New Car Decision, 2012 subaru wrx sti or 2013 mustang gt premium

imo top gear makes the best argument...don't buy the mustang. in the following video clarkson races a 2006 mustang convertible base modle agaist a horse and a cowboy...the horse wins.
[ame=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2786093240521463455]Clarkson Supercar Showdown[/video]

I would love to see a new car detail.

If I lived in finland I would get an evo 4 and tune the hell out of it and do ralley races every weekend. But state side the only people that drive evos and subura are 25 year old boy racers that only race stop lights. the sti has such an ugly interior. if your gonna spend 40 grand on a car, or even 30 grand it should be a nice place to be on the inside. neither the stand or sti will do that. there are no rally races state side, and you can get much better and cheaper track day cars...track days are pricey. and the stang 400+ horsepower with under steer means hitting trees every single corner. mustands just don't steer at all. they should be sold without steering wheels to save weight.

I love German luxury. I don't mind paying more at the pump for premium gas if every single time I get in the car and drive somewhere it is an enjoyable experience. I think japanese cars are more stylish, and faster, but I am a sucker for Germany luxury.
 
how does the Subie fit in with your social crew? Do you have muscle car buddies that'll give you a hard time for not getting the mustang? Or do you have fellow AWD enthusiast friends? If you're a die hard Ford guy you might as well just get the Mustang since they're both awesome in their own ways.
 
imo top gear makes the best argument...don't buy the mustang. in the following video clarkson races a 2006 mustang convertible base modle agaist a horse and a cowboy...the horse wins.
Clarkson Supercar Showdown


I really don't think that is a fair comparison. First they say it's the 4.6 V8 when it's really a V6 model. It's also an automatic and a convertible. You've got more weight and less rigidity than the coupe. Plus the 2006 model and the 2011+ are different power wise and handling wise.



bump :bump: need more opinions lol

I really think you need to take a spirited and practical test drive of both and see which one you can really see yourself in. I really think your blue blood will come through in this decision as I know mine would.:props:


Regarding the winter situation if you get the Mustang. Depending on your budget and space, you could get a used truck/suv with 4wd or even a used AWD car. They don't have to be perfect, just mechanically sound to get you through those tough winter days that the Mustang couldn't.

FYI, this guy has Blizzaks on.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EH5CbW2ReU&feature=related]Mustang GT in snow - YouTube[/video]
 
I really don't think that is a fair comparison. First they say it's the 4.6 V8 when it's really a V6 model. It's also an automatic and a convertible. You've got more weight and less rigidity than the coupe. Plus the 2006 model and the 2011+ are different power wise and handling wise.





I really think you need to take a spirited and practical test drive of both and see which one you can really see yourself in. I really think your blue blood will come through in this decision as I know mine would.:props:


Regarding the winter situation if you get the Mustang. Depending on your budget and space, you could get a used truck/suv with 4wd or even a used AWD car. They don't have to be perfect, just mechanically sound to get you through those tough winter days that the Mustang couldn't.

Mustang GT in snow - YouTube

When I watched that video I visibly cringed, I thought the Mustang was gonna ram straight into that lamp post at one point. Not as bad in the snow as I thought it would be though.
 
I have a video response from this weekend:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ualqR4Em-YA]RallyCross - High Def - YouTube[/video]

Also almost all Subarus sold in the US, and all Tribeca sold worldwide are built at the SIA plant in the United States.

Unfortunately the wrx and sti's are never made in the us this also includes all impreza models.

Flawless Reflections Auto Detailing
www.flawlessreflectionsdetail.com
 
the sti has such an ugly interior. if your gonna spend 40 grand on a car, or even 30 grand it should be a nice place to be on the inside. neither the stand or sti will do that.
Have you been in the latest generation Mustang (2011-2012)? The interior on those cars has come a long way. You should go check one out. If interior is a factor, Mustang gets a big win over the Subi on that point.

But honestly, to me, interior is not that important in an entry level performance car like these 2. It is more about the engine, drivetrain and fun factor (with a small vote for practicality).

bump need more opinions lol


Ok, so if the weather doesnt deter you from the Mustang, then get the Mustang. You will have a tremendous amount of pride in ownership. Look up youtube videos of Mustang exhaust clips. That should be enough to sway you.
 
Ok, so if the weather doesnt deter you from the Mustang, then get the Mustang. You will have a tremendous amount of pride in ownership. Look up youtube videos of Mustang exhaust clips. That should be enough to sway you.

IMO the exhaust note isn't a good battle because the Boxer engine with an exhaust system sounds amazing too. But I'm a tuner guy and your a muscle guy. I guess its really what the OP prefers ya know.
 
i've driven a 2012 mustang 5.0 and was impressed with the car.

for use, they are equal. rear seat is there more for looks than use
useable trunk space is equal *when comparing the sedan subaru, not the hatch*
as for the power... the mustang will have an edge in numbers on paper, but the butt dyno will not have much difference.

driving on strait roads... tough call.
driving on curvy roads... subaru wins

fuel mileage in real world driving... tough call
insurance might be a bit cheaper with the mustang

mustangs in parking lots are a dime a dozen

oil changes are a priority for any turbo motor. if you're the type to push a few 1k miles past the scheduled change, best opt for the mustang.

interior... the mustang will be quieter and feel a bit more "cozy"

re-design coming for the 2013 release of the STi release for the impreza. if you're OK with waiting a few more months to save some cash, it's always an event on a re-design release. *base model impreza has the re-design, but the STi team is working on refinements before releasing the new design with their badge.*

my vote will be a bit one-sided. i have a forester XT and have owned multiple subarus.

the win in my book goes to the STi
chris<pixelmonkey>:D
 
IMO the exhaust note isn't a good battle because the Boxer engine with an exhaust system sounds amazing too. But I'm a tuner guy and your a muscle guy. I guess its really what the OP prefers ya know.
You're right. Personal taste is just that, personal. I grew up in the muscle car era and learned to detest the fart-cans. AS I stated earlier, I am in the market for a WRX (probably not STi, I already own an ultra high performance car). I put new mufflers on mine the day I bought it. The WRX exhaust would likely stay stock.

There are a few non V8 cars that sound incredible. Porsche, Ferrari, etc. There is a guy here in town with a Nismo tuned 350Z. It sounds incredible. (Of course, those are all 6, 10 or 12 cyl cars). I have never heard a WRX with aftermarket exhaust that I liked. Most of those are owned by young kids and they put fart cans on them. I would love to hear one with a real tuned high-po exhaust.
 
I hope I don't offend anybody...these are just my thoughts, right or wrong. When I see cars like the subaru, or any other small foreign sports car with a loud muffler, raised rear spoiler, etc., it's usually being driven by a kid or a twenty-something guy trying to hold onto his teenage years. On the other hand, the mustangs seem to cater to a much broader range of drivers, from teens to mature adults, and seems suited to all of them. To me, it is a much more well-rounded vehicle - thrilling when you punch it, classy when you're just cruising down the highway, and an eye-catcher when you're sitting in the drive-thru line. Again, this is just my opinion, but I would go for the mustang.
 
You're right. Personal taste is just that, personal. I grew up in the muscle car era and learned to detest the fart-cans. AS I stated earlier, I am in the market for a WRX (probably not STi, I already own an ultra high performance car). I put new mufflers on mine the day I bought it. The WRX exhaust would likely stay stock.

There are a few non V8 cars that sound incredible. Porsche, Ferrari, etc. There is a guy here in town with a Nismo tuned 350Z. It sounds incredible. (Of course, those are all 6, 10 or 12 cyl cars). I have never heard a WRX with aftermarket exhaust that I liked. Most of those are owned by young kids and they put fart cans on them. I would love to hear one with a real tuned high-po exhaust.

I totally agree with you. I hate when people chop their mufflers off their cars and weld just a fart can on their car. It just sounds like crap. Heres a pretty good clip of a newer STI with a Tanabe exhaust on a Dyno. I love they way you can here the cylinders fire with these boxer engines. Sounds like pure sex :xyxthumbs:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YujVLnKha0]Tanabe Medalion Touring Exhaust Dyno Test - 2011 Subaru STI - YouTube[/video]


I hope I don't offend anybody...these are just my thoughts, right or wrong. When I see cars like the subaru, or any other small foreign sports car with a loud muffler, raised rear spoiler, etc., it's usually being driven by a kid or a twenty-something guy trying to hold onto his teenage years. On the other hand, the mustangs seem to cater to a much broader range of drivers, from teens to mature adults, and seems suited to all of them..

Hmm I thought this was everywhere but I guess not but Around me EVERY and I mean EVERY Mustang person is a young kid or an older immature guy that's always trying to race me. Its so annoying. I only mod my car to have fun driving it not to race people. Just my experience.
 
I totally agree with you. I hate when people chop their mufflers off their cars and weld just a fart can on their car. It just sounds like crap. Heres a pretty good clip of a newer STI with a Tanabe exhaust on a Dyno. I love they way you can here the cylinders fire with these boxer engines. Sounds like pure sex :xyxthumbs:

Tanabe Medalion Touring Exhaust Dyno Test - 2011 Subaru STI - YouTube




Hmm I thought this was everywhere but I guess not but Around me EVERY and I mean EVERY Mustang person is a young kid or an older immature guy that's always trying to race me. Its so annoying. I only mod my car to have fun driving it not to race people. Just my experience.
Thanks for the link. The knuckleheads in IT dont allow streaming video. I will watch it at home. I am sure video wont do it justice. Something like that needs to be heard live.

As far as age of Mustang drivers, usually the nice ones are more 30s and 40s around me. The young kids drive older ones that are most often not tastfully modded. I never race either. I'm 45 and drive it sensibly on the main roads. Back roads and highway on ramps will sometimes bring out my inner kid. The other nice GTs, Shelbys, Roush, Saleen and BOSS around town are almost all the same demographic.

btw, my older bro has an S2000. No mods. We had a fun run or 2 up and down the Tail of the Dragon a few years ago. The cars were very evenly matched. Neither was able to pull away while leading. Mine is not modded either aside from exhaust and short throw shifter.
 
Here's a pic on the Dragon. I have a few of both cars, but, not uploaded to gallery.

sorry to hijack the original topic. I included this attempt to tempt the OP.

Z0601341_800x533_.jpg
 
I have a 2003 WRX that I bought new in 2002. It has performed flawlessly for me. The 2003 model came with 227 hp and I have done some tasteful mods to it to bring it up to about 285. The sounds it makes when driving absolutely blow me away. The boxer engine combined with a turbo is a great combo! Also, where I live there are probably 200 mustangs to each WRX/STI so I love driving something unusual. It will run in the snow/ice/dirt, it handles tight, its nimble and you will love it.

~Drew
 
I vote Mustang! Mine is a fun ride. Check out the California Special package. Makes it look like it's been customized but it's all factory.
 
Shelby, That is 1 hot car. When you see the word Shelby, instant respect. Anyone that knows a little about cars knows that name. 20 years from now, who knows what it will be worth, Im sure more than what you paid for it.
If you read my previous post, mustang hands down winner. If this car is for fun and to commute, for the life of me I just dont see the comparison
 
Here are my thoughts:

First of all, the whole "Buy American" philosophy is outdated. Many (but not all) American cars are built overseas or in Mexico, and more and more foreign cars are built in the US. Silly argument or reason to choose one car over another IMO. I believe that you should be able to choose your own car based on how the CAR itself makes you feel and how it suits your needs. Not where it was assembled.

Mustang: Will be a killer in a straight line, and the sound of the 5.0 V8 whether stock or modded will never get old. There have been some transmission grinding issues in the newer models, but it's probably just a first model year bug for the powertrain. The downside of the Mustang is that it is still a live axle setup. However Ford did a good job with making the car handle well despite the suspension setup. Another downside is that it's a heavy car. Over 3,600 lbs if I'm not mistaken. Not only does it affect handling, but also MPGs if you're concerned about that.

Subie: AWD will be a plus in the snow. It will attack corners WAY better than the Mustang if you prefer good handling. It also weighs over 300 lbs less than the Stang.

The most important thing is what YOU think of the car. Test drive both. Test drive them more than once if you need to. If the car makes you happy, and if it's something that puts a smile on your face every time you start it up, then that is what matters most. Not place of assembly, or numbers on paper, but what you enjoy more.
 
Also one more thing, my birthday is the same date the mustang was released for production!
 
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