FA20DIT vs. EJ257

UPDATE:  Someone responded negatively to this post, saying it was biased and that I didn’t supply hard data.  I did not approve it since it read like a 10-year-old wrote it.  About the data: there are many places on the internet where you can get hard data.  In fact, there are several magazine articles that I reference on this blog that have data.  The thing about data is that it can be read in many ways when using it as support media.  You can also make pretty accurate assumptions from the gaps within the details.  And about the bias, I’ve yet to read an article that has 100% unbiased opinions on the subject.  I’m all for constructive criticism, but if you’re going to bring it, at least show me how you’d have done it better (provide the facts that I’m missing and show me an unbiased report).  Of course I’ve bias…I’m the owner of an EJ-powered car and this is my corner of the internet.  There’s nothing to stop me from being biased on my own blog.  🙂  Even if I owned or have extensive experience with an FA20DIT, I’d still favor the EJ.  It’s more proven…that comes with years of use.  We know what will fail.  With the FA20DIT, we don’t.  Just because we know a part will fail doesn’t mean that the component is shit.  It just means that we know where the issue will occur and will know how to deal with it when it appears.  You can’t say the same of the FA20DIT at this point in time.  Maybe 10 years from now, though.  As for which is better from a performance standpoint, the EJ has FAR more aftermarket support.  So, DIT makes it easier for the FA20DIT to generate power…no one is refuting that, just as no one is refuting the fact that the FA20DIT is an adequate replacement for the outgoing EJ255 that resided in the 2011-2014 WRXs (we’re NOT talking about the EJ257 that resides in the existing STI, as well as prior versions of the STI, though), but we’ll answer with a question:  why hasn’t Subaru put the FA20DIT into an STI yet?  It probably has to do with the fact that the FA20DIT isn’t a revver and tends to run out of steam rather early.  It’s a good engine for the street because it offers it’s power earlier than the EJ, with less lag, but that’s only because of the twin scroll setup (the turbocharger setup is different between the two).  As well, I’ve yet to see any article that shows that the stock WRX is desirable in a track environment (circuit, not drag strip).  I’ve never seen a track driver say, “I think I like the WRX better.”  When anyone can provide what I’ve asked or what I’ve pointed out as lacking, maybe I’ll change my stance.

I also think that pricing comparisons nullify any performance arguments – if you have to mention Car X is better because it costs less when comparing performance between the two cars, that is a hint that Car X probably isn’t a good car to compare to Car B.  That is the reason why I do not compare by price in this article. I wanted this to be a comparison based solely on performance.  When I bought my STI, I was looking at WRXs as well, but I was never looking with the  “I want a car that’s as good as an STI but cheaper” mentality, because that’s compromising.

UPDATE 2:  Someone attempted to post the following (I even didn’t entertain approving the post):  “Sti 6 speed and axles with an fa20dit beats all”.  My response is, we’re talking stock for stock.  I’m not going to get into some hybrid build between STI and WRX.  We’re totally talking OEM here.  What you do in your own garage is your business.  If we talk of builds in such a fashion, we may as well accept LS1-engined WRXs into the discussion.  That’s a bit stupid, IMO.

I occasionally see someone saying that the FA20DIT is a better engine than the EJ257. I agree when looking at the stats of these two engines, but real-world, I don’t think so.

The reasons are:

The EJ257 has been used going on 15 years, with wide aftermarket support. The FA20DIT’s aftermarket support is growing, yes, but it will take time to determine the FA’s weakness as it relates to longevity and aftermarket support. I believe Subaru thinks the same thing, otherwise they’d have no problem putting the FA20DIT into the next STI. As it stands now, two model-years have gone by without putting the FA into the STI. As well, they aren’t using the FA20DIT in their rally or Nurburgring cars (the Nurburgring car uses the EJ207, but it’s still not using the FA20DIT).  I’ve also heard that the direct injection causes mad carbon build-up (many people were expecting that).

As well, you’ve tons of people stating that the WRX itself is a superior car to the STI, which is a bit dumb. First of all, that’s like comparing an Camaro SS to a Camaro SS with the 1LE package. They’re basically the same car but one is a base car while the other is tuned. When comparing performance aspects, one should not also compare the financial savings between the WRX and STI, as that does NOT relate to performance.

If you’re looking for a nice car, a WRX is a good choice, but if you plan to track that vehicle and be competitive, you’ve two choices…get the STI and have a near-race-ready car (and remember, you can still own an STI and have no inclination to track it), or get the WRX and end up spending much more than the difference in price between the two cars. Many people say, “well, I can tune the suspension and up the power for less than $10K.” While that may be true, you still won’t have a car that will equal the STI. You might be able to run a quicker quarter-mile time, but you still won’t have an STI.  In either case, you might end up with one aspect of the WRX being better than the STI…the STI will be better at the other comparable aspects.  For the money, the STI is just flat-out better at most things the WRX does as it relates to performance…because it’s tuned for the track.  The WRX will be better as it relates to street focus and everyday driving (it has more torque down low and will require less shifting, especially with it having a twin-scroll turbocharger).  The trade-off is that it’ll quickly run out of steam when going all-out (ie, in circuit racing).  But also, it’s more than just adding parts to a WRX…who tunes the suspension? Who tunes the engine after adding the power-adders that will make the engine just as powerful as the EJ variant that resides in the STI? Either the owner or a tuning specialist.  Both of those aspects will cost money, by the way, even if the owner ends up tuning his/her own car, because the owner still has to buy and install the parts and there’s a cost (maybe not monetary, but there’s still a cost) to ensuring the job is done correctly.  As well, even if tuned, a WRX will still lack a robust 6-speed transmission.  The new transmission in the VA-chassis is the same as what was in the GR/GV chassis WRXs.  It is a Legacy throwback with an extra gear.  The new 6-speed in the WRX is still glassy…up the power and risk your transmission.  It is also still cable actuated.  It is no match for the STI’s 6-speed transmission.  Additionally, it was mentioned that a WRX will stop shorter than an STI with Brembos…that may be true but it’ll happen only once, as a WRX’s brakes will fade drastically after the first braking test run, and if you’re on a track you’ll get maybe one lap (depending on the track) before the brakes pads become unreliable. STIs will also eventually cook their brakes (again, it depends on the track) but not as drastically as the WRX. I believe it’s more than just changing pads, too. The STI has bigger brakes and the pads are more aggressive…they’re just going to work better than WRX braking equipment.

Admittedly, an STI will beat you up when it comes to ride quality and when being compared to a WRX.  It’s ride is stiffer.  That’s the nature of the beast. If you don’t like such things, don’t get the car, but it is what it is. The STI is less of a compromise when you’re driving spiritedly.

There is also a common misconception that the EJ is less reliable than the FA20DIT. The first thing that comes to mind is the ringland issue that EJs tend to have. My car has close to 30K miles and hasn’t yet had an issue with ringlands breaking. I believe it’s a matter of not beating on the engine. What do I mean by this? I mean, don’t rev and race off to work without giving the chance for the engine to warm and circulate it’s fluids. Don’t lug the engine in a higher gear than necessary (ie, doing 30mph in 5th or 6th gear, going full-throttle in 6th while at 50mph on an incline). Don’t bang off the rev limiter. Change your oil as recommended in the manual. Check the oil religiously and ensure the oil is at a satisfactory level. Running a tune? Perform datalogging at regular intervals, just to ensure the logs aren’t showing bad signs. Many forums complain that the EJ257 is troublesome, but maybe it’s because people are tinkering too much with parts and tunes. Some guys report that they’re on their 3rd and 4th engines…WTF?  They’re not doing something right or they’re mettling in things they don’t understand (and blaming it on Subaru when they break things).  Yes, some stock engines have ringland or bearing issues…if it were as bad a problem as people mention in the forums, Subaru would’ve got in front of the issue a long time ago (or been forced to by the government).

That’s just my spin on things, though. YMMV.

22 thoughts on “FA20DIT vs. EJ257

  1. Adam Brenner

    I agree with a lot of your opinions.My 2016 WRX is my 3rd Subaru.Other two was an 03 WRX and an 05 Sti.I got the new WRX just because I wanted new tech.As far as an Sti being better bang for buck in stock form I disagree.The price difference between an Sti and a WRX is healthy and the money could be better spent on mods.The only “race ready” car I’ve ever bought was my 07 350z Nismo.Now that was a true race car.But like you said this is just my opinion.Its up to the individual to make their own choices.

    Reply
    1. Mod Erator Post author

      Thanks for replying! When I compare the WRX and STI, I don’t compare what’s the better bang for the buck. I compare them straight-up. It’s also crucial for me to be able to have the more track-ready of those two vehicles, because I do intend on doing HPDE (and do sometimes autocross). I can guarantee that the STI is far more track ready than a WRX. That’s really all that matters to me…tracking. I’m not so concerned about cars that don’t offer AWD. Basically, the brakes, transmission, and DCCD as well as the stiffer suspension, are what give the STI an advantage on the track when compared to the WRX. The difference in price between the two isn’t so large that you can buy all of those parts and add them to the WRX in a fashion where it feels and/or performs equal to or better than an STI.

      Again, thanks for the great reply!

      Reply
    2. Elton Hammonds

      Funny that I just came accross your mention of that Nissan…. I have a stock Launch Edition STi and some guy im that car was reallly mad he couldn’t keep up with me and my wife on the way back from our local waterpark. LOL

      Reply
  2. Adam Brenner

    Thanks for clarifying your stand.I agree with your point of view.If I was in your shoes your right,I’d take the Sti over the WRX.Also I can’t tell you how much I enjoy being back with a AWD car.Even though my Nismo griped like no other RWD i have ever drove.I sad to say it actually handles turns better then my WRX,but it’s also now a heavily modded race car.I went back to a Subaru for my new toy/daily driver.Thanks for your response and not being a dick.That is a rare thing on the Internet.

    Reply
  3. KBell

    My opinion: the only advantage the wrx has on the sti is that twin scroll turbo. I chose the sti over the wrx specifically because of the stiffer chassis, suspension, brakes and dccd. You cannot upgrade a wrx to the sti equivalent without spending more than you would have paid for the sti. I love the stiff, punishing ride, the dccd, the brakes and the low speed squeel they let off. I love pushing the car through the turns at speeds that let you feel the brake vectoring. Just when you start losing grip, traction control kicks in and the car just goes in whatever direction you point your tires in. Regardless of your engine preference, you aren’t paying more for the sti just because of the power plant. You’re paying for everything else that comes with the sti, and it’s worth every penny.

    Reply
    1. Mod Erator Post author

      Thanks for the reply! I agree with all that you’ve said. I don’t know of the brake vectoring since I’ve a 2011 GV-chassis STI and not a VA-chassis STI. I thought about trading my 2011 for a 2015-2016 WRX or STI, but I think I’ll wait until I’ve finished paying it off and then wait another year or two to relish in the fact that the car is paid off. By then, maybe Subaru will have stepped up it’s game a bit. But yeah, the STI is a total package car and is the sum of those parts, tuned as they are specifically for that vehicle.

      Thanks again for taking the time to leave a reply!

      Reply
  4. Dwight

    I can agree with you to a point. But let’s not forget that the JDM STi motor is also a 2.0 liter. Now I had an 05 STi and liked it a lot till I had to sell it. However I began to consider a new wrx and settled on a 2016 wrx. You neglect to mention the massive improvement in the new wrx’s suspension…40% stiffer and more finely tuned. This makes the car set apart from its brother STi. It’s incredible. My daily driver is an 08 wrx. It is light years ahead, but I know they softened them up in that year. I have to wonder about the STi’s washboard suspension which compares to cornering ability of new wrx. Wrx suspension is liveable but is amazing in cornering and overall handling. Also, we all tune as enthusiatists, and I see how a simple Access Port tune on new wrx , with added intake but OEM exhaust greatly improves the redline and throttle response. Therefore I can’t say STI is better. Ej 257 is solid, but haven’t seen dit oil issues reported yet. You cannot ignore cost. My 16, $27,500. Base STi…..$39,500. A few low cost tunes gets you STi equal.

    Reply
    1. Mod Erator Post author

      There are various such threads on many Subaru forums…this is constantly debated. But here we go:

      I disagree with almost everything you’ve said. We’re going to have to agree to disagree, but since you’ve shared your opinion, let me share mine (as it relates to your comments).

      The JDM STI motor is also a 2.0L, yes, but it has nothing really in common with the FA20DIT but the engine layout and the displacement. Japan uses *only* the EJ207 in their STIs. They’ve yet to put a FA20DIT in an STI. If they do, I’d be surprised.

      The new WRX’s suspension is an improvement of what was on the previous WRX, yes, but it is not equivalent to an STI’s suspension. I don’t think any Subaru engineer ever stated such a thing. If that were the case, Car & Driver’s Lightning Lap results for 2014 (where they tested the VA-chassis STI and WRX) would’ve been closer than what it was. As it was, there was a 5 sec difference, which is rather large. Not all of that is due to a power advantage, because 30 HP of advantage isn’t going to equate to a 5 sec quicker time. Besides all that, I wouldn’t call the STI’s suspension washboard…it’s suited for track use, so of course it’s going to be stiff. Take both cars, put them in environments that they weren’t designed for, and both will have issues. Most of this isn’t objective, though. How do you quantify suspension feel/travel/roughness/plushness? You can’t measure such things. How can you compare and discuss something you can’t measure? The only thing you can do is see how quickly each will traverse portions (or all) of tarmac. Speaking of which, I’ve not seen many autocrossers state that a stock VA-chassis WRX will out-handle a stock VA-chassis STI. Yes, drivers are a big factor, but lets say that there’s one pro driver testing both. Again…I’ve never heard Randy Pobst say that a WRX will out-handle an STI (he doesn’t exactly like either one, but that’s because he’s a RWD guy and he doesn’t like the understeer of the WRX or STI).

      And yeah, we all tune as enthusiasts, but when you start factoring in such things, it becomes less than equal as it relates to objective comparisons, because the cars may be siblings but their engines are entirely different, which means they’re going to have strengths and weaknesses. Most people say, “well, I can add some parts and get a tune and out-power a stock STI.” Well, what happens if the STI owner does the same thing (because the WRX guy was allowed to modify). When does it end? As well, anything can be modified.

      The FA20DIT may be great for tuning with it’s DI system, but it makes all of its power down low, to the point that it’s less than thrilled to hustle it’s butt at the top end of the rev range. That might be why Subaru has yet to officially introduce the engine to the STI. That’s not important for a road car or daily driver, but for Subaru’s goals, apparently it’s important that the STI be able to rev. Now, what you said: “Also, we all tune as enthusiasts, and I see how a simple Access Port tune on new wrx, with added intake but OEM exhaust greatly improves the redline and throttle response.” That can be said of the EJ257 as well. The FA20DIT does have the advantage of DI, but that alone isn’t the end-all-be-all of comparing the two cars.

      The WRX’s new 6-sp transmission is not exactly new. It’s the same transmission as what was used in the GR/GV WRX…they just added an extra gear. It’s using a cable linkage. The STI had a rod linkage (and the transmission is hand-build, which is a HUGE plus, as it is damned near bullet-proof). That new 6-sp is going to be just as weak as the WRX’s transmission from the previous generation.

      And no, cost savings shouldn’t factor in. That’s not what my comparison is about. Most people that visit dealerships with $39K allotted to getting an STI are going to do just that…they’ll get an STI or something equivalently priced with similar capabilities (I’m talking Golf R, Focus RS, an Audi or BMW variant…). That’s what I was doing as well. People that look at those cars usually don’t consider WRXs (or the WRX’s competitors). And no, spending the difference between the two to tune and modify a WRX will net you a modified WRX, not an STI. I’ve no problem with a WRX. It’s a WRX, though. There’s a reason why the two are separate products. They’re different.

      The only thing a WRX *might* do better is drive daily, and that’s going to depend on the owner’s preference because I daily my STI…been doing that since I’ve owned it with no regrets. A VA WRX won’t out-handle any stock STI, whether it’s a new one or an older one. It certainly won’t out-run one, either. You’ll have to show me examples of such before I even think about believing it. And by that, I mean car mag review/comparison results…no Jalopnik or similar car press articles. Never heard of a Subaru engineer stating such, either. The STI is going to be the more capable of the two. That’s always going to be the case because the STI is Subaru’s flagship vehicle.

      I respect WRXs and their owners, but I’ve never understood people who look at the two, insist that they’re similar, and push the idea that the WRX is just as capable but cheaper. People only want to see that it’s cheaper because they’re so tied to saving a buck. Being cheaper means compromises were made. That doesn’t bother most people but if people want one of the two and want one that compromises less when it comes to performance, the STI will always be the logical choice, unless you can’t afford it or if there’s something else that’s just as capable but cheaper (ie, not the WRX). If owning a car for comfort works for you, fine…that doesn’t work for me, though. I’d take both if I could, but if there’s only one choice, I’m going for performance. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this.

      Reply
      1. Dwight

        Well said sir well said. I dont disagree with the bulk of what you said. As i said i owned an STi before. I know that those are different cars, ehanced, performance driven with different mechanicals for the many reasons you said. I referenced the suspension upgrades for the wrx, and i guess its best not to compare the two, suffice it to say that for the wrx it is a very good improvement. As i hve a base model, only those (base) did not get the inverted struts as equipped on STis. Also keep 17 inch wheels, versus 18 on the wrx limited, etc. But i like the 17s with bigger tires. I prefer rims that have a bit more rubber. I am pleased to read also that the 400 bhp mark is attainable on stock FA 20 dit. Yes jdm 2.0 is different, however it is that…2 litres. I like the EJ 257 as u say, proven, capable of good gains, and a great powerplant. I am anticipating great things from the FA. It really is good to look at both cars and see the respective greatness. Yes in ways wrx is a bit inferior to everything that the STi is, if it could be put that way. But the wrx is still a very good car and and is improved so well. In some ways it isnt fair to compare them i guess.

        Reply
      2. Devan

        I’m pretty new to subarus and just got my 20′ wrx. I drove a base focus se 5 speed for 6 years so it’s obviously a massive difference in performance. have a 02′ wrx ive put no miles on but am swapping for ej207 sti block and heads; slow going process, will be my risk taker car. I’ve driven a friends 13′ wrx and as far as performance goes, it does seem quicker but less fun to drive. I kinda want to wait till the 2021 sti comes out to trade, if it holds up to rumors. I don’t track,at least not yet, meed to improve at driving turbo cars, especially wrxand stis before I hit a track. So ‘ll this info you’ve offered has really changed my perspective. Was going to mod the wrx, but at most might just do a stage 1 to smooth out Powerband through 4-6.5krpms and get nicer wheels; stock ones are horrible looking.

        Reply
    2. KBell

      An often overlooked difference between the wrx and the sti is the dccd. You won’t build an sti equal with $12,000. You will probably have half that amount in the differentials and their controllers alone.

      Reply
  5. Mike Hunt

    You do realize the STI is a trim of the WRX, right? It costs more, therefore it will have more features. The number one reason to choose the STI **TRIM** is the transmission. But you conveniently left out that the WRX non-STI transmission does have first and second gear carbon synchros.

    Regarding the EJ vs FA, both engines can handle about 350whp reliably. Your arguement about low-end power vs too-end is a bit silly. How often are any of us driving our cars above 100 mph? But one thing that has been proven, a built FA with the stock twinscroll turbo is capable of putting out more power than a built EJ with its stock turbo. Have you seen what BRZ owners are doing with the non-turbo FA?

    The FA is the future of the WRX (and STI trim). People that don’t understand that are the same people crying that it doesn’t “rumble”, and obviously don’t understand that ELH’s are far superior to ULH’s.

    Reply
    1. Mod Erator Post author

      The way you state it, Subaru is building STIs from WRXs (I’m pretty sure thats not occurring). In actuality, both are derived from the Impreza. Even though Subaru has logically separated the WRX/STI and Impreza product lines, there is yet to be a physical separation between the product lines of the WRX/STI and Impreza. All that being said, just as the WRX is more than the sum of its parts when compared to an Impreza, the STI is more than just the sum of its parts when compared to the WRX. The parts are integral to the product. We’re not talking wheel upgrades/swaps here. Plus, the recent engine change is definitely a physical separation between the STI and WRX. There’s less in common between the two models than ever before.

      Maybe you should be more specific as to the commonalities between the two cars. At a very basic level, you’re right. Up until now, the conversation was well beyond discussing the cars at such a low level. The two cars can’t share anything engine-wise. One has DCCD and the other doesn’t and the DCCD can’t be swapped out without also using a donor harness. Exhaust components can’t be swapped. TBs can’t, either. I can go on and on but I think you get the point. Based on all that^^, I’m not convinced you’re correct.

      You said, “But you conveniently left out that the WRX non-STI transmission does have first and second gear carbon synchros.” How can one conveniently leave out a fact that one isn’t aware of? Got a non-Jalopnik-like source? [UPDATE – 11/23/2016: Found an actual WRX/STI dealer brochure here that mentions the 1st and 2nd gear carbon synchros. I’d say I was wrong but I wasn’t even aware of the fact until it was mentioned.]

      I know the benefits of ELH. You realize that EJ257 owners can install ELH, right? ELH isn’t exclusive to the FA20. If you’re using only that to define this discussion, I think you’ve missed the point.

      Like I said earlier, if the WRX is your thing, good for you. That doesn’t mean its mandatory that I share your opinion. The whole point I was trying to make is that they’re focused differently, to the point that it’s ridiculous to compare them in the manner that most people compare them. They compare better to the competition…the STI and WRX were never meant to compete against each other. 1st and 2nd gear carbon synchros alone aren’t going to make the WRX an STI replacement, neither will a new engine with ELH. None of what the WRX currently consists of will do that, otherwise Subaru would consider the STI redundant.

      And I still haven’t seen any STI in the world that’s powered by the FA20DIT, from the factory. The fact that Subaru hasn’t done that yet speaks for itself. Can you show otherwise?

      Reply
    2. KBell

      Actually, the number one reason I chose the sti was the differential. I have a feeling not a whole lot of people understand how to use it, and I see a lot of the reviewers using it ass backwards, at least from my experiences with it.

      Reply
  6. E Marshall

    Thanks for the write up! You’re partly to blame for me upgrading my car 😉 Having owned a ’16 WRX for a year and trading it in on a ’17 STI, I fully agree with most of your points. One thing that I’ve found is that the turbo lag issue isn’t anywhere as bad as people make it out to be, and I often wonder if this is mainly people’s expectation and not based on actual experience. Personally I find the STI more responsive overall with a MUCH more linear power delivery. The WRX tends to hit boost early, surge, but drop off dramatically, whereas the STI seems to pull steady through the upper revs. In fact, the lumpy power delivery of the WRX was a major reason I chose to upgrade.

    The improved transmission, clutch, differentials, brakes, and steering combine to make the STI a completely different animal to drive. For me, the WRX is a fun fast commuter car, whereas the STI feels special, the contact points (shifter, steering and brakes) are all on another level, and the overall package just feels exciting in a way the WRX simply doesn’t.

    Yes the motor is older tech, the mileage isn’t as good, but it is still an exceptional piece of engineering and even driving it conservatively pre-break in (i.e. Below 4000 rpm) it’s a fantastic car and offers a lot in terms of overall performance. I’ve spent a lot of time driving the E92 M3, F80 M3, the new M2 and numerous other performance cars, and where the WRX left me slightly disappointed, the STI doesn’t. No it’s not as fast as the M cars, but it’s a joy to drive and on a twisty road, it’s astonishing how quick it is.

    Last thing I’ll say is the 2015+ STI is a significant step up from the ’13, ’14 STI’s I drove. The engine feels stronger, and the handling is definitely improved. Some of my reading suggests the turbo has been replaced in the new cars and that they have more power, but subaru says the output is the same. To me, the new STI was worth buying when the ’14 STI left me feeling like the ’16 WRX was the better overall car. As you say, the package that the STI represents really is a step up from the WRX, and feels truly sorted as a ‘near’ race car. Is it worth the $$$ to have the STI? It depends on whether you want!

    Reply
    1. Devsn

      I haven’t really had an issue with turbo lag myself, it’s my understanding the 2020 received a factory tune update to help. I test drove a 2016 wrx and the lag was definitely more noticeable, but still not a huge issue if you shift right. I still make errors shifting my 2020 but I blame my new shoes. Its the drop off of power after 4500 rpm that sucks but I didn’t buy this carvl for competing or racing and my expectations are for fun on normal roads where top rpm speed isn’t necessary, justba pleasant car period.

      Reply
  7. Elton Hammonds

    As a 2015 STi Launch Edition owner, I agree with each of your assessments and final conclusion. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Kirk Niese

    Great comments. I am the owner of a 2017 FB25 powered Forester 6MT….and I’m more than a little jealous of you EJ STI owners. Waiting for the WRX or STI hatchback to return and then I’ll sell my Chevrolet Spark. Not only do I appreciate the technical/performance dialogue but I appreciate the civility of the conversation. Best to you all.

    Reply
  9. marc a bionda

    Sti 6 speed and axles with an fa20dit beats all..sorry…Look at how many real build/tuner shops are doing the sti trans swap with the fa20 wrx..Direct injection has its benefits…Walnut blasting isnt a big deal imho…Put in a built fa20 dit with port injection and forged internals and you have 700awhp

    Reply
    1. Mod Erator Post author

      We’re talking stock. Nowhere in any of my comments or within the post do I mention comparing the STI and WRX with non-stock parts. Why would I care about a WRX with an STI 6-speed? I’m not a builder or tuner, so I don’t care.

      Reply
  10. Zachary Acosta

    I completely agree with your opinions of the STI being the superior car to the WRX. It’s a better car. 10k dollars more better? No way. But again you don’t bring up price. I own a 2020 WRX and have driven several STI’s (both stock and modified). The STI handles much better than the WRX on a track, around corners, and in the canyons. The steering, braking, and handling is far superior in the STI than the WRX. Needless to say the WRX handles great in the scenarios I just listed, just not as good as the STI. As far as the engine comparison, my opinion is the FA20 engine is a way better platform to go faster in a straight line and acquire power more easily and safer the EJ25. I just dislike when people bash the WRX and say that there’s no comparison. To me, they’re the same car. The STI is just a higher trim that does come with many different features. Again, 10k dollars more of a trim? Not worth it IMO. Unless you’re constantly at the track or race competitively (for money), then purchasing a 39k dollar new STI is not worth it over a 27k dollar WRX IMO. But to conclude my opinion if you want a fun daily driver that won’t break the bank, get a WRX. If you want a platform that you can make fast in a straight line while also handling decent in a track/canyon scenario, get the WRX. If you want a car that makes power easily with basic bolt ons and tuning, get the WRX. If you race competitively (as a career) and need the better handling car on a track, get a STI. If you want the better handling car and a stronger transmission, get the STI. WRX has the superior engine, STI has superior chassis. The STI is overall the better car. But IMO not 10k dollars better. I bought the WRX over STI because I don’t go to the track frequently and 40k for a Subaru IMO is ridiculous! With all that being said both are great platforms and plenty of fun to own. Thank you.

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