jgriff

I have been contemplating trading/selling my TTRQ for a variety of reasons none of which have to do with my fondness for the TT. I really do find the car to be great and through it, have met a number of fine individuals. But I thought a more "practical" car might be in line, and if a car can be too nice, then the TT is. So I went to the WRX dealer today and took a little spin in an 02 WRX. I think most on the board would agree that it is pretty much a butt ugly car, but I like quirkiness enough that it almost looks good to me. The quality and fit and finish is nowhere near the Audi, so it does not even merit analysis. Suffice it to say that the quirky exterior is expressed on the interior as well. But I can live with that, I certainly would not get upset when one of my sons spills a Coke on the carpet. What I was really interested in was how it drove and performed compared to the TT. This car wieghs about the same as our tubby TT's so the power to wt ratio is similar (227hp) so not suprisingly the acceleration is very similar. Having a slightly larger displacement helped with low end torque, but you pretty much drive it like the TT. The 5 speed gear box offered up enough gear choices on my short drive and the optional short shifter was nice, a little heavier than the TT but satifyingly accurate. The spring rates and shocks are much softer than my HR/Bilsiten setup and probably a little softer than stock TT. Nose dive, though not significant, seemed worse than I remember my stock setup. The handling is pretty darn good, with too much power assist boost for me the steering is a little light (minor quibble) and with some better shocks would be very good for car that size. The passive 4 wheel steering is pretty neat, it apparently kicks in to compensate for the understeering nature of the car, and works quite well, almost like power induced oversteer. Brakes seem up to the task although I did not try them out hard. Overall I think this car could be modded up to be a great street and track performer, and some better tires (lousey Potenza REO92's) but you have to get over the bargin basement interior and funky exterior. Get rid of that spoiler, and keep the stock body, silver body color, chip, Proxis T1S', bilstiens, H&R....and look out TT's this car will eat you up.

NASA racer

be a bummer to get a Scoobie WRX and then watch as the STi and EVO leave it in the dust.

hoTTub

be one of few that actually like the looks of the WRX, no dont get me wrong, it is not going to get any design awards, but it does have a *look* about it that I find appealing. Maybe it is the Rallye car look hiding underneath <shrugs>

Bluto

Why not look at a TT coupe? Tons of space especially w/seats down, and your son would fit quite nicely in the back seat :-)

Bluto

concur, I would go w/a WRX sports wagon as a second car in a second!

hoTTub

I would go for the sedan but I smell what you are steppin in!

Bluto

WORD!

seaTTym

I like the look of the WRX as well. Don't take the wing off, just order one w/o it. A friend of mine in Utah ordered his that way w/ the SS.

A stock WRX is faster than a stock 225TT. Both the butt dyno and magazine reviews confirm this. It handles fine, but does have more body roll than the TT. The AWD drive system may not be as sophisticated as the TT's, but Suburu has been building them for a very long time w/ great results.

EighTT

NYET!

TTigg

<img src="http://images.fotki.com/v1/photos/1/11117/86238/catalunya01_markko_martin-or.jpg">

There is just something about rally cars that appeals to me. I dont think it would cost a lot to get a STI to look and perform well.

However, top down, 60-70 degrees, nothing can top that (if you pardon the pun!)