Subaru WRX and STi are not just cars. They are sports in civilian clothing. Let's find out how the charged STi differs from the lively but more restrained WRX.
If you've ever been interested in rally cars, you've probably heard about the legendary Subaru Impreza WRX. This car with a sporty character is created for those who do not want to sacrifice drive in everyday driving. But behind the abbreviation WRX, there is not only power — but a whole philosophy rooted in the world of major motorsport.
Subaru WRX (World Rally eXtreme) — is the road version of the rally car, incorporating technical solutions and the spirit of WRC races. Although there is also the interpretation World Rally eXtension — as an extension of rally technology for a wide range of drivers. However, fans of the brand more often prefer the first interpretation, which sounds much more impressive.
Every WRX model is equipped with a signature symmetrical all-wheel drive (Symmetrical AWD) and a horizontally-opposed engine — a distinctive feature of all Subarus. This provides excellent stability, balance, and traction on the road in any weather. Even in the base version, the WRX gets a self-locking differential, reinforced suspension, and ventilated brake discs at the front and rear.
The WRX is often chosen by those who want not just a fast car, but something more — a car with character. Up to 3,500 revolutions per minute, the engine behaves confidently, but as soon as the tachometer needle crosses this mark, the turbo boost «wakes up», and acceleration becomes almost explosive. The main thing is not to forget to switch gears in time because the engine does not forgive carelessness. The suspension is stiff, the steering is sharp — and this makes a ride in the WRX a true interaction with the road, not just a movement on the asphalt.
If the WRX is a civilian sports car, the STi version (Subaru Tecnica International) is real equipment created in Subaru's sports division, which has been preparing cars for races since 1988. STi is not just a "charged" WRX, it's practically a different car.
Here's what sets the STi apart from the standard WRX:
Engine power: In the WRX from 230 to 265 hp (depending on the year of manufacture), while the STi offers 280 hp, and in the GRB body (hatchback, 2007–2014) — as much as 300 hp.
Engine internals: The STi is equipped with forged pistons and rods with molybdenum coating, providing reliability even under extreme loads.
Turbocharging: The new turbine provides a 23% increase in boost pressure, and the intercooler has become larger and received a manual water-cooling system — the driver can irrigate it with water from a separate tank.
Transmission: Instead of a 5-speed transmission on the WRX, the STi gets a more durable and «shorter» 6-speed gearbox.
DCCD (Driver’s Control Center Differential): The STi uses an active control system of the main differential, allowing the driver to independently change the torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
LSD (limited-slip differentials) — on both axles, for better traction in turns.
Suspension: Redesigned with reduced pressure in the shock absorbers for more precise feedback.
SI-DRIVE: An intelligent engine management system that allows you to choose from three modes — from economical to maximum aggressive.
And finally, the STi is always a bit more than just power. It's about handling, about precise tuning of each unit and about that feeling when the car seems to become an extension of you. Even the buzzer, which warns about the need to shift gears, seems like a trifle, but in the race for fractions of a second — it's important.