I had a pretty extensively modded 01 wrx before my current car. Spent an embarrassing amount of money on it cause sti's were not in Australia at the time would have got one if they were.

It did outperform sti's though but still, didn't have the refinement or dynamics/feel of an sti. My friend had a stock 02 sti and while it was a lot slower in a straightline, it felt more planted.

Get an sti if you really want to go fast or keep the wrx "mildly" modified and be happy.

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K.E.R.S!!!1