Are you familiar with the way Nissan underrated the GTR's power levels for years?

Yeah. I've stopped taking my Z out because it absolutely destroys my neck to try and fit in with my helmet on. It frustrates me that the seats can't be adjusted lower.

I think the Touring is even worse than the base due to all the motors.

Yeah due to the height of the roof on the EVO/STI, you are going to feel like you are in a truck regardless. It's the same reason why I laugh at the guys who drop their seats and they can barely see over the steering wheel.

Edmund has the WRX trapping at about 98mph. EVO @ 101. 2011 STI @97 and 2008 STI (old generation) at @102. It wouldn't surprirse me if you are right that the new wrx dynos the same as the STI. At the same time, I believe it is more due to the STI not putting down advertised power. If the WRX puts out 300 at the crank, it would trap 99-101.

Makes sense.
This stuff always becomes a mess when you try to sort it out, since there are so many variables. I had my WRX, and STI, and my Z all on the same dyno within minutes of each other. The WRX is rated at 265 at the crank, and it was laying ~250 to the wheels. On the same dyno, the Z was dropping ~265. The STI made about 255, but the curve was significantly peakier, due to the different turbo they run on it. To me, it's more likely the WRX is underrated (especially since you can't really get away with overrating anymore). The cars just trap low for their power levels due to the huge amount of drivetrain loss.

So then according to your dyno Nissan is lieing about 332HP on the Z? They must, that or you lost 67hp from the drivetrain. The rex can pull of such a good 1/4 mile because of the AWD thats all. These guys running low 13's like a Z can do is because there launching the hell out of the things.

I don't doubt you one bit. 265 seems low on the Z, but still within reasons as Nissan usually lose 16-20% from my prior experiences. The 250 seems slightly high as the car just isn't that fast for its power and weight, numbers don't add up. Judging from the trap speed and time, it is probably pulling 230-240, which is still more than the 260 that it is rated for. It is probably in between the 260-300 that hte STI is rated for at the engine.

Regardless, the WRX is not going to beat the Z at the track unless it is raining or snowing. It doesn't handle anywhere as good stock and it is down on power. It is not a bad car, just not at the same level. WRX=The Ultimate Plow Machine

lots of people do track them it seems like though. When I was selling my 06 Evo RS I had a guy call me who wanted to look at it that raced and had a WRX (older model like 02 or 03 I think) he never called back, I think he just wanted to see what the car had. Luckily I sold it online and didn't have a bunch of people wanting to test drive my car.

wrx not so much, STI yes. Trust me, most WRXs (the older style) are slow at the track or autox. They all have your usual wheel/intake/chip/exhaust and coilovers on it, yet I rarely see one that is actually fast. We always laugh at them because most of those guys can spend the money and upgrade to a STI and be done with it. The handling difference is HUGE compare the two, also the older ones had a smaller 2 liter motor that was more prone to turbo lag. I am not a big fan of the new STIs anyway, too many blown motors I have personally seen (5 so far).

EVO is a much faster car, but uglier in my opinion.

Most of the guys you'll see out there don't have a clue how to drive. The Z has a very low percentage of "true enthusiasts," relative to say, the s....but percentage-wise, it blows Subaru out of the water. I've seen maybe one or two dudes that can actually drive them. Speaking for myself (at best, mediocre driver), I'm faster in the Subaru on tight stuff. Anything where you get much over 80, it's no contest though.

Swapping the rear sway makes all the difference in these cars. Unfortunately, most people blow their money on other stuff and overlook it (or can't do it because they run stock class), but the understeer is the defining characteristic of subarus....you can get it manageable with just that minor mod.

I think you might be overestimating the handling difference between the cars though. On road, with equal tires, they're about the same. The rear LSD and slightly stiffer suspension help a bit, but it is not some huge difference like it was in 04-05.


Agree that the Evo is faster, no question. Just can't bring myself to drive one.

all my experiences were with the old one, never drove anything past the 09. they could have improved a lot, but a rear sway wasnt going to help the old one as they really werent anything close to the sti

you might be right that the wrx are stuck with the bad drivers, but the sti always get the good ones. but then they are so easy to drive, i think my wife can drive fast in it

If we are ever at summit at the same time, you should take the Rex out for a spin.

i will do summit main again, probably have to skip out on shenandoah,, its wqay too harsh on the car. i will check out the new wrx and see how they are. i honestly havent seen too many around the clubs i hang with.

It is only the carousel that is harsh, you can always take the inside or outside line if you don't want to beat up the car.

i cant save myself from anything. i know if i am there, the car will go into that caroussel straight on

I know what you mean, I wouldn't be able to resist either, LOL.