Is the Subaru S209 that much BETTER than a WRX STI Type RA?

[@HawaiianSundayz]

“And yes, I am going to zonk my own car.” Joe you are the man!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Aaron! I have to keep it real.

[@MindfulMotivational]

Compared to a standard STI these things are both crazy overpriced 😂

[@RaitisRides]

This is true Kyle.

[@angrymitch1566]

@Michael Davis 19/20 stis have the same rotating assembly as the type ra

[@hecticphusion]

@@angrymitch1566 Yeah, it's obvious that you're paying a premium for the limited availability. Unlike the Civic Type-R which was supposed to be a "limited" car (and yet they've sold tens of thousands of them in the USA), the WRX STI Type-RA and S209 are truly limited edition and will be valuable collectors cars.

[@Dopecx]

True but these aren’t standard 😂😂

[@OggaDugga]

How are they overpriced? Especially the S209. Please enlighten me because they sold them without a problem.

[@gingerbreadman5756]

While the EJ257 may be old as hell, STi videos never get old!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@becraftcorey]

If your not a Subaru person your never going to understand either of those cars

[@RaitisRides]

That is a great way to put it!

[@Shakenunez]

Yeah.😊

[@RaitisRides]

@@Shakenunez :-)

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Nope, but I’m a Subway person!

[@tobu5398]

A UA-cam Channel with no name A UA-cam Channel with no name you mean to say u eat subway in a subaru? subaru legacy?

[@STINickTuned]

Joe, thanks for the great review! I love your reviews, enthusiasm and passion for Subarus. But there were quite a few technical inaccuracies in this video. However, I know that you review so many different makes/models of vehicles that it's nearly impossible to have such an in-depth knowledge of all of them. Just a few corrections:
-The Type RA has 19x8.5" BBS wheels (not 9") - same as standard STI.
-The S209 has 19x9.0" BBS wheels (not 9.5").
-The S209 doesn't have an upgraded front sway bar - it's the same as the standard STI & Type RA. However, it does have unique solid front sway bar bushings.
-The S209 rear sway bar (and bushings) are the same as the '15-17 WRX & STI (20mm vs 19mm).
-The S209 doesn't have a quicker steering ratio. It is the same 13:1 ratio as the STI & Type RA. Only the JDM S-cars got the quicker steering ratio of 11:1.
-The cherry blossom rear "bar" in the trunk is actually just a non-functional guard protecting the actual flexible rear draw stiffener.
A lot of the other parts were recycled from the JDM S-cars like the carbon fiber roof, intercooler water sprayer, steering wheel, shift knob, etc.
from the S208.
My real complaint with the S209 is that it's not the "best" that STI has to offer.. especially from an engineering perspective. Some extras that the S208 received:
-Hand-built, blueprinted & balanced engine with forged pistons
-Twin scroll ELH (S209 retains the UELH)
-Twin scroll, ball bearing turbo with titanium aluminide (TiAL) turbine wheel
(S209 receives a single scroll, journal bearing HKS turbo from the STI TC380)
-Significantly better torque curve & 8k rpm redline
(check out my IG page for for a dyno comparison @stinicktuned)
-Real Recaro Sportster CS seats
with proper bolstering
-Bilstein DampMatic II adjustable suspension
-11:1 steering rack
Yes, it's the best STI that we've received in the US, but it's not an engineering advancement from the S208. It's a shame that some of the S209's were marked up as high as $130 with ADM.
For those interested, I'm in the process of performing a conversion with the S208's twin scroll, ball bearing turbo setup on my '19 STI :D I also have some dyno comparisons of the S209 vs S208 vs 19+ STI, EJ257 vs FA24DIT, in-depth technical details about the S209's engine & turbo, etc. @stinicktuned

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the great info man.

[@jahazielfuentes5103]

Very specific information! Thanks!! Wrx vs wrx sti which one do you think is better, I know there is a huge difference between them, 2.0l vs 2.5l. I kind of like the Wrx Sti 2.0 final edition, but I don’t think we got it here in the United States, sadly, but I want to know more about these cars, to make it easier for me to choose the right one. I’m trying to buy one, But I think I don’t have enough knowledge about these cars. Well I like them !

[@gamereviewer2660]

Thank you Tom for the great camera work always!

[@RaitisRides]

Victor actually this this one!

[@BP-fx3qc]

The top two heavy hitters of the sti lineage together. Real nice to see.

[@SonikJesus]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video! Thank you!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could share them with you!

[@sergebasque8460]

What a great passion you have for vehicle the explanation is on point with details. Continue.

[@Shin_Ein]

Great job with the videos. Subbed about 4 months ago and love all the information in your comparisons. You've helped me grow my car knowledge considerably. Also got my custom ordered 2020 STI LE in Lapis Blue Pearl last month straight from the factory. Keep up the great work fellow Floridian!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that! I am so glad that I could share my passion with you!

[@loriraiti4924]

That was my one hang up... well there's a couple others... Joe Raiti always keeping it REAL! Love it!

[@PrinceNorth]

Really cool to see how far u have came. Been subscribed since u were doing all those brz/Toyota 86 videos

[@TP16Diecast]

Another amazing video Joe, your videos definitely helped me get through the quarantine!! It would have been awesome to have you as a teacher! Looking forward to the day your channel hits 1 million subscribers 🙌🔥

[@RaitisRides]

That really means a lot Tyler! Thank you so much for the support!

[@jkdckismlo]

Cool seeing you review your own car. Always love your reviews.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for saying that John! You are a good guy!

[@mikewalker685]

Super informative, thanks for putting this comparison together.

[@malcolmar]

Joe, that WRX STI is looking SWEET! You know how to take care of your ride. It looks like a car that just came out this year! Both of these cars are AMAZING! The more I hear about the emission restrictions in the EU and their plan to phase out the ICE I fear amazing cars like these are going to become more and more rare. Thanks again for the review of the S209 and for sharing your car. I guess the big take away is if any of these enthusiasts cars interest you, get them now before they are gone. Keep up the great work!

[@RaitisRides]

So very well said! Thanks for your kind words and support! My dad has told me since I was a kid to always take car of your car.

[@malcolmar]

@@RaitisRides Good words to live by and from the picture you posted on Father's Day he practiced what he preached. My dad also got me into cars. As a kid, I hated waking up early on Saturday mornings to help him work on his cars but now as an adult, I value those times. Keep up the great work my friend!

[@bradq2769]

Love your videos Joe! Camera work is always good. Impreza owner, wish I could afford any STI. S209 spotted in Spanish Fork, UT. Now that would be fun up Highway 6.

[@michaeldemirjian3781]

Yet another terrific review Joe! Looking forward to 2021/2022 :)
Best,
Mike

[@RaitisRides]

So am I mike! Thanks for the support!

[@andresp8659]

Great review. I didn't realize all the differences in these two models. I hope I run into you one of these days in Pinellas Park. I need to check that type RA for myself. Lol.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks would be awesome Andres!

[@xBPxHolistic]

Been waiting for this video 🙏❤️

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@chowmkjerry]

Liked the video before watching it. Keep up the good work!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for saying that sir!

[@tomasbrown3091]

Love your videos man! Quick fact check: The RA wheels are actually 19x8.5, and the S209 wheels are 19x9. You'll notice some extra branding on the outside of the S209 wheel, that is not there on the RA wheel (STi, and bbs logo, Forged and serial number engravings).

[@Raven-uu7lb]

What an awesome Subie comparison 😉😁 love your Subie spec Joe!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@paulmarsdensr1095]

I think both cars are amazing. I own a 2020 WRX/ STI, so to me, I think both cars are worth the money. Subies forever guys and gals. I'm never selling my STI. I have 55K on it. I bought it last year January 2022 out here in Oceanside Ca. Happy holidays to you and your family brother.

[@kbmsbrown6648]

Love every Subaru video you upload! Well every video actually!🔥💯

[@RaitisRides]

I can't do it without your awesome support!

[@kbmsbrown6648]

Raiti's Rides you’ll always have my support bro!

[@LS1007]

Thanks for the two for one. A man that can’t zonk his own vehicle is not a man. You’re the man Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

Nicely said brother!

[@nccps]

Whenever I watch your video, I have a special passion to drive my WRX around, despite just a WRX CVT.

[@RaitisRides]

Nothing wrong about that for sure!

[@supajay9548]

Great review and hello from Canada. Fun fact up here we only got 75 Type RAs - I managed to snag one and still love it. We never got the that forbidden fruit s209, so a little jealous! Take care and be safe.

[@Matthew-jh4dy]

Keep up the great work man!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Matt!

[@phenix3st]

The more I watch your videos the more I love them.
Do you still have your RA? I love the mustang and the camero you have.

[@thinkabout602]

SUPER camera work 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for saying that! Victor will be very happy!

[@TrevForPresident]

With all the extra flair I can’t believe there’s half the badging on the back of the S209. Two really cool rides.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man!

[@prixmalcollects9332]

Subaru has h4 engine which is same as porsche which has h6. I think they have solid foundation, they just have to bump the speed, if they do that they'll be outselling majority of the market, nonetheless great car, and brilliant review joe. I think we all want type R wrx sti comparison video ❤ and viktor great job my guy

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head Waleed! I will be getting that Type R vs STI review for you!

[@mariowhyte2816]

Absolutely nothing like a lil Subaru on throttle tiiiiime bruh!!!! Stellar review as usual!!! I'll take one of each please and thanks lol 🚗💨💨💨💨🚗💨💨💨💨❤👍

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way you think man! Thanks for the killer support!

[@DiscoverRC]

Hi Joe - you've driven the sti series white and s209. Is the handling and power noticeably different on the s209 for average street driving with a some fun here and there? Aside from the s209 being a rare hand assembled and niche car, does the car earn the 20k premium over a series white? Thanks for your vids by the way!

[@bingoknows]

it's great to see UA-cam car guys critique there own cars , this alone is a thumbs up!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for saying that!

[@bittertruth0000]

Man the S209 looks so good I love it. Waiting for your Volvo S60 review I saw it on Instagram . Raiti's Rides🔥🔥🔥🔥💓💓💓💓

[@RaitisRides]

It will be worth the wait!

[@phenix3st]

Just imagine if you actually had some awesome mountain roads to try these beasts on.

[@CrazeyP]

Slowly raiti is becoming the goat in car reviews

[@faekz]

Number one thing is persistence. It gets you far in life

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks brother! That means a lot!

[@RaitisRides]

faekz yes sir! Will & determination, plus awesome support!

[@OlJackBurton]

Definitely Mt. Rushmore...

[@Tonyromeo1970]

Great video. You should change the from bumper intakes to the 2020 intakes on your Type RA.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Tony! I could do that. 🤔

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

I love your car. The wing is FANTASTIC!

[@rkbvideos575]

People have started asking me questions about what car to buy because of how well I recite the info from your videos.. I can pick out the exact trim of any Mustang GT on the street because of your content. :D xD

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very awesome man! Thanks for letting me share my passion with you!

[@sully3900]

Every other car you see in Park City is either a Subaru or an Audi because they make the best AWD systems in the industry and both absolutely rip in the snow. Having a manual transmission during a blizzard is the only way to go. Putting them into first gear and letting them creep down a snow covered mountain road without hitting the brakes is the best. Great review!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very true.

[@jimmyg6193]

Great review!! You always have such enthusiasm! Keep up the good work my man!

[@300zx-sfy8]

Your cameraman is amazing!

[@stellantistom6881]

Hello Joe. Still not a fan of Subarus, but I love watching long videos like this.

[@RaitisRides]

You need to drive one of these!

[@stellantistom6881]

@@RaitisRides Lol, one day.

[@RaitisRides]

@@stellantistom6881 You owe it to yourself.

[@stellantistom6881]

@@RaitisRides XD

[@salimrandall]

Thanks for the education. I never knew the difference.

[@c.harris4509]

For $63K, I'd expect a minimum of 400 hp!

[@ronaldomoreira113]

Exactly
At least 400 hp

[@user-uu9ry1vk9p]

Exactly

[@robob221]

Wrong. Watch the savageguess video on this beast. S209 drives better than anything before it and that’s what justifies the price. This little street drive does not show the gap in performance where all the R&D went into the s209.

[@thedon9670]

@@robob221 real world driving you wouldn't notice any difference. Its just a marketing dept gimmick to justify a high price tag.

[@robob221]

@@thedon9670 what is real world driving to you? You buy this car to race. Not cruise on the interstate or daily drive to work. The point of this car is to drive 10/10ths, where you feel all the improvement. Otherwise don't buy it.

[@robmiester]

It's hard to imagine this might be the pinnacle of Subaru. I got a 2020 STI sport, and I still hope the new generation is a champion

[@RaitisRides]

It will be interesting to see how it pans out!

[@AbdullahHood]

Great comparison video on an iconic car. Looking at them it’s hard to spot which is the newer one.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome of you to say!

[@AbdullahHood]

Raiti's Rides I think you’ve got the sweetest ride out of the two Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

@@AbdullahHood That really means a lot man!

[@Welkabonz]

"if you've never driven a car with hydraulic steering before"... in a few years it will be "if you haven't driven a petrol car before"
this is definitely Florida. I would love to see you do a video on a windy mountain road. something for us to look back on the glory of STI in the looming age of EVs.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

i have a EJ207 STI RA spec C in my 2001 forester ! wow what a nice engine ! - it`s only on low tune @280 hp room for more - later.

[@BrettCrowther]

I was hoping you would do this video! Joe, you should know by now what RA stands for. It stands for Raiti's Awesome.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Brett for saying that! I appreciate your great support!

[@cjdearmas]

I see joe and i click. The best company through this quarantine. Thanks man 🙂 im alone without family and friends. Your videos gives me something to look forward everyday✌️ keep it up. Great work.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Carlos! That is so very awesome of you to say! Stay strong and I will be here for you man!

[@loriraiti4924]

Carlos - thanks so much for that! It means a lot to us to get this great feedback!! Joe is truly the hardest working man on UA-cam, no kidding!

[@cjdearmas]

Lori & Joe the work all of you are putting in is noticeable 😊. And I appreciate both of you replying. Wishing this channel and you guys the very best!

[@alansmilealot]

I wish Subaru made a super mini version of these cars. AWD 160hp or so and a curb weight of about 2500pounds. All I can do is dream.

[@RaitisRides]

Now we are talking!

[@digitaldoc100]

Subaru really needs a smaller displacement turbo engine, for both the Impreza and the Crosstrek. They need something that can offer more performance than the 2.0NA, for those that don't want a WRX.

[@2tp223]

@@digitaldoc100 just get the wrx

[@digitaldoc100]

@@2tp223 Thinking about it, but still need an SUV for the snow.

[@RedPanda555]

Love this comparison! Would you have paid more for the S209 or happily gone for the Type RA if you had your time again, knowing what you know now about both cars?

[@incognitoguitars9999]

You always get it right Joe!

[@NiceGuyYoutube]

Would be a interesting video to get all the special Color edition STI together, the hyper blue, series grey, and series white.

[@RaitisRides]

That would be really great!

[@vinceruel5131]

Subaru fan here!

[@RaitisRides]

Hey Vince!

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

SAME
Getting another subie tat on Friday

[@RaitisRides]

@@MidwestDankAlumni Nice where at?

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

@@RaitisRides on the same leg as my other subie tats.
Getting the famous McRae quote

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

@@RaitisRides oh, I got red sparcos, does that match your oem red seatbelts??

[@mrch33sehed93]

Zonking your own car = much respect!🤘😎

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man! No car is perfect.

[@scottmoskaluk3043]

Awesome review..
Wasn't expecting you owning and loving a Subaru as much as you do. :)
I am torn between a subi or a 2 door sports car at the moment. What would you recommend?

[@corneleousworthington4566]

I know this won't be popular- but I like the UELH! It's to me part of the defining characteristic of this car. There's higher performance motors/cars if brute force is what you're after. I love that exhaust note- not any other cars like it, and it still makes excellent power. I guess you need ELH for twin scroll? Here's the thing- I don't care about that either- a tiny bit of lag is how I've gotten used to turbo cars.. Call me crazy, but it's just part of what I find so endearing about these cars, they have a TON of character/old-school feel.

[@alexpeguero38]

Since you used to own a type r, how do these cars differ in drivability, performance and enjoyment?

[@Atlan_tis]

Nice review, well I got limited STi 😅 I must have sunroof, this is why I did not by type RA, but I’m sure many parts I can buy and install on my Limited, except carbon roof.

[@goofydog2]

All I could hear was WINGDINGDING - WINGDINGDING. Guess I'll have to adjust my hearing aids... lol

[@RaitisRides]

LOL I see what you did there!

[@Christosan88]

Taking them to a lift and getting into the chassis mods would have been nice to see

[@RaitisRides]

That is a fantastic idea! If on I had a lift.

[@mystictk4149]

Ayy Joe always helping out.

[@RaitisRides]

You are awesome!

[@mystictk4149]

Raiti's Rides No sir you are!!

[@RaitisRides]

@@mystictk4149 That's nice of you to say!

[@mystictk4149]

Raiti's Rides Np at all truly mean it

[@youknowme...1840]

Hi, I didn't know you actually own type RA. You are lucky. It costs more in Japan. How do you feel about the carbon wing compare to regular one? Do you notice some differences when you drive?

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you. I don't feel a difference but boy does it look good.

[@sneakyfoz3692]

This is a collectible drivers car, it’s a hand built car so for the right persons it’s worth every cent.I have seen a few reviews and they say the handling is nothing short of incredible only let down by the ageing EJ257 engine which I personally don’t have an issue with.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so right!

[@repscluesrep5400]

Love my Type RA, would love an S209. Two great cars for the Subaru fans that hung JDM posters on their walls in the 90s.

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel Ricardo!

[@BP-fx3qc]

Enjoy it man.

[@abrahamnutrition]

Joe, how do the Alcantara steering wheels hold up? Does the material flatten out or does it retain the same feel as new?

[@RaitisRides]

It’s doing well! I learned a technique to help it along.

[@antoineozaneaux6881]

great video

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man!

[@mr.wiggles7535]

IMO, the S209 is better. Not by any substantial value, per se, but because it's a car actually built by STI. It's a car that's about the sum of it's parts. Unless you're hardcore Subaruist, or want something special, you would not or could not justify it. For those wanting to mod them, a base STI is always the way to go.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@graysonho]

Too bad for me because I’m in Vancouver, Canada where I only enjoy watching on screen.

[@RaitisRides]

How is the weather up there?

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

11 hours later and Joe is still waiting for an answer. Let’s hope it doesn’t take 5 years

[@yassinlondres820]

Ilove america from algeria

[@zachu3029]

we have the type ra, theres one for sale right now 50k cad

[@graysonho]

Sorry! Joe. The weather in Vancouver is around 18 degree. I do find a exactly same colour of type ra with 8000+ km at local dealership. It’s asking 50k cad. You said your type ra was 5000+ miles when you bought. I’m going to check it out next week!

[@nickkhedoo]

STI never gets old

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@sunnyvalentino]

Hi Raiti, love the content bro. Couple of questions - how does the RA/209 compare Vs the CT4-V and CT5-V? Visibility in the STI is better it seems, but I want to know balance, nimbleness, willingness to rotate, acceleration and steering. I ask as I'm looking at RWD based sports sedans and the STIs are old and there isnt much out there. The new BMWs and Mercs are nice (Mercs have great interiors) but the handling is competent but feels soulless, for ex - I enjoy driving the S550 Mustang GTs more than the M4. I didn't like the Stinger and G70, too rubbery and numb.

[@RaitisRides]

They are better in every way!

[@cuuuhris3168]

I hope to get a Sti next year!

[@RaitisRides]

You can do it!

[@stratusedge2k7]

gotta love the bronze wheels on a world rally blue body

[@pinunotv6002]

That blue type r.a my dream car and for keep forever

[@ryanschwartz9401]

How fast you got your RA up to? Mines been to 170+

[@Ieatzboltz]

Can't afford neither I'll stick with my wrx but great video.

[@RaitisRides]

I can understand where you are coming from.

[@fabianclercin6410]

Do you know if all the white s209 have been sold already in the USA.

[@fernandobarahona3503]

On your Type RA, you could upgrade the fog bezels like from the 2020 sti's and you could also add an f1 light!. It'll look really nice!

[@awlix123]

I actually did the same thing on my type ra with the fog bezels and leds

[@Eli-9]

Can you install the s209 bezels on an STI?

[@al_lifts]

You have to do a video comparing the evo 10 and Sti

[@RaitisRides]

Get me an EVO10 and it's on!

[@joeyGalileoHotto]

I want to learn how to drive manual transmission. Subaru WRX seems like a good car to test it out.

[@RaitisRides]

Yes sir! Get it done!

[@alexc7864]

If im honest wrx is actually a little more of a harder car to learn manual on but trust me if you can get it down, every other car will be child's play.

[@RaitisRides]

@@alexc7864 Thanks for sharing that!

[@erickarriaga6730]

King for a Day I agree with him wrx has a very stiff shifter you have you really have to push into each gear

[@yassinlondres820]

You are men great

[@chavischavis88]

Great videos bro. How would the 209 stand against a CTR or a focus RS on the track? 🤔

[@RaitisRides]

That would be a great review! I am going to see what I can do!

[@KingKong-ee8hc]

What watch are u wearing it looks really nice 😊

[@ParasiteQueen1]

All that is missing is the Raiu Edition ;)

[@vLife7]

The one thing that always irk’d me is how silly those spoilers look compared to the stock sti.

[@mattjo6204]

Did I hear u say they deleted navigation (software) to save weight?

[@RaitisRides]

Different head unit.

[@vinceruel5131]

Can't wait for the 2021 wrx!

[@RaitisRides]

It's going to be interesting!

[@bokudou]

Enjoyed the comparison review. Joe, your face looks much more excited driving American muscle. I'm a former Subaru guy, I get it.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so right about that!

[@FL50ssp]

Small correction... USDM 2006 - 2009 Legacy GT Spec.B came with Bilstein's.

[@faekz]

Yes it is. It is hand built crazy handling. You watched the story on UA-cam? Two parts. Sucks they couldn't use forged pistons

[@RaitisRides]

Agreed! I did watch that video. It was cool!

[@jakubkujawa695]

Could you do a comparison between Toyota 86 TRD and Subaru BRZ TS ?

[@RaitisRides]

I will try to track those down for you!

[@bluebirdpowers8069]

Why does it say inline-4 in the description?

[@wilmarcustodio5693]

that's fast
man

[@6z0]

anyone else notice that the flares on the s209 arent even paint matched? and they didnt even adjust the fitment for the flares either?

[@shammy3138]

I wish we could buy those upper fender vents that the s209 has.

[@netizencane3717]

Why didn’t STI go for a carbon fiber or at least aluminum chassis/body to improve power to weight? I mean if they are hand built, why not go all in? Great car no matter what.