My New STi vs my old M5 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Steve Beswick · 5th March 2004, 08:46

Some of you my remember I sold my '01 M5 3 weeks ago and bought an '04 Subaru WRX STi. A few of you were interested my comparison opinions, so here they are:
I've now got 600 miles on it. The STi's AWD is fantastic in the rain, (and dry). Being much smaller and lighter, the STi handles like a demon in the hills. It's fast (0-60 in 4.9 secs), and torquey, (300lbft @ 4000 revs), and a blast to drive. The engine is pretty with it's red manifolds and aluminum intercooler. The shifter's a little vague. The interior is really basic, I don't even have a radio and I'm thinking about not even putting one in. No sunroof. Great, grippy seats, cloth with an alcantra-like material in the centers. Incredible brakes ,(Brembos on all four).
But . . . lots of road and other noise. The shifter's a little vague. No sunroof. Not a real compliant suspension, but doesn't ride too bad.
It's incredibly cheap to make big HP and suspension mods, (or any mods for that matter)
All in all, for a $30K car, I'm really impressed so far.

I seem to have joined the "Import Tuner Club" overnight ! I may have to join a drift club now!

Of course, it's not an M5. I don't have a computer or Nav system to play around with at red lights. Miss those heated seats!!! Miss the relaxed cruising at speed. I miss the quiet cabin.

Anyway, there you go.

Mr Kram · 5th March 2004, 08:54

drifting might be difficult with awd. unless you're drifting in the dirt. :p

BmwNut · 6th March 2004, 00:46

Thanks for the write up. I think the world of a lot of the small AWD cars that finally reached our shores. Good to see you are enjoying it. Just keep the speeds high in the corners, or flick it, and you will be able to drift for some fun.

M-Fünf · 6th March 2004, 01:42

Great write up...thanks Steve!

I test drove the STI a while back while the M5 was in for service. I really liked it. Of course, it was a quick drive, so I didn't have to get used to the noise, but all-in-all a nice package for 30k...

Glad your're having fun with it!

M5Kid · 6th March 2004, 02:09

Great write up, the STI really is a great car! I am glad you are having fun with it, and you are right modding those cars is really cheap, and affective! Around 1k (chip and exhaust) you could run away from an M5!!

-Travis

greg · 6th March 2004, 02:42

So Steve -

have you got the "Scandinavian Flick" down yet? I want a demo ....

M Power · 6th March 2004, 03:40

Did you look at the Mitsu EVO before you bought the STI?

Just curious.. I have no opinion of either but both appear to offer major bang for the buck.

rvacha · 6th March 2004, 04:11

Thanks for the write-up Steve.
So... the big question not answered is:

Do you regret selling the M5? Or was it a more or less even trade?

Steve Beswick · 6th March 2004, 04:23

Last things first, Yes, I test drove the Mitsubisi EVO VII first, and really liked it. Steering was VERY immediate, tight shifter, good power and I almost bought it. Lots and lots of performance parts out there, since the cars been out for quite a while off shore. It also has lots of options (sunroof, etc.) and it has a RADIO !!!! But, the STi had lots more torque down low, didn't ride as rough as the EVO on my old bones. So . . . I bought the STi.

I haven't completed break in yet, so I've been keeping it under 5000 Revs, (not too bad since the torque peak is at 4000), and I'm anxious to rev it a little, but that'll be soon enough.

And for Greg and BMWNut, yes, I have played in a big, wet parking lot, attempting the "Scandinavian flick", and it's a blast !!! Since the Subie has a DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), when you adjsut it all the way back, for 20 front-80 rear, you can get the rear out. Obviously, tougher to drift thatn an RX-7, Z-Car, or Supra, but still possible.

I'm afraid to say what I'm thinking about doing to the car (do BMW and Subaru talk? I doubt it !), but, yes, those cheap (Injen $350 catback, Injen $140 CAI, and ESX piggyback chip) upgrades are pretty tempting. I've been told by a few Subaru experts that for around $3500, I could be pushing 500hp. And in a 3168lb car, it should scream !

If the Film/TV business gets better later this year, I may be back in the '05 M5 fold and give this to my soon-to-be wife, (MArch27th), but we'll see.

Later, guys !

Hamann7 · 6th March 2004, 05:33

Steve,

How are you buddy?

Congrats on your marriage!!!

I saw your ex-M5 at the Studio City Car Wash this evening as I was getting my GT2 detailed.

I'll call you and we'll catch up.