Thanks for that info Ross, I didn't realise the v6 was that quick from factory compared to the other models!

I should clarify that I was more basing my opinion on the assumption that most people replace the td04 on the wrx anyway.
I guess it depends if/how much you plan to mod it.
For the price difference between a v6 sti and GC wrx, you could get new turbo, ecu, coilovers and some whiteline bits.

I know the early jap spec sti came with r180 gear and better diffs; was this the case with the ADM sti also?