When I got my RX-8 back in 2004, I used to post on this site all of the time. There are quite a few level headed folks here, and I respect your opinions greatly. I'm stuck in a tough situation, and thought it might be a good idea to get a neutral opinion.

I currently have a 2008 STi. I've had a few issues with the car, and the styling just has not grown on me. I like the performance aspect, but the idea of zipping around town in a station wagon is begining to wear on me.

I've been checking out the 370Z, and I recently got quoted a great price on one. With the exception of a small downpayment, the transaction would be a wash.

I do live in the North East, so weather is consideration, but not a determining factor. Any thoughts in either direction would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

both are great cars, i've recently acquired an 09 4 door wrx so i know where you are coming from. Its a question of practicality. Do you need a practical sports car that is great in the winter, or do you need a 2 seater that is quite nice as well.

IMHO i'm loving my WRX(and am so glad i didnt get a hatch), 265hp scoots it around pretty quickly, i miss my 8 though, so take that as it is.

 

I like the hachback styling, its very european. It sounds to me, you don't really like it so you should just make the switch if it does not cost you too much.

 

both are good, very ugly looking cars. Have fun...

 

+1 That's the important question right there.

In my situation, I need a practical sports car (have a family), so my car choices have always been those with at least four seats (my former car was an '06 WRX). The 370Z is nice and I've seen one up close at an autocross event. Very nice, but probably less practical than even a MX-5.

If I didn't need a practical car, I'd buy an S2000 CR. Not as fast in a straight line as the 370Z or STI, but very engaging to drive like an RX-8.

 

i really like both cars. but i had to pick, it would be the STI. i really like the way it looks , especialy when its dropped with some good looking wheels. i dont care for the blue, but the dark colors and white look hot.

 

If I had to choose between both of those id pick an EvoX

 

Give us a little more information.

Would this be your only car?
If so would the inability to carry anything or lack of more than two seats be an issue for you?
Do you mind and or have room to store a spare set of rims and snow tires and changing them each year?
Are the roads near you cleared quickly of snow?
Do you enjoy modifying your car or do you like to keep it mostly stock?
Will you mind being out run by a guy in a fast wagon, especially if it’s wet or snowy?

The 370z is a great looking car and a very good performer from what I’ve read but it has it’s drawbacks like any car. If you lived in Florida or somewhere warm most of the year with no need of 4 seats then I’d say get the Z. Or if you have ready access to a practical car and the Z will be a good weather/fun car then again get the Z (you’ll still take a bit of a bath on selling a 1 year old car).

You may also want to consider other AWD cars that are better looking, used S4 or 335xi perhaps?

Putting a grand or three into an STI can greatly improve the visual appeal, handling and performance but if you just dislike getting into your car each day then I definitely say get something else as it will just get worse over time.

 

dude now i wanna put angel eyes on my wrx

 

I will be although it will take 4hrs of driving each way to the shop, it will be worth it. Also having the amber reflectors removed and chrome bulbs put in for blinkers.

 

dont care for the color. but the car as a whole looks sexy

 

I vote STi.

370z just not my cup of tea (I like its internals, not the external)

 

I would get the STi and turn it into a rally racer!

 

STi. Something is not right with the 370z from certain angles.

 

I would take a 370z! There are times that I debate on selling my 8 for one... I am on the line....

 

sti.....more potential

 

EVO... IMO its the best of both worlds... and faster then both

 

ummmm 370z=panties dropped
sti hatchback=kids on time to soccer practice

its a matter of practicality. If you think the 370 or the sti is ugly then you fail at life and your probably an anti-piston fanboy or w/e

 

I dunno... if you got the exact same looking STI that Alfy posted on... then keep it... because those pics of the car are GORGEOUS!

370Z FTL.

 

+++++1 - I'm not a fan of hatchbacks, but that car is sexy

 

I personally would most likely choose the subbie, I love the styling and *different* factor




That said, the 370z may be more fun to own, +1312312 it comes down to practicality and what you value most.

Test drive the Z, reevaluate opinion, choose which tickles your fancy more

 

Neither, get an RX-8, its the bestest car EVAR!!! Havent u heard? Derrr

 

If you have money to throw at mods to make a car the way it should have come from the factory, get the STI. Otherwise get the 370z.

 

Or even to Chuck-E-Cheese:

 

No I have a Jeep Liberty and a Miata.

Yes -- The STi requires winter and summer tires, so I've already got two sets. If I make the move, I'll be selling a set of Volks.

In the past I have modded, but I've started to get away from that scene. Maybe a set of rims, an intake, but not much beyond that.

I don't street race, and wouldn't be running hard in the snow or rain. Someone is always going to be faster than you!

I don't totally hate the STi, and I have dumped some cash into my currently STi to improve the looks. It certainly helps, but the styling of the car is a bit off. I had an 05, and I really think Subaru missed the mark on the newer models.

I've also had some frustrating reliability issues -- which have got me at wits end.