The following is a performance-capsule review of the 2010 WRX sti. The WRX and subaru impreza trims build on those high points with more horsepower and enhanced performance engineering, rendering them favorites of the rally racing community. Though test drivers favor the more performance-oriented subaru impreza trim over the base 2010 WRX sti , most say that its appeal is limited. The 2010 WRX STi is faster still, but its raucous nature limits its appeal to serious driving enthusiasts only."The subaru impreza and WRX STI are available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles."The WRX and subaru impreza
have developed an almost cultlike following over the past few years because of their ability to accelerate hard and feel composed when tackling high-speed turns. Unless ultimate performance is your goal, the subaru impreza is the more practical choice because it costs $9,000 less than the STi and it's rarely possible to use the STi's extra power on the street." Those seriously considering buying a WRX should also test drive the 291-horsepower . Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Like the subaru impreza, both of the Evo's GSR and MR trims feature a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and performance-tuning.
Performance Dynamics
Test drivers praise the subaru impreza for its powerful engine and thrilling handling dynamics. While most find the 2010 WRX STI better suited for high-performance driving, the WRX still impresses with its quick acceleration -- which, interestingly, bests the subaru impreza.While the subaru impreza trim comes equipped with the same engine, it produces considerably more power -- 305-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The subaru impreza and WRX STI Impreza are mated to a fully synchronized five-speed manual
transmission and close-ration six-speed manual transmission, respectively.Unique to the STI is subaru impreza Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), a system that enables drivers to choose from three vehicle performance modes that regulate its engine control unit (ECU) and fine-tune its electronically controlled throttle.According to subaru impreza, the WRX and STI net a city/highway fuel economy of 25/18 mpg and 23/17, respectively.Both the subaru impreza and WRX STI come equipped with an engine-speed-sensing variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. subaru impreza however.
claims that the subaru impreza is tuned especially for high-performance driving. All subaru impreza models employ Subaru's Continuous All-Wheel Drive system, which defaults to a 50/50-split front-to-rear torque distribution. In the event that wheel speed differs between the front and rear axels, Subaru's all-wheel drive system will distribute more power to the wheels holding the most traction. The STI's all-wheel drive system slightly differs in that it has a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
which analyzes vehicle inputs to determine optimal torque distribution.In either sedan or hatchback trim, the car has presented itself as a conservative economy car. Meanwhile, the car's big brother – the subaru impreza – has been fitted with a completely reworked suspension and an all-new four-door body style. "We managed to increase the track of the WRX by nearly 1.5 inches," says Martyn Harding, subaru impreza line manager for Subaru North America. In reality, Subaru has spread the WRX by 1.3 inches compared to the 2010 wrx sti—a big number by anyone's count—thanks solely to the car's wild new bodywork. Likewise, the WRX STI retains its old engine, though it produces a more muscular 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
The Drive
Subaru has managed to sharpen both the subaru impreza and the WRX STI for 2011, but in different ways. The base WRX now wears a body befitting a budget performance heathen while the mighty WRX STI has been given some much needed focus for the first time in years. Taking the modifications responsible for the 2010 wrx STI Special Edition a few steps further, Subaru’s STI engineers aimed to improve grip, steering accuracy, and aerodynamics while reducing body roll and understeer. subaru impreza hatchbacks come in one trim level, starting at $36,720. Considering that and the fact that the subaru impreza will likely continue to be the quicker car to 60 mph—in our testing, the 2009–10 WRX hit the mark in 4.7 seconds compared with the STI’s 5.0—we think it’s tough to justify the STI’s $8500 premium. For 2011, the Subaru Impreza WRX gets new bodywork, wider wheels and tires, stiffer rear subframe bushings.
and…not much else. We had a chance to drive the latest subaru impreza on the back of the 2010 WRX STI launch, and we found its intra-family struggle with the STI further muddied. The WRX continues to be available as a sedan or a five-door hatchback. Both body styles are wider, claiming the bodywork of the subaru impreza hatch and new-for-2011 STI sedan. Track increases by 1.3 inches in front and 1.5 in the rear. The driving experience is much like that of last year’s subaru impreza. The ride is compliant, and handling is good if not quite STI sharp (especially now that the STI’s chassis has been upgraded for 2011). We’ve gotten a 4.7-second run out of the subaru impreza and hit 60 in five flat with the STI. Aside from the STI, the WRX sees its most direct competition from the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The subaru impreza is cheaper and quicker than both.
