The STi is the jack of all trades (master of none) for a daily driver. It plows through any weather with impunity.
Honda owner looking to convert
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I've been driving a Civic EK with a JDM ITR B18C with a Jackson Racing supercharger and LHT AWIC. It is a very fun responsive car. Like you, it is punished every time it is driven. I've had this setup since 2006.
I also own a '11 STI sedan that has a slightly larger turbo, supporting mods, and light suspension work.
They are very different animals, but both fun to drive in their own way. The Honda has proven durability and reliability on and off the track. VTEC and the 8,500 rpm redline sound glorious. I used to be afraid of the car's power until I owned the STI.
The STI looks good, and has the power. You need to anticipate needing the power by keeping the revs high or downshifting to spool up quickly. The acceleration is impressive and not scary because of AWD. The car is heavy and takes a split second to react to commands.
The first few months with the STI, I thought I made the wrong decision because the Honda was more fun to drive. Eventually I learned its characteristic and equally enjoyed driving it.
In bad weather, the STI is the car to drive. The Civic will wheel spin and/or hydroplane where as the STI is absolutely composed.
So in a nutshell:
Both cars are fun to drive in their respective ways.
Honda reliability is not questioned. The Subaru ringland failure is always at the back of my mind.
Safety goes to Subaru for AWD and high tensile B-pillar reinforcement.
Choose your weapon to convince the wife.
I also own a '11 STI sedan that has a slightly larger turbo, supporting mods, and light suspension work.
They are very different animals, but both fun to drive in their own way. The Honda has proven durability and reliability on and off the track. VTEC and the 8,500 rpm redline sound glorious. I used to be afraid of the car's power until I owned the STI.
The STI looks good, and has the power. You need to anticipate needing the power by keeping the revs high or downshifting to spool up quickly. The acceleration is impressive and not scary because of AWD. The car is heavy and takes a split second to react to commands.
The first few months with the STI, I thought I made the wrong decision because the Honda was more fun to drive. Eventually I learned its characteristic and equally enjoyed driving it.
In bad weather, the STI is the car to drive. The Civic will wheel spin and/or hydroplane where as the STI is absolutely composed.
So in a nutshell:
Both cars are fun to drive in their respective ways.
Honda reliability is not questioned. The Subaru ringland failure is always at the back of my mind.
Safety goes to Subaru for AWD and high tensile B-pillar reinforcement.
Choose your weapon to convince the wife.
I did the Honda thing a long time ago (back in '98 with a 91 civic hatch). It was definitely fun, but the STI is a better car. It is far more practical, and handles much better.
Just remember, don't abuse the car i.e. redline shifting, dumping the clutch, etc, and it's plenty reliable, BUT it is a turbo car, and there is a lot more that can go wrong. Forced induction is hard on an engine, period.
Right now, I wouldn't rather have anything else....well, I would like an EVO 10 MR, but not instead of, rather inaddition to.
Just remember, don't abuse the car i.e. redline shifting, dumping the clutch, etc, and it's plenty reliable, BUT it is a turbo car, and there is a lot more that can go wrong. Forced induction is hard on an engine, period.
Right now, I wouldn't rather have anything else....well, I would like an EVO 10 MR, but not instead of, rather inaddition to.
I work @ Y-12, so passing someone coming to work is not an issue, going home is a another story. Engine oil change, trans/diff changes, tires, etc, this I can handle. The guy that posted earlier 50,000 mile an on his 3rd motor, that I can't live with.
No I'm on engine 2. I'm building engine 3.I work @ Y-12, so passing someone coming to work is not an issue, going home is a another story. Engine oil change, trans/diff changes, tires, etc, this I can handle. The guy that posted earlier 50,000 mile an on his 3rd motor, that I can't live with.
Oil change at 3k with samples sent to blackstone. Tested between Rotella T6, and Eneos 5w-30. I currently run Rotella T6 with moly additive due to summer time (Will switch to Eneos during winter time).
Full fuid change at 30k. Changed to Amsoil Severe Duty gear oil. Power steering also done at 30k. Dot 4 brake fluid (ATE Super Blue) done at 15k (with SS lines) and at 45k.
Protuned. By reputable person.
I had my fuel pump fail during tuning. That blew the engine.
I'm just saying that these engines are built on old technology.
These cars are not track cars. They cost too much and are expensive to keep in track shape.
For Reliability I've done/ Suggested:
- Equal length header to remove engine heat more easily
- AOS to prevent fuel dilution/octane dilution to prevent knock
- 1 meter fuel line extension to prevent/reduce water hammer causing resonance at certain rpms causing lean conditions
- Aftermarket radiator for thermal stability
- Oil temp gauge to determine when engine is too hot
- Increased capacity oil pan Thermal stability and allow oiling while in turns
- Oil cooler engine cooling
So before you think that I just beat the crap out of my car think again. Most times I'm just in S mode.
Every Wednesday nite the KSOC (Knoxville Subaru Owners Club) meets at the Sonic on Kingston Pike/Walker Springs Rd at 7:30pm. Why not stop by and speak with local Subie owners.I work @ Y-12, so passing someone coming to work is not an issue, going home is a another story. Engine oil change, trans/diff changes, tires, etc, this I can handle. The guy that posted earlier 50,000 mile an on his 3rd motor, that I can't live with.
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