2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi review
June 14, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
According to Subaru’s performance figures, the 2008 STi is only 0.6 seconds quicker than the current WRX. That’s 5.2 seconds Vs 5.8 seconds, and while that may not seem like a lot, the difference behind the wheel, is dramatic.
To anyone out there who is clinging to the false belief that the previous generation STi was somehow quicker than MY08 car, we brought along a slightly modified MY07 STi as a comparison.
On a rolling acceleration run, I was surprised that the Spec.R began to noticeably pull away from the MY07 car. That’s something I didn’t expect with a rather smallish 15kW and 15Nm increase in power and torque. The new car is also 10kg heavier.
The six-speed manual shift is a treat and allows for rapid gear changes which require little effort. The gear ratios seem well placed too.
But while I am still a fan of manual shifting, I am more a fan of gear changes via paddles. They allow for far more control and speed in the twisty sections and frankly, the STi would be a more enhanced driving experience with them.
I’ve got to be honest, I have never been into dumping the clutch at 3,000-5000rpm and launching cars, except of course on the start line of a race track. Always thought it was a pointless waste of a good clutch and of course, there’s that awful smell.
Ps. it’s funny how some people have to get their opinions across to other by abusing them (hinting at John).
Also, anyone who actually knows a bit about cars will know the sti would be able to handle quite a bit more than 2 or 3 clutch dumps. I’m not saying it won’t do damage but definitely not in an instant.
In regards to the Sti vs FG Turbo, easing the clutch off an sti will not leave it in the dust considering the revs in a turbo will pick up fast. Don’t forget the FG is quick too, so the winner of a traffic light drag (which would end in about 200m) would most likely be whoever got moving first.
Same R32… one day in my old WRX MY03 got blown off at the lights…bugga.. me decides that’s it… i upgrade to the new STI… same R32 on a different day of the regular commute… no contest the STI blows the R32 away… and as for Beemers… they’re such small, really… small cars!! I almost feel embarrassed for the punters that are parting with the 80k…
Blitza, you got beaten by a r32 in an MY03 wrx? I hope you mean GTR and not a VW hahah. Cause you would be a crap driver if you lost to a VW in an MY03 (and disrespecting the other WRX owners)
PS i just bought my MY08.. and its not as quick but I love it even more.
Boost-Juice…he he like your work… shame you only got the MY08 WRX… get the STI next time it’s worth the extra dough. Can’t understand the EVO X crowd .. Sube STI’s got loads more class… and aggression… i’d rather the EVO IX if that was the only choice … less girly lookin’
Boost-Juice…he he like your work… shame you only got the MY08 WRX… get the STI next time it’s worth the extra dough. Can’t understand the EVO X crowd .. Sube STI’s got loads more class… and aggression… i’d rather the EVO IX if that was the only choice … less girly lookin’
@Victory
You say the winner of the traffic light drag race is whoever is in front at 200m. Thats way too far! There might be another set of red lights @200m.. the winner is hardest to launch and sustain it for 5sec MAX were talking on public roads here!
I an a big fan of the subaru Impreza WRX STI. And even if I am just 14 yrs old I liked the 2009 hatchback version than the past versions. I liked it because it looks cool hot and new and I would like to buy one when I am in college. And for a price that is 2,400,000.00 It is better to chose the STI than the new Evolution X because it is not that common and it looks more cool.