XR6T or STi

[flappist]

In XR6T get a BA2. The BA has very basic suspension, T5 gearbox, wobbly brakes and almost no farkles.

BA2 came with BA GT suspension, T56 and many more farkles.
BF got better brakes, diff fins, DIVCT and even more farkles.

[Sioso]

I've owned a 2001 WRX (not Sti) and a 2003 BA XR6T Manual (but it was a ute).

The WRX a had a big front mount and aftermarket turbo and was making good power, traction out of corners in the wet or dry is amazing.

They are a great car and heaps of fun the only downside is they are either on or off, you either get beaten away at the lights by everyone or launch and it looks like you're racing everyone.
Also sitting at high revs when cruising on the highway, even with the sti 6 speed I believe it is still going to be close to 3000rpm at 120km/h.......gets tiring on long drives.
It didn't bother me at all when I was younger but I wouldn't put up with it now.

XR6 Turbo Ute was fun if you like going sideways - the opposite of the WRX, no traction in wet or dry conditions - obviously a sedan would be better than the ute.

Drive both, they are both so different that one will really stand out.

[mcnews]

actually mate utes due to geometry, on smooth surfaces at least, break away at rear later and slower than sedan. had both and difference is plainly obvious.

[Sioso]

Originally Posted by mcnews

actually mate utes due to geometry, on smooth surfaces at least, break away at rear later and slower than sedan. had both and difference is plainly obvious.

Mine may have behaved a little differently, it had an alloy tray on the back.
I bought it second hand and it had been changed by some engineering company to carry equipment - heavy springs in the back with an aluminium tray made for one wild ride.

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by BLOWN.GTP

They are a great car and heaps of fun the only downside is they are either on or off, you either get beaten away at the lights by everyone or launch and it looks like you're racing everyone.
Also sitting at high revs when cruising on the highway, even with the sti 6 speed I believe it is still going to be close to 3000rpm at 120km/h.......gets tiring on long drives.
It didn't bother me at all when I was younger but I wouldn't put up with it now.

The 6spd was sitting just over 2000rpm. Im not to worried if I lose a Red light Gran Prix

Originally Posted by flappist

In XR6T get a BA2. The BA has very basic suspension, T5 gearbox, wobbly brakes and almost no farkles.

BA2 came with BA GT suspension, T56 and many more farkles.
BF got better brakes, diff fins, DIVCT and even more farkles.

I have BA brakes on my AU with DBA4000 rotors lets just say on a turbo I would find them a little to small so that means BF which is out of my price really.

T5 vs T56??

[Rev28K]

It really sounds as if you are tight on funds. If it's that tight you may be better off basing your choice on running costs, maintenance, spare parts, insurance, etc.

I imagine that NZ is awash with specialised Subaru half-cuts, good bits and experts.

If I could I'd go for the STi. And if you can't afford it and are left with the XR6T, well thats not really too bad a place to be is it?

Edit: Just read "farkles"

[99AUXR]

I can afford the STi after selling current car and bike. But there is no way I could afford a BF. Servicing and maintenance is fine as I work part time at parents workshop so will get parts/oil at good price. As for everything else e.g 95/98 instead of 91 and insurance im not to bothered its the cost of having that kind of car I guess

Just urban dictionaried "Farkles", one of the definitions was a game. . . I will not be playing..

[VICFPV]

I have owned the bug eyed sti for 2 years and let me tell you I will not do it again.
Traded for an F6 which was best of both worlds.
Things hated was the following

The car jack factory alarm system where you have key in a PIN or face shutdown and a lengthy reset process.
Car jacking.
The manual gearbox has short gear ratios so you will be changing gears alot.
The exhaust noise will be overbearing after sometime. Specially for the girlfriend.
Every idiot will want to race you and special attention from the cops.
Pricey parts.

Falcon is far better.

[Resurrection]

I voted for the Falcon.

[VICFPV]

I have owned the bug eyed sti for 2 years and let me tell you I will not do it again.
Traded for an F6 which was best of both worlds.
Things hated was the following

The car jack factory alarm system where you have key in a PIN or face shutdown and a lengthy reset process.
Car jacking.
The manual gearbox has short gear ratios so you will be changing gears alot.
The exhaust noise will be overbearing after sometime. Specially for the girlfriend.
Every idiot will want to race you and special attention from the cops.
Pricey parts.

Falcon is far better.

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by VICFPV

I have owned the bug eyed sti for 2 years and let me tell you I will not do it again.
Traded for an F6 which was best of both worlds.
Things hated was the following

The car jack factory alarm system where you have key in a PIN or face shutdown and a lengthy reset process.
Car jacking.
The manual gearbox has short gear ratios so you will be changing gears alot.
The exhaust noise will be overbearing after sometime. Specially for the girlfriend.
Every idiot will want to race you and special attention from the cops.
Pricey parts.

Falcon is far better.

If I go STi:
I will be getting aftermarket alarm, have to for insurance.
Changing gears I didnt find it too bad on the one I test drove, it allowed you to stay on boost.
Exhaust will be running a 3" system and possibly with a varex muffler.
Like I said parts wont be too bad as will get them from suppliers.

[UberKnee]

Space would be a big factor, I haven't been in a WRX for years but I remember them being quite cramped. The power potential of the Falcon is well known but of course a WRX would out handle it any day of the week. Depends I suppose on just how much track work you really intend to do.

Originally Posted by JoeDaleyN98

I voted sti, based on the fact that xr6t from that age will have been thrashed alot more and will more then likely have more ks then a neat and tidy sti, and space wise they are not a whole lot smaller inside as you would first think

Thing is though before everyone was thrashing their XR6T's Rex's were the car of choice for young blokes wanting turbo power to hoon around in.

[XR6Runner]

I own and XR6 Turbo (but a BF with 6sp ZF), and my brother owns a 2002 WRX STi 6sp manual. Both cars I've driven completely stock. People keep saying how falcons can't handle and all that, but I have experienced differently. Of course in the wet, it is no contest for the STi to be better handling and faster, but in the dry, I was doing almost similar speeds to my brothers STi through corners, and in the straights I was eating it.

Also, I agree on the points VICFPV made.

If you are dead set on the STi, make sure you test drive it and check that it doesn't crunch into 5th gear, as its a common problem with them.

Over all, both great cars, but in the STi is feels like its constantly making you 'drive' the car. But in the falcon, I can stick it in D, sit back on the comfy chair, put on some tunes and eat up the kilometers, and if I want to, I stick it into manual mode and it will go hard anyway, but comfortably.

[edwin]

Originally Posted by VICFPV

I have owned the bug eyed sti for 2 years and let me tell you I will not do it again.
Traded for an F6 which was best of both worlds.
Things hated was the following

The car jack factory alarm system where you have key in a PIN or face shutdown and a lengthy reset process.
Car jacking.
The manual gearbox has short gear ratios so you will be changing gears alot.
The exhaust noise will be overbearing after sometime. Specially for the girlfriend.
Every idiot will want to race you and special attention from the cops.
Pricey parts.

Falcon is far better.

I owned a bug eye 2002 WRX for 5 years. I had a 1998 modified WRX too.

The gripes the member described above was spot on. Especially the alarm. I did one better, I got the Subaru service department to pull out the evil thing. It was previously a 6 point alarm. But after removing that dumb thing it was a 3 point alarm which insurance still covered.

I would look for a second hand F6.

My currently FG F6 ute is a weapon and would never go back to a 4 cylinder again!

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by edwin

I would look for a second hand F6.

Not in my price range. I can spend up to 13k as Im at Uni and cant afford anymore.

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

Over all, both great cars, but in the STi is feels like its constantly making you 'drive' the car. But in the falcon, I can stick it in D, sit back on the comfy chair, put on some tunes and eat up the kilometers, and if I want to, I stick it into manual mode and it will go hard anyway, but comfortably.

I want to be driving the car hence track work. I wouldnt touch an auto again unless it was the ZF or better.

So this alarm thing is it the STi standard alarm/immobilizer system. I will have to look into this as I will just remove it and fit my own alarm/immobilizer.

[XR6Runner]

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

So this alarm thing is it the STi standard alarm/immobilizer system. I will have to look into this as I will just remove it and fit my own alarm/immobilizer.

Yep standard mate, and a big pain. Once you get off the drivers seat, you have about 10-15 seconds before the car turns off. And you gotta punch the code in every single time you drive. An example was, when the driver swapped to let somebody else drive the car, got out, swapped drivers, drive down about 10 meters of the road and the car just turned off while driving.

[Rev28K]

The alarm was standard fitment in Aus. Insurance was going up due to theft so Subaru Oz fitted the alarm to all cars.

Track work you say?? In that case STi (again) but be careful as it can get expensive.

[flooded one]

I voted for the XR6 turbo as the WRX cabins too cramped for me. I'm only 6ft and 86kg so i'm not a really big person. every Subaru I have driven or been in seems too cramped. doesn't mean there a bad car thou. I love space. I've given a STi a good thrashing years ago. was bloody fun. same as the BA turbo. either way look for something that hasn't been played around with too much. lucky you'll be getting parts cheaper as the WRX parts are dearer then the falcons. both have issues that come up but if looked after it shouldn't too bad.good luck

[flooded one]

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

Yep standard mate, and a big pain. Once you get off the drivers seat, you have about 10-15 seconds before the car turns off. And you gotta punch the code in every single time you drive. An example was, when the driver swapped to let somebody else drive the car, got out, swapped drivers, drive down about 10 meters of the road and the car just turned off while driving.

I know someone who sold his WRX STi because of that

[tezxr8man]

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

Falcons only go in straight lines, I like them but seriously.

Like I said I think Ive made up my mind. Im going to try the STi out while I can own a car like this as later in life the option may not be there. Thanks

everyone allways gets boored with 4 cyl turbo's and upgrade to a 6 cyl turbor v8, they gety boring pretty quickly

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by Rev28K

The alarm was standard fitment in Aus. Insurance was going up due to theft so Subaru Oz fitted the alarm to all cars.

Ah aussie fitted thats why I have never ever seen an STi or subaru in NZ with that. Ive been in about 3 or 4 2000-2005 and none have had that alarm fitted.

Originally Posted by Rev28K

Track work you say?? In that case STi (again) but be careful as it can get expensive.

First thing I would do is upgrade the rotors and pads.

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

everyone allways gets bored with 4 cyl turbo's and upgrade to a 6 cyl turbor v8, they gety boring pretty quickly

Bored now thats where mods come in. . . . . NA V8s dont really excite me, boost is fun. If I wanted more power I would probably look at 2JZ-GTE Supra in the future if the situation allowed.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

everyone allways gets boored with 4 cyl turbo's and upgrade to a 6 cyl turbor v8, they gety boring pretty quickly

That's all kinds of nonsense, the Mitsubishi and Subaru 4 cyl turbos are a blast to drive unless you are a caveman that simply craves power out of his land yacht with no interest in actually steering a car.

[flooded one]

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

everyone allways gets boored with 4 cyl turbo's and upgrade to a 6 cyl turbor v8, they gety boring pretty quickly

I don't know about that. the WRXs and EVO enthusiasts don't seem too get bored with them

[AndyXR6T]

STi now when your younger and want some fun... Xr6T later when you settle down with a family and want the best of both worlds

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

Full cover for $1000.

Im pretty sure I have made up my mind, WASPs post was pretty spot on I pretty much want a car to have allot of fun and do abit of track work now and then. The STi is after all a better all round package IMO. I took an STi through some corners the other day and lets just say it makes dads GTP feel like a barge. I dont need the extra room of the falcon so I think the STi is the best option for me. Race seats, Brembos, Great handling and transmission are the big wins for me. BA 4 speed is a joke.

Thanks for everyones opinions.

So you couldn't decide between an STi or an XR6T. You then drove an STi on a bit of windy road and then compared that to a GT-P and made a decision because the Sti handles better?

WTF? That makes alot of sense!

News flash a falcon V8 has a little bit if a handling disadvantage to a falcon 6.

Here's a crazy idea why not test drive an STi and a XR6T.

[MITCHAY]

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

Yep standard mate, and a big pain. Once you get off the drivers seat, you have about 10-15 seconds before the car turns off. And you gotta punch the code in every single time you drive. An example was, when the driver swapped to let somebody else drive the car, got out, swapped drivers, drive down about 10 meters of the road and the car just turned off while driving.

Originally Posted by wildrider

I know someone who sold his WRX STi because of that

That's the anti hijack mode and it's way more than 10-15 seconds before it will kill altogether.

Of course you need to put the PIN code in all the time that's the whole point in having it. It was born out of the time when they were one of the most stolen cars and after they were fitted theft dropped dramatically.

You can put it in valet mode which gives you 10 starts before needing the code or you can turn it off all together.

The pain that you will with this system is if you have a flat battery and you need the master code because Subaru almost always won't give it to you so it is a tow to the dealership.

[Angeldust]

not for everyone. i bought a my05 wrx (not sti) and regretted it. Just didn't like it.

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by Stefan

So you couldn't decide between an STi or an XR6T. You then drove an STi on a bit of windy road and then compared that to a GT-P and made a decision because the Sti handles better?

WTF? That makes alot of sense!

News flash a falcon V8 has a little bit if a handling disadvantage to a falcon 6.

Here's a crazy idea why not test drive an STi and a XR6T.

Sorry Im comparing how the rear of the car feels, the front would be different due to a couple less hundred kgs over the front wheels. But the XR6T would be closer to the GT than the XR6T at a guess. I havent been a position to test drive one yet but I will before I make decision but at this stage it leans towards the STi because they are similar cars however one is for a family man.

[STINKY NINJA]

I voted for the scooby,unless you spend decent money on engine mods the stock ba turbo can be a slug. And the 4 speed is overpowered and can die easily.Just make sure the gearbox is ok on the rexy.
Bugeye subarus are the best looking easily.

[Dash_XR]

It's more expensive to get a WRX quick then a BA XRT.

The best thing you could do is drive an STI and a BA Mk2 6 speed (if you want a manual) back to back and decide which you like better.

Bang for your buck the XRT can't be beaten but it doesn't have the build quality or handling that the STI has.