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

The third generation Subaru Impreza was released in June 2007 as a full model change. The 5 door hatchback Impreza WRX STI debuted in October 2007 with a special wide body and 2 liter boxer engine equipped with dual AVCS twin scroll turbos, 6MT, multi-mode DCCD, and multi-mode VDC. Max power was 308 ps and max torque was 43.0 kg/m with AWD. Initial prices were 3,654,000 yen.

In July 2010, a 4 door sedan joined the 5 door hatchback equipped with a special wide body and the same 2 liter boxer engine as the 5 door ( with dual AVCS twin scroll turbos), 6 MT, multi-mode DCCD, and multi-mode VDC. The specs were the same as the 5 door version with max power at 380 ps and max torques at 43.0 kg/m. Overall length was +165mm and vehicle weight increased +10 kg. Base price was 3,738,000 yen.

In December 2011, sales of the fourth generation Impreza G4 began. The GRB type was still continued. However, the Impreza name was dropped and it was sold as the WRX STI. With no change in power, the WRX STI 5 door hatchback sold for 3,685,500 yen and the WRX STI 4 door sold for 3,738,000 yen.

On the other hand in Feb 2009, the Impreza WRX STI A-Line was based off the Impreza WRX STI 5 door hatchback with a special 2.5 liter flat boxer engine equipped with dual AVCS twin scroll turbos, SI-DRIVE, VTD-AWD and a paddle shift sports 5AT. Max power was 300ps and max torque 35.7kg/m. The final price was 500,00 yen cheaper than the WRX STI at 3,150,000 yen.

In January of 2010, a special Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S was released. Light weight 18 inch aluminum wheels, Brembo calipers, Alcantara and leather interior were standard options. Price was 3,255,000 yen.

By July 2010, a new 4 door version of the Impreza WRX STI A-Line was added to the 5 door hatch.Vehicle price was the same as the 5 door at 3,150,000 yen.

Both the 5 and 4 door versions of the WRX STI A-Line were sold even after the release of the new Impreza G4. Vehicle price was 3,150,000 yen for both the 5 door hatch and 4 door sedan.

The WRX STI is a performance based model combining a 2 liter flat boxer turbo engine with a manual transmission. The engine uses a 2 liter EJ20 engine（92.0mm×75.0mm）with twin scroll turbo and variable valve timing equipped IN/EX cams to produce 308 ps at 6400 rpm and max torque of 43.0kg/m at 4400 rpm. A 6 speed manual transmission was the only transmission offered.

The WRX STI A-Line was aimed for adults and used a 2.5 liter flax boxer turbo engine with an AT transmission. The EJ25 engine was 2.5 liter （99.5mm×79.0mm）with twin scroll turbos and IN/EX variable valve timing and produced 300ps at 6200rpm, max torque at 35.7kg-m between 2800～6000rpm. A 2 pedal 5AT transmission with flipping control was the only transmission offered. Paddle shifting allowed for speedy up and down shifts.

The WRX STI and WRX STI A-Line both have the same basic exterior. The tires and wheels are made of 18 inch forged aluminum with 245/40R18 tires. Both grades have similar equipment HID projector low beam lamps, head light washers, heated door mirrors, and front wiper de-icers. The limited WRX STI A-Line and WRX STI A-Line type S 4 door sedan models both have large rear spoilers.

For models before November 2011, the "Impreza" and "STI" logo emblems sit to the right side of the rear, while all models after November 2011 have the "STI" and "SYMMETRICAL AWD" logo emblems on the right.

The body size for the 5 door hatch back is 4,415mm, 4 door sedan is 4,580mm. Both models have a 2,625mm wheelbase meaning the 4 door sedan's rear overhang is 165mm longer. Vehicle weight for the 5 door hatch is 1,480kg while the 4 door sedan is an extra 10 kg heavier at 1,490kg.

The front seats for the WRX STI are bucket type (Alcantara + leather) with optional Recaro bucket seats (Alcantara+ leather.) The WRX STI A-Line comes standard with bucket type (Alcantara + leather) seats and black leather seats (Leather + seat heaters) or tan leather seats (Leather / Premium package) as an option. The steering for both models are leather wrapped and have tilt and telescopic functionality. The WRX STI A-Line has cruise control switch, paddle shifters, and audio remote control switches as extra features.

Although the basic meter design is the same for moth models, the rev limit on the WRX STI is at 8000rpm and the WRX STI A-Line is set at 6700rpm. The WRX STI also has REV indicator and the WRX STI A-Line has a shift position indicator. Both models come with full aug air conditioning as standard equipment.

Both grades use inverted struts in the front and double wishbone suspension for the rear. The front lower arms are made of forged aluminum. Linear handling is achieved by improving suspension rigidity through the use of pillow balls.

The WRX STI uses Brembo brakes as standard equipment. The front uses 4 pod calipers and the rear uses 2 pod and has 17 inch ventilated front brake rotors. The WRX STI A-Line uses 2 pod front brake calipers + 17 inch disc and 16 inch rotors for the rear. Brembos can be added as an option. Both models have super sports ABS and VDC as safety equipment and the WRX STI has a hill start assisting system.

The WRX STI comes with only a 6MT and the AWD uses a DCCD system. Torque split between the front and rear is managed by a planetary gear set at front 41： rear 59. The center differential has a mechanical LSD + electronic management. A front helical LSD and rear Torsen LSD are standard and allow great control for the driver.

The WRX STI A-Line only offers a 5 AT transmission with down shift flipping control. Paddle shifters allow for comfortable gear changes. The AWD system uses VTD-AWD. The center diff uses a planetary gear set at front 45: rear 55 with variable torque split control according to driving situations. The standard front normal diff and viscous rear LSD achieve balance between nose control during cornering and straight line stability. The result is a sporty, but safe handling car.

Both models have an SI-DRIVE that can be set for 3 modes ( Sports, Sports Sharp, and Intelligent.) The WRX STI A-Line works in conjunction with the TUC to control speed changes according to mode.