STi or C5 Vette?

[StryfeS13]

So I have about ~20K to spend and I'm looking for a newer car.

I have been considering an STi or a C5 Vette.

I've found one STi locally that has 130k miles on it...is that a lot for an H4 engine? I really have never worked on any H4's besides those in Honda Goldwings.

wrx sti

And as for the vette...I want one because the engine is so simplistic and easy to work on, with minimal mods you get great power, looks bad ass...etc..but I test drove that STi and fell in love immediately.

Pretty much is 15.5k too much for that STi with that mileage, and what other cars are worth mentioning in my price range? I was considering an FR-S but the performance is really lacking IMO...can't think of many other newer cars that are even appealing besides these 3.

[towlie]

Hmm no evo??

[Hanzi]

Originally Posted by towlie

Hmm no evo??

this made my night. The evo has to be black. LMAO

[Bambi]

STi is great and it's practical. But why not the WRX? Especially if you plan on modifying the car. Save yourself some money, at least for parts and or insurance, etc.

As for the Vette, I worked at Chevy before and met maybe one or two cool Vette owners. The rest were douche bags, people who bought the car just because "omg vetta, 'MERICA!," 'trophy wives, and very old dudes. Can't stand most of those people. Almost as bad as Camaro owners. And trust me, while the engine may be "simple," at least more so than the WRX's.

I've sat in and driven many vettes. Of most generations too. They're interiors, well, Chevy's interiors wear and tear very quickly and all the switches go bad quickly too. By the way, I'm a pretty short-ish guy and the car still feels a bit small. So if your near or more than 6 foot it's by no means a comfortable car to be in for a long time.

WRX's are very fun, have a HUGE community and aftermarket support, many shops that work on them, and the dealership around my area alone are known to be very welcoming and friendly to their WRX customers.

1 vote for STi/WRX

[StryfeS13]

Originally Posted by towlie

Hmm no evo??

Idk man. Something about an evo screams "chick car" to me. But I like a few.

Originally Posted by Bambi

STi is great and it's practical. But why not the WRX? Especially if you plan on modifying the car. Save yourself some money, at least for parts and or insurance, etc.

As for the Vette, I worked at Chevy before and met maybe one or two cool Vette owners. The rest were douche bags, people who bought the car just because "omg vetta, 'MERICA!," 'trophy wives, and very old dudes. Can't stand most of those people. Almost as bad as Camaro owners. And trust me, while the engine may be "simple," at least more so than the WRX's.

I've sat in and driven many vettes. Of most generations too. They're interiors, well, Chevy's interiors wear and tear very quickly and all the switches go bad quickly too. By the way, I'm a pretty short-ish guy and the car still feels a bit small. So if your near or more than 6 foot it's by no means a comfortable car to be in for a long time.

WRX's are very fun, have a HUGE community and aftermarket support, many shops that work on them, and the dealership around my area alone are known to be very welcoming and friendly to their WRX customers.

1 vote for STi/WRX.

Why take the WRX over the STI? Sorry..I'm a 240 guy at heart and I have never really researched a lot about the Subaru's. And is the 130k mileage alot for the EJ?

Yeah..I'm 6'5". Dunno if I'd fit in the Vette.

[Bambi]

Originally Posted by StryfeS13

Idk man. Something about an evo screams "chick car" to me. But I like a few.



Why take the WRX over the STI? Sorry..I'm a 240 guy at heart and I have never really researched a lot about the Subaru's. And is the 130k mileage alot for the EJ?

Yeah..I'm 6'5". Dunno if I'd fit in the Vette.

There's very slight differences between the two to justify buying an STi. For one, the STi does have a larger turbo BUT that comes with extra turbo lag. I really, really recommend you do something as simple as "(whatever year) STi vs. WRX" and you'll find threads upon threads of comparssions and reasons why to get one over the other. Just pick the one that suits you.


As far as miles goes, these engines can be extremely reliable with care and maintenance. Just as with any car it depends on how the owner took care of it.

[BrownDogg]

Originally Posted by Bambi

There's very slight differences between the two to justify buying an STi. For one, the STi does have a larger turbo BUT that comes with extra turbo lag. I really, really recommend you do something as simple as "(whatever year) STi vs. WRX" and you'll find threads upon threads of comparssions and reasons why to get one over the other. Just pick the one that suits you.


As far as miles goes, these engines can be extremely reliable with care and maintenance. Just as with any car it depends on how the owner took care of it.

I have to chime in here. you are definitely wrong about the differences being slight from a WRX to an STI. Im not going to go into all the differences but I cant definitely say the STI is worth it if you can afford one over a WRX.

Per the original question. I would go with the STI over a Corvette. Corvette is an older persons car and more grown up. If you want a fun, young car. Get the Subaru.

The two cars really do not compare. That STI is an amazingly fun car and for the mods and condition it looks to be in I would say $15K is a fair price on it.

[ForeignMuscle]

Originally Posted by BrownDogg

If you want a fun, young car. Get the Subaru.

The two cars really do not compare. That STI is an amazingly fun car and for the mods and condition it looks to be in I would say $15K is a fair price on it.

Where the fuck are you morons coming from.

A "fun young car"....

Yea vettes are boring. Slow. and you feel old driving them.

Btw, 15k is a fucking joke for the car the OP spoke of. Did you notice the mileage?

[WanganRunner]

Originally Posted by StryfeS13

Idk man. Something about an evo screams "chick car" to me. But I like a few.

Never heard that one before.

I'm not sure who said it, but STi's also understeer MORE than Evos from the factory, at least any Evo with AYC. The STi's entirely mechanical AWD system grips through corners whereas an Evo, when driven hard (again with AYC) will employ a very mild controlled slide.

Having been a WRX owner I will confirm that the 5MT is garbage. Get an STi with the 6MT or forget about it.


Find either a C5 Z06 or a normal C5 that someone has supercharged, either can be had for $20k.

A blown C5 is going to be in a different universe than an STi.

[towlie]

??^ I was serious lol

Never been a fan of sti's. don't like the motor and the inherent understeer. Vettes are chill but they seem to come with a stigma of douchebaggery. My opinion here, fellas.

Fr-s are insanely awesome but I agree on low hp. On those I'd wait and see what the aftermarket coughs up for power solutions.

That leaves.. Newer 350z, maybe 370, evo, maybe s2k?

I'd go with the evo

[StryfeS13]

Originally Posted by towlie

??^ I was serious lol

Never been a fan of sti's. don't like the motor and the inherent understeer. Vettes are chill but they seem to come with a stigma of douchebaggery. My opinion here, fellas.

Fr-s are insanely awesome but I agree on low hp. On those I'd wait and see what the aftermarket coughs up for power solutions.

That leaves.. Newer 350z, maybe 370, evo, maybe s2k?

I'd go with the evo

350z is outta the picture. 370z maybe, I'll have to look at them. S2K I'll consider..

[InsTanCeZ]

evo understeers more than sti from what ive heard, but either way if you tune it properly it shouldn't be a problem

[towlie]

Chick car lol I have never heard that about an evo. Vw YES, lancer maybe, evolution is mans car.

Subarus can take tons of mileage as long as you keep the drivetrain/awd system serviced.. That's always the first to go, 220k is nothing new

If you're a 240 man at heart I'd go with the mitsu!! The motor is so similar to an sr

[InsTanCeZ]

STi's are cool but I prefer RWD cars, they're just more fun to drive.

[OrangeVirus1]

How about a Mazdaspeed 6? I swear they are a freaking blast to drive and hug the road like a train on tracks. yes they are heavy and feel heavy, but with some HP mods they Freaking fly, and the drivetrain can hold over 500whp without any issues as long as you replace the stock rods and stock mounts.

They are AWD 2.3 Turbo disi and sell for like 11-12k. that + 5k in mods and you have 400whp easily and still get around 22-25mpg

not only that but they are totally sleeper.. look like a common car, and they are rare. but their awd is awesome. Also you can shut off the awd when you want to and just go fwd for extra MPG

[KiLLeR2001]

WRX/STi pretty relax and chill group of people. I have a few friends with Subies. Vette owners? Not so much. Another friendly community from what I've seen is the NSX guys.

[InsTanCeZ]

^^^ Yeah I was gonna say NSX, but idk if the newer ones are still in your price range?

[OrangeVirus1]

Also btw I think the WRX special edition ( or what ever it's called the better looking one ) comes with an STI turbo.

[booey13]

Don't quote me on it but if I remember correctly the sti's had beefier drivetrains

[OrangeVirus1]

Originally Posted by booey13

Don't quote me on it but if I remember correctly the sti's had beefier drivetrains

true. the wrx drivetrains are made of glass.


Another thing to the STi, they literally have a Horsepower button/dial. You can choose between like economy mode, street mode, sport mode etc and the boost goes up with each.


Economy mode vs sport mode is like a minivan vs a STi lol

[Bambi]

Originally Posted by booey13

Don't quote me on it but if I remember correctly the sti's had beefier drivetrains

AH yes, they're transmissions handle abuse better. Only lot of people wish they had made the regular 5 speed plus a 6th because the STi's 6 speed gear ratios aren't very liked. But the WRX's 5 speed is loved- just more fragile and no 6th gear for freeway cruising.

[OrangeVirus1]

Another thing to the STi ( at least the 2012 one my friend has ) you can adust the Transfer case/ differential for a bunch of different stuff electronically. just some buttons make the ride different from a comfy car to a rally machine

[ForeignMuscle]

Bambi, your talkin' straight shit.

I'm 6'3" and I fit in c5 and c6's with room to spare.

Switches go out quickly.. WTF? Are you just a shop tech or how many vettes have you owned? We can compare if you'd like. My girlfriend also has an 06 Trailblazer SS with over 100k miles that still smells new, drives new, and all the switches work like new..

Interior wears? I can show a picture of 3 or 4 c5's and a couple c6's with mileage racking up and perfect interior. 240sx interior falls apart. Not a vettes.

Oh and the owners are douchebags. Real great reason to not buy a car...

OP, the two cars you listed are in different leagues.

You need to be looking at c5 zo6's. I know of several nice locals for around that price.

Have you actually driven a vette yet? It is not like anything else you will ever drive again. You have to decide what you're looking for though. Wanting one of these two just doesn't make sense. Either you want a vette or you want a 4 door sedan..

[OrangeVirus1]

Originally Posted by ForeignMuscle

Oh and the owners are douchebags. Real great reason to not buy a car...

I can personally account that unless you like to drive alone, keep to yourself and never go to car events.. IT FUCKING SUCKS to be part of a crowd of assholes.

Just join the mazdaspeed Douchebag community and find out.You could have a badass car, c5 twin turbo 1000HP but man when you are around nothing but assholes who have their own head shoved so far up their ass and talk down to your car... it makes you switch.

The craziest thing is the nicest chillest people I met owned NISSANS AND HONDAS.. WTF RIGHT? honda? ricer? no I have met alot of really chill honda owners.
Not even going to lie, I bought a 240sx after meeting with some of the Nissan people here, and they were super chill, super nice, and gave me ZERO SHIT about me choosing the RB20 engine If I was gonna get a 240sx. They said that's cool man leme know if you need any help, hit us up at our shop you're welcome to come in.

but if you buy a sick ass car and everyone around is like " shoulda done that" " oh why you turbo bro you should of supercharged and NOS for mad powa" look at my Corvette I have a small dick ( lol )

[StryfeS13]

Originally Posted by ForeignMuscle

You need to be looking at c5 zo6's. I know of several nice locals for around that price.

Have you actually driven a vette yet? It is not like anything else you will ever drive again. You have to decide what you're looking for though. Wanting one of these two just doesn't make sense. Either you want a vette or you want a 4 door sedan..

Nah I haven't driven one yet. What do you mean it's not like anything else I will ever drive again?

Originally Posted by coupesallday!

I'd get a scion frs or brz. Heck even a Hyundai genesis coupe

I wanted to but I'm the type of person that needs some power and the frs/brz does not have that. A stock 240sx is faster I swear. I'll check out the genesis.

[ForeignMuscle]

Originally Posted by StryfeS13

Nah I haven't driven one yet. What do you mean it's not like anything else I will ever drive again?

It's a nearly 50/50 distributed car. Super light weight. Handles like nothing I've ever been in (outside of a couple rear engine cars I've driven) The LS engine is, in fact, my opinion for the best engine produced no matter what you plan on doing.

You get around 28mpg, yet still have plenty of power (345hp for c5's depending on year and of course 405hp for the Z) The t56 6 speed is the way to go if you like rowing gears.

The interior is awesome in my opinion. Very comfortable.

As far as durability goes, I don't know why I even have to explain it. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. The LS engines just don't stop, period. And the rest of the corvette is equally well built.

If you need any in depth info on the vette just shoot me a pm. I would be glad to help.

BTW, this is coming from an Subie lover who is currently helping out a friend who is interested in buying a brand new STI. Like I said though, they are in two different leagues.

[1988montecarloss]

Originally Posted by ForeignMuscle

Bambi, your talkin' straight shit.

I'm 6'3" and I fit in c5 and c6's with room to spare.

Switches go out quickly.. WTF? Are you just a shop tech or how many vettes have you owned? We can compare if you'd like. My girlfriend also has an 06 Trailblazer SS with over 100k miles that still smells new, drives new, and all the switches work like new..

Interior wears? I can show a picture of 3 or 4 c5's and a couple c6's with mileage racking up and perfect interior. 240sx interior falls apart. Not a vettes.

Oh and the owners are douchebags. Real great reason to not buy a car...

OP, the two cars you listed are in different leagues.

You need to be looking at c5 zo6's. I know of several nice locals for around that price.

Have you actually driven a vette yet? It is not like anything else you will ever drive again. You have to decide what you're looking for though. Wanting one of these two just doesn't make sense. Either you want a vette or you want a 4 door sedan..

x2 on what this guy says, im 6 feet and fit in my buddies c5 z06 with PLENTY of room to spare, his has 70k on it and looks like new in and out....

its also a lot faster than our friends 06 STI and gets better mileage.

and its rear wheel drive, this is zilvia for fucks-sake, not some namby pamby awd understeering loving forum

all that being said, get whatever you want, if you need something more practical that can fit more than 2 people get an STI if you dont need something practical and youre buying something just for how it drives get either a modded base C5 or a C5 z06

[KiLLeR2001]

Also, 2004 is the bastard child for the STi. They made a lot of key upgrades for the 2005 model. I was having this discussion with my friend who owns an '05 STi the other day.

[Bambi]

You're right, I've only seen, been in, and driven a shit ton of them myself among all the other pieces of crap Chevy makes. My bad bro, my bad.
Also I would like to say Corvette owners are douchebags. The majority of them. All of the Corvette-specific techs. at Chevy hated them and having to hear from the owners/customers was a nightmare for them.

I honestly do not understand why you're comparing it to an old Nissan other than to somehow be hopeful somebody defends a 240sx's interior. lol

[OrangeVirus1]

Originally Posted by Bambi

I honestly do not understand why you're comparing it to an old Nissan other than to somehow be hopeful somebody defends a 240sx's interior. lol

I would without a doubt defend that the 240sx interior is the fastest fall-apart interior of any car I have ever owned. ever. even my old ass beat up eclipse didn't even have ripped seats