Automotive News Discussion

[G.Irish]

So you think the Mustang GT and STi compete for the same potential buyers cold hard cash?

Yep, they are both cars I have looked at buying in the past.

When STi's first came to the US (in 04), they were pretty good performance bargains. 300 hp in a light-ish AWD car made it faster and handle better than the mustang gt (or mach 1 for that matter) at the time. I think fully loaded versions of both cars were just above 30k at that time.

Now, the subaru still has the same amount of power, it costs more, it's slower, heavier and probably doesn't handle as well as a mustang gt. Not to mention the motors aren't particularly reliable, stock or modded.

Subaru seriously needs to step up its game with the STi. It just doesn't compete in the 30-40k performance market anymore. I realize that they are still useful for bad weather and such, but so was the 04 model and it was a good competitor in the 30-40k performance market of the time.

^^^ Perfectly explains my feelings on the STi ^^^

The game has moved on, and Subaru simply hasn't. The Mustang has improved massively, to the point where it weighs almost the same as the STi, has far more power, and handles pretty well. The Camaro is also a very potent competitor in that price range. The Z got lighter and got more power (even if it can't stop...). Even the Hyundai Genesis is making 300 hp (even if it is extremely overweight).

The STi is just no longer a performance bargain, and it's not even improving much over previous generations. On top of that, we don't get the hatchback in the STi or regular WRX trims.

Would I cross shop a STi with a Mustang or Camaro? If I didn't need 4 doors, absolutely. Actually, I probably wouldn't cross shop them because the STi is no longer competitive performance-wise.

I was ready to buy another WRX hatchback or a STi hatch but count me out for now.