(SUBARU) Comparing the Impreza WRX STI and the WRX STI A-LINE!! | GTNET

Updated 5/7.2012

WRX STI A-Line（4door）'12 model Impression

The 5AT transmission equipped with flipping allowed for safe and fun sports driving in the 80% range.

Although it was my first time driving the WRX STI A-Line on winding roads, I felt that the extra 500cc of displacement added a hefty amount of torque.

I think that the ride quality was a bit stiff for a typical 4 door sedan, but at the same time, it was very Impreza like. It wasn't a car that was meant for comfortable high speed cruising, but it would make you want to attack corners.

　The car showed signs of initial understeer as I began to push hard through the corners. However, once I reached 70-80% of the tire grip, everything began to change. Response to steering wheel movement was sharp and the nose would easily point in any direction I turned the steering wheel. Understeer began to reappear once I reached the cornering threshold, but I think this was more of a safety setting.

　The automatic was not like the new twin clutch types, but actually the old type. Twin clutch types usually have abrupt shocks between shifting that cause unpleasant city driving, but the WRX STI A-line's 5AT had little shock and offered comfortable cruising. It was equipped with paddle shifters making winding roads a pleasure to navigate.

　Downshifts to first gear were also smooth thanks to the flipping function. In addition, the computer could sense the driving style and would maintain high rpm's during hard driving while in the D mode. Braking right before the corner would automatically activate the flipping function, thereby finding the best gear allowing for a smooth exit from the corner. It's a very smart system.

　In general, it's very stable and won't cause any surprises even when pushed hard. It's not the type of car to push hard at the circuit for lap times, but it would be a great car to enjoy at the mini circuit. The WRX STI A-Line is built mainly for city driving with the occasional mini circuit time attack.

IMPREZA WRX STI（5 door）'09 model impression

Uncharacteristic of 2 liter engines, the WRX STi had plenty of low to mid range torque and would be the one to take to the track!

The Impreza WRX STI had plenty of low end torque despite being a 2 liter and would accelerate as soon as the pedal was pressed. It was very easy to control even for time attacks. However, compared to the WRX STI A-Line, I could tell the difference in characters.

The WRX STI felt sharper when the steering was turned. I don't know what the actual difference was, but it almost felt like they changed the steering gear ratio. That's how much of a difference I felt. Despite having just a 10 kg weight difference compared to the WRX STI A-Line 4 door sedan, the WRX STI felt much more agile. The WRX STI would probably faster and more fun at the circuit and winding roads.

The suspension felt like it didn't have as much stroke compared to the WRX STI A-Line 4 door. It wasn't a matter of stiff or soft, but rather the way it absorbed the bumps in the road. Given the WRX STI naming, I wouldn't have been surprised if the suspension was extremely stiff, but it was completely the opposite. Sporty handling went to the WRX STI.

The WRX STI had an adjustable center diff ranging from full differential lock to almost no lock. I think it would have been fun to just play with the settings and find the best setting for the track or driving style. In general I think AUTO is fine. I couldn't tell the difference for the center diff on winding roads, but I think I would have noticed it on circuits when I pushed the car to the limits.

Although the WRX STI had smaller displacement, it had higher max power and torque. It didn't feel much different, but didn't sacrifice low end torque due to smaller displacement. I really liked the fact that I could accelerate from any rpm range. I really felt like I was driving a Subaru when I heard the characteristic boxer engine sound.

However, one thing that did bother me were the bushings that held the drivetrain in place. They felt too soft. I could feel the movement when I shifted from first to second gear. I'd have no complaints if they just fixed that. It's hard to choose between the WRX STI and WRX STI A-Line because each one had a unique character and flavor. But if you take handing and feeling into consideration, I'd choose the WRX STI 5 door hatchback.