Couple of points:

The UK STi with PPP will have the same numbers on paper, but it won't have the same power delivery in reality as the USDM STi. I believe no AVCS for one, 2.0-litre vs. 2.5-litre, and the fact that it spins a bit higher than the 2.5-litre.

Think of it this way - the peaks may look the same, but one power curve is going to look more sloped up (the 2.0-litre) vs. flatter (2.5-litre).

Also, the UK STi does not get DCCD-A, but it does get a front diff at least.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen

 

Folks, keep in mind that that the tested Evo has AYC, front diff, and more HP than the USDM evo, whereas the USDM STi is likely equal to or better than the ProDrive Euro version. This will likely negate at least some of the "sharpness" advantage of the Evo. Additionally, it will give the USDM STi an even more substantial straightline advantage.

Not tryin to bash the Evo, just trying to temper the hype with a little reality...

 

The Evolution is already on it's way out in WRC - the Colt is now the platform being developed for next year.

The WRX may actually be smaller in the next redesign, to distance it from the Legacy and to compete better.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen

 

To piggyback on this and what Paul said:

the USDM STi is about 20lbs heavier than the UK STi

But...
it comes with the forged BBS wheels and lightweight, sticky RE070 tires standard (less unsprung weight)

DCCD-A as mentioned

The much cooler JDM red-lit instrument cluster

STI spec-c front geometry and slightly longer wheelbase (100 inches vs 99.4 inches)

DBW

TRS

 

Thanks for clearing this up guys ... still, it safe to say that although the USDM STi will be more equiped to compete (especially against a more down-scaled version of the evo), it will still be difficult for it to outperform the evo in the overall control, precision, and handling dept. DCCD-A and SPEC-C geometry vs. an EVO w/ the viscous coupling unit, and NO active YAW control ... it will be interesting. As far as all out speed ... this aspect is much more obvious.

 

Will it matter that the UK spec EVO have 6-speed compared to USDM's 5-speed?

I want to see a USDM EVO and USDM STi review.

 

thanks for the article! it was a weird one but still fair..

personally i like the evo better because of the balance of the car.. this makes for a much better starting point!.. i mean, the power--as 4g63 engine fans very well know--is easy to squeeze out of this engine!!! very very easy!!

evo all the way!

 

At the atlanta auto show rep talking into the microphone said the STi did the 0-60 dash in 4.4 seconds....is this correct?this was of course the US spec

 

No way 30 more HP, 26 more TQ, and shedding a few mods will equal .06-.10 sec faster 0-60. No freakin way!

 

official numbers from subaru have it at 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds. The sti with the PPP package and 300 horsepower in Europe does it in 4.6 so that's probably closer. 4.4 is pretty fast.

 

I love how all these Euro mags say these cars are on their way out. But everytime there is a car of the year contest, whether it be CAR or Evo, those two cars are always contenders and are always either in or near the top 5. Because contrary to their belief there will always be people like us who can bear with a little noise and a stiff ride for everyday use and want Porsche performance for under $30K. The "Most Bang for the Buck" never gets old.

 

 

You're only considering peak HP and TQ. Think fatter TQ curve and short gearing...

TRS

 

I'm betting 4.4 would be a good estimate considering the U.S spec STI will have a much broader torque curve that will get it off the line quicker.

 

How long will they keep us waiting? Anyone got any news on when Ralliart will unleash some upgrades for us. Seems Prodrive is ready to go with stuff for the WRX and STi, or at least gearing up for it very quickly in the US. As usual is not telling us anything.

The Ralliart Lancer is a huge F'in mistake - talk about diluting your brand.