Test drove an '07 Subary STi - what else should I compare it to

[RGUN]

I tend to gravitate towards performance oriented cars and am going to be buying a car in the coming weeks. I test drove an STi and liked how it handled and drove, not to keen on the interior. To make sure its the car I want Im testing similar cars.

So far on my list Ive got

-G35
-Mazdaspeed6
-IS350
-GTI

Any other you could recommend?

 

[ayabe]

You might consider an '08 STI they will be out in just a few more months. Will have a better interior and better performance than the one you just drove.

But you really can't go wrong with a G35.

 

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: ayabe
You might consider an '08 STI they will be out in just a few more months. Will have a better interior and better performance than the one you just drove.

But you really can't go wrong with a G35.

Really, whats the word on performance? more powerful engine?

Im looking to take advantage of the Canadian dollar and import the vehicle from the states, so I feel as if I shouldnt chance waiting... plus I dont think the new one looks as good.

 

[mitaiwan82]

if you are considering the GTI, you have to also consider a Mazdaspeed3 into the mix. A whole different level of acceleration on the MS3 compared to the 2.0T of the GTI...

 

[Dudewithoutapet]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

 

[GoatMonkey]

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is the obvious competition to the Subaru. I don't think they've shipped to the dealers yet though. Also, the Mitsubishi probably wouldn't have quite as solid long term reliability as the Subaru, but is probably better than the GTI, just based on the J.D. Power ratings.

Did you look at the Legacy GT while you were at the Subaru dealer? Those have a nicer interior, but they're a little bigger, and a little less power.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Yeah, the Legacy GT really isn't too far off in terms of performance but is much nicer to be in. How about the BMW 135I as well, I don't think any have made it here yet but it certainly looks good on paper. BMW has a tradition of being quite conservative on what gets written and pretty much all of their performance oriented models have been stellar recently.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: RGUN

Originally posted by: ayabe
You might consider an '08 STI they will be out in just a few more months. Will have a better interior and better performance than the one you just drove.

But you really can't go wrong with a G35.

Really, whats the word on performance? more powerful engine?

Im looking to take advantage of the Canadian dollar and import the vehicle from the states, so I feel as if I shouldnt chance waiting... plus I dont think the new one looks as good.

Actually it will be an '09 model but still out soon after the new year. Specs still aren't final but ~330hp is the number I've seen tossed around.

Edmunds

 

[exdeath]

+ 1 on the Evo. You can't test drive one (Evo or Sti) without test driving the other.

Any preference to new or used?

A few other easy ones I can think of right off the bat for between $20k to $30k that haven't been mentioned:

SVT Cobra (03-04)
Pontiac GTO
Nissan 350Z
Porsche Boxster S
BMW M3
Corvette

 

[zerocool84]

evo really is the only thing to compare it to. all those others have a different feel to them. also gti is no where near the performance of those cars you have on your list but they are fairly nice

 

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: exdeath
+ 1 on the Evo. You can't test drive one (Evo or Sti) without test driving the other.

Any preference to new or used?

A few other easy ones I can think of right off the bat for between $20k to $30k that haven't been mentioned:

SVT Cobra (03-04)
Pontiac GTO
Nissan 350Z
Porsche Boxster S
BMW M3
Corvette

I would like to get slightly used to save myself the intial depreciation. The Lancer EVO is not sold in Canada, as well as the Pontiac GTO.

Already have an 07 Corvette at the house, need something that will be able to handle winters. As far as the Mustang, too many people around me have one so Im going to get something different.

 

[fbrdphreak]

GTI...hahaha - c'mon man!

You just said you were planning to take advantage of the Canadian dollar & import from the U.S. - so why can't you pick a U.S. model like the GTO or Evo?

You might look at a Legacy GT and add a better suspension, or a Legacy GT Spec. B which has a 6-speed, unique interior, and better suspension. Those will have better interiors than the STi and with a couple simple mods, just as fast.

 

[Dudewithoutapet]

Wait, at first you said you wanted a performance car, now you say you have 07 Corvette anyways and want something that can handle winters? How about a pick-up like the SRT-10 or Tundra?

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Dudewithoutapet
Wait, at first you said you wanted a performance car, now you say you have 07 Corvette anyways and want something that can handle winters? How about a pick-up like the SRT-10 or Tundra?

I'm guessing he still doesn't want a truck, but a daily that can take on the snow, that isn't devoid of fun (granted, fun is subjective)

 

[996GT2]

I'd be looking at a US model Lancer Evolution or some of the other Subaru models like the Legacy GT or Forester XT Turbo...with a few mods those cars can be quite quick and they've still got AWD to handle the winters.

 

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
GTI...hahaha - c'mon man!

You just said you were planning to take advantage of the Canadian dollar & import from the U.S. - so why can't you pick a U.S. model like the GTO or Evo?

You might look at a Legacy GT and add a better suspension, or a Legacy GT Spec. B which has a 6-speed, unique interior, and better suspension. Those will have better interiors than the STi and with a couple simple mods, just as fast.

There is a reason the EVO and GTO arent in the Canadian market... I think they failed the bumper test or something, but they are not allowed to be registered in Canada at all. So they are out.

Is there not a GTI with a V6? I thought they made a quick GTI, apparently I was wrong. Im not sure I can deal with the Legacy looks... it doesnt appeal to me unfortunately.

 

[RGUN]

By the way I tested out the G35 coupe.... I wish I had never driven it. I always thought it was one of the best looking and sounding cars on the road... It was very disappointing.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: RGUN
There is a reason the EVO and GTO arent in the Canadian market... I think they failed the bumper test or something, but they are not allowed to be registered in Canada at all. So they are out.

Is there not a GTI with a V6? I thought they made a quick GTI, apparently I was wrong. Im not sure I can deal with the Legacy looks... it doesnt appeal to me unfortunately.

Ah okay - that makes sense.

VW doesn't make a fast car if you ask me. There are plenty of better choices.

If you can find a Mazdaspeed6 still, they were last made in 07, they are like 286HP AWD turbo I-4 IIRC - plus a nice full-size sedan and good handling. The Mazdaspeed3 is an option, but only FWD

I think the later model Legacy's took on some of the newer styling cues, which some don't like - but the earlier ones look good IMO. The turbo models started in 05, maybe check them out? You can get them really cheap.

 

[f1r3s1d3]

Go for the MazdaSpeed.

 

[DaTT]

I really don't think you are going to find yourself behind the wheel of anything but the STi Limited. I'd be willing to put money on it.

 

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: DaTT
I really don't think you are going to find yourself behind the wheel of anything but the STi Limited. I'd be willing to put money on it.

uh-huh? I bet you $750,000 it will be a Ferrari Enzo!

 

[DivideBYZero]

No 240hp GTi-30 in the US?

 

[DaTT]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
No 240hp GTi-30 in the US?

Canadian...and probably not, you Europeans get all the cool cars

 

[Gand1]

How about the new Audi TT Quattro.... that does quite decent in the snow!

 

[EGGO]

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO