What is the Best Generation WRX/STI? Differences and Changes Throughout the Years.
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- We are covering it! What exactly is the best WRX or STI? well we are going to review the major changes from year to year between the generations and determine is there actually a best year STI that has been made? I mean Ive got my person bias of which years I think are the best but what about everything as a whole?
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11-14 wide body gr is my favorite
Correct answer.
love my gr hatch (:
This is the *exact* video I've been needing for the last few years. Thank you ever so much!
There is so much more out there that can be added but as an overview this should encompass the primary changes!
The 2019+ STI comes with the RA shortblock so you can't really go wrong there. Not to mention all the updates/upgrades over the years on top of that. Looks are debatable but reliability really has only gone up over the years by improving parts.
The best performing STI ever made is always the "next" S20x car. Outright performance, I'm not sure any production Subaru ever made can best the S209. The most valuable and arguably the coolest are the 22Bs. The dark horses are the wagon and hatchback models. Super practical, and there are few modern AWD/turbo/manual alternatives. Bonus cool points always go to imported early WRXs, or swaps. Those that know what they're looking at always appreciate them. To everyone else, they're nearly invisible.
The current gen is a startlingly good package for a single car owner. But just doesn't quite float the boat for some folks with a 2nd car to DD. Take my moaning with a grain of salt, as I used to own a Baja Turbo. So my sense of style is bizarre.
I want a Baja Turbo so badly as a daily, or some other manual, preferably turbo, Subaru SUV, so I can preserve my 2013 WRX Sedan
I love this channel! You have good knowledge and energy that makes it fun to watch and I always look forward to the new video's. I have also driven a few different Sti chassis over the years, but I defiantly agree that the GD model's are one of the best. I've had my WRB 04' Sti for 9 years now and even though it's had some issues I still love it.
Thank you for the awesome feedback! The GDs just have a different feel to them than the other generations do!
Bro this is really helpful on my preparation for a wrx. Excited to change platform!!! More power to you
Good luck on getting the car and hope you find the right one! 😁
Best video on older/used STi specs ever. Thanks!
🙌😁🙌😁
GC8 gotta love living in Canada & 15 year import law
how much did it cost?
my favorite gem has always been the blob eyed because you could just tell it was raw and one to one. so if i was seeking a car to have fun with and throw around, i’d get that one. but if i was looking at amenities, i’d get this latest gen (like my 2017 limited) because they REALLY stepped it up when it comes to that.
when i get about half ways into paying this car off, i want to get an 05 wrb
I love my 15 Launch Edition STI. Solid info man love the vids!!!!
Launch bro
The blob eye sti is my favorite look but of course nothing stands out more then the 22b! I got a 03 Wrx Wagon love it wife likes it, daughter loves it. I hope she can drive it one day. I just I can afford to keep it alive for another 13-14 years cause she makes 2 next month!
The 22b is an icon that I think we all want lol but the blob eye is my favorite based off of generational looks 😍 keep the wagon alive!
Yay for GetADomTune Cylinder Cooling Kit Install! I have two kits sitting here ready to go onto my two 04 XT's, kinda nervous about the install, very much looking forward to your install video!
It will be a good one! Had to push it out until this weekend because I ended up using all the coolant I had for the oil cooler. Did not expect a waterfall of coolant to come down from the OE oil cooler 🤣 shouldent be too bad after reading through the instructions
Fell in love with the hatchback STI. Thanks to Evan Shanks lol. But ended up settling with a 06 WRX. My pride and joy
I loved both of my hatches when I had them, super practical, the look good and are fun. BUT the Hawkeyes are better imo 😉
I own a 02 wrx wagon but the 04 or 2015+ is my favorite, great video and love the info man
Appreciate the feedback! My old bugeye was a fun car 😁
One the GC8 and of course the Blob Eye. GR wide bodies are amazing looking aswell. Being in Canada I wanted to import a clean GC8 as my daily but ended up finding a great deal on a 2013 STI Sedan so I went with that instead, very happy with my choice its such a beautiful looking car.
Have owned it for about 3weeks now and I love it, can already tell its going to burn a hole in my pocket lmao.
They all do lol but totally worth it! Congrats on thr car!
Love my 2020 VA! Still getting used to it and having so much fun!
Same here, that's 1st and 2nd year
I’ve got the narrow body 2009 wrx - with the bigger vf52 turbo..
goes quite well with an sf intake and high flow 3” turbo back!
But your mags just ‘pop’ definitely need a set like them!!
Nice I got an 08 JDM with the twin scroll turbo! Fun cars
I loved the 06-07 and the 15+ of course!!!
Appreciate the love my man!
Damn, where can I enroll?! You are like the Subaru Sensei HAHAHAHA! Great information for everyone! Keep up the great content!!
Lol I love it 🤣 appreciate the love 🙌🙌🙌
There are so many people saying the 05 sti bolt pattern is 5x100 and others saying 5x114. I finally get a definitive answer. Thank you!!!
Glad to clear the air up! The 05 is indeed 5x114.3 😁
What does everyone think of the 2000 GM Chassis? I’m thinking about picking up a GM with a 22B Widebody on it and a 2002 JDM EJ205 in it, is this a cop?
I like this video, I came across it in a Subaru group on fb. I think if you would have included some b roll it would have really brought it to the next level. Like photos as you bring up the chassis & models. There’s only so much you could say in 15minutes but a couple important pieces of info you missed was the engine change in 06 for the wrx, which was used all the way up to 14. Also the big brakes on the hawkeye which was not used for any other model year. Keep it up tho, you got potential.
Only could have shot B roll with the VA 😫 good points. When they swapped the WRX from the 2.0 to the 2.5 and the 4/2 pot calipers on the WRX TR edition. Appreciate the support! 😁
I had an 05 STi and it was fun. On stage 2 it was just snappy brute power and awesome exhaust sound. My 2016 WRX is nice and cushy..very solid feeling..quiet, but lacks that snappy brute power I'm used to. Oh well..ill just put a big stereo in it..lol.
11-14 GR wide body is my favorite Sti have and 19 Sti and miss my 2014 WRX
My old 2011 Hatch was a good one, loved the hatch style. My 17 is nice but I know the feels 👀
Remove fender liner & will feel like a 2004 sti... I have 15 sti
I got a 14 hatch and wouldn't trade it for a new one cause this car is just awesome haha!
Owned a GD, have a GR now. I get why people would like the GD more, but I'm way happier with what I have now.
I have a '13 widebody, which became a dealbreaker once I became aware of its existence. But, I like the look of it more, way better seats, way better trans, a bit more power out of the 2.5, waaaaay cooler gage cluster, and I do enjoy the heated seats and what little other tech it has.
And having owned a wagon and now a sedan, the difference is completely cosmetic. I was all about the wagon for storage at first, but you can't really get any more height in the wagon, since the hatch window is on such a drastic angle. If anything, the sedan trunk is at least 6 inches longer. Found that out when I tried to put the oem mat from the bugeye in the GR. Thought I could save 100 bucks there, way too small.
But, the biggest thing is growing up. I have a daughter now, who I did not have when I had my bugeye. So I'm a huge fan of the safety and reliability of the newer model. I mean, not the my bugeye was unreliable by any stretch, but it was pushing 200k by the time I sold it and I was replacing parts left and right. At this point the age of a GD is going to become a real problem, especially considering how people put them up for sale at such unrealistic prices. Spun bearing and quarter rust, 5k firm, don't lowball me, bro.
I have a wrx widebody hatch so the 11-14 are definently my favorite but after sitting in my friends 16 sti I would definitely get one, the interior in the va’s looks so much nicer
The interior is what really sold me on my VA 🔥
Smeedia Interior is what sells me on most cars, I’m a sucker for good interior haha
Suggestion , maybe do a video on building an STI/WRX or buying one and the pitfalls of building an STI on which I will have much to say .... thanks enjoy the content and delivery !
Not a bad idea! I'll get it added to the que. I know the struggle these things ain't cheap to build 😅
04-05 sti is my favorite, but my 2014 gr sti sedan does just fine
I’m wondering which year started having an auxiliary port on the interior? just want music
Bugeye for me , simple lines but the 1995 Gc8 Ra is still my favorite 2600 lb ! Lot's to choose from here in Canada , have a 2003 with complete STI swap ! After 2003 JDM STI swaps are a little harder to swap because of ecu issues ! VF 39 90% chance of cracking ! Some of the ej207 imports have put out 320 hp stock in my area , mostly version 8 !
All the good cars are up in Canada lol, the GC8 RA would be awesome to be able to snag, same with the JDM Bug eyes 😫
Any chance you could make a little more detailed video on the differences in the 2015-2021 STI's? Feel like they did some cool changes each year but I have no clue what they all are. Great videos too mate
I can, main changes were:
Face lift in 2018
RA blocks were used in the 2019+ STIs
Infotainment was updated in 2018
Some minor interior changes
Not too much changed, 🙏
@@Smeedia Cheers man, appreciated.
So my 08 hatch is tuned and the difference between Sport and Sport Sharp is that the Boost levels have been mapped differently. The sport sharp has a much higher boost level
hell yeah, ive been waiting for this one. currently driving a civic but thinking of a WRX for the new england weather :)
Yessss, which generation are you leaning towards? 😁
@@Smeedia leaning towards VA, BUT it all depends on what they do with the next chassis. if it's nice, i might save up and wait
I have a '17 STi and always referred to my gen as "Raptor eye." I love that 15+ look. The 98 STi from Japan has a special place in my heart although I like all of them...
The older GC models are a major stepping stone in the growth of the STI and are one of my fav gens. Now that we can import the older JDM WRXs I've had my eye on one but they're on of my favs
My 17 wrx I refer to as an Evo eye
So for a 2015+ sti Intelligent mode is the most "realistic" throttle response in correlation to actual pedal input?
Also does Intelligent mode restrict power such as boost compared to the other modes?
Great questions, but im not 100% sure on intelligent mode when I spoke with Chris (The Tuner for Surgline Tuning) I only asked about the Sport and Sport Sharp. But I believe that it limits throttle to a lower percentage of actual input so you cant actually hit target boost of 16PSI on the factory map
Once again another great informative video great work man
My favourite is the GD BLOB EYE 😜😜
Not sure if it’s just me but your audio sounds alittle muffled just wanted to let you know
Great video 👍👍
Thank you! Apprecite the feedback, yeah I tried having the mic on the inside of my hoodie and muffled it slightly ,need to move it for the next one 😅
Smeedia yeah I was thinking that haha okay sweet it doesn’t ruin the video it would just make the video a bit more crisp haha
Do you know or if anyone knows if all VA chassis have the same TMIC and turbo?
Assuming we're talking about moderately modified Subarus, my opinion is GC if you're gonna throw in a cage and GD with no cage. Love all of them though, gotta love having a hatch STi on the GR's, and the new chassis are really great for their size.
Did your GD 04/05 STi have the EJ207 2 litre engine or the 2.5litre which had crappy pistons and ringland / bearing failures? Did the change to 114.3 PCD for rims allow bigger wheel bearings?
We never got the 2.0 in the US in any of the STIs, I think Subaru swapped to 5x114.3 to create more differentiation between the STI and the WRX
Love it
@Smeedia please explain why the 2008-2010 STI has design flaws. What was done better in the 2011-2014 STi production run? I thought there weren’t any differences aside from aesthetics like the front grill and bumper. Thanks!
Ive had a built 2011 wrx and a stock 2016 sti. I have to say that the comfort of the 2016 sti made the jump worth it. It may not have been as quick but its such a better daily driver
Mann I was hoping you would talk about the GC8
oh lawd im a day late and youre at a 129 comments.. awesome man glad to see so many active people.
so best gen is the VA STI, Why you ask well because thats what I got and I dont want to think about what im missing out without the old ones lmao ;)
Lol had to cha get the upload schedule to 12PM sundays and 3:30 on wednesdays for school 😫 have class tuesdays and Thursdays and want to be interactive with everyone in the comments on upload days 😁 the feedback from everyone has been incredible! The VA is up there in my favs, interior is a big thing for me and the VAs interior is so much cleaner than the older ones. We spend so much time in our cars it had to be nice 😍
I will forever love the GD (bugeye)
Used to have one before I switch to a ‘15
Same, I had a WRB 03 WRX and that thing was a trooper. The seats in the bugeye are the most comfortable OEM seats I've sat it
Is the 2021 sti still VA chassis ? Also do u know when cobb will Starr offering tunes for 2021 models?
Yessir still a VA chassis and I'm not sure I know they've been slowing down with tunes due to the EPA stuff
My favorite is the blob eye and hawk eye. I own an 05 so u know what I like lol
05 is the only gen I haven't had and I want one so bad 😫
@@Smeedia when I'm done having all the upgrades done I'll sell it if you are still interested in one.
@@alexb5623 lol that's tempting 😅 its Aspen white too?
@@Smeedia yes. Shortly after the upgrades it will get a paint job as well so everything will look like new till you pop the hood lol
yessssss 😍
Looking into getting a gr to swap for my fa wrx I want the sedan 11-14 is there any bad things too look out for? Between 11-14 is there a better year to go for
11-14 are better than the 08-10 so you should be good with that choice, sounds like it will be an interesting build!
GC8 for life✊🏽
A GC is one I've always wanted 😫
Great vid as always bro. I gotta ask tho what % are your tints and do you have any trouble with visibility when driving at night?
Thank you! Tint is 20% all around and no issues with viability 😁
Smeedia nice, thats exactly what I was planning on doing lol looks perfect on your car
@@ChuchoPR I also have 20% all around. I think what's happening here is the fact that he's in the garage and no light is shining through making it seem much darker. Take it outside and it will not look like limo tint.
next video the most reliable subaru wrx/sti year. 🙏 nice video man. no hating and always love and appreciate anyones build. ya’ll stop hating. good job to you brother.
Appreciate the love my man! 🔥
I have a 08 STI. I’m trying to find a great site to buy after market parts for a far price. Also trying to find a site that I can buy fog light swap out to the 11 foglight inserts. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks for the help
Rallysport direct and the mod garage are the only two websites I really order from. Both will have the for lights your looking for 😁
Do u ever go to car meets or any events? Would love to see ur car in person!
I do in the spring and summer, the winter not so much lol I was at Killer Bs booth at big northwest, I think that was the last one I went to lol
Smeedia awesome! Can’t wait ahahh
Wait... hold up... I thought the VA STI had an EJ257 not the FA20... am I wrong? My '15 STI has the EJ
I have an 06 Sti with CP pistons installed at 12k miles. Its currently at 26k miles ✌and trouble free
I dont know much on these but am getting more into subies & modles & specific blocks & everything. So with the work you did, does that help out with the ringland issue. or did the 06/07 not have that problem
I've got a 12 hatch and and it takes the cake as my favorite chassis followed by the blob eye
The bloc eye is always one of my favorite 😍
@@Smeedia bloc 💀
I have a wrb 13’ wide body and I love it
Two of my favorites are the two I have now 04 WRX Wagon, 18 STi Limited
That wagon though 💪🔥
@@Smeedia In 06 when I got it was ok to me but when I meet guys on Fort Bragg on in Fayetteville, Nc that had WRX/WRX STi sedans they all would say I fucking love Wagon, so after some, I knew what I had and it Blue Gold special edition BBS STi rims
How many miles is too many miles for a GD? Is there a point where an engine replacement isn't worth it anymore?
Had 2001 wrx heavily modded back in 2007 back in blighty, lasted 2 week someone who I dint know decided to borrow and not tell me in advance!...... 13yrs later looking at buying a 2019 sti after sitting in one (hopefully Nov 2020), I love the latest gen but would give anything (almost anything) to have a 2001 model again.
Just a note..2011 was when the WRX got the widebody, and if I'm not mistaken a Turbo upgrade as well
They’re all the best in their own ways😃💯
That they are! Like I said all depends on what you want 😁
Need some help. I have a 2013 wrx with 33,000 miles. I'm the only owner. I have never done a mod. I want to do the SUBARU STAGE 2+ POWER PACKAGE. Do I need to get it tuned after these upgrades or will the map from the Cobb AP take care of it? Thanks.
The map from cobb will work, I do suggest a pro tune to really utilize those mods though 😉
@@Smeedia thanks for the quick reply.
Gonna need to update this video for next year ;)
I've got some notes put together for the FA24, excited to see when it comes out though!
What wheels are you running?
Work emotion D9R 18x9.5 +38 😁
Should add little pictures somewhere on the screen showing the difference in years. Might help ppl get a better understanding. Just my opinion. Nice video tho. Don’t forget about us legacy GT guys now.
Not a bad idea, felt a little cheesy when I was editing it but I'll incorporate a way for the future. A legacy outback video is not a bad idea, wanted a spec B for a while 😅
No outback. Then are for granola crunchers 🤣 is my legacy considered a legacy if it has a sti motor?
@@SuperMuddybuddy my buddy's got a built outback that's pretty sweet lol but for the most part your right Haha and I think it would be considered so!
I love granola and my Outback XT
Which generation has better part availability Not only for mods but general maintenance and repair
2015+
Just a little FYI for the 2008-2014 the Hatchbacks are GR's the saloon/sedan are GV's. Also, the sport to sport sharp does have more effect. while yes it mainly controls the throttle map. if the car is protuned the boost target is changed between the settings. for instance with mine my boost target comes in 1500 RPM earlier in sports sharp than sport.
When it came to the VDC it dosent actually change throttle mapping just throttle %. When I was getting pro tuned I was curious about it and started picking the tuners mind. But it is a nifty little knob to have
Smeedia ahh yes apologies mean the throttle% like you said in the vid. Little brain fart. Main thing i wish is that the car would remember what DCCD and traction setting you last had it on. Like how it defaults to full traction control and auto neutral everytime 😭
I don’t know if you still look at the comments, anyway I’m looking at a 09 sti hatch and I’m just wondering if it’s worth the investment or if I should go for the 07 sti
Get thr 07, the 08-10s had some besring issues. The 07 was the pinnacle year for subaru IMO
Thank you
Gc is the best hands down! Lol
Yesss, the GC is the purest form of the car imo. And they're jncresdly fun when the work is put into them!
Sad he didn’t talk about it at all
Pictures are worth a thousand words. Enthusiasts will know, but they don't need this video. Good job tho.
I absolutely love my 2005 wagon
😎happy Sunday
Merry Sunday my dude 😁
‘13 Hatch with No Inspection Sticker: Oh Yeah! Thanks for your videos.
Love me a good hatch 😍
Anytime! 😁
I have a 2011 wrx hatchback and what more information about it
What kind of questions do you have 🤔
What white wheels where those behind you on that car?
Work emotion D9R 18x9.5 +38
although i miss my GD 13 wrx hatch, i really do love my VA 18 STI super aolid subaru IMO🤓
I'm looking at a 07 wrx/sti Hawkeye is it worth paying 24,000 dollars for it it has 89,000 miles on it
Fairly average for that year and milage 🙏
Hate to be that guy, but could you help me narrow things down? After deciding on a manual sedan with AWD, I've spent a ton of time further narrowing down to the VA chassis WRX, but I'm pretty stuck on what year, and whether to go with a WRX or STI.
This would be my daily driver with visits to the mountains in mind; I make a hobby out of everything though, and am definitely interested in casual rally-esque fun in snow/dirt environments.
What's most present in my mind is that I think I like the low-RPM boost of the WRX's twin scroll which initially meshed with the idea that I would go the cheaper/simpler WRX route and just tune/upgrade incrementally- but apparently the WRX engine (boost pressure) has less room for tuning compared to the STI (lower pressure).
So, any input at all? :)
Thanks in advance!
I would suggest the WRX in that case, better fuel economy, just as much fun, good in multiple terrain environments with the appropriate tires. Better low end power for city driving and with a tune you can get better top end out of the car as well. Also cheaper for the car and insurance 😁
@@Smeedia Thanks for the input! I forgot to add: I know you mentioned 2015 having a "weird lookin head unit"- can you elaborate on what you mean? Also you recommend 2016+, but most of the amenities you listed coming from that year aren't too important to me- is there really pretty much no other differences?
I've been looking for a database specifying the differences between each year, but every source seems to treat 2014-current WRXs as the same.
i just bought a 18 WRX which i love. But the 06-07 is my all time favorite WRX.
Hawkeyes are 🔥
the only thing i really wish was different on my 04 is the 5x100 hubs
Thats the only reason why I would get an 05 over an 04 😖
Would love to see a detailed video explaining on the dccd. Not a lot of good videos out there brotha haha
I'll see what I can whip up!
Would really like to see you do a video on it too.
hawkeye gang
Hawkeye master race lol my old 07 was by far my favorite year I've owned
What's your thoughts on the jdm forester sti?
I wish I could have one 😅 I've always wanted an XTI, the 07 is one of my affordable dream cars.
@@Smeedia if you are ever near calgary Alberta for any reason I own one and I'd let you check it out it's an awesome ride
Definitely will let you know! Need to get up there soon!
I love my v7 jdm ej207:)
no mention on the 5speed trans made out of glass in the early wrxs!!
Was planning on doing a video on the 5 speed vs 6 speed but a great point to touch on! 😁
@@Smeedia i love your sti man! are those work d9r?
Love the Hawk eye, love the new tech in the newer STI’s. But my personal favorite is the 2011-2014 stink eye. I have a 2011 STI limited edition but wish I had the tech and interior the newer models have
EDIT: are you doing a vid install on that cooling mod??
Yes I am, was suppose to install it today but have to get more coolant when I did my oil cooler yesterday it shit coolant everywhere so as soon as the coolant gets here it will be installed and with a install video on it! 😁
But GC really is the best chassis for Subaru. It has the lightest weight, famous EJ207, and the only close deck EJ20G (or EJ22G from 22B). The only coupe wrx Type R and the real road rally car Type RA.
May i know what wheels are those?
Work emotion D9R 🙏
@@Smeedia thanks!
Im about to buy a 2011 wrx sedan base solely based on bang for buck do you guys agree
If it's the right price and good mileage than 100% yes
Smeedia so i bought the car, so far best decision ive ever made its a winter beast, BUT now my daily 5spd lancer hatch suckss so bad makes me wanna daily the wrx
@@kaindubois4206 lol I know the struggle 🤣 two years ago I bought a 2018 Yaris to daily drive and I never drove it because I either wanted to drive my STI or my Skyline at the time. Boring daily drivers just dknt work out for me
love the bug eyes
Which Subaru 15+ is the most reliable , 18 ?
I would get a 18 over a 15 if I had the option. 18 has a stronger shortblock
Gc8 for sure
Haven’t finished the video yet. But I’ll tell you it’s definitely the bugeye….I may or may not own a bugeye and may or may not be biased……
My old bug eye was one of my favorites that I had 🔥🙌
@@Smeedia my bug is my first Subaru. I’m just glad my buddy had one ready for me after my Integra got stolen lol
Wish the STI can come as a coupe again!
Yessssss 😁
is that oil better than Subaru oil ?
Than the OE oil? Yes, but right now I dont have detailed facts to prove it but soon we will
Now I know and knowing is half the battle
Is that “oo” thing a tick or something ? I keep trying to like this guy and watch these but they drive Me nuts
While I love my 2019 STI, my first love is the 2004-2005 models. Really wish I could have afforded one at the time. Also, although they were extremely rare in my area, I do like the 2011-2014 sedan models (not a fan of the hatch versions).
I console myself by reminding myself that the VA chassis cars are supposed to be the best handling, which is what I look for the most. 😉
Handling is ine of the major aspects of what I like, but you can always make a good GD model stiffer 😉 lol but I'm the same, the blob eyes have a special place to me
I like the GG Saabaru.
🙌🙌🙌