type thing that
was shown at the Frankfurt show earlier this year. This is the best
combination on a WRX and an STi so if MI can help bring in those, then
this would sell really well and would be just what you are loking for i
think.

I believe the STi comes with the lower limit speedo because of the
restriction in the engine management chip to cap the speed and a different
signal ratio to the dial. The WRX signal sender ratio is different and
does not have this since the needle is designed to go to the same 180 but
in mph. When i changed the chip in my STi it automatically removed
the "cap" so i needed to fit a signal converter in the speedo line.

All Subaru are made in Japan regardless of whether they are UK spec, Japan
spec. or Greece spec. but it would be my internal feeling that the STi
mechanics are of better quality than the WRX since the parts are made to
much higher and possibly tighter specs.
With regards petrol, my STi runs fine on good quality 98RON. Am i right in
thinking V-Power is 98RON here, or even higher? If so then you can use
that without modification to the engine management.