[rj45]

Originally Posted by Digitalfiend

I think the combination of longer gears and the SI drive settings comes as a shock to many "old" STI drivers. I would have preferred shorter gearing (04-06) in the 08, but I think the main reason it feels unexciting is due to the smoother power delivery. I've never driven an 07 so the gearing in the 08 felt pretty damn tall. I also wasn't flooring it or going above 4-4.5K, so I'm sure there is more to wring out of it. Even though I swore I'd focus on suspension first this time around, I think I might break down and go AP stg1 + Protune, just to fix the seemingly weird power delivery.

Also, are you in a state that only has 91 oct? That could really affect things too.

No, 93 octane. With regards to the gearing, they're still short enough that this car should tear ass when you hit it... 35 in first, 58 in second, 85 in third, etc. The gear ratios are plenty short considering the power this car has.

[Digitalfiend]

Originally Posted by rj45

No, 93 octane. With regards to the gearing, they're still short enough that this car should tear ass when you hit it... 35 in first, 58 in second, 85 in third, etc. The gear ratios are plenty short considering the power this car has.

True, but I was talking about how the car feels to STI drivers that are used to the shorter gearing. Off the top of my head, I recall my car topping out just before 120km/h (75mph) in 3rd and 156km/h in 4th. The great thing about 3rd was that it could be used much like 2nd gear coming out of certain corners. It also made passing traffic pretty awesome.

I can't wait to get the car and really test it.

[rj45]

Originally Posted by STIVendetta

We have 3 new 08"s in town here......*Agree* ^^^^^^^ I "will" keep my 07.......with 9,200 miles ....~<Maybe>~ the 09 will knock my socks off. Time is on my side.

I guess it wasn't just the '08 I drove, then. Did you drive or ride in all three?

[Dj Hurricane]

Originally Posted by rj45

I test drove an '08 STi today (with intention to buy) and, unfortunately, came away a bit disappointed.

First off, let me say this.. these are my personal observations and I don't wish to ruffle any feathers or insult anyone who owns an '08 STi.

The good:

It looks great (silver car), both the interior and exterior. It's a sharp car. The interior is roomy, with good cargo room, too. It rides well and corners well, though it does roll a bit.

The not so good:

It didn't feel very quick to me... not like 305hp/290ft.lbs. should in a 3350 pound car. Also, the power delivery was not very exciting. I know Subaru tuned for a linear power delivery, but there is too little 'coming-up-on-boost' turbo rush. It accelerates almost like it's NA. What fun is a turbo car that doesn't lunge forward when you get on it?

The shifter was just ok. Though reasonably short, it felt a little delicate - nowhere near the robust, rifle bolt feel of an aftermarket short shift.

The stock exhaust is too tame. I could see using this exhaust for a WRX, but not the STi. It deserves a tougher sound.

Some may ask, "well, what did you expect?" I've driven the EVO IX and the '07 STI. The EVO felt very quick and fun. When I hit it, it came up on boost and shot forward (I know it's a light tin can). The '07 STI had a more linear power delivery than the EVO and it didn't seem as quick, but still felt powerful. I have not driven the EVO X, so I cannot comment on it.

Maybe I drove a lemon. It's a shame because I was prepared to buy the car today.

From experience... Most Scoobies feel like a different car when they are "broken in, and the computer "learns and advances throttle mapping.>>>

I know this was true for my 05 LGT

[STIVendetta]

Originally Posted by rj45

I guess it wasn't just the '08 I drove, then. Did you drive or ride in all three?

just 1

[inpuressa]

yeah, my 06 wrx transformed after 10K miles. I started getting better mileage, shifts came smoother, engine a little more torque, etc.

[tskeen]

I am new here and a bit confused. I have not owned a subaru or a Evo before but am a fan of both. My wife drives a VW Touareg and last week we were in for service. An R-32 caught my attention so I took it for a test drive. Really liked the car....but didnt buy as I was tempted. That test drive got me to looking at the new STI and the EVO..which in turn lead me to this site. Now, after spending some time here I am on the fence about which to buy. May end up with the VW. I know its not as fast or as EZ to mod....But on the vortex forums no one gets wacked.

[damstr]

Originally Posted by tskeen

I am new here and a bit confused. I have not owned a subaru or a Evo before but am a fan of both. My wife drives a VW Touareg and last week we were in for service. An R-32 caught my attention so I took it for a test drive. Really liked the car....but didnt buy as I was tempted. That test drive got me to looking at the new STI and the EVO..which in turn lead me to this site. Now, after spending some time here I am on the fence about which to buy. May end up with the VW. I know its not as fast or as EZ to mod....But on the vortex forums no one gets wacked.

Don't worry, as the 08 hype dies down so will the drama.

[Digitalfiend]

Originally Posted by tskeen

I am new here and a bit confused. I have not owned a subaru or a Evo before but am a fan of both. My wife drives a VW Touareg and last week we were in for service. An R-32 caught my attention so I took it for a test drive. Really liked the car....but didnt buy as I was tempted. That test drive got me to looking at the new STI and the EVO..which in turn lead me to this site. Now, after spending some time here I am on the fence about which to buy. May end up with the VW. I know its not as fast or as EZ to mod....But on the vortex forums no one gets wacked.

I think the R32 is a fine choice of car, but personally I prefer the Evo/STI. This site has become a little less mature than it used to be, but in general, 99% of the people here are extremely helpful. You've just joined during a tumultuous time (release of a new, somewhat controversial, car.)

[DrPhyzx]

Originally Posted by tskeen

I am new here and a bit confused. I have not owned a subaru or a Evo before but am a fan of both. My wife drives a VW Touareg and last week we were in for service. An R-32 caught my attention so I took it for a test drive. Really liked the car....but didnt buy as I was tempted. That test drive got me to looking at the new STI and the EVO..which in turn lead me to this site. Now, after spending some time here I am on the fence about which to buy. May end up with the VW. I know its not as fast or as EZ to mod....But on the vortex forums no one gets wacked.

I'm new too, so I know what you mean. Still, the level of maturity is through the roof here compared to the Evo forums I checked out...

[RallyMe]

Geeze the evo looks 100x more fun to drive than the STI!

[chelidon]

Originally Posted by RallyMe

Geeze the evo looks 100x more fun to drive than the STI!

Yeah, and cow poop looks like chocolate, too, but I betcha they don't taste the same...

(sorry, couldn't resist...but seriously, I can't wait to start seeing more real-world info -- street, track, Auto-X, etc)

[SWortham]

Originally Posted by ploney

And, btw, some actual negative camber up front and some comparable rubber(Yoks) is a game changer in my book.

The dunlop Sport 600's are an unproven, new tire. Lots of wide gaps in the tread.
My 08 had ZERO camber up front. Was able to max it out at -.8 with stock bolts.
Feels better up front, even on the street.

I was waiting for someone to comment on that. With all of the autocrossing and track days, I typically go through tires every 6-8K miles. So the performance of the tires the car comes with from the factory really has little bearing for me. Because they will be replaced before long, and I will get the grippiest street tire possible.

And then there's the camber like you said. Camber adjustments are cheap and can make a big difference. If history is any measure, I'm betting the Evo X has more negative camber from the factory than the STI.