2011 WRX performance potential

[babbagandu]

I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the 2011 WRX (non-STI). I don't know **** about the 08-10 model years because they are hatchbacks and I dislike hatchbacks so much that I did not even bother to read about the stats, but I know that for the 04-07 models the base WRX needs a decent bit of work to even get close to 300whp, and even then the transmissions can barely hold up.

I am wondering if anyone knows if the 2011 models are a more potent platform to work with. As in, could they be made faster than a 370z with boltons and tune? I know they start with 265hp right off the bat so I am thinking they may be a bit more responsive to mods?

[280z/300zx]

A stage 2 WRX should be a tad faster in a drag race and from a roll it should be pretty even. The WRX will get the advantage in a drag race due to it's AWD, which is why from a roll rather than beating the 370z it should be even. Stage 2 on a WRX is pretty similar to what a 370z puts down. Of course it depends on the type of dyno, but given the same dyno similar numbers are made. The 2011 WRX is pretty potent stock and it doesn't take much to make it go faster. The down side to the WRX compared to the STI is it has a weak tranny. In order to get good times out of the WRX you have to due some high rpm launches which typically blows out the tranny quickly. I mean it can handle a few launches during it's life but regular launching will have you needing a replacement very soon.

Back when I had my 06 WRX stage 1 I only ever launched once for fear of the tranny. However, even with a low rpm launch and clutch slip the WRX can get off the line quicker than most RWD cars or pretty equivalent. I remember back then my girlfriend had a C6 vette, automatic. My WRX would keep up till about 60mph and then she would just go flying by me. The one time I did launch I jumped about 2 cars at the start. Despite a some downsides to AWD I really enjoyed. Personally I like AWD over RWD. But you do have to drive, or should I say race, the car differently if you plan to have some fun on the street. Not that I condone street racing but I did have my fun back in the day. With the WRX if a car catches you in the wrong gear out of boost or if you don't get to prep your launch at a light your going to loose. Doesn't matter if the car is significantly slower than you. By the time you hit boost and start pulling the race is over. Definitely one plus side to the Z over a WRX, you have power no matter what rpm your at.

[nuTinmuch]

Originally Posted by babbagandu

I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the 2011 WRX (non-STI). I don't know **** about the 08-10 model years because they are hatchbacks and I dislike hatchbacks so much that I did not even bother to read about the stats, but I know that for the 04-07 models the base WRX needs a decent bit of work to even get close to 300whp, and even then the transmissions can barely hold up.

I am wondering if anyone knows if the 2011 models are a more potent platform to work with. As in, could they be made faster than a 370z with boltons and tune? I know they start with 265hp right off the bat so I am thinking they may be a bit more responsive to mods?

The transmission in the WRX isn't really that weak. It's pretty okay up until about 350 ft-lbs, afaik.

The thing you need to worry about in 07+ WRX/STIs is ringland failure. You'll get people telling you that it doesn't happen, or that it is actually because of insert thing here, but most shops will tell you that no one *really* knows what causes it, and while you can do your best to prevent it, if you get unlucky, you'll be dead in the water.

As far as mods go, I can't speak to the 09+ WRX, but on the 2.5 before then you'd likely have to spend some money to get to 300awhp. It'll still be cheaper than a non-FI car, but it isn't as cheap as an Evo.

Also, the suspension in the WRX feels sloppy, and while it might be okay for you, most people I know that downgraded/upgraded/whatever from WRX/STI land who were serious about handling had to dump thousands into the suspension to get it where they wanted it.