[wdb]

[Edit July 13 2005: changes to information in Rumored/Unconfirmed Changes section, with attributions where possible]
[Edit June 10 2005: added Links to More Information section at end]
[Edit June 5 2005: added Rumored/Unconfirmed Changes section at end]

What are the differences between the 2004 and 2005 STi?

I've seen this question asked over and over again, and I have yet to see a truly satisfactory answer given. So here on the eve of the introduction of the 2006 model it seems to me as good a time as any to put together a comprehensive list of the differences between the 2004 and 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi as sold in the US.

My list follows, collected from a variety of sources. I'm not 100% certain about some of them, and I certainly don't claim that the list is complete. Any and all input is welcome, from nitpicks about how the list is laid out to technical foo such as steering rack ratios. I'll revise the list as we go.

Engine/Suspension/Drivetrain

• larger wheel hubs and bearings
• larger wheel bolt circle diameter (from 5x100 in 2004 to 5x114.3 in 2005)
• 17x8 wheels (17x7.5 in 2004)
• 1 inch wider rear track
• revised power steering rack
• power steering fluid cooler
• stiffer steering rack mounts
• 3-point rear suspension crossmember
• aluminum rear suspension lateral links
• helical limited-slip front differential (Suretrac LSD in 2004)
• revised DCCD system
• new Yaw sensor for DCCD (part of the lateral G sensor)
• revised ABS controller
• optional short shift kit

Exterior

• aerodynamic underbody panels
• rear wheel arch flares
• redesigned rear bumper
• revised exterior badging (black instead of chrome STi badges)
• smoked headlight lenses
• new paint color - Crystal Grey Metallic

Interior

• smaller diameter steering wheel with black center area
• redesigned center console
• 2 cupholder indentations in center console (no more dashboard pop-out)
• redesigned center stack with aluminum-look trim
• automatic climate control with automatic vent selection feature
• 80-watt, 6-speaker AM/FM stereo with integral 6-CD changer standard
• revised seat cushions with new side bolster material
• revised interior door trim
• side mirror controls moved to driver's door (from center console)
• DCCD controls relocated on center console
• upgraded sunvisor material
• redesigned anti-glare finish on windshield behind mirror (no more center visor)
• Immobilizer key
• redesigned keyless remote keyfob
• cruise control standard
• air filtration system standard
• rear passenger cupholders standard
• optional auto-dimming mirror with Homelink

Rumored/Unconfirmed Changes

• redesigned pistons to fix problem with ring lands breaking? This rumor has been pretty well debunked by experts. See this post by Crawford and the associated thread for more information.
• faster steering rack ratio? Nothing has been found to substantiate this claim. It may have gotten started due to considerably improved steering respone from redesigned rack bushings on '05's.

Links to More Information

• http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/forums/...3237#post93237

Cheers,
-wdb

This deserves to be a stuck thread. Anyone have any editions and we can add them. Great Job!

[wdb]

Wow. My very own sticky.

*blush*

-wdb

Excellent job! Once again!

[Nivek]

This thread might also be useful:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/forums/...3237#post93237

[wdb]

Originally Posted by Nivek

This thread might also be useful:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/forums/...3237#post93237

Nice! I'll add a section to the main post titled "Links to Other Information" or somesuch and add that to it.

We're going to need an '05 - '06 sticky soon...