Anyone driven the '06 WRX 2.5L ?

I hear nothing but good things out of the Impreza. Still, two doors too many for me.

Honestly, I think the fun factor would lean toward the mustang. It's FR, not AWD, and that spells more fun to me. The Impreza would be a more reasonable choice for daily driving, or if you live with inclement weather. But between the two, you can't go wrong.

Personally, the looks of the WRX would keep me away. I just don't like the look of them. At all. Also, I'd take a V8 over a 4 cylinder, even if it is turbo charged. Those are just my preferences, though. However, if the looks of the WRX don't bother you too bad it is a reasonably quick car. My vote: stick with the 'stang.

I had an '03 Subie. You won't go wrong with either, if you can tolerate the new WRX looks just like has already been said.

The Imprezas are very well built, very well balanced, very comfortable, and perform very good. Good brakes too. They are very nimble.

"Nimble" would be the difference I would give between the WRX vs. Mustang GT. My 06 GT feels more comfortable at high speeds and handles the big swoopy turns excellent; while the Subie at lower speeds felt more "agile" like I could dart it in any spot. I think the increased periphreal visibility in the 4-door Subaru plays a big role in that though.

As far as power, I'd like to drive the new 2.5 WRX. The 2.0's weren't "slow", but they lacked anything to compare to the 3V 4.6. My 06 GT with just a JLT II CAI & SCT canned tune puts a whole car length on my buddy's STi in the 1/4.

Insurance is one thing to consider as well. My insurance dropped significantly when I traded my 03 Subie for my 06 GT. I assume this is due to several things, mostly being the cost of foreign parts to replace in accidents, seemingly much worse crash rating from the Subie, and the S197 chassis being designed to handle impacts VERY well.

The Subie was an awesome car and I TRULY miss it, but there just isn't any comparison to the 3V Mustang. It's a decision I haven't regretted for a second. Gas mileage is very comparable as well
I avereaged 24 mpg in the Subie, and I average 22 mpg in the Mustang.

oops, double post

No I didn't do anything to the WRX, I just had a feeling that I'd be trading it in for an S197 Mustang the day I saw the concept car unveiled.

Don't get me wrong, the 06 Mustang feels pretty nimble too. The new 3-link rear suspension is AWESOME and it really stays behind you very firm with no swaying like before. I think the "nimble feel" is more due to the weight & visibility difference between the cars.

I'd sure like to find a set of WRX seats though... they are my favorite OEM seats I've had in any car thus far.

If the WRX wasn't so damn ugly, they would sell a ton of the damn things. I just don't understand why it stays ugly year after year. I have tried so hard to find some sort of attractive aspect to them, but I just can't. I have such complete respect for the mechanics, but I just can't be seen in a car that looks like a turd on wheels.

My brother just bought one,cool cars.Its a tuff decision

Pro Mod said:

I had an '03 Subie. You won't go wrong with either, if you can tolerate the new WRX looks just like has already been said.

The Imprezas are very well built, very well balanced, very comfortable, and perform very good. Good brakes too. They are very nimble.

"Nimble" would be the difference I would give between the WRX vs. Mustang GT. My 06 GT feels more comfortable at high speeds and handles the big swoopy turns excellent; while the Subie at lower speeds felt more "agile" like I could dart it in any spot. I think the increased periphreal visibility in the 4-door Subaru plays a big role in that though.

As far as power, I'd like to drive the new 2.5 WRX. The 2.0's weren't "slow", but they lacked anything to compare to the 3V 4.6. My 06 GT with just a JLT II CAI & SCT canned tune puts a whole car length on my buddy's STi in the 1/4.

Insurance is one thing to consider as well. My insurance dropped significantly when I traded my 03 Subie for my 06 GT. I assume this is due to several things, mostly being the cost of foreign parts to replace in accidents, seemingly much worse crash rating from the Subie, and the S197 chassis being designed to handle impacts VERY well.

The Subie was an awesome car and I TRULY miss it, but there just isn't any comparison to the 3V Mustang. It's a decision I haven't regretted for a second. Gas mileage is very comparable as well
I avereaged 24 mpg in the Subie, and I average 22 mpg in the Mustang.

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And the best part is that the Mustang is good for 300hp on 87oct. So if you're averaging the same mileage, you're spending less on gas AND you're driving a V8! That sells it for me. Plus you're not having to work a V8 nearly as hard, so you can get those kind of mileage numbers with a very laid-back driving style. I know that when I was really driving the WRX, I would be doing 16-18mpg on premium gas.

I used to own an 02 WRX, and I have to say you're right on about the WRX. I thought about getting another one, but the 06s are just too ugly.

On another note.. about cheap interiors.. I spent $25,000 on the wrx in 02. And I don't think there was anything luxurious about that interior either. It had hard plastics all over. But it was clean and functional. Sounds a lot like the 06 Mustang to me.

As my name implies, I got rid of my '04 WRX to get the Mustang GT (had for two years). I have absolutely no regrets.

I recently drove a friend's '06 WRX and another friend's '05 STi, so I feel I have a good base for comparing the old WRX to the new, and to the Mustang. Here's my brief take on how they compare.

Interior: I like the redesign of the WRX interior, but there is still just as much "hard plastic" as on the Mustang. The Mustang interior is very simple, yet functional. The WRX interior is a little more space age looking. As for fit and finish--my WRX in the two years I drove it developed a few annoying rattles. Not at all what I expected from (1) a Japanese car; and (2) a so-called "rally" car. Knock on wood, but so far the Mustang is rock solid and silent on the interior. I call it a draw for the most part.

Exterior: Not much comment needed here. The WRX is so ugly it is almost cool looking. The new Mustang just looks awesome IMHO.

Handling: As commented above, the WRX definitely feels more tossable than the Mustang. Some of this is due to the weight/wheelbase differences, but I really think this is mostly due to how high up you sit in the WRX coupled with the wide open view of the front corners.

The reality is that, again, for a "rally" car, I always felt like my WRX handled like a POS. The WRX needed suspension upgrades more than the Mustang, when comparing stock for stock.

The Mustang handles exceptionally well in stock form. My buddy in his STi could not shake me in the local twisties. At high speeds, the Mustang just hunkers down and feels so stable. The WRX just didn't inspire confidence over about 90. The STi is awesome in the handling department, but the Mustang is no laggard.


Power: Stock for stock, the Mustang destroys the stock '04 WRX. Still spanks the stock '06 WRX pretty bad, and is basically even with the STi. Don't let 0-60 or 1/4 mile times determine everything. With a reflash and intake, my Mustang puts a car length or two on a reflashed, catless STi. Compare the price difference between the Mustang and the STi, and it is clear who comes out on top here.

Mod Potential: Modding the WRX is pretty pricey and there isn't a whole lot of choice out there. I had a Cobb tuning stage 2 setup--cost about $1200 including the downpipe. That same $1200 on a Mustang will put a big freakin' smile on your face (and put you deep into the 12's if you are into the 1/4 mile).

Also, remember that with the Mustang you are starting out with a much more powerful car in naturally aspirated form. The WRX is fairly high strung from the factory--as soon as you reflash and play with other mods for power, you are always paranoid about detonation (not to mention the glass transmission).

Sorry to ramble, but I think it is pretty clear why I made my decision. After owning the WRX for a few months I realized I made a mistake and bought into the "rally car" marketing B.S. Yes, the WRX is a good car, but remember it is still an Impreza at heart.

ttbit said:

Whoa... Great response. I really appreciate it. I almost had an '06 GT yesterday. Had a minor interior detail that needed to be worked out, so it didn't happen yet.

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For a response from the other end of the spectrum, I suggest you hit the www.nasioc.com forums. Great source of information and a great community. Anyone who thinks that any Japanese car is "rice" has not hung with the Subie crowd. Heck, I still frequent the boards for the suspension forum (I'm not into drag racing, but love carving corners...).

shadowland2000 said:

If the WRX wasn't so damn ugly, they would sell a ton of the damn things. I just don't understand why it stays ugly year after year. I have tried so hard to find some sort of attractive aspect to them, but I just can't. I have such complete respect for the mechanics, but I just can't be seen in a car that looks like a turd on wheels.

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You hit the nail on the head... I had an 02 before I got my stang... I must admit, the subaru was the best quality car ive ever had (over my is300 and acura legend!) but the car is just so ugly to everyone except the driver... and even got worse looking... it needs to be widened a a different front for sure.

WRX is all-wheel drive. If it's your only car, daily driver, and you live where it snows, get the WRX. Otherwise, no contest, get the Mustang GT.

Get much snow in Knoxville?

CA Lightfoot said:

WRX is all-wheel drive. If it's your only car, daily driver, and you live where it snows, get the WRX. Otherwise, no contest, get the Mustang GT.

Get much snow in Knoxville?

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Now that's a point I ignored. The was a blast in the snow--better than my old Jeep Wrangler up to about 6". The more throttle you gave it in a turn, the more it dug in and pulled you through. That said, given that we only get snow from December through February in Maryland (and not much at that), I really haven't missed the all-wheel drive.

LOL, oh man.... last winter, I had to pull my buddy in his 4X4 TACOMA out of a snowy ditch with my Subie!!! Man I wish I took a picture cause that was great. That car did go ANYWHERE. But we just dont have that many snowy days here in WV anymore. I drive my Mustang every day, and nothing this winter has came close to phasing the car yet.