JIG_999 Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Debate! Debate! I am torn, I need you guy's to help me! I was going to buy a Subaru WRX Turbo but then at the last moment thought I'd check out the R32. It is obvious that the WRX STI (2.5L 300 bhp) will kick the R32's ass, but I've also heard that the stock WRX (2.0L 227 bhp) will also beat the mighty R32's 3.2L 6 cylinders! Apparently the stock WRX comes in at a tasty 5.5 sec's 0-60 where the R32 is around 6.5. What do I do, buy and STI that costs about the same as an R32 or save more than $7,000 on a stock WRX turbo? Help me please....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Hi ! 0-60 in a straight line I think the WRX probably has the advantage, but then go around a corner !! A big motoring show in the UK did laptimes around their test track and it showed the R32 at 3 seconds per lap quicker than the WRX R32 WRX oh, and the interior of the R32 kicks the WRX big time ! happy days, have fun making the choice !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudge Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Hi Jig & welcome to TsN. Before anyone goes mad, can we have some love here guys!! My response, well I think the cars are totally different. The Scooby has more scope to improve its power obvioulsy, but I didn't think the stock WRX would do the do against the R32. Top Gear tracked both & the R32 won by a fair amount IIRC. My honest opinion would be to go STi, but then that's a mad mad car!! I followed one up the A12 last week, until he dropped down a gear. I kept up, if you call a 100 yard gap keeping up!!! He was modded beyond a standard STi too, but you could tell there was a lot left in that beast. I think the R32 has a different appeal. Hence the previous arguements here. I've never driven a scooby in any guise, but I did look at them whilst my R32 was on order. As I do a fair amount of driving I decided the refinement of the Golf was more my arena. Good luck either way though! Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIG_999 Posted February 3, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Thanks for info. I know that the R32 is awesome inside, I've seen it at the Philadelphia Motorshow. It isn't necessarily the interior that concerns me. The UK WRX has a lower spec to the US WRX. The UK stock WRX is 217 bhp; the US spec is 227b bhp. 217 bhp will bring the lap speed down, slightly! Also, lap times are dependant on conditions - I reckon the WRX would beat the R32 in the wet! This is it's sweetspot, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gti_Fly Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 I think the guys have pretty much answered spot on. I haven't driven a WRX etc, but I don't think the R32 could be compared in terms of outright point to point quickness. The R32 is definatly a great all round package, nice interior, great engine, handling, etc.. great long term ownership prospect too. Not to say the WRX won't be too. The WRX is most definatly gonna provide quicker and more intense feedback, as im sure its a great drivers car! It's a rally bred machine, which has proven history. I think with many R32 owners, we love the whole package of our cars, everything has been brought together in one car that makes us love the R so much. I couldn't buy a WRX just on a few (I dont mean to offend in anyway here..) reasons. Interior not so classy, and an image which appeals to youngsters, or the PS2 generation. Both great cars no doubt. I'd say get the Subaru if you're after a great base car to start modify.. nothing else would touch you on the road! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLOCK Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 oh did anybody mention that a wrx sounds compared to the R32 . ive driven my mates wrx and tbh other than the speed i cannot see another reason to buy one, plus in uk guise it feels real sluggish up to the boost zone which didnt seem to be that big either. each to there own tho plus it only costs a grand to make the R32 280bhp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIG_999 Posted February 3, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 I think that the Fly Guy has hit the nail on the head and raised some good points! Both are great cars but it probably comes down to personal choice. Isn't the VW a little over priced though? I think that the "STOCK" WRX has superior performance to the "STOCK" R32; however, the R32 has an overall better package around the interior and probably styling..... .....but, so it should for more than $7000 extra!!! A lot to pay for heated seats, etc???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riz Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 R32 Riz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daved Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 In the wet,!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The R32's Haldex system is far superior to the subaru, in the wet the R32 would see it off. Subaru is a good car, great backup dealership, reliable, but is a touch boyracer, long term for fun and depreciation it would have to be the VW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 [ QUOTE ] The R32's Haldex system is far superior to the subaru, in the wet the R32 would see it off. [/ QUOTE ] Not true I'm afraid, the R32 is front biased whilst the WRX has full time 50/50 4wd, the WRX will offer better traction and less tendency to understeer, although the WRX still understeers. The benefits of Haldex is greater fuel economy whilst still offering surefootedness. For my opinions, I would rather have an R32 than a standard WRX as an everyday pakage, IMO Subaru's only become more enticing with the more powerfull versions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaffaCake Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 I think you should make up your own mind. They're very different cars. Do consider running costs though, servicing and petrol. Depending on budget, consider Mitsubishi Evo too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIG_999 Posted February 3, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Somebody has just told me about this amazing site that really sums it all up........ ......I'm buying an STI! http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/printer_330.shtml EVO = Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIG_999 Posted February 3, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 By the way, the R32 is included in this 3 headed shoot-out. http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/printer_330.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattcony Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 For those who have never read em ! It's the ultimate superhatch test: Alfa 147 GTA, Golf R32, Focus RS, Audi S3, SEAT Cupra R and Schnitzer Cooper S. Minimum entry requirement: 200bhp. But can any of them beat the new, improved Impreza WRX? This is it, then. No more ifs, buts or maybes. It's the day we decide. The car that wins this seven-way tussle will definitely be the Daddy of all superhatches. To see the whole article go to: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=roadtest/evo_roadtest_story.php?id=34173 The Fast And Curious Our favourite superhatch, the four-wheel-drive Golf R32, has an unlikely new challenger - the quirky new Mazda RX-8, To see the whole article go to: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=roadtest/evo_roadtest_story.php?id=39166 <font color="red"> That's right: Golf beats Scooby in evo group test. And they said it could never happen. But as you must have gathered by now, the R32 isn't any old Golf. 'It would be easy to scoff and say that all-wheel drive and a 3.2-litre V6 is utterly ridiculous in a hatchback,' says Dickie. 'But the R32 is such a convincing package, all the ingredients seem perfectly justified. It has the presence of an RS Audi and the honed, detailed dynamic polish and behaviour of an original quattro. And all for a measly £22K, something I find amazing. The best hot hatch in ages, not to mention the best VW for ages, perhaps ever.' </font> Cheers Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L3ETT Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 [ QUOTE ] oh did anybody mention that a wrx sounds compared to the R32 . ive driven my mates wrx and tbh other than the speed i cannot see another reason to buy one, plus in uk guise it feels real sluggish up to the boost zone which didnt seem to be that big either. each to there own tho plus it only costs a grand to make the R32 280bhp [/ QUOTE ] The scooby sounds ?? The boxer engine is one of the best sounding engines I've ever heard! With a decent exhaust too it sounds even better. I would say it is at least on a par with the R32 sound. I have driven and had the odd 'spirited drive' with a friends 300+bhp STi and to be honest over normal roads he wasn't pulling away from me all that much in a straight line! He was very suprised I can tell you! However if we are talking about a standard wrx vs R32 it would be R32 for me every day. Everything about the scooby bar the mechanical bits is pretty poor, and compared to the R32 there is no competition. Performance and handling would be close in the real world, either car certainly would not blow away the other. However it is very easy to be caught 'off boost' in the scooby 'cos up to 4k revs there is virtually no power! The kick in the back at 4k though is amazing. (Well in the STi I have driven) The power band is quite small compared to the R32, so in every day driving when you want to 'smoke' someone you need to make sure you are on boost all of the time. I definately would not buy a WRX, but an STi.. hmm well it would be a close decision. What would swing it for me is not performance or handling (because they are so close), it would be day to day drivability & performance in all conditions - which for me would be the R32. Maybe it was just me, but I found the scooby to be a bit tiresome for day to day driving. The rattles and style of driving just dont make for a relaxing journey - ever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubzter Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 I had a 1/4 mile sprint up against an STi and guess what I beat him (unexpected but good) I did a 14.98 and he did a 15.61, must have been down to the superior driver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daved Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 QUOTE: Not true I'm afraid, the R32 is front biased whilst the WRX has full time 50/50 4wd, the WRX will offer better traction and less tendency to understeer, although the WRX still understeers. The benefits of Haldex is greater fuel economy whilst still offering surefootedness. The Haldex system is front biased, but puts the power were it needs it when it needs it, 50-50 split stays 50/50, if it needs more power to one wheel it won't give it, unlike the Haldex, The Haldex is supposed to be the best on the market Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gammaray27 Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 The R32 is superior in every way. 0-60 times are NOT accurate because the gearing is different in the R32. It requires you shift to 3rd gear before 60 so you are adding more time to the 0-60 time. 0-75, the R32 will win. its a better car all around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Hey Gamma, slightly OT, but where do y'all get your info on the US R32?? I've searched the VW US site, but not seen it If I have to move back home and give up my A3, the R32 would be on my wishlist Thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 [ QUOTE ] The Haldex is supposed to be the best on the market [/ QUOTE ] What has happened to TS recently, there used to be so much sense talked on here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Yeah, but then folks started getting Scoobs and the like, and things just went downhill from there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooby_simon Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaffaCake Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 It's funny, I bought the R32 as a compromise. Admitting there were many better cars but I either couldn't afford them or didn't like them and/or the image they have. I've read many reviews since, the ones linked here are good, and realised it's far far better than I gave it credit for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L3ETT Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] The Haldex is supposed to be the best on the market [/ QUOTE ] What has happened to TS recently, there used to be so much sense talked on here [/ QUOTE ] Thats not exactly a reply which we can discuss though it it? Does the scooby 4wd system independently send power to each wheel? I find it hard to believe that it doesn't, so in effect it is very similar to the haldex, yet is more inefficient cos of being permenantly 4wd even when you don't need it. It has been discussed in many car magazines that i've read, and the conclusion was the the haldex system is excellent. BTW Has anyone mentioned the sky high running costs of a scooby! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 [ QUOTE ] BTW Has anyone mentioned the sky high running costs of a scooby! [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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