paisan, you're right about Manhattan commuters. I work and park in downtown Brooklyn ($7/day). Those lots in Southstreet seaport look like the backlots of an exotic car dealership.
rex_ruther, yes, it does take a lot of effort with the clutch to cruise the car at walking pace in bumper to bumper traffic. When I'm concerned about providing passengers with a ride that won't induce car sickness during traffic jams, I have to push in the clutch immediately after the car moves. Otherwise, my WRX immediately engine brakes and all the passengers heave forward. Of course, it could just be the NYC driving habit of protecting my "zone". That means quickly accelerating to the car in front and quickly slowing down. (We always try to stay right on the bumper of the car in front so another car can't cut you off. Kna'mean, paisan?"
I have noticed though that bogging is GREATLY reduced when I let the engine fully warm up before driving it. Have you tried this? It makes a huge difference. I believe our turbo engines are rather temperamental. When I let my enging warm up at idle (nearly 10 mins in cold weather), it runs much smoother and there's hardly any engine bog. When I don't have time, I let it idle for at least 2-3 minutes, rev it a bit up to 2000 RPMS, and then drive it very slowly, never getting above 3000 RPMs for about 2-3 miles, and of course, not letting the turbo engage. After that, you'll notice how much smoother your engine works. I've observed, on my car at least, that when I drive it normally without the engine warming up completely, it bogs ALL day.
"Hunter, Im aware of the AT option, and its just personal opinion, but the idea of a slushbox 4 banger is totally repellent to me, especially in a "performance" car. I would never buy one."
I agree that a small 4-cylinder engine is not the ideal combination, when it is coupled with an Auto Trans. But nevertheless, in this particular 4-banger's case, there is 227HP and 217Lbs/ft of Torque on tap, and it certainly is way better than an Accord in both power, handling and nimbleness. Also, compared to the Accord, there is no real lack of any creature comforts, right? So why would you want to drive an Accord when there is a WRX auto option ?
Handling (which was the primary reason I decided to go for the WRX), arguably is even better than the Manual version (which certainly is no slouch is that department !!), and that goes a long way for a lot of people.
If this car offered the DVD Navigation system (present in my Acura 3.2TL) and MAYBE leather too (also available in the Acura), it would have been perfect FOR ME. But can't ask for everything, can we ? As it stands now, I grin from ear to ear, every time I go for a spin in this car, lack of a "manual", notwithstanding. :-)
For anyone who got the upgraded sound system (amp/sub/speakers) I was wondering what the total amp output is, and how big the under-seat subwoofer is? I was wondering to see whether it was worth getting or just to skip it and get an aftermarket system. Thanks-
AH- "[Auto] Handling... arguably is even better than the Manual version"
Well yes, I agree that you can stir up quite an argument with that statement. I personally prefer the manual transmission and the AWD system that goes with it.
If you look closely at the grille (admittedly, it's not that clear), it looks like the new STi front end. I may be wrong, but I don't think the regular home-market WRX gets that front grille revision, only the STi.
In any case, it's clear Subaru now offers a moonroof for the Impreza models—that's what's really important—a "factory unit" is now available. The real question is, when do we see one here?
I've lived all my life in a small city (140,000) population and I have no bumper to bumper traffic to contend with unless it is leaving a sporting event at the local stadium. I also have never owned any car that has had an auto trans. Driving a 5 speed at slow speed is no problem for me, after all I hardly know what the alternative is. If you want performance don't whine about city traffic and get with it. I love the 5 speed and clutch in my WRX wagon. Gasp, it is as smooth shifting and clutching as my Honda Delsol was.
We bought an auto WRX wagon as a compromise b/t me and my wife (she can't drive manual). While a stick shift WRX would have been better, I'm quite happy with it and definitely prefer it way over a stick-shfit Accord (handling sucks, esp. that wicked torque steer, and that flimsy steering wheel). The turbo lag is a bit exacerbated by the auto trans, but if you anticipate this, you can get going pretty quickly. My main gripe is that they don't offer a "Tiptronic" or "Steptronic" type auto. That would have been great.
As for the subwoofer, I think it's quite good. The only way for a buyer to gauge whether this is good enough for him/her would be to find a WRX with this option and listen to it and see if it's good enough for him/her. My wife likes listening to operas and dance music, she plays them really loud, and she's very happy with the factory sound system (better than the base sound system in my old bimmer).
rex_author says: "as for handling, how is the AT model better handling? seems to me it would be easier, but not a perfprmance advantage."
Actually, I was referring to the 45/55 power split (in normal driving) of the Auto Trans WRX (Unlike the 90/10 power split - in normal driving - of other Auto Subarus other than the VDC Outback), with a rear wheel power bias, which is PROBABLY better (and more fun ??) than the 50/50 power split of the Manual, FOR HANDLING. I would think that cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo (AWD), would also have this rear-wheel power bias built in (instead of a 50/50 split), to increase the "fun" nature of the car ??!!
I like the subwoofer. It has enough bass to satisfy me and the location under the seat is unobtrusive. I got the other speaker upgrades and the system would be really nice if Subaru had put the rear speakers in a better place. Like my previous Forester, the rears are 4" low in the rear doors. (This is true in the sedan too.) Older Imreza wagons had the rears in the shock towers and older sedans and coupes had the speakers in the package shelf. So no matter how much you upgrade the speaker quality, the rear location still stinks unless you redo the locations yourself. TWRX
Hello everyone, I just purchased the new 2002 Impreza. There is an interesting story behind my purchase, so while I'm here at work, I might as well tell it.
My roommate and I were checking out car prices on Friday morning, noticing how unbelievable prices were. He told me about the Subaru Impreza, which I remember looking at at the LA Autoshow. So on Friday night after work I ended up spending 4 hours on the internet researching and drooling over this car. So yesterday on Saturday we decided to check out the Subaru. We went to a few dealers and I was able to find a deal that was hard to refuse, so I bought the car.
Now check this out, I did not know how to drive a stick. I know many of you would consider me an idiot for jumping on this car and buying it and not even knowing how to drive it. My roommate drove it home and I was then under the torture of learning to drive a manual. I was pretty discouraged last night, but when I woke up this morning everything seemed to fall together. My starts are a bit rusty, but I know practice is all I need.
Don't worry about the Impreza, I used a different car to learn, but it was pretty embarassing this morning when I choked at a light, but I able to catch myself and accelerate out.
Gone is my 99 Toyota Corolla. Now I can have a lot more fun on the road, and I can actually use the car to go snowboarding. This is a great forum, I'll make sure to ask any questions about the car here.
The VTD is a better system with a wider operating range than the MT simple viscous coupling. The VTD gives you a RWD bias and can vary the power before you actually lose control rather than the reactive system of the MT.
Bedabi, Cool, you work near the seaport? I'm in 1 NY Plaza. Have you checked out the Tri-state forum on the I-club? We have meets regularly in Woodbridge, Queens, etc. Of course you are probably on there under a different name and I'm gonna look like a total idiot!
Mike, short memory? We've met a couple of times at i-club meets. And no, I don't work near the Seaport, my relationship to it is more personal. Remember before the attack we were talking about drinks at the Seaport and I refused to go to Jeremy's or Radio Mexico? Heh heh.... I'm "bedabi" there too.
On to more relevant topics -- I was stuck all day in crawling traffic today due to security checks on all bridges and tunnels, not to mention all the out-of-towners who came into NYC for a peep at ground zero, and I did notice that my WRX does NOT have a problem crawling along at snail's pace in first gear, in particular, 3-5 mph. The engine was nicely warmed up before I started to drive.
I need a calender to keep track of all the events and stuff. Silver WRX, no wing?
I was up at the Palisades Auto-x today, taking 2nd in G-stock and putting a beating to the modded and stock WRXs (all the subies actually) But got beat by the Tegs and the WRX on sat @ E-town. I figured out that anytime there is a tight circuit, the XT6 beats the WRXs, open circuit where they can stay in the rev-band, they beat me.
Mike, you've got a tight little car. N/A H-6, AWD and AT: there's no question that, drivers being equal, you'd take out WRXs on those twisty pylon'd courses. How much toe-heel shifts do you think we can manage in a 60 sec course in our manual trannied WRXs? All the same, I'm very eager to go to an autocross when I get back from my trip, especially as a way of improving my driving skills safely.
I'll gladly do a little stoplight racing with you in the meantime, though. ;-} [Yup, silver sedan, no wing. I truly believe that if it doesn't fly, it doesn't need a wing.]
I should have elaborated. The VTD system uses sensors to detect slippage, weight distribution, etc. Itwill put power to the wheels with the most grip power at any given time, whereas the std. MT viscous coupling will always try to maintain a 50/50 split in power. For instance on a hard launch, the weight being thrown back to the rear of the car will cause an MT to spin the front wheels, in the VTD system, more power will be sent to the rear axle.
than auto version simply because one can modulate the speed with more gears and not have to stab at the brakes as much. Has anyone had the "pleasure" of road rallying a WRX (at least on some sort of pavement), hit a corner a little fast, and make the mistake of hitting the brakes in the turn? Not fun, actually scary, and a source of some accidents. Being able to downshift to different gears (not just from D to 3 or 2 on an automatic)is the key to wringing the best handling from the WRX. Today, I just got back from a fantastic road like rally intensive driving trip up and around Mt St.Helens, WA. The weather was wet and foggy w/limited visibility the higher we got (up to about 7000ft). I have never put my WRX wagon through the paces like I did today and all I can say is WOW!! The turns were marked at 15mph to 25mph on an avg. We were taking them much faster than that. Basically had the wagon in 2nd and 3rd the whole time. The 20mm rear sway bar really sets the car into oversteer mode quite easily and it took a few tight turns (mind you in the rain and fog) to really sense what the car wanted to do and how best to work w/it instead of against it. On the way home, a guy in front of my in a previous generation Impreza RS got loose in a turn and slid off into the muddy shoulder comming to a bumpy rest a couple inches from a substantial tree. He was right in front of me. I was scared for him. He had "wet" pants! :-) I think he braked in the turn instead of downshifting.
In summary: No...I don't want an automatic WRX after my rally workout and I don't believe the different power split of the auto makes it a better handler than the manual.
Ive been driving manual now for 3 months on my '95 impreza, and I love it! I had trouble going back to auto...
But, I have to say that the WRX auto IS a better handler than the Manual. The auto shifter works really well with downshifting and such, and the rear bias is much more fun in the twisties allowing the cars rear end to come out and go back in at will. I had the pleasure of riding in one with someone with suprising skill at doing such things on a nice open road, and I was amazed! I could surprizingly feel the difference in the AWD systems, with alot less squeel coming from the auto.
Dont worry though, the VTD will make it to the manual eventually... Hopefully :P
You still havent said how it handles better...Ive heard "more fun", "feel the difference" , "less squeal", etc, but nothing about what exactly it is that is better. If you just like the tail out feeling, why not a Mustang or Camaro? Faster, better handling, you can hang out the tail all you want.
So whats better? More lateral grip? Higher slalom speed? lower lap time at Willow?
Hi everybody! After reading a lot around the web and especially this board I just bought a silver WRX sedan here in Switzerland (where I work at the moment). I must say that the very informative comments I have read in this board helped me to make up my mind. VERY nice car! Riding is smooth and fairly quiet (well, for a car with this power and handling). I now have only 200 miles on the speedo so I drive it with very much care. I noticed a few differences from US model regarding car specs. My car has as standard: - Electrically operate moon roof (tilt & swivel) - 17" alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE092 - Sport seats (Recaro type) I think in US it would be considered a 2003 model. I paid for it 39.000 CHF (local taxes included): at today's exchange rate it is about 23.700 USD.
Roberto - you're going to make plenty of WRX owner's envious of your silver WRX - Electrically operated moon roof & swivel, 17" alloy, Recardo type seat... what else you've got in there thats diff from the U.S.? What's the dimension of the moon roof?
Congratulations! Always glad to have a new member on board, especially one from overseas... Keep us posted on your car. I for one really enjoy hearing about models from other markets.
You mentioned that yours has a moonroof, is that a "factory" option, or an "aftermarket" option that the dealer had done on its own? There have a couple of posts regarding moonroofs now being available on home-market Japanese models, but your, if it's a factory option, is the first I've heard of outside of Japan.
paisan - Don't forget that Andy drives his rex into the city every day. I rode with him from Manhattan to NJ on a Friday night and the car creeped along in first off-boost just fine. Might be another one of those "it's the driver" issues.
The manual's AWD system isn't "fixed" at 50/50. The moment you accelerate, the VC sends power to the wheels that need it.
It depends on who you listen to. In an email that I received from SoA in March of 98, I was told the range of the VC was 10/90 - 90/10. Yep, the VC is *slightly* slower, but you can only tell the difference in hard slippery driving.
Hmm, I hate that there are so many differnt #s floating around
I don't think we'll ever get down to the bottom of the VC v. 4EAT/VDC/VTD #s. Thats why subaru needs a guage like my TOD guage on the Trooper, so you know the torque split at any given time.
Bienvenuto a Edmonds...auguri per la tua macchina...sono stato a Bologna per tre anni negli 80s...ho un amico que abito in Imola...dove se in Italia? Serge
pretty good...here is the rest. something something something #1....best wishes on your car... something something something #2...I have a friend who lives in Imola...where do you live in Italy?
picked up a wee bit from brother and his wife [Barbanti] , and vis a versa his wife picked up some Cantonese. Imola, hmm, home of the Ferrari. My brother is living in Rimini which is about an hour away.
is actually home of the race track where they hold the Formula One Grand Prix of San Marino each year...it is also where Ayrton Senna got killed in a horrendous crash. Ferrari is actually based in Maranello..maybe 2 hrs from Imola...beautiful ride...been there at the factory and across the street where Enzo Ferrai and the factory workers ate...my friend stole a plate from there for Michael...iit has the Scuderia Ferrari shield on it(ssshhh, don't tell the Italian police!)
He looked at it like that also...we spent the day Ferrari visiting;on the way there,, Massimo drove on the autostrada as fast as possible(normal for him) in his little Fiat Tipo..Michael was impressed by the speed and asked him what kind of engine the car had...Max told him it was a Ferrari engine. When we got to Maranello, besides the factory, we hit Ferrari's test track at Fiorano, some die cast shops in Maranello, and the Ferrari Museum, which is a really nice place. Besides the cars, they also had a bunch of engines with the deignation "Tipo xxx", tipo meaning type. When Michael saw that, Max told him it was the same Tipo as his Fiat Tipo...to this day (this was back in '97), Michael still thinks that Max's car has a Ferrari engine. Childhood is wonderful!
they have WRx sti over there, forget about the regular wrx.. lol.
About handling, if you are a good enough driver. A manual wrx will handle better than an automatic wrx. Why? because you can select gears, because you don't have to suffer torque converter sapping power. You don't have to "hope" the automatic to kick down a gear to enter a turn, but instead selecting it and hold it at a higher rev to generate more speed to exit a turn...
Found this on the C32 board...Autocar tested all these on the track and got the following times. The list is ranked in order of the magazines preference. Note the lap times on the WRX! only a few paces off the M3, and just 1.3 ticks off the favorite car, the famed Lotus Elise.
1 - Lotus Elise - 1:25.03 2 - Noble M12 - 1:21.35 3 - Mitsubishi Evo VII - 1:24.23 4 - Ferrari 360 F1 - 1:21.52 5 - Porsche 911 GT2 - 1:19.58 6 - BMW M3 - 1:24.40 7 - Mini Cooper - 1:32.08 8 - TVR Tuscan S - 1:22.28 9 - Lamborghini Diablo - 1:21.28 10 - Ariel Atom 190 - 1:21.48 11 - Jaguar X-type 3.0 - 1:31.00 12 - Toyota Celica T-Sport - 1:29.07 13 - Subaru WRX - 1:26.41 14 - TVR Tamora - 1:24.90 15 - Renault Clio 172 - 1:29.54 16 - MB AMG C32 - 1:28.69 17 - BMW 325 ti Compact auto - 1:30.34 18 - Renault Clio V6 - 1:28.10 19 - MG ZS 180 - 1:29.74
Notice that the Mini Cooper has the slowest lap time, but is ranked just below the M3 (and several cars ahead of the WRX) in the preference list. Kind of supports the adage that it is often more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow This is also why I abandoned the idea of getting a WRX, and am now near the top of my dealer's list for a Mini Cooper
I think it might be of general interest to have comments from overseas: I read the posts regularly and I will not miss the opportunity to update the board should interesting news arise here in Europe. Here some more info on my car (Swiss specs). The electric glass moon roof is factory fitted. It was a surprise when I ordered the car one month ago since the 2001 model did not have it. I have not measured it but it is not very long, I suppose to retain the crossbar in the middle of the roof to avoid losing some of WRX mythical structural rigidity. It has an internal cover you can slide manually to let light come into the car without opening the moon roof (it gives a pleasant airy feeling inside). The 215/45R17 tyres are Bridgestone Potenza 011 (not 092 as indicated in my previous post). The engine has less power (218 ps at 5600 revs/min) and torque (215 ft/lb at 3600). I suppose this allows for a better low trottle response. The air conditioning comes standard with an anti-pollen filter. The stereo equipment does not have the in-dash six CD changer. It is a double DIN unit with single CD and cassette player. The rear spoiler is standard (optionally you can have the rised STI style spoiler). It does not have cruise control and front seats side airbag (I assume because they do not fit in the Recaro type seats). And it comes with the stick only (when I asked information about the automatic transmission the dealer just laughed!).
I live in Monza: actually just 2 km away from the circuit where they run the Formula One Italian Grand Prix. The nice thing is that during weekends you can go into the circuit with your own car and try to emulate Shumacker! (I might do that once the break-in period is over).
January next year will be on sale the new Impreza STI. Here are some specs:
- Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International
- 265 PS and 253 lb ft of torque
- 148 mph top speed and 5.2 second 0-60 mph time
- Larger air to air intercooler with water spray
- Active Valve Control System (variable valve timing)
- New six-speed gearbox
- Larger 17 ins Brembo brakes
- Larger 225/45 tyres on gold spoked 17x7.5 alloy wheels
- Uprated suspension with inverted struts
- Front and rear Suretrac limited-slip differentials
I was at the dealer getting my oil changed the other day and I ran into the sales manager (The man I bought my WRX wagon from). He said that he has gotten official word on the STi, it will be here next year some time, but at only 265 hp. He said that it kind of disappointed him and wanted much more power, but emission regulations lowered the totals. Just a few words out of the horses mouth
A-HA! Moonroof, see, I told you. Of course it can be done. Move the brace to the B-pillar, if it's not already there, and give people what they want.
Now you look back and realize that all the arguments about rigidity were nonsense, as I was saying. The WRX is not a wet noodle without that brace in that exact location, and cars with moonroofs aren't necessarily wet noodles either.
The moonroof is in front of the center bar. The rest of us have been saying all along that it was fine to put a roof in front of it. Of course from the pics I've seen it's not really a moonroof, more of a roof slit (probably only about 6" front to rear.
You're too used to your Trooper's moonroof. The WRX moonroof is typical in size to most moonroofs found on cars. It's probably about the same size as that found on the Legacy GT sedan and Outback sedan.
Comments
rex_ruther, yes, it does take a lot of effort with the clutch to cruise the car at walking pace in bumper to bumper traffic. When I'm concerned about providing passengers with a ride that won't induce car sickness during traffic jams, I have to push in the clutch immediately after the car moves. Otherwise, my WRX immediately engine brakes and all the passengers heave forward. Of course, it could just be the NYC driving habit of protecting my "zone". That means quickly accelerating to the car in front and quickly slowing down. (We always try to stay right on the bumper of the car in front so another car can't cut you off. Kna'mean, paisan?"
I have noticed though that bogging is GREATLY reduced when I let the engine fully warm up before driving it. Have you tried this? It makes a huge difference. I believe our turbo engines are rather temperamental. When I let my enging warm up at idle (nearly 10 mins in cold weather), it runs much smoother and there's hardly any engine bog. When I don't have time, I let it idle for at least 2-3 minutes, rev it a bit up to 2000 RPMS, and then drive it very slowly, never getting above 3000 RPMs for about 2-3 miles, and of course, not letting the turbo engage. After that, you'll notice how much smoother your engine works. I've observed, on my car at least, that when I drive it normally without the engine warming up completely, it bogs ALL day.
I agree that a small 4-cylinder engine is not the ideal combination, when it is coupled with an Auto Trans. But nevertheless, in this particular 4-banger's case, there is 227HP and 217Lbs/ft of Torque on tap, and it certainly is way better than an Accord in both power, handling and nimbleness. Also, compared to the Accord, there is no real lack of any creature comforts, right? So why would you want to drive an Accord when there is a WRX auto option ?
Handling (which was the primary reason I decided to go for the WRX), arguably is even better than the Manual version (which certainly is no slouch is that department !!), and that goes a long way for a lot of people.
If this car offered the DVD Navigation system (present in my Acura 3.2TL) and MAYBE leather too (also available in the Acura), it would have been perfect FOR ME. But can't ask for everything, can we ? As it stands now, I grin from ear to ear, every time I go for a spin in this car, lack of a "manual", notwithstanding. :-)
Later...AH
Andrew
Well yes, I agree that you can stir up quite an argument with that statement. I personally prefer the manual transmission and the AWD system that goes with it.
-Frank P.
In any case, it's clear Subaru now offers a moonroof for the Impreza models—that's what's really important—a "factory unit" is now available. The real question is, when do we see one here?
Bob
TWRX
as for handling, how is the AT model better handling? seems to me it would be easier, but not a perfprmance advantage.
As for the subwoofer, I think it's quite good. The only way for a buyer to gauge whether this is good enough for him/her would be to find a WRX with this option and listen to it and see if it's good enough for him/her. My wife likes listening to operas and dance music, she plays them really loud, and she's very happy with the factory sound system (better than the base sound system in my old bimmer).
BG
Actually, I was referring to the 45/55 power split (in normal driving) of the Auto Trans WRX (Unlike the 90/10 power split - in normal driving - of other Auto Subarus other than the VDC Outback), with a rear wheel power bias, which is PROBABLY better (and more fun ??) than the 50/50 power split of the Manual, FOR HANDLING. I would think that cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo (AWD), would also have this rear-wheel power bias built in (instead of a 50/50 split), to increase the "fun" nature of the car ??!!
Later...AH
TWRX
My roommate and I were checking out car prices on Friday morning, noticing how unbelievable prices were. He told me about the Subaru Impreza, which I remember looking at at the LA Autoshow. So on Friday night after work I ended up spending 4 hours on the internet researching and drooling over this car. So yesterday on Saturday we decided to check out the Subaru. We went to a few dealers and I was able to find a deal that was hard to refuse, so I bought the car.
Now check this out, I did not know how to drive a stick. I know many of you would consider me an idiot for jumping on this car and buying it and not even knowing how to drive it. My roommate drove it home and I was then under the torture of learning to drive a manual. I was pretty discouraged last night, but when I woke up this morning everything seemed to fall together. My starts are a bit rusty, but I know practice is all I need.
Don't worry about the Impreza, I used a different car to learn, but it was pretty embarassing this morning when I choked at a light, but I able to catch myself and accelerate out.
Gone is my 99 Toyota Corolla. Now I can have a lot more fun on the road, and I can actually use the car to go snowboarding. This is a great forum, I'll make sure to ask any questions about the car here.
My wrx is just 760 miles old and keeping it under the 4000 rpm mark is what the doctor ordered!
Have fun! as i know you will;)
-mike
Cool, you work near the seaport? I'm in 1 NY Plaza. Have you checked out the Tri-state forum on the I-club? We have meets regularly in Woodbridge, Queens, etc. Of course you are probably on there under a different name and I'm gonna look like a total idiot!
-mike
On to more relevant topics -- I was stuck all day in crawling traffic today due to security checks on all bridges and tunnels, not to mention all the out-of-towners who came into NYC for a peep at ground zero, and I did notice that my WRX does NOT have a problem crawling along at snail's pace in first gear, in particular, 3-5 mph. The engine was nicely warmed up before I started to drive.
--Soo-young
I was up at the Palisades Auto-x today, taking 2nd in G-stock and putting a beating to the modded and stock WRXs (all the subies actually) But got beat by the Tegs and the WRX on sat @ E-town. I figured out that anytime there is a tight circuit, the XT6 beats the WRXs, open circuit where they can stay in the rev-band, they beat me.
-mike
I'll gladly do a little stoplight racing with you in the meantime, though. ;-} [Yup, silver sedan, no wing. I truly believe that if it doesn't fly, it doesn't need a wing.]
For the power this car produces, it seems to me that its unlikely there could be much benefit from a 5% difference in power distribution.
Definitely come out to an auto-x, it's good fun.
I'm actually going to chart my tight circuit v. open circuit times v. tegs and WRXs just to see if there is any trend I see.
-mike
-mike
In summary: No...I don't want an automatic WRX after my rally workout and I don't believe the different power split of the auto makes it a better handler than the manual.
Wet and tired in Seattle,
Stephen
But, I have to say that the WRX auto IS a better handler than the Manual. The auto shifter works really well with downshifting and such, and the rear bias is much more fun in the twisties allowing the cars rear end to come out and go back in at will. I had the pleasure of riding in one with someone with suprising skill at doing such things on a nice open road, and I was amazed! I could surprizingly feel the difference in the AWD systems, with alot less squeel coming from the auto.
Dont worry though, the VTD will make it to the manual eventually... Hopefully :P
So whats better? More lateral grip? Higher slalom speed? lower lap time at Willow?
- Electrically operate moon roof (tilt & swivel)
- 17" alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE092
- Sport seats (Recaro type)
I think in US it would be considered a 2003 model.
I paid for it 39.000 CHF (local taxes included): at today's exchange rate it is about 23.700 USD.
Ciao to everybody.
Roberto
Roberto - you're going to make plenty of WRX owner's envious of your silver WRX - Electrically operated moon roof & swivel, 17" alloy, Recardo type seat... what else you've got in there thats diff from the U.S.? What's the dimension of the moon roof?
-Dave
You mentioned that yours has a moonroof, is that a "factory" option, or an "aftermarket" option that the dealer had done on its own? There have a couple of posts regarding moonroofs now being available on home-market Japanese models, but your, if it's a factory option, is the first I've heard of outside of Japan.
Bob
I rode with him from Manhattan to NJ on a Friday night and the car creeped along in first off-boost just fine. Might be another one of those "it's the driver" issues.
The manual's AWD system isn't "fixed" at 50/50. The moment you accelerate, the VC sends power to the wheels that need it.
Dennis
Right it's not fixed at 50/50 but it doesn't have the range and anticipatory capacity that the AT versions have.
-mike
Dennis
Anyway, you could probably try the UK board and get some good info.
http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/
Dennis
I don't think we'll ever get down to the bottom of the VC v. 4EAT/VDC/VTD #s. Thats why subaru needs a guage like my TOD guage on the Trooper, so you know the torque split at any given time.
-mike
http://4x44u.vmag.com/forum/subaru/messages/712.html
Dennis
Serge
They're visiting.
My guess-translation:
Welcome to Edmunds something something something you were in Bologna in the 80's something something something.... ;-)
-Dave
Imola, hmm, home of the Ferrari. My brother is living in Rimini which is about an hour away.
-Dave (another!!!) :-)
-Dave
Wonder if I could rent, say a..., WRX there?
-Dave
About handling, if you are a good enough driver. A manual wrx will handle better than an automatic wrx. Why? because you can select gears, because you don't have to suffer torque converter sapping power. You don't have to "hope" the automatic to kick down a gear to enter a turn, but instead selecting it and hold it at a higher rev to generate more speed to exit a turn...
Stephen
1 - Lotus Elise - 1:25.03
2 - Noble M12 - 1:21.35
3 - Mitsubishi Evo VII - 1:24.23
4 - Ferrari 360 F1 - 1:21.52
5 - Porsche 911 GT2 - 1:19.58
6 - BMW M3 - 1:24.40
7 - Mini Cooper - 1:32.08
8 - TVR Tuscan S - 1:22.28
9 - Lamborghini Diablo - 1:21.28
10 - Ariel Atom 190 - 1:21.48
11 - Jaguar X-type 3.0 - 1:31.00
12 - Toyota Celica T-Sport - 1:29.07
13 - Subaru WRX - 1:26.41
14 - TVR Tamora - 1:24.90
15 - Renault Clio 172 - 1:29.54
16 - MB AMG C32 - 1:28.69
17 - BMW 325 ti Compact auto - 1:30.34
18 - Renault Clio V6 - 1:28.10
19 - MG ZS 180 - 1:29.74
The electric glass moon roof is factory fitted. It was a surprise when I ordered the car one month ago since the 2001 model did not have it. I have not measured it but it is not very long, I suppose to retain the crossbar in the middle of the roof to avoid losing some of WRX mythical structural rigidity. It has an internal cover you can slide manually to let light come into the car without opening the moon roof (it gives a pleasant airy feeling inside). The 215/45R17 tyres are Bridgestone Potenza 011 (not 092 as indicated in my previous post). The engine has less power (218 ps at 5600 revs/min) and torque (215 ft/lb at 3600). I suppose this allows for a better low trottle response. The air conditioning comes standard with an anti-pollen filter. The stereo equipment does not have the in-dash six CD changer. It is a double DIN unit with single CD and cassette player. The rear spoiler is standard (optionally you can have the rised STI style spoiler). It does not have cruise control and front seats side airbag (I assume because they do not fit in the Recaro type seats). And it comes with the stick only (when I asked information about the automatic transmission the dealer just laughed!).
I live in Monza: actually just 2 km away from the circuit where they run the Formula One Italian Grand Prix. The nice thing is that during weekends you can go into the circuit with your own car and try to emulate Shumacker! (I might do that once the break-in period is over).
January next year will be on sale the new Impreza STI. Here are some specs:
- Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International
- 265 PS and 253 lb ft of torque
- 148 mph top speed and 5.2 second 0-60 mph time
- Larger air to air intercooler with water spray
- Active Valve Control System (variable valve timing)
- New six-speed gearbox
- Larger 17 ins Brembo brakes
- Larger 225/45 tyres on gold spoked 17x7.5 alloy wheels
- Uprated suspension with inverted struts
- Front and rear Suretrac limited-slip differentials
More detailed info at: http://www.subaru.co.uk/ under News and Pictures
Ciao to everybody
Roberto
Mark
A-HA! Moonroof, see, I told you. Of course it can be done. Move the brace to the B-pillar, if it's not already there, and give people what they want.
Now you look back and realize that all the arguments about rigidity were nonsense, as I was saying. The WRX is not a wet noodle without that brace in that exact location, and cars with moonroofs aren't necessarily wet noodles either.
-juice
The moonroof is in front of the center bar. The rest of us have been saying all along that it was fine to put a roof in front of it. Of course from the pics I've seen it's not really a moonroof, more of a roof slit (probably only about 6" front to rear.
-mike
Bob
It needs to fit in front of the b-pillar re-enforcement beam. I'll see if I can find the pic on the FHI page.
-mike