I know this might be sort of a lame topic, and has been done before. Although not with the 2006 WRX What do you all think, 2001.5 S4(statistics should already be known) with about 48K miles for about $22K, OR a brand new 2006 WRX. WRX has 230hp/235lb-ft of torque and starts at $25K. So I personally would choose the S4 but there are not very many used for sale around me(VA). Where as I could easily get the WRX from the local dealer. If anyone has any input on this please let me know. Thanks.

 

I dont really like the way the front of the new wrx's look, IMO

 

Im sure if you find one through your dealer they will ship it. I got mine shipped from Colorado to New Jersey, then drove it up to CT from there. We worked it out with the dealer that there was no extra cost for the shipping as well, which was nice.

 

hmm...most of the S4s I like are private sellers. Unless I go for the 2000 model, but im trying to avoid those if possible.

 

I used to have a WRX and they are great cars. Lots of fun to drive, but nothing like an Audi in terms of fit and finish.
Bear in mind, though that many used V6 S4s will have been modded, so you may be buying a car whose engine/turbos has already taken a beating. You may end have reliability issues with the used S4.

Claudio

 

I too had a WRX...really miss her sometimes. Was 04 Aspen White. Turbo XS stage 2+ Upipe. Dyno'd at 230 AWHP. At heart I may always be a Scooby guy. I still follow the Scooby scene. That said I am very happy with the Audi....theres just something about torque thats intoxicating! I think my next car will displace at least 4.6 Liters and have a Supercharger on it

My take: The Audi is awesome until something breaks thats not under warranty and then it sucks! It seems like everything on the car is expensive. Its an understated and timeless design visually and if properly taken care of will last as long as anything else on the road. I really like it so far. Oh and its more rare than the WRX, I think ~13000 B5s were sold in the US. To me thats pretty cool.

I loved the front end on my 04 Subaru, I liked the 02-03, I despise the 06 front end. I really wish Subaru would make up their mind and stick with it for a generation.

The 06 WRX seems to be understated in terms of power from the factory. There are guys on the forums (I have a friend who works in the performance wing of a large suby dealer..very active in aftermarket and autocrosses) who have dyno'd their cars bone stock and they are putting down 235+ TQ at the wheels. I think they finally put a decent tranny in the WRX too. I won't swear to it but if I remember right they changed a couple of things in there. I can put you in touch with my friend if you have any Rex questions specifically. PM or something and I'll hook you with him.

Another alternative might be to look at a 1 year old Legacy 2.5 GT. Essentially the same motor as the WRX with more comfort and more room. Thats just another option.

And remember the EVO will trump all these cars in terms of performance.


Jerm

 

Jermdogg You make some very valid points about the understatement of the WRX. The 06 have claimed 230hp stock, so they have obviously made some significant changes in the engine, if yours was stage 2+ and just hitting 230hp.

As far as my opinion goes I actually like the new design of the WRX, more rigid lines makes it look more aggressive looking.
I just have always disliked Subarus in general, I don’t really know why but they just turn me off. So the legacy is far out of the question. The WRX is acceptable though for a Subaru. The interior is kind of cheap feeling though. I love the comfort of the S4s interior. If feels solid, unlike the WRX.

If I had the money for paying the insurance for an EVO I would definitely get one. EVO>STi any day.

If I do go the S4 route I think my first purchases for the car would be new BPVs, and new TBB to help with the reliability issues. How much is the average service if not under warranty?

 

id get S4, the new WRX body style is so ugly! and the s4 is faster

 

With both stock the WRX is only .1 seconds slower...

 

0- 60 x might be .1, but after 75- 80 the s4 leaves the wrx. thats from my experiences.