DSM or WRX? what to get..

[cOiL]

I'm lookin at 97+ 2g awd's and the wrx right now. I don't plan on going over 300 hp. I've got a prelude vtec right now that runs mid 14's, but pulls a .98 on the skidpad. I autox and road race a lot, I could care less about competitive drag racing. I'd focus more on the suspension than the engine initially.

I live in Michigan and I'm sick of fwd on the snow. I can get an 02 WRX with ~50k miles at dealer auction for about 12-13 grand, which is less than what a lot of people think their 98 or 99 awd dsm with more miles is worth.

I know this forum will be biased towards the dsm, but are there any compelling reasons that I should go with a dsm over the wrx, or the other way around, that you can back up with fact, not just opinion? Has anyone owned both or aggressively driven both at autox or on a track?

btw I tried searching, but didn't find the answers I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[DragII]

I had a wrx, now I have a 95 GSX. If I could have afforded to keep it, there is no way I'd own the gsx right now.

that said, I do love the eclipse, it's kinda like a baby wrx.

 

[HyperGSX]

Since you have the most important factor worked out (money). I'd say it works out like this:

all performance = dsm (4g63, easier to go faster and for cheaper too)
all-around car = subaru (newer car, warranty, quality)

Either way both are good cars

 

[2gGSX]

if you autox get the WRX, comes with a front helical differential instead of the GSX's open. makes a world of difference

 

[psi on u]

how long has the wrx been around ....well one thing that could be an advantage in a dsm is the fact that they are like old as hell and everything under the sun has gone wrong been fixed been upgraded ext so you know that theres not to much that you wont be able to figure out on them (with the help of fourms and stuff ) plus they are cheap speed

 

[DSMSpyder99]

if you like Xcrossing and road racing the the WRX has it name all over you Try WRXtuners.com

 

[talonTSi7945]

Also look at


http://www.nasioc.com


Excellent Soob site.

 

[sarge]

meh, either will work quite well for what you want


probably better to go with the newer wrx though if you are just gonna beat the crap out of it. just remember the wrx tranny is weak and has more problems than most of the older dsm trannies

 

[heavyD]

If looks are important go for a 97-99 Eclipse GSX. If they aren't go for a WRX. Simple.

 

[Groomz]

Just remember to keep your eye on cylinder #3 of the WRX. They like to run lean ( fuel rail problem I think ) when the power goes up.

I vote 2G DSM. Better looks by far and has more potential, even for "only" 300hp ( you meant 300hp right, not 300whp? ).

If you need more room, the WRX is the way to go.

 

[CowPimp]

Advantages of the WRX:

Significantly faster stock
Stronger stock turbo
Roomier

Advantages of the DSM:

Engine and tranny capable of more horsies reliably
More aggressive style (Subjective)
12s = cheap

 

[Ethanthegod9]

I know whats up... I had a Mazda Mp3 and was one of the faster FWD cars in Solo II comps. It's not about the car you start with. Start with Wheels and Tires depending on the type of racing. Then look to improve the handling with coilovers and braces (Strut Tower and Sway Bars). If you really want to kick butt at autocross or destroy the competition at the local mountain races then go to driving school (try more than one, they all have different things to teach you). So cars well both are more than adequate in power handling and aftermarket support. The Sti's like to lift tires and the DSM under steer more, but that’s stock.

Me well I guess you know what I picked.

 

[midnght]

I would pick up a DSM for ALOT less money and improve it to my own standards. The tranny alone is enough to keep me away from the WRX. You want 300 whp then you are going to need to get that issue solved.

If you are solely into looks of the 2g go with it. But if looks are no problem than go with a nice 1ga awd version and get some nice autoX for cheap. I mean DIRT cheap. Strip it and tune it. Turbo is already there and MANY people are getting good times on both the drag and auto tracks with the 14b.

If it was my money I would go with a 1g DSM. They are a great platform for a person that wants to develop their own style and machine.

 

[2gGSX]

if you do autox with a 1g be sure to fix the power steering cutout problem

 

[kpt4321]

Originally posted by CowPimp
Advantages of the WRX:
Significantly faster stock

Not really true, stock rex's aren't that fast.

 

[CowPimp]

Originally posted by kpt4321
Not really true, stock rex's aren't that fast.

They run about low-mid 14s. DSMs are more like a flat 15. I call that significantly faster...