STI or C5 Vette?

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars) 01/13/2015 at 22:36 • Filed to: None

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Simple question here. Subaru WRX STi or Chevrolet Corvette C5?

These are the two I desire the most for my next purchase, depending on the deal.

That's it really, I'm curious of yours guys arguing points

Dsscats > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:37

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STI

Manuél Ferrari > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:38

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There really isn't a "right" or "wrong" answer

It just comes down to your specific needs

If you don't need back seats or AWD then go Corvette

If you need one of the two then get an STI

(oops I meant STi, you don't want a traditional STI ;)

XJDano > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:38

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If you get snow, STI, if you have a car for snow C5.

I've never driven either, personal preference. Also must be close to stock as possible.

dogisbadob > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:40

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Big difference between a 2-seater and a sedan :p

If you buy the C5, your first mod should be the European tail lights. It has almost as much cargo space as the Impreza sedan and could very well get better gas mileage and be cheaper to maintain.

However, the STI has more room for people, being a 4-door.

How about a G35X? AWD 4-door with a big engine.

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:40

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Depends if

a: you have more than one friend

b: you'd occasionally like to drive somewhere that isn't smooth asphalt

c: it ever precipitates where you live

Zohaibman72 > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:40

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Depends, do you want to be a Frat Boy or have a midlife crisis.

Just kidding, I love both cars so much, they make up my childhood.

They are completely different, the Subie is a AWD Compact Sedan that is also a road going rally car.

While the Corvette is a 2 seater sports car.

They serve different purposes, Subaru is more practical and probably not that much slower, so i'd take the STI

CRider > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:41

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Those be two very different cars.

lone_liberal > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:41

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Me personally? Corvette, but I have no real arguing points other than my personal preferences. I happen to prefer V8s over turbo I4s* and American cars seem to fit my very American size better than Subarus.

ETA to add that I'm an idiot and of course Subaru uses a boxer four.

bob and john > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:41

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id go vette. because:

clearly buying used. any STI used is a risk. corvettes less so. usually bought by old dudes having a mid-life crisis. usually better maintained/taken care of/not abused.

also, cheaper insurance on the vette

PowderHound > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:41

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newer sti hatch.

Manuél Ferrari > Dsscats 01/13/2015 at 22:42

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Conan > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:45

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STi unless Z06/FRC.

Party-vi > dogisbadob 01/13/2015 at 22:47

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G37x sedan rides like ass and is buzzy as hell. Is the G35x any different?

JR1 > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:47

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Corvette modifications would be cheap and reliable. Also 93,000,000 miles of head room is nice feature.

Party-vi > lone_liberal 01/13/2015 at 22:48

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*flat-4, not I4.

lone_liberal > Party-vi 01/13/2015 at 22:51

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Oh god, you're absolutely right! I apologize to all Subaru fans out there! I'm so embarrassed. Hell, we even had an Outback with the Subaru boxer four. Yes, we had to replace the head gaskets.

Jay Lauer > Zohaibman72 01/13/2015 at 22:53

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Guess I should've put some info in there. I don't need the practicality, but its certainly nice.

I bought've a lot of douchebag cars already (S2k, BMW, Mustang, multiple Subarus) , so either one is really no different.

Either one would be taken to the autocross, but I did dig the hell out of dirt roads in my old WRX.

I haven't driven an STi, but I have driven a WRX. I have driven a couple C5s before.

It all depends on which one I can find cheap needing some repair. I'd be perfectly happy with either.

Dusty Ventures > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:53

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I think it depends on if you have a second car. If you do, then go for the Corvette. If you don't, the STI will be an easier car to live with.

Jay Lauer > JR1 01/13/2015 at 22:54

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I'm straying away from the Convertible vettes actually. I had my fill on convertible-ness with the S2000. I'd rather have the hardtop or targa top for desirability and ease of sell.

Zohaibman72 > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:54

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go with your heart mannn

you could always take the C5 on dirt roads.

I mean, it's not the best idea, but who cares. Life is too short not to hoon Corvettes on dirt.

Sam > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:56

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I'd suggest neither, and to go with an S2000, but the really early ice one on Craigslist near you sold... :)

In addition to the things other people have said, you should consider the demographics you'll be joining. If you are grouped with STi owners, you're a flat-brim, saggy pants dudebro. If you are grouped with C5 owners, you're a balding, middle-aged man, whose wife let him have his "toy" since his penis no longer works.

JR1 > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 22:57

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Targa top still offers all that wonderful headroom with benefits of a coupe (sexier body lines, better security, etc.). It is one of my favorite features about the Corvette and I wish more car companies offered them.

dogisbadob > Party-vi 01/13/2015 at 22:58

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Corvettes and STI's are hardly quiet cars, and they probably ride like ass too. The G35x is probably similar to the G37x except for the displacement/power.

If you want a quiet and softer ride, get an ES300/330 or LS430 :p

Party-vi > dogisbadob 01/13/2015 at 23:01

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The G37x is quiet, but the engine is harsh in power delivery to me. it's choppy, not what I would expect from a luxury car.

Jay Lauer > Sam 01/13/2015 at 23:02

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As a member of the Wichita Subaru Owners Club and friend to many in the Wichita Corvette club, it doesn't make much of a difference.

The S2k was nice, but it taught me that I like torque more than horsepower, cause the Honda had zero torque.

The difference being when I sell it that balding, middle-aged men can afford the car or at least have good credit to get loans. Everyone who wants the STi (like the S2000) is normally a generate who can't rub two nickels together and has a credit score of 340.

Party-vi > lone_liberal 01/13/2015 at 23:03

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You done almost got killed! Subaru ppls is rabid.

Sam > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 23:05

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Now it's just down to the number of seats, the fuel economy, and the classic NA V8 vs Turbo 4 which is just opinion.

Jay Lauer > JR1 01/13/2015 at 23:05

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I definitely would like the targa top. I'm keeping a look out for Corvettes. I could care less about it's stigma. As long as it's a manual, they're a ton of fun.

Shifty > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 23:07

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Corvette is always teh answer...

JR1 > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 23:08

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The stigma is undeserved. I adore a good Vette. Can you tell I am biased yet?

Jay Lauer > Sam 01/13/2015 at 23:15

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The seats don't bother me.

The space is about the same, considering the huge trunk of the Vette.

Fuel economy is probably decent for both. Corvette highway MPG is just crazy.

And I've owned American, Japanese, Korean, Australian & German. I really don't have any biases, except against most Germans.

Sam > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 23:21

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In my honest opinion, get the Vette. But buy cheap and leave lots of space for modding.

Also, have you checked insurance? The STi will probably be cheaper to insure than the Vette, if that's a thing you need to be concerned about.

Jay Lauer > Sam 01/13/2015 at 23:25

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I'm pretty sure the Corvette's cheaper. Most of their owners are cautious people, meaning very few claims. However, it is fiberglass. I'm not too concerned on insurance. It'll be insured under a 59 year old man with zero accidents and I'll only have it a couple months.

Either would be as close to stock as possible. I'm looking to flip, but these are the two that if I could find cheap needing repair, I'd jump all over.

lone_liberal > Party-vi 01/13/2015 at 23:26

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Absolutely! You may have saved a life tonight.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 23:30

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The STi will be more expensive, but it will also hold its value much better. That should be factored in.

ssm-one > Jay Lauer 01/13/2015 at 23:49

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Is the C5 a Z06?

If yes, then M3.

If no, then M3.

stuttgartobsessed > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 00:28

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I say go Corvette. big V8s/bad gas mileage wont be cheap for ever.

mcseanerson > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 00:30

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NEITHER! 9-2x and Forester STI

Jay Lauer > mcseanerson 01/14/2015 at 00:36

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Well the 9-2x Aero is mostly a WRX, which I've already had. If or when I move and have to stick to one vehicle, I'll probably get a Legacy GT wagon or 9-2x Aero.

And the Forester STI isn't available in America.

mcseanerson > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 00:40

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I was mostly being dramatic, although I do love both those vehicles. I'd choose a C5 as long as FRC or Z06 are options. If not it's an STI.

Jay Lauer > mcseanerson 01/14/2015 at 00:41

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I looked at a FRC, but it needed a throwout bearing, which is quite a lot of work. I'd for sure do a Z06 if the right deal presented.

mcseanerson > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 00:47

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My dream is to get a C6 Z06 at the sweet spot in the depreciation curve which I fear will be coming before I can afford one. I watched one guy get hella sideways while still very much in control at a wet autocross on a slick figure eight track.

Local Miata Bro > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 01:22

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You want this my dad and I both want it but lack monies. Professionally built and fast as hell. https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4827429859…

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 02:28

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Corvette: because pop up headlights and a gorgeous body.

I'm biased though, I drive a 350Z and am used to the lack of back seats, and want more horsepower, but also don't want to start slapping in turbos, so C5 vette is on my shortlist of "next cars"

Axial > dogisbadob 01/14/2015 at 05:22

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Euro tail lamps on Corvettes look utterly ridiculous., especially since the rear look when lit was designed entirely around having four reds.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 06:16

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why not both?

Tripper > Party-vi 01/14/2015 at 08:24

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no

Tripper > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 08:33

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When I had my 04 STi, my mother had a C5 vette (manual, ssk, headers back, it was amazing) She let me drive it whenever, but in PA driving something that low with a nose that sticks out that far is a huge hassle. There were speed bumps that I actually couldn't make it over, I had to slowly drive in sideways to their driveway and event then sometimes I would still scrape.

So unless you live somewhere where the roads are nearly perfect, or you plan to spend a fair amount of time at the track, I would go with the STi. Even still I loved my STi, so much in fact that I had to trade it in after 7 months because I had already racked up 5 speeding tickets.

briannutter1 > Sam 01/14/2015 at 09:33

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You are correct about C5's extending penis length....when you're whipping them around the tracks like I do. C5's are all tracktoys now. I run with the RAFT team. And I still have all my hair at 42. :)

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 09:42

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Do you have snow and a need for a backseat? If so STI no question. If you don't have to deal with snow or need a back seat it depends on your personal tastes. If you dream of being the next Tommi Makkinen then STI.

I've never been a big fan of the Vette so I'm not coming up with selling points for it. I get why people want the RWD, big V8 thing, but it's just not me.

Discerning > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 09:44

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I've driven a few STi's and I currently own a 2003 C5Z.

My advice? Drive Both.

Drive both and drive multiple examples. Try to find versions that are in very good condition and do your research. Neither car is perfect, but their both free of major issues.

I will say that my car is more on the raw side. You do hear a little wind noise above 50mph and you can hear the tires as well. There just isn't much sound deadening. On the plus side, the car feels more like a race car than any STI I've driven.

My GF has a 2014 mustang and she always picks her car over mine if we're going over 30 miles on the highway.

If I could change anything about my car... I would add a backseat, make the car a little less wide, and make the seating position a little more upright.

AND.... I just described a 911. Crap.

Discerning > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 09:48

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Just do a couple of quick quotes with theoretical cars on insurance websites.

Part of the reason I got a C5Z is because the insurance is low.

I'm 25, have full coverage, one fender bender with my previous car in a snow storm, one speeding ticket, and pay just over 100 bucks a month with a major insurance company.

briannutter1 > Jay Lauer 01/14/2015 at 09:48

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Buying used, you're going to have to be careful because they've both been flogged by previous owners and the STI isn't as cheap to fix or make "right". Buying a c5 from an old guy likely means it's been cared for better, but I'd hold out for a C5z and they've mostly been raced I'd think. I've had an '03 wrx bugeye wagon and a 2011 WRX and still have my C5z. the '03 wrx handled better than the 2011; but the STI suspension would probably fix a lot of that. If you like to mod, the C5 can handle it better and parts are cheap. C5 got 27mpg when stock and wrx's were both 23. My c5 still gets 23 easy at 450whp. WRX have a ton of space for the outer dimensions...love the fold down seats and room for a dog. Vette carries big duffel bags, tools, most other things. Both interiors are mediocre, but Sparco Evo seats, steering wheel, and shifter fix most of the problem with a c5. WRX is really reliable to 300whp, but I wouldn't recommend trying to get more out of it if it's your only vehicle. C5z rides surprisingly nice as long as the shocks are as new...the '04c5z shocks are a common upgrade. The chassis is stiff allowing the springs to be soft. I loved the '03 wrx's ability to absorb potholes and bumps mid-corner without upsetting the car. I call it articulation. C5 is good as well, but the wide rubber means you're going faster through any given corner and it feels edgier because of this. C5z/frc also more solid feeling than the coupes because of the roof structure. C5z will always have a following and can evolve into proper track cars over time, so I'd say that's the better long term investment if you're the kind of guy that doesn't need to always have the next new car.

dogisbadob > Axial 01/14/2015 at 18:55

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Red turn signals are utterly ridiculous. There's a reason they're not allowed in most countries. They should've designed it to accommodate amber turn signals in the first place. They just FINALLY got it with the C7.

Afterthoughts are the GM way.

Axial > dogisbadob 01/14/2015 at 19:03

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I'm thankful for the proliferation of red blinkers in the USA because manufacturers seem to have taken to putting small stars on the ass of every car, with the amber signals being even more eye-piercing than than the reds.

Seriously, if they make them any brighter I'm going to have to fight photon pressure just to maintain position at stop lights.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Jay Lauer 01/31/2015 at 19:10

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I'd go with the Vette.... or a mid 2000s Cayman.

Just personal preference though, I'm driving a 350Z and looking at both of them as possible upgrades

Jay Lauer > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun 02/01/2015 at 11:22

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too late actually. I ended up buying both.

The Corvette is awesome, I will saw that. Powerful out the ass, but make sure get it with the manual. The auto blows and gets worse mileage. Also, get the Z51 package if you can; The heads-up display is great at night and eventually I'll figure out if the active handling is good.

The STI I can't really comment on until I get it fixed; Bought it that way. I can report back on that in like two weeks.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Jay Lauer 02/01/2015 at 11:39

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I could have sworn this was a recent post, not one that was two week old. Whoops!

Hope you're having fun with them :)

Jay Lauer > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun 02/01/2015 at 13:23

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Thanks man. I'll start posting about the C5 after a while.

Here's my progress on the STI so far