'10 MS3 vs WRX

[mOjO]

I'm hoping to be in the market to trade up my '07 Mz3 for a new car in the next month or so, and wanted to know what some of your opinions were on the '10 MS3 or the '10 WRX.

I’ll keep this post short and let others fill in.

 

[spek1098]

'10 STi FTW

 

[mndsm]

Ms3 is gonna be cheaper, but the WRX isn't ugly. If you can get the STi kit on a WRX hatch, I'd say do it. WRX is gonna cost a lot more too, parts, maitenance, and initial buy in... ms3 is.. ugly, but probably more "kid" friendly.

 

[JohnnyT]

Though lengthy, I thought this was a pretty solid review: http://www.newcartestdrive.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2010_Subaru_WRX&ReviewID=4696

Maybe 2010 is different, but in another article it stated the '11 WRX has the same bodywork as the STi.

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX carries the same wide, swaggering, come-on-and-try-me bodywork as the STI. The same aggressive fascia, the same bulging fenders -- the rears actually poke out beyond the taillights -- and the same quad-exhaust pipes that protrude from the very BMW M5-ish rear valance. Visually, differences from the STI exist only in the grille, badges, and spoiler. Underneath the sheetmetal, of course, it's a different story. There are no powertrain changes for 2011, but that's no bad thing: The WRX uses a 265-horse, 2.5-liter flat-four with 244-pound-feet of torque, and a viscous center differential. The key for this year's WRX lies in how the bodywork affected the drive.

Article: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1007_2011_subaru_impreza_wrx_drive/index.html

I've heard numerous complaints on the interior styling and functionality of the '10 MS3. I assume it'll have the same suspension creaking issues as the gen 1's had too. All in all, that car just doesn't impress me. Although subjective, the exterior styling looks hideous, the interior leaves much to be desired (though you can easily argue that with the WRX too), the engine has had its issues and remains unchanged since '07, all the while Subaru is constantly making changes and upgrades to their WRX. Hell, it's faster in a straight line than the STi now too.

Personally, I'd opt for the WRX. It's AWD, it's fun, it's easier on the eyes, if you choose to go aftermarket you have much more support, and I can't see any drawbacks. MPG's look equal in the articles I saw, and your maintenance costs being higher is a questionable statement considering you'll be under warranty. Drive 'em both, compare the rear seat room for the kids, cargo capacity, initial thoughts, etc and report back.

 

[LASERBLUE135]

'10 STi FTW

This is silly IMO. The 2009+ WRX is just as fast in a straight as the STI, but costs $10k less. I would be shopping 09+ WRX's. The hatch looks really nice and the 2011's have the new widebody style with much nicer stock rims/tires. If I had the money right now I would go down and buy a 2011 wrx hatch in blue and be happy as hell. I know this is mnmazda, but ever since getting my wrx, I'm a wrx driver for life. Simply a great car. Again, just my opinion.

 

[mndsm]

WRX is a great car, don't get me wrong. I guess the big thing here is mOjO from what I know of the guy (and his mom) is that he's going to be buying new, or VERY minimally used. I'm basing most of my lines on price vs. price.

 

[dmention7]

I don't mean any offense by this, but do you really plan on doing enough hooning in either ride to justify the price premiums over a regular MZ3 or Impreza? I only ask because you don't quite strike me as that type of driver.

 

[YSOSLO]

I love my Mz3, but I'd take a Sube again without having to think about it for even a full second. LOVE the AWD, and the mileage I'm getting sucks ass, so I'd much rather get the same mileage without the loss in drivability in the Winter. I only had the regular Impreza, back before the WRX or STi where even available in the U.S., so I only dream of what it would have been like to replace my regular ride with a WRX. If you go with the Sube, I call shotgun! (srsly dude, I want a ride in it, if you get one)

 

[spek1098]

Yea, I guess it is silly if you prefer a midgrade product with a weaker gear box, weaker brakes, and less options for modification. Some buy Kias, some buy Ferraris, all are silly if you choose to look at them in that fashion.

 

[YSOSLO]

Since the original mention was for a new/newer 4-dr hatch in the mid-$20K range, the STi/Ferrari class of car is a bit beyond the scope of reality here.

I'm with those that have a hard time finding justification for the added cost of the STi over the WRX as well. I understand the flexibility the STi offers, and if the car was only going to be used for racing, then perhaps that would be more of a consideration. But for the average on-the-street driver, the STi seems like a lot of costly overkill. I'd probably lean more toward an Evo anyway, if I was looking at dropping $40K on a track car.

 

[Big Nate]

If you want a car that will work for you all year around go with the AWD impreza. The MS3 would be fine in the summer but then when winter hits you need snow tires and a very light foot even with traction control on.

I would totally get a WRX in the future but i have to finish paying for my truck

 

[mOjO]

I don't mean any offense by this, but do you really plan on doing enough hooning in either ride to justify the price premiums over a regular MZ3 or Impreza? I only ask because you don't quite strike me as that type of driver.

I hoon all day long... like its going out of style.

I don't when the kids are in the car for obvious reasons, but I do bomb around now and then. Likely I'd do more of it in a more adept vehicle though.

 

[dmention7]

Fair enough, just had to ask. In that case I have no other input, having driven neither car. I personally probably would lean towards the WRX though, mainly for AWD in the winters.

 

[Workdawg]

The new MS3 feels a lot more tame than the 1st gen. I haven't driven a WRX, but I'm not sure if I'd buy the 2nd gen MS3. If I did, I'd definitely want the tech package, but that adds a lot of cost.