[Italian Stallion]

My thoughts on the dilema of choosing between an IS and a WRX:

- the IS is a very, very nice car; fun to drive and a well-appointed interior; cannot offer a first-hand opinion on the WRX yet, as I haven't driven it yet
- I think of the Lexus as luxury with a bit of performance, and the WRX as performance with a little bit of luxury
- an i6 is preferable from the perspective of long-term maintenace, vs the turbo 4-banger of the WRX (but ....... (1) I'm also aware of turbo owners with 200k+ miles and still counting with no problems - probably because of faithful oil changes on their part, and (2) my local Toyota mechanic says the Japanese know how to built turbo 4-bangers and holds up the Celica turbo as an example; he expects the Scooby to be reliable, and has even offered to work on it! - actually, I think he justs wants to drive it))
- poor mileage is a major strike against the IS; mileage of the WRX is impressive and understandable given that it's a 4-banger
- with respect to looks, the IS sedan wins; however, I will be choosing between the wagon versions ..... and I personally think the WRX wagon is a bit more attractive
- the price difference is significant; $12k is not pocket change
- big, big, big mistake on Lexus's part not offer AWD as an option; all the competitors offer it: BMW 3 series, Audi A4, WRX, and even the Mercedes C-class (announced as coming next year)
- both are proven designs with the Lexus having been on the market for three years, and the WRX for close the seven
- I expect the IS to have the legendary Lexus reliability; on the other hand, the WRX is not too shabby with even Edmunds highlighting the current Imperza (on which the WRX is built) as having "bulletproof reliability"

I intend to test drive the Scooby as soon as it's released. If the handling and performance are as advertised - I will probably get the WRX, and save 12k.

On the other hand, if Lexus offered AWD as an option - I'd probably get the IS (listening, Lexus?)


Check out this movie of an IS300 running against a WRX
http://208.42.75.3/bryanw/videos/impreza/wrxvsalteza.mov

[This message has been edited by Italian Stallion (edited January 21, 2001).]

 

[Gennady]

Is the WRX that much faster then the IS???

 

[MrEee]

Italian Stallion, I completely understand your delimma. That damn WRX seems to be quite the ride (and most reasonably priced, given the performance that you get).

If the WRX had greater exterior appeal (a nice way of saying it's sort of fugly, IMHO), I am sure it would pull over alot more new Subaru customers.

Perhaps with the optional 17" rims, the right exterior colr, and after upgrading the stereo, etc, it might not be that bad. Who knows? I too am waiting for the dealer in my area to get one in so that I can see it in person and take that Scooby out for a test drive.

I guess it all comes down to what one wants from their car. Luxury, performance, presentation (i.e., looks), reliability, value proposition, interior comfort, practicality, build quality, etc.

Just curious, why aren't you considering the new Audi 3.0/1.8T Quattro as well, if you are putting a premium on the AWD aspect?

P.S. The Lexus IS is a sweet inline 6, not a V6.

 

[Italian Stallion]

Advertised 0-60 time for the WRX is 6.1 seconds. And that seems to be conservative ... a couple of European car mags have reported times as low as 5.5 seconds when REALLY stepping on it.

Yup - it is significantly faster than the IS.

Originally posted by Gennady:
Is the WRX that much faster then the IS???

 

[Italian Stallion]

The Audi is a nice ride. But questionable long-term reliability crossed it off my list. (Consumer Reports just removed the A6 off their "recommended" list as reliability has gone south ... and I fear that may be an indicator of where A4 reliability is heading.)

Also, I'm concerned about the maintenace costs. most Audi A4 owners could care less as they lease for 3 years and turn the car in BEFORE they have to pay for maintenance. However, I but cars for the long haul - still have an 84 4Runner in the family. And I've heard more than 1 A4 owner scream when they had to fork over $1200-$1400 for the 60k service (that's just for schedled maintenance!)

Originally posted by MrEee:


Just curious, why aren't you considering the new Audi 3.0/1.8T Quattro as well, if you are putting a premium on the AWD aspect?.

 

[tony]

I've got video from a recent autocross of me and an Imprezza. I beat him by less than a second or two...


------------------
Tony
'01 Stock Spectra Blue
'94 12psi Turbo Miata

 

[AltezzaRoku]

Is the Imprezza we get here a watered down version of the Japanese one??

 

[Kompressor]

Stallion,

You seem really troubled over this decision when it should really be an easy one.

Do you want a race car or a sport sedan? I also think it's butt ugly, but if you don't buy at all based on looks, that won't matter right?

 

[Altezzer]

no, it's technically not watwered down. It is the base turbo in Japan, and the STi version is the top of the pile. It produces nearly 300hp and is lighter and has better suspensions.

------------------
1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230
2000 Ford Excursion Ltd. 4x4 Diesel (for the winter)

 

[deepcover]

Isnt that video an Altezza with a 4 cyl. engine. A little different than an IS.

 

[Italian Stallion]

Of couse the IS waxed the Impreza. No comparison between an Impreza and a WRX.

Impreza:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 166 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

WRX (official specs at http://www.imprezawrx.com):
227hp at 6000 RPM
Torque: 217 ft-lbs @ 4000 RPM

The IS doesn't have a chance against the WRX; don't try running an WRZ, or you'll be embarrased.

Originally posted by webmaster:
I've got video from a recent autocross of me and an Imprezza. I beat him by less than a second or two...

 

[Italian Stallion]

No - I believe that's an i6 running against a WRX.

Originally posted by deepcover:
Isnt that video an Altezza with a 4 cyl. engine. A little different than an IS.

 

[Kazsim]

Originally posted by AltezzaRoku:
Is the Imprezza we get here a watered down version of the Japanese one??

US spec doesn't have subaru's varible valve timing or HID headlamps.

 

[Danny's 3.2TL]

Originally posted by Italian Stallion:
No - I believe that's an i6 running against a WRX.

Does japan get the i6??? that car is an altezza, wheel on the right, manual tranny...i dont know my IS stuff, but that car's probably 0-60 in 8+ seconds.

 

[civic Si-r]

Yes it is. In the video am i to assume that the altezza was the 4cyl. or the I6?

Originally posted by AltezzaRoku:
Is the Imprezza we get here a watered down version of the Japanese one??

------------------
Yellow IS300 w/LSD and graphite polished rims

 

[ckolsen]

Thanks for the video, looks lest Best Motoring - cool show. The Japanese WRX has 247 hp though, about 20 more than US model. Japanese Altezza is slower than US too.
The IS300 wagon looks like ass, same for the WRX, but whatever floats your boat. If the WRX is as much fun to drive as the Europeans say, I wouldn't care.


[This message has been edited by ckolsen (edited January 21, 2001).]

 

[ckolsen]

Japan and Europe have a 2.0L inline 6, there's a review in CAR magazine. The 3.0L is coming to Europe (not Japan). The one in the video is probably 2.0L i6. It's like 150 hp.

Originally posted by Danny's 3.2TL:
Does japan get the i6??? that car is an altezza, wheel on the right, manual tranny...i dont know my IS stuff, but that car's probably 0-60 in 8+ seconds.

 

[ckolsen]

BTW, the new Impreza WRX debuted at the Monte Carlo rally and dropped a cylinder and all it's oil, for a DNF. Also flipped over.
I drove on part of the Monte Carlo rally roads in south France, fantastic!! Anyone who likes to drive MUST go to France, near Nice, rent a car and have a blast!

 

[Omni]

Ya I heard about Burns being outta the race....

He's a cool guy too... Don't follow WRC much however....

As for the Rex (WRX for those who can't figure it out... you know who you are

) when I get done with it..... I think it'll be real nice looking..... I'll take pics (in about a year lol...) We'll see what y'all think then hehehe

my saved 12k will go to these mods

 

[shadoh6]

Ugh...I don't know if such um..."adverse styling cues" (aka ugliness) can be fixed easily or cheaply.

If it looked like the old Impreza, or something better, then at 23k it's a steal, but since it looks the way it does, maybe a Galant would be better (and cheaper)...