2022 Subaru BRZ vs 2016 Subaru WRX STI - Head to Head Review!
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2023
- Which is the better Subaru for your $30-35K, new BRZ or used STI?
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Email me if you'd like me to review your car: zygrene@gmail.com 
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I love my 2020 Subaru WRX STI. It just feels so old school in a good way. Not too many newer cars provide such driving engagement.
Spot on for your review, I like both the WRX and STI but when WRX owners say they just have to increase their power and its same as STI is completely missing the point of STi, the handling. Not surprised you immediately noticed the huge improvement in handling between STI and WRX, the STI has front LSD and rear LSD and dccd for center diff, the WRX doesn't have any of that.
bmw r
Completely different cars
@@tellyawhatmate 100% different cars, I explained some of the major differences too.
props to that STI not blowing up for the review.
I was looking for one to get but my friends said no cause they know I’m gonna blow it up 😂😂 so ima just look for an 06-14 civic si
exactly, not so inclinded to drop 30k for an used, ran through STI that is bound to have some sort of failure down the road in the near future
Don’t blow up if you know what your doing 🤡
@aaromon43 anyone who believes has no clue how a boxer engine work, you're a child 🤡
Props to both machines not blowing up
Great review BTW. I appreciate the spontaneity and honesty of the STI impression.
I owe a 22 BRZ and just recently purchased a 20 STI. Both cars are fun but very different. I will always prefer the light weight rear wheel drive car but really appreciate and dig the STI. Nice review!
Correct, composure and grip = STI. I have a C6 and an STI, would not trade either one. Both just as enjoyable.
Good review! I have both - my daily is a 2016 STi and my track car is a 2014 BRZ. They're in their own league for sure, and are both equally satisfying to drive. Very spot on about the shifting. The STi definitely doesn't like fast/quick shifts compared to the BRZ.
I've gotta say, I don't see an issue with fast shifting. You'll have to play around with it for a bit, but there's a very very specific timing you have to feel for where it'll shift perfectly every time. Fall outside of that little window and the car won't cooperate.
Love that that in my STI i was able to have fun driving around by myself on Friday and the next day load the family up (with a baby seat in the backseat and all of our luggage) for a beach trip.
I’d really recommend giving the 2022+ WRX a shot. It’s a lot more car than most folks give it credit for.
Planning to review one in coming months
@@Zygrene looking forward to it! Love your grounded perspectives on these machines. Keep it up :)
It’s really not though
Moved over from a 2020 STI to a 2023 BRZ and I think your review is spot on. STI is more fit for a daily, BRZ is better in most cases if you have other vehicles (or a partner's vehicle to borrow occasionally haha).
that last part is why im considering getting rid of my blob eye wrx for a Na miata lol the lady has a forester and i want a smol car lol kinda
@@TheConfused5Gang NA Miata is the way.
@@dsher503 i know. idk why its hard for me to sell the wrx tho ;( dont have room for 3 cars in our house
@@TheConfused5Gang I get it. If you love the WRX too it's an even harder decision. That being said, I just bought a 95 NA with 52k miles two days ago and already, I've connected more with it than any of the previous 19 cars I've owned. Just something special about the weight, how easy it is to drive, how the power is perfect for the street and just how dang fun it is. If you have a garage, you could always keep the WRX while you save for a lift and the NA and then stack the Miata above the WRX. Not having enough space sucks though!
@@dsher503 haha brooo your selling me on this na i cant lie. I could technically park it on the street sometimes. but yeah thatd would be so dope to stack them. did you say you owned a wrx too?
Been wanting for this one!
Pretty good review man great work
Just stumble upon this channel, oddly satisfying review because I also own and daily my 2016 STI since 0 miles and just hit 80K miles last weekend lol. Still on original engine, some bolt-ons and dyno tuned, nothing blew up yet haha
For track day duty, I added oil cooler, replaced oil pick-up and it has been reliable ever since. I took it to Laguna Seca 1 weekend, then gone straight to Tahoe for snowoarding next week, then took my grandma grocery shopping the week after. Only changed oil and tires after. I am not a hardcore track driver, but it's kinda awesome enough for me to have fun all seasons year round....
I'm driving an '05 STi with 150k miles. Original engine, stage 2. People just don't modify, tune, or maintain these cars properly, and then they blame the car.
@@PocketDrummer absolutely. Subaru is finicky but reliable when taken care off.
Recently traded my 2016 STi for a 2022 GR86 I owned a 2013 frs prior to the STi and the lightweight rwd formula is just much more enjoyable for me to drive daily. I live in the south so no need for awd. Great review I agree with a lot of the points you made, especially about being able to shift quickly.
IIRC Subaru's longitudinal layout combined with the H4's short profile means it's less front-heavy than comparable transverse i4 systems like the Evo, Golf R, and GR Corolla. I used to have a WRX and I found it felt more balanced and natural to me than comparable transverse i4 cars.
I'm not sure if it's less front heavy (there are two heads after all), but the center of gravity is much lower, and they're naturally balanced.
After mostly ignoring the new VB WRX, I rented one on Turo and loved it. I've been craving content, especially ones comparing the VA STi and GR Corolla to the new VB WRX, so both of your video ideas of VA STi vs VB WRX and STi (or VB WRX) vs GRC would be awesome! I guess you can find VA STis for similar prices to a new VB WRX, so that's another argument to make for a comparison. Thanks for another awesome comparison video!
I did the same and end up getting a 24 vb a month later
Personally, id pick the sti over the gr corolla
Check out the SavageGeese review that compares those. Doesn't look like its worth all the hype.
Untill the engine blows up
@@tanmaysapkal was going to say the exact same thing.
Looks way better that's for sure
Glad you're still loving the brz. I'm surprised you daily it with that exhaust setup. is it the AWE touring?
This is gonna be good!
I’m a bit like you where I get to drive everyone’s car (although it’s to work on them not report on them), and often times I realise I hit the same terminal speeds in the same streets. My wife’s second car is a first gen 86 auto and it generally hits the same speed as cars with a lot more power, much like what you said about the STI. The real world speed difference isn’t necessarily that high.
The STI used to be my dream car when I was a student still, now my preferences changed (I loved the 2006 STI, but the current ones I don't find as appealing) and I went for the GR86/BRZ as my new dream car which I should get pretty soon. But admittedly one point where the this STI is much nicer than the GR86/BRZ is the sound... Sounds really so much better. I guess it's a lot to do with the newer regulations that newer cars tend to sound more silent and worse, but still, I feel like they could have used that active sound to an advantage by producing a nicer sound, rather than emphasizing it's natural sound like they kinda tried to do now.
I got a 2020 Subaru WRX STI because of the markups and waitlist for a GR86. I got mine $4.3k under KBB, that had 1 owner before me and all service records. It is my first non-Toyota in over 15 years. Previously I had a wannabe Celica GT-Four (not awd), 2 Toyota MR2 Turbos, a Toyota MR2 Spyder, and then a 4Runner.
My 2020 Subaru WRX STI is a target for many cars looking to prove their dominance. So far I have not lost to a single mustang. The last one which was my most recent race, was with a new 5.0. I beat him on the street from a dig and then at a 30mph roll. We stopped around 85mph since we were on a street and approaching an overpass. His nose stayed at my front tire the entire time and his car was very loud and sounded menacing.
The next light we both rolled out window down to say great race, but he was really in shock and praised my car. I was shocked too but I didn't know what to say. He asked if it was stick which it is, and makes me wonder if his was or automatic. He was a younger guy maybe in his 20s. I am now 41yrs old. Anyway, I want to believe my Subaru is stock, but I wonder if something was done to it, as I only get 12mpg and it has under 50k miles. I heat of E85 tunes and they still get more mpg than me. So it makes me curious. All I can see mine has is an exhaust and it isn't even catback, but axle back.
The STI feels pretty good and the brz as well I think you would enjoy a legacy 2005-2008 3.0r spec b if you have them in the USA but a automatic 5 speed is super fun as well would be a good comparison to the STI
Had a 2013 and 2015 STI. Both stock power, no engine mods. I blew both of them up doing many track days. I have a 2023 BRZ now, have done half a dozen track days, hopefully nothing blows up! LOL.
GRC/STI comparison video would be great. I've owned an Evo 8 and 9, and my current car is a 21 STI. I look back fondly upon the Evo's, I don't think I've ever liked a car as much as I have those. They had a sharpness and directness to them that I haven't experienced since. I didn't even modify them as the handling was great bone-stock. The STI by comparison is a bit softer and more stable - adding coilovers and rear sway bar has done wonders for the handling, but I still don't think it matches the connected feel of the Evo. Maybe it's a case of nostalgia clouding my memory though.
NICE! Two cars I''m interested in for fun!
I suspect the STI does not have a roll center kit installed. Steering center is affected after lowering on that car.
10:55 - I have an '05 STI, and shifting it requires a certain "feel". I really don't know how to describe it. But, it likes to be shifted in a specific way. If you do it right, everything falls into place effortlessly and quickly. If you do it wrong, it will punish you. That said, when you do get the right feel for it, it's very rewarding.
I am two months into an EJ207/6-Spd swapped Bugeye WRX ownership. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to rev match smoothly still. Ive noticed you have to give it a little more blip than other cars as the flywheel feels heavier but because of the high up clutch engagement i never feel confident doing it
I test drove a sti about a month ago i didnt like the seating position but other than that its an awesome car
What road is this? Great Video
Drove a, 2018 and newer with the new electronic center differential big difference. And the six piston front brakes.
I have a 2019 STI. I changed to 18” forged titan7 wheels and FA500 coil-overs. Those two things made the car lighter and improved the ride quality a ton. The stock 19” STI wheels are trash. They are heavy and impossible to clean with all the spokes (the spokes make it very hard to clean the calipers too). I added an AOS, cylinder 4 cooling mod and a front strut tower brace and thats all. I never tuned it because I have faster cars to drive and the stock tune doesn’t bother me enough to spend money on an access port. I really enjoy driving the STI. It’s quick, roomy and handles like cars twice it’s price. It’s not perfect but it’s so unique compared to todays cars I’ll probably never part with it.
Yeah I know your car. It’s lovely! Glad you still have it.
I'd like to see the new WRX and how you felt it compared to either car
dang wish you could have tested my sti! got some coilovers, track brake pads, killer bee oil baffle & pick-up, 200 tw ad09 tires, and bucket seats. Still on stock motor and turbo (untuned). Super on the canyons and still getting a feel for it on track. Better than my old fr-s and brz for canyon work. heh
i have a 2017,and 2019 STI.Just bought a GR86 two months ago.All great cars!The STI's were a steal when I bought them!I have a 2008 Corvete Z06 that i bought new for 65,000.The STI's were half the price!
Are you planning on getting a full exhaust on the car? SME seems to have a really good 4-2-1 header that doesn’t drop top end performance. It is rather pricey, and shipping from Australia isn’t cheap either. But it seems like those are the best headers for the 86/BRZ on the market.
I'm ok with stock power. It's the last thing I try to upgrade on my personal cars
Zygrene - hire someone to work on your title screens, it will help with your views.
Hey bro where are you at in the vid? I wanna take my WRX and have fun with those turns! That's for the entertaining video!
10:30 that’s literally what you want for a sports car. A wheel wanting to return to center for more tight cornering…
Where I'm from an abused 2013 STI will resale for 25k glad I got into my 18' when I did 28k 14,000km no collisions been an awesome car
What is your opinion on a s2000 vs 1st gen 86/brz as an engaging track car. Is the F20C much better than the brz, chassis more nimble?
Cross shopped both and bought my BRZ with 5k miles in November at 34k. Not terrible. Still cheaper than all the STIs
That COBB OTS tune should be good for more HP than that. Should see quite a bit of torque especially around 4k. My 2018 STI Type-RA when I had it showed a ton of torque with just a tune, but I wassn't really a fan of the power band being so much in the middle and not much at the top or bottom of the rev range.
Subaru really should have given it an 18g from the factory. Spool up is about the same, but it pulls to redlight. That said, a lot of people go for the 20G and give up a bit more low end for a LOT more top end.
that sti sounds healthy. looks well taken care of. they are reliable when taken care of properly despite the reputation.
Yes, I have had her almost 8 years now! And love her to bits, still! I also have other cars, but this one was my first, and very special!
Have you taken the oil pan down
Please make a vb video comparing the brz vs vb or sti vs vb
Where are you getting 240hp from for the BRZ. Maybe i live under a rock but ive never heard that before.
Moved over from an evo10 to new brz, everything except power and daily is better.
I wish you were in socal ! I have a 2022 wrx. Interested in what you think of the new platform from a driving point of view.
Let's film it next time I'm in Socal! Please shoot me a quick email at zygrene@gmail.com
I own both, the new WRX engine is great and has more potential, but Subaru really let down on our new WRX handling, very poor. STI handling on other hand has so much grip, front LSD, rear LSD, and DCCD for center diff.
Subaru brz for reliability but soon as you mod it might aswell go the sti route..the brz front suspension and lack of torque turns me down even my lexus gs300 daily driver has double wishbone setup
Crazy to say this but an STI is more reliable than the new BRZs/86s lol
Bro track mode homie
How does your BRZ rank as a driving experience vs your other cars like the NSX?
BRZ is much more enjoyable on track, at 9 or 10/10ths. The NSX feels 10x as special below at 7/10ths or below.
@@Zygrene That's amazing. I had an FRS and definitely interested in the new gen. But one of the things that always bothered me was finding an exhaust that makes the car sound more interesting without being too loud
BRZ plz
Interesting comparison, but probably good to remember the STI new would have been at least 10k more than a BRZ. The GR Corolla Morizo looks like the closest thing to the last generation of STI, for more $$, but probably more reliable, if less utility (2-seater ). Toyota site showing more cargo space in GR Corolla than STI, which does not compute, but maybe because it's a hatch? Meanwhile, I just went state 2 on my '21 WRX and couldn't be happier! Ignorance is bliss!
Either his guns are from turning all the time or he's been hitting the gym
You're mistaking my arm fat for muscle
10:25 it’s because of the diffs.
Funny that they’re the exact same speed
Not in northeast brz dealers asking 10 to 20 over
Where? I've been seeing msrp. Thousands off wrx
@@tonychau1983 yes not brz
Can anyone let me know how you can put 17 inch wheels on the brz. Isn’t it 18 inches from the factory?
They'll bolt right on. Just make sure you choose wheels with the right hub pattern, bore, and offset for the BRZ.
@@Zygreneoh right. Is the tyre noise that significantly noticeable from 18 to 17s
@@Zygrene hey bro, I've been looking at S15s lately to see if I can get any second hand. I found an S15 for 55,000AUD 105,000kms. It already has an intake, zzr coilovers and a vertex bodykit. It also has a ARC sump and comes with a blitz nur spec exahust. It's from a genuine motor company, you think I should consider it after I go in person and have a look? Tbh it's either this or a brand new BRZ. I kinda moved away from the wrx hatch I saw, that has 58,060kms and goes for 25,000 AUD with modifications too. Even though I would love to have one, it's still there if I want it but I just feel like I may run into potentially bad issues as a beginner I may not be able to fix. I also want a car for the long run cause all petrol cars production is stopping after 2026. So I'm in a predicament of whether I want a newer car that may last me longer or get one of my JDM favs.
Why not compare the new WRX which is kind of a better car than the old Sti?
Why is it an issue he compared the sti?
Damn right. "I'm just happy this car exists" - couldnt have said it better.
The miata might get another re-skin, but nobodys redesigning these things from scratch. I put my money where my mouth is, my 23 BRZ delivers Thursday. Unless something dramatic changes, I will pay off and keep this car forever. One last, REAL, Japanese, RWD, manual, NA sportscars sub 3000 lbs. If you can find one for sale in 10-15 years (that isnt overpriced AF) I'll eat my hat
Is this a battle to see what engine blows first?
I'm still trying to figure out when my bugeye's engine is going to blow. Bought it new. Now over 100K miles and has been 70 HP over stock for many years with several track sessions. 😂
Sti would be cool if it wasn’t 30k without a warranty then it’ll blow
Showing bias but I've never been a fan of the WRX sti. Combination of sound and design strokes me the wrong way.
Ej Boxer is the best sounding 4 cylinder ever made
@@BartlettRacing66 Seriously?
ruclips.net/video/Cgcj88uzXVY/видео.html
EJ sounds like a dinosaur with exhaust leak. This is sound 1.5L 1,500 hp BMW F1 M12 Bravo ruclips.net/video/NmsCte3pF4w/видео.html
Turbo Hayabusa
ruclips.net/video/L0fhLasMogE/видео.html
TZR 500 2 stroke
ruclips.net/video/XhkZetCyaNs/видео.html
Honda CRV213-V
ruclips.net/video/n4G4qeKJwVA/видео.html
Why not test it against a 2022 wrx? It’s sad how slept on and purposely ignored the new wrx is considering how well it’s been doing.
We get videos of Elantra N vs STI as if they’re in the same class which is a joke, meanwhile the VB wrx is gapping the same STI’s
BuT tHE ClaDdiNg
Looks like someone bought a VB… 😂
It is horrendous mate
VB
the sti is typically in 1-2 classes above the brz and should be faster mod for mod. track layout can definitely change things
STI are the mountain climbing kings.
5:25 you act like you can’t add Hp yourself lol. Simple upgrades.
1:39 i dont get what these excuses for, just turn the goddamn wipers on. it's not bothering anyone though to be that meticulous.
Nice review. As a former STI owner, I wouldn’t recommend buying any of these cars used because of the ticking time bomb of an engine that is the EJ257. On top of that, unknown modifications really would give me pause. If you want an STI, better budget at least another 10k for an aftermarket forged short block from IAG. I was praying that it didn’t blow up on you during the test 😆
SavageGeese's latest video proves your point 😬
@@Zygrene I was a bit surprised to see an S209 that had revised strengthened pistons bite the dust. There’s obviously some inherent design flaw here (e.g. cylinder 4).
Sti is great on gravel and snow. Tarmac not so much
You must be thinking about the regular WRX that doesn't handle so well. The STI has front LSD, rear LSD, and also a driver controlled center diff, grips great on tarmac.
Have you driven an sti on tarmac? Thing rides like it’s on rails
surprised the sti didnt blow up
What a maroon. Have you been living under a rock? 😂 Heard about the RTV problem?
A quick scan in Google about the GR86 and BRZ came up with twenty+ articles.
@@01hafkee The sky is falling!
I'm surprised the STI still hasn't blown up yet........😄
I have 50K miles on it with 20+ track days and similar number of AutoXs. I think I might have hit the lottery!
Wait till you discover the EJ207, the real STI engine not what you have in the US ;)
No way the sti is better to drive unless you are on a loose surface
Definitely not as fun as a proper FR car in dry conditions, but much better than I expected. The STI badge isn't just for show
You gotta drive one to know one!
You must be thinking about the regular WRX which isn't as good handling. The video creator as a skilled driver immediately noticed the handling improvements of the STI with the front LSD, rear LSD, and DCCD compared to the regular WRX that is plain open diff like every basic car on the road.
@@tanmaysapkal I have
@@panderalexander no, I was talking about the sti with all the extras. thanks tho!
Had a 2017 STi for a year as my daily, got annoyed with the ride, the factory Si drive settings, the fuel economy, and the seating position. Sold it for a MK7 GTI, which made for a way better daily, then sold that for my GR86 when I had my third kid and needed a real family hauler for daily duties.
Now? I wish I had the STi back. Could haul a kid or two, more engaging motor, just swap in a Recaro seat, do some coilovers and a remote/pro tune and I'd definitely prefer that to the 86.
I am keeping that STI to haul babies as well! Just gotta find a real quiet exhaust now!
I'm definitely keeping my 2019 STI. It's the perfect Dad car. I can enjoy some spirited driving and use it as a practical sedan.
I’m trying to decide whether to go newer Sti or 2022 BRZ. It would be a weekend car as I have an F150. Also, I have a 9 month old so my girlfriend said the car I get has to have 4 seats (unfortunately ruled out Cayman S).
@@JaydenDonato One way or another, unless you or your girlfriend is REALLY short - I mean like 5'0" max, the GR86 and BRZ are two person cars. If a child is in the back on the passenger side, especially in a child seat as your 9 month old is, it's not possible to then fit someone in the front seat. If the car needs to be able to make a trip with all three of you, the GR86 and BRZ will not work.
@@adamleininger1387 That's good to know, appreciate the advice Adam!