Racy version of the slowpoke cousin

Subaru is best known for their lineup of family friendly Crossover vehicles
From $32,295 2021 Ascent MPG Up to 27/21 ( 6.80 seconds to reach 60 MPH)
From $26,795 2021 Outback MPG Up to 33/26 ( 8.70 seconds to reach 60 MPH)
From $24,795 2021 Forester MPG Up to 33/26 ( 8.50 seconds to reach 60 MPH)
From $22,245 2021 Crosstrek MPG Up to 34/27 ( 7.80 seconds to reach 60 MPH)

But they still have their two sedans from the early 1990s, the Impreza and the Legacy
From $22,895 2021 Legacy MPG Up to 35/27 ( 8.50 seconds to reach 60 MPH) 182 hp or 260 hp
From $18,795 2021 Impreza MPG Up to 36/28 ( 9.25 seconds to reach 60 MPH) 152 hp



But Subaru has a fast version of their 152 hp Impreza (their cheapest car) that is geared for exceptional acceleration
From $27,495 2021 WRX AWD with Active Torque Vectoring Track-tuned suspension 268-hp turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine.
From $37,245, the 2021 WRX STI 310 hp as a high end option.

How would you feel about spending up to twice as much for a car with a bigger engine and double the horsepower, but that still fundamentally looks like it's poor cousin with some extra flourishes?

Quote: Pacomartin

How would you feel about spending up to twice as much for a car with a bigger engine and double the horsepower, but that still fundamentally looks like it's poor cousin with some extra flourishes?

Wouldn't waste my money. Might have been a time when I would but after my mid-30s cars became about utility for me not flash.

Quote: AZDuffman

Wouldn't waste my money. Might have been a time when I would but after my mid-30s cars became about utility for me not flash.

I like an aesthetically nice looking car but I have zero interest in performance and power.

Quote: DRich

I like an aesthetically nice looking car but I have zero interest in performance and power.

I agree, problem is such cars get roasted by the press. Take the Plymouth Prowler and last Thunderbird. Lets not discuss the merits of the design but agree many people would like them if we can.

Power for both was competent. Actually very good compared to cars in history. They were "cruisers." Just to drive around in comfort and looking good. But they got roasted by the press because they were not 300hp screamers.

We might be at the point where only the motorheads buy this kind of car no matter what so a "comfort cruiser" no matter what.

From what I understand, what passes for "muscle cars" these days aimed at the youngest entry level enthusiasts don't focus on safety in crashes than what is required by law. But pretty sure, that's the way it's always been done for these cars. Drive fast, drive badly, and die.

Quote: Pacomartin

How would you feel about spending up to twice as much for a car with a bigger engine and double the horsepower, but that still fundamentally looks like it's poor cousin with some extra flourishes?

I suppose the answer to that question depends on what your want and expect in an automobile.

If your aim is comfort and reliability then no, steer clear, a WRX STI is not the car for you.

If however your aim is to get high performance on a budget then look no further.

The WRX allows the buyer to have a level of on-road performance that equals or exceeds that of many much more expensive cars.

This is important to people who actually drive their cars hard and fast; I can't say that I enjoyed having some kid in a WRX out-accelerate my 456 GT going down the highway in an impromptu speed competition but that's just reality.

These cars get to 60 in 4.6 seconds: that's closing in on exotic car times, but on a budget.

Plus they handle well: these cars have been doing rally for many years.

It's a "niche" product, and it fills that niche rather nicely.

It used to compete against the Mitsubishi Evo, but that was phased out.

Quote: rxwine

From what I understand, what passes for "muscle cars" these days aimed at the youngest entry level enthusiasts don't focus on safety in crashes than what is required by law. But pretty sure, that's the way it's always been done for these cars. Drive fast, drive badly, and die.

People buying muscle cars do not count the airbags they have.

Quote: missedhervee

If however your aim is to get high performance on a budget then look no further.
The WRX allows the buyer to have a level of on-road performance that equals or exceeds that of many much more expensive cars.
This is important to people who actually drive their cars hard and fast; I can't say that I enjoyed having some kid in a WRX out-accelerate my 456 GT going down the highway in an impromptu speed competition but that's just reality.
These cars get to 60 in 4.6 seconds: that's closing in on exotic car times, but on a budget.
Plus they handle well: these cars have been doing rally for many years.
It's a "niche" product, and it fills that niche rather nicely.

A lot of videos of WRX racing around