2.5L STi to E Series GTS

[Zombee]

Hey All,

I currently have a MY07 STi, my last ride was a VX GTS. I'm looking for opinions from anyone who has gone from a 2.5L STi to an E-Series HSV, in particular the GTS. Looking for pros and cons that you've found between the two. I've heard alot about the new VE being light years ahead of the VT-VZ and may be tempted to have a look at the new HSV's again when trade in time comes around.

Not interested in this turning into a flame war over the whole Rex v HSV thing. So please, just constructive comments!! Thanks

Cheers
Zombee:)

[whitels1ss]

Would be interesting to see the same question answered on a Subaru Forum?
Hey as you said there are pros and cons for both. I recon it is really up to what you prefer to drive and nothing else. If we used all the pros and cons and logic to decide we would all be driving some sort of boring little hybrid.
I prefer a larger V8 rear wheel drive car but that is just what I am used to and what I like. I hate the sound of and the ride of the REX.
Good luck in your decision.

[Carby]

What do you prefer? A fast, good handling, bland looking small AWD, or a fast, good handling, tough looking large RWD? Work that out and you have your answer.

[Zombee]

I hear what you say - but it's difficult to make a descision based on a 15 minute test drive of a new GTS, that's why I'm interested in listening to those who have actually done the change. They've been driving it in the real world for awhile and can tell me more than a test drive could.

Cheers
Zombee:)

[Gump]

Zombee,

I had a 2.5L Forester that was modified with a GT3040 turbo and the works basically. Made 280kw's at4w's and was a great car to drive. Sold it and purchased a new A6 VE GTS which I drive daily and all I can say is that I will never go back to a 4cyl. The VE has come forward in leaps and bounds from the VX and the 6L is a gem. Plenty of torque on tap and the drive is great. I've had no issue with the GTS apart from a leak in the water resevoir bottle and with 12,000k's on the clock has not missed a beat.

No turning back once you have owned one.

Cheers and good luck.

[Uwish]

Zombee,

I'm the same as GUMP.
I have come from a HIGHLY modded WRX 2.5 with PLENTY of power. ( 331kw atw )
I am picking up my E series R8 on Tuesday.
I can't wait, I still remember the test drive. I also remember saying how much better the E-Series is over
the Subaru. Do it mate. I know alot of Subbie owners are starting to see the light!
Also look at the new FPV range that is about to come out!

[CSP]

Pros: It's not jap crap.
Cons: It's not a Ferrari.

[emg]

Pros: It's not jap crap.
Cons: It's not a Ferrari.


awesome post from a validated member.

[FANG IT 350]

damn thats easy the gts for sure,the new subies look absolutey hiddious,the newer they are making them the crappier they look:spew: i dont mind the older version of the rexie not that id ever buy one,ls1 s :)rule.

[Clutch22]

Pros: It's not jap crap.
Cons: It's not a Ferrari.

I would put "It's not a Ferrari" in the Pros section

Ferraris are for cashed up homos.

But on the GTS question, take it for a test drive. Believe me, you WILL decide what's better just by the test drive. When I take people out in the GTS or any HSV I make the trip more than 15 minutes. I took one guy out and didn't get back for 45 minutes. I figure, you're spending 85k on a car, why should you just get 15 minutes to decide?

If you don't decide whether it's a better car or not on the test drive, stick to your Rex. You should know 5 minutes into the trip.

Once you put your foot down, and you hear, and feel that big bad motor, you'll know ;)

[Uwish]

Clutch, Why are Exotics for cashed up homos?

Does that mean you are putting my brother into this "HOMO" category?
Hope not. Doesn't own a fezza though, but a Murci.
As I said Vombee. Drive the GTS and you'll make up your mind very quickly

[Clutch22]

Clutch, Why are Exotics for cashed up homos?

Does that mean you are putting my brother into this "HOMO" category?
Hope not. Doesn't own a fezza though, but a Murci.
As I said Vombee. Drive the GTS and you'll make up your mind very quickly

I didn't say exotics, I said Ferrari.

I haven't got a bad word to say about Lamborginis. Have you seen the Reventon? -drools-...

I just hate Ferraris. I think the amount of money you pay for a car like that is beyond justification. I had a customer throw down an additional $15,000 to get his Maloo modified by a local custom shop, and it rolled out being quicker than that Skudo-thingy whatever it's called.

I mean, if I pay quarter mil for a car, it damn well better be the fastest thing on the road.

Also, I just think they look like a car that says "I wear Gucci, Versace, have croc skin boots, and go for regular facials." Whereas a lamborghini has more of a "Yep, you're damn right I'm fast" persona about it.

I suppose it comes down to "What does your car say about you?"

[AFAR]

No matter how much the VE has improved over the previous models.
Your STi is still going to be.
- a better handling car
-a less 'clunky' drive
-a less big 'feel'.

If you were to be concerned about these changes, i would stick with the STi.
It's not like you feel 'out dated' rolling around in an 07 STi right?...... right!!?


I know someone who has made the change from a 230KW (ATW) wrx to the new SS-V.
Im not going to say which he prefers (his business), but he hasn't had one complaint about his new ride... this is a lower spec car to a GTS. Things can only look promising?

Guys keep to the topic.
The guy isn't after an Enzo or Merci..

[CS1234]

its a very difficult question as your comparing a small car to a large car.
so there will be alot to think about.
If you were comparing say a liberty and a gts then that would be different.
Like everyone else has said, go for a test drive in the GTS and then compare them.

good luck with the choice

[NefariousVX]

personally i think you will know within the first 15 min test drive and if your not sure then tell them you want another drive, its not like your a tyre kicker you are actually very interested, so they shouold accomadate you

[Uwish]

STIs are CLUNKY POS Same as WRXs.
They are still, rattle BUT they handle.

LOL to most of you that comment on sti/wrx. Who has owned one?

[AFAR]

I have a WRP10 in my household that i drive every now and then.
It's nowhere near as clunky as any of the holden/hsv m6 boxes.

[VIPER6]

I've driven plenty of Subies, a lot of WRXs.

Would you be interested to know the opinions of a VE Senator driver?

:p

[chris]

Pros: It's not jap crap.
Cons: It's not a Ferrari.

No really:jester:

[LJCHSV]

Please boys, dont get me wrong as i love mt hsv's as much as the next bloke but out of all the cars i've had....the 04 STI i had was the one i had the most fun in.......hmmmm or was it the Maloo R8 with the blower on it........i guess what i loved most about the STI was that turbo rush....and i thought the build quality was heaps better then ANY of the Holdens that i've owned.....do i miss the STI....you bet....would i get another 1....no i wouldnt as im not in that age bracket anymore and like to be taken seriously when i roll up to job site or clients office.....once again...not bagging HSV's as i have a new Maloo on order and still have a deposit down for a GTS/R...if it ever comes to fruition(hope thats how you spell it).....if it doesnt..i'll be getting a GTS or biting the bullet and getting something European.


Cheers

[Uwish]

I have a WRP10 in my household that i drive every now and then.
It's nowhere near as clunky as any of the holden/hsv m6 boxes.

You need to drive a wrx or STI with the 6spd! Cluncky!!!

But super strong.:bow:

[sandmanls1]

while I have only driven the first gen 3 door sti (nearly understeered off the road at the 1st corner after being used to rwd cars) I have driven the 6 speed manual Liberty Spec B 3.0R which is the same box as the Sti. I would call it notchy but not clunky. Clunky is the six speed manual in the R8...

[ryno]

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that if your trading your current STI is that you wont get the same type of vehicle in the new shape.

Sure it has STI on the back but the dynamics have changed as subaru has shifted focus on its ride.. I haven't driven a new STI but have belted the WRX and would by the last model any day..

Just a thought as you may find the GTS more race orientated..

[Zombee]

Cheers for the feedback chaps... I'm mainly interested in the handling of the new VE. We all know we can make good power out of both cars. My GTS was tuned as is my STi, both quick - but the GTS handling was nowhere near my STi (to be expected though), that's why I'm interested in the new VE as the reviews seem to say the handling is vastly improved. I know that a heavy car is never going to feel quite as nimble as a lighter car.

Thanks again

Cheers
Zombee:)

[eldan89]

personally i think you will know within the first 15 min test drive and if your not sure then tell them you want another drive, its not like your a tyre kicker you are actually very interested, so they shouold accomadate you

Personally I would go for another much longer testdrive, if the dealer won't let you do it go to another dealer. The second time around don't just go for the typical tyre kicker thrash, take the car through some car parks and tight spaces and see how you like it compared to the wrx. We have an E-series and it is a fantastic car, but after you have been driving a smaller car for a while you really notice its size in smaller spaces. I'm not saying don't buy one for that reason, but just keep that in mind.

[Gump]

The GTS has the MRC which in that mode stiffens up the suspension and makes it much more aggressive on the road.Even in std trim I have found the GTS to be an exceptionally good handling car. Horses for courses but you will not get the tight and nimble handling of the STI in the GTS. Its a big car with great all round performance and handling. The quality of the build is good but not to the std of european, but then again for $70k on the road your not going to get that unless in a Euro car and unless you fork out over $120k.

Made my decision pretty easy when I stacked up all the pro's and con's

[skippy2000]

STIs are CLUNKY POS Same as WRXs.
They are still, rattle BUT they handle.

LOL to most of you that comment on sti/wrx. Who has owned one?
Had a slightly modded wrx had the coilovers etc
Now in VE SS AND LOVING IT ...
Ill give the wrx one thing it will out handle me ss in the s bends but hey like i said it had coilovers etc I might re comment when i do the suspension the the ve...

[clubbie]

Skippy

Two year old thread mate.

[PARTY]

I have had a WRX, it was an excellent car, but quite frankly the only time I really miss it, is when its raining and I just want to go straight!

[Delft Maloo]

Well i traded my 07 ve ss in on an 09 wrx hatch, the wrx handles better, goes better, is better on fuel and better build quality.

[nang3]

we've got an 09 VE SV6 and had an 03 WRX at the same time for a while.. i know its not a GTS but the size difference and weight was huge !!!
same with WRX vs my F6 ... the local sedans just feel twice the size and weight which is not noticeable unless stepping straight from 1 to the other, then the wrx really feels nimble and throwable.. which it is !!

i think your Sti will probably feel quicker than the GTS as well, definitely handle better but the GTS torque will feel very very nice in comparison... GTS will also be much more comfortable but if our experiences are anything to go by you will miss the build quality of the scooby compared to the VE

[dawkinsdisciple]

have driven 3 x wrx's
all were MY1998-99
fast nimble small
have driven a few V8's inc VE Not gts
I prefer my SSV over the small, quick old wrx's , would only imagine 6.2l manual GTS to be freaking sweet
you either prefer big V8 sedans or you don't
and the VE has more or less been declared by the media at least to be the best V8 holden made...
so yep, do it

[Zombee]

Decision has been made. My new house has just been completed and I had 3 garages built (one for the missus, 2 for me)

So the STi is staying and I'll be getting a V8 for the other garage. Which V8?, not sure. Atm it's a toss up between a E-Series 6.2 GTS, Senator or Grange.

Cheers
Zombee:)

[HEKYEH]

Took your time to decide..... :P

[Zombee]

Yeah! this thread is an old one! decision was made ages ago, but dawkinsdisciple fired up the thread again so I thought I'd say what's happened

Cheers
Zombee:)

[Martin_D]

Check the MY10 WRX, $39,000 drive away brand new with warranty, and strong mid 13 second 0-400m performance stock. I think it was Motors BFYB king last year. We have one in the fleet its been a cracker....and its not small or stiffly sprung :)

The MY09 - 10 WRX has the VF52 turbocharger, same as the MY08+ STi, so it also has potential with just a tune, 12 second car and Japanese build quality :cool:

[iloveholden]

I have had a WRX, it was an excellent car, but quite frankly the only time I really miss it, is when its raining and I just want to go straight!

But sideways is way more fun! :burnout:

[Jarhead]

You would need to have rocks in your head to buy a current STi considering Mitsubishi make the EVO X.

[Atra]

What about the new Ford coyote coming soon, may as well measure that in as an option? Also, sounds like your keeping the STI, what about a v8 ute?

[jescam]

But sideways is way more fun! :burnout:

But a lot slower! ;)


You would need to have rocks in your head to buy a current STi considering Mitsubishi make the EVO X.

Have you driven both back to back to re-inforce your comment?

[Uwish]

Evo 9 is th epick, just old now.
New STi is meant to be pretty good. Well that is the talk.
maybe sell both and buy an R35 gtr

[dawkinsdisciple]

as he said, decision has been made;
what was/is it in the end? If i could have the pick with any it'd have to be one of the manual 6.2l E1's they released, SV08 i think it was...
that'd be fantastic...