Subaru GC8 WRX or STi?
 

WRX is 225hp, STi is 280hp

I am wondering is there a huge difference under the hood or just one has much higher boost? Planning to get one, but the price gap is big. I am putting new parts into it anyway, so I want to know which one is more cost effective.

WRX is around $3500, and STi is way above $9000

I'm not a Subaru expert by any stretch of the imagination, but in newer generations there are vastly more differences between the WRX and the STi. Some of the major differences include ALL the differentials in the AWD system, a much stronger transmission with an extra gear, suspension setup, etc. I wouldnt be surprised if the same is true of the older ones.

the engines have different internals and the drivetrain have different parts.
its definitly worth the price difference.

exactly.

Since you mentioned GC8, it's a relatively older car. I believe u're gonna get the JDM GC8 in Hong Kong right? If u're moding a GC8 in HK, I think the WRX is enough, cause it's dirt cheap to swap out the internals and get it beef'd up with cosworth or JUN for relatively cheap in HK. But I'm not sure if the JDM WRX or STi engine are semi closed deck or open deck. Otherwise, u'll be getting a pretty good deal with just a basic WRX and then swap in internals and a better clutch + differential. The difference in turbo and slight difference in pipe diamters. I think you can get way better pieces with aftermarket than getting the STi. But, if u're not gonna mod it, get the STi to start with and deal with less headache with modding it.
It's see some pic of these potential hotties !!

^
I'm pretty sure that the STi ej20t is a semi-closed deck. Don't know about the regular WRX. I think STi has DCCD right?

take both out for a test drive. the sti's a beasssst.

i dont think gc sti had DCCD back then.

u probably have read this before asian_xl, but i'll still post it anyways.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza_WRX_STI

ps: get a 22B is u can.

back then you'd be looking at STi tuned suspension too which gives you much better ride around the corners...

depends if yo are getting it for here or in HK

good luck fixing it.... u are gonna at least need another 100k to fix it up, might as well buy a 05+ STI

found a STi for $4000...with > 30K km.

it's going to be "once it breaks down, it will be pushed off the cliff" type of car
or ship the lemon to Vancouver :)

Basic mod to 320-350hp is my target

Getting 320-350 crank hp is just a push of a button away (note: open ecu stage 1 - I've lots of custom tuned and off the shelve maps but it's for 02+). Once you've got a catless downpipe and exhaust, you'll be at stage 2. But i would highly recommend a size 5 turbo, higher flow injectors, ecu tune, downpipe, exhaust, and u'll be pushing close to 360 whp, (400+ whp - either meth or water injection and u'll be shitting your own pants) and you'll start to break things and needa ship it to me in vancouver. :haha:

actually, they did! I remember watching best motoring vids way back before we got the WRX and saw them playing around and showing off the DCCD system.

which version STi are you shopping for? I assume a v5 or v6 since those were the pinnacle of the gc8 breed. don't forget that 280hp was just the advertised horsepower levels back in the "gentleman's agreement" days. a gc8 STi is probably pushing a bit more than 280hp in stock form, and when new. an aged STi should still be pumping out something near 280. boost controller and an opened up exhaust will probably get you to 320bhp no problem.

If OP doesn't launch there is no real reason for the drivetrain to break. Plus in HK a different model turbo in your engine bay = instant fail in annual VI. Add meth+water injection and you'd be screwed. Sure enough you can find garage that are "friends" with the inspection place but just sayin'...I remember there's also a place in HK that will do custom map too if you throw on any kind of aftermarket ECU including Motec/PowerFC/Hydra.... buy a cheap Option fans book and look it up.

XL:
If you are buying one in HK chances are it's gonna be a lego car..... I'd be REALLY careful inspecting a GC8 in HK....Rarely any one is in "straight version" worthy condition.

at factory it's 280bhp at exactly 1.0bar so just turn it up like .2 and some basic IHE you'd get the power you like.... Good luck.

i dont think people realize op is talking about gc from hk.

RA 22B ... drool :P

NA neither has GC8 WRX nor STi

^Lol.. i dont think the guy deserves a 'sobalo master' tag..

22B all the way. but they're still pricey in HK..

GC8 never comes with Airbag before 2000??

this one is a 1997, it comes with this steering wheel and no passenger airbag
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/pr...es/6920685.jpg

Always been an option. Hell even a NA2 NSX Type R can come without an airbag. Only very recent cars have std airbags.
http://www.japanesesportcars.com/gal...a_nsx_int1.jpg

How's your insurance standings in HK? I tried to insure my EVO1 at one point and they are saying it's a "we don't even provide it to you because you are under 25" situation even though I had 60% NCB already from my transferred driving experience.

get the sti if you can. i have a wrx stage 2 right now and the power feels like an sti..too bad not just a stage 2 sti..

overall, sti have better components and internals hence the price gap. its worth it if you can afford it. if i had an sti i would do stage 2 again and suspension and call it a day.

sti hands down, just so u dont kick urself in the balls everytime u drool over a STi that blows by you while sitting in a wrx

the wrx has potential to put out good hp and the upside is its a cheaper car...however with big horsepower on a wrx usually comes a blown transmission.....typacally the 5 speeds blow second gear quite easily...i know cause ive lown it except i blew third...nd a transmission swap to the 6 speed is not as easy as just bolting it in so if u can afford the sti get it....also the sti has a 2.5 whereas the wrx 2.0

^ Man most people on this thread has no idea what the OP is on about....

not only the engine but the suspension, brakes and so on..

you get what you pay for... cheaper car gets cheaper parts...