I know straight line speed isnt everything, but acceleration was one of the STi's strong points.
I have taken a photo from a motor magazine I have from 2000. It was the Version VI STi Vs the 300kw HSV GTS.

The acceleration times where as follows

HSV / STi

0-100kph: 5.81 / 5.14

400m: 13.99 @ 168 / 13.56 @ 166.9

(attached pic for reference

As you can see, 15 years ago, the STi was a significantly quicker car than even the fastest HSV had on offer (and from memory, this run was one of the best runs they got out of one).

Turn the clock forward 15 years and the GTS has been given, much bigger brakes, much much better suspension and over 140kw extra power!!!
The sti has gotten 14 extra Kws.

The current GTS is doing very low 12 second quarters and mid 4 second 0-100 kph times, and well, the STi is still pulling equal, if not slower times than the 2000 model version VI.
Im pretty sure last years model STi only managed a 14 second pass.


Its pretty sad really.

Attached Images

STi.jpg (226.7 KB, 40 views)

__________________
STi Ver 6 | 2.1L Stroker | 418whp | 11.5 @ 199kph |

Not fast enough dammit!