I think most of you are missing the WRX point completely.

I bought a WRX for performance, AWD and handling. NOT creature comforts.

While I agree that the new age chassis is much much stiffer and handles better straight from the showroom floor, this has all come at a cost - that being WEIGHT.

06 WRX - 1415kg 169kw____8.4kg/kw
06 STi . - 1495kg 206kw____7.2kg/kw

99 WRX - 1270kg 160kw____7.9kg/kw
99 STi . - 1270kg 206kw____6.2kg/kw

I will agree that AVCS has been beneficial in fattening the torque curve in the 03+ WRX's, it has not completely addressed the weight issue.
06+ WRX's I agree are getting good results with the new EJ257 engine and a fatter torque curve again, but where has that Manic, piss on your leg and rip you balls off feeling gone ? Hmmmm

The STi differant story with its AVCS, Auto DCCD, superior diffs, gearbox and Brembo's.

And for those that bought a WRX for refinement, NVH and comfort are you sure you are on the correct forum ?
Goto Liberty GT, VW or Audi if thats your pleasure

My2 cents...

J

You haven't driven a well tuned GD lately if all you've got to back up your arguement is power to weight ratios.

Having come from a fairly heavily modified MY99 to and fairly lightly modified MY06 I can tell you the 2 are like chalk and cheese. Give me a GD anyday. Maybe it's cos the GC's are getting on in age, a brand new GC vs GD could be a better comparison, but I think I'd still go GD.

Look at most forms of motorsport that Imprezas are used in. You wont find many GC's at the pointy end of the field anymore.

i can't really join this conversation fully yet but i will say that when i took the 07 out for a drive it did feel alot smoother and a shit load more responsive. when i swap some parts over break it in i will be able to tell what i like more.

J,
If you upgraded to a MY06 STi from a GC I will not argue with you.

I'm talking about the vanilla WRX's

From a $$$ comparison a carefully modified GC will hose a heavier GD WRX for the same price if you had to sell and change over cars.
ie Old GC WRX modded compared to new GD WRX out of the showroom no mods at all.

A MY06+ WRX, extra .5 litres, SureTrac Rear, Inverted Suspension, Better Gear Ratios, AVCS would be a better buy than an unmodded GC if I was buying for the first time. Most of that applies to the MY03+ WRX as well.

I'm not talking STi's, completely differant kettle of fish. Especially when we start talking S202/3/4/Spec C's and events such as Targa Tasmania.

J