Ike

I prefer the STi because I like the looks enough and love the performance it has over the RX-8, and I think it's a better car for you for a couple reasons. You sound like a guy that likes to mod and work on his car himself. Subaru cars in general are VERY easy to work on which derives a lot from their WRC cars and there are mods galore that will allow you to turn the STi into a beast for very cheap. Guys are now starting to hit 500whp without any major engine work.

Also by buying a used low miles STi you'll take far less of a hit on resale than with the RX-8. Lastly if you live in an area where you get snow and or rain a lot AWD amkes you look forward to driving in those bad weather days. As for looks yes the RX-8 looks better, but there's just something about cars like the STi and Evo that they become more attractive the more you think about their performance and the longer you own one. It's almost like when people say it's an aquired taste when it comes to food :p

spork

The STi is craziness! Very fast, handles decently.

The RX-8 is tame. Fast (but underpowered compared to its competitors; don't let people tell you otherwise, it's true), handles great (as good or better than its competitors).

Looks wise, I would say most people will easily say the RX-8 looks better than the STi though there are exceptions to this.

Comfort wise, the 8 is a clear winner.

Gas mileage wise, the 8 is either around the STi or greatly behind it. As you can probably see from the forum the mileage ratings range from 12/16 to 19/26. For what it's worth, I get about 15/21.

And then cross car experience: I have an RX-8 (duh) coworker has an STi. I had a very brief ride in the STi. The power on the STi blows the RX-8 away. At high revs the RX-8 feels like the STi when the STi is sorta trying. Another coworker of mine who loves the 350Z (and has driven the Z) was driving the STi. And afterwards he said "Man, the Z is kinda ruined for me now. It's not even close."

I gave the STi coworker a ride in my 8 (and he drove it later too). What he had to say was "That's a nice car. It's pretty comfortable too; I bet you can take long trips in that. Power is not too bad." Also when he found out my GT with Navigation was close to the price of his STi he said "hmmm if I had known that I might've gotten the 8."

So there you have it. If speed and performance is your thing get the STi. No other car except the EVO is near that level for that price.

Consider the 8 if
1) You don't care about performance as long as it's decently fast and handles well.
2) you can put up with poor gas mileage (which is likely, though this *might* not be an issue since some people get very decent mileage)
3) you don't mind the extra maintenence (anti-flooding measures, checking/refilling engine oil)
4) you *may* have some minor reliability issues (that'd be covered by warranty but it still involves you taking the car in and losing it for a day or so). So far serious reliability problems seem to be rare (except for flooding which isn't really a reliability issue).

mizzle

Ever thought of getting a slightly used WRX and a slightly used Miata together? They probably represent more fun than just either RX-8 or STI alone and cost less than what you need to pay for a new RX-8 (GT, 6-MT) or a new STI.

Mikelikes2drive

get the STi

Fanman

If you are looking for a used STI for 24K you might as well look and see if they have any leftover 2004 RX8's Grand Touring on the lot. You can get that for about $24K, and it will be new. I hate used cars, you never know what the other person has done with them. Especially turboed cars, they need to be better maintained than regular NA cars. How do you know if the turbo isn't coked out, or shortly after you buy it, it is toast.

Umbra

The STI's looks scream wanna be, the spoiler looks rediculous, the hood scoup is well classless at best.

The rx8 (well shinka anyway) doesn't look out of place parked next to a lexus or bmw or a merc, the STI looks very out of place. The only place the STI fits in is with the ricer crowd and their mismatched colored hoods and over the top body kits. The rx8 doesn't look out of place next to an s2000 or a porche either, the STI once again does.

I'd regret the STI simply because it looks so rediculous, but that's me.

VRRocket

Get what you like - I'm with some others that the Legacy GT might be your best bet. It has "near" WRX performance, easily upgradeable, more rear seat room than either of your current options, and is in the same price ballpark. I have no kids and no plans to have any, so I don't have your dilemma to deal with. I'd also argue that the new hybrid accord would be a consideration. My wife has an '03 V6 with 240hp, and the new hybrids have 255hp and will outrun hers with the added benefit of much improved mileage. Granted, they aren't terribly unique on the road, but they are sleepers and exceptionally reliable. My $.02.

lucifuge

Most significant points:

1. The Rx8 is a drivers car, extremely engaging and requires direct input. The Sti does most of the work for you...not a drivers car. Which do you want? I owned a WRX and it gets boring, there's bugger all driver engagment.

2. An Sti pushed even at least fairly hard will, in practice, suck fuel due to its larger turbo period. Hence, I dont think fuel consumption is so much worse in the Rx8.

3. The Sti handles well, but it still understeers and feels 'floaty'. The RX8 is far better in this regard.

4. The Sti is wayyyyy laggy!!. That alone wil drive you nuts. Many a standard WRX will whip you if you dont launch it properly.

5. As for power, sure the Sti is the quicker, but the Rx8 is already a fast car!! how much more power do you really need?

6. Finally, looks. Is there any comparison? The Sti is but ugly.

My girlfirend says to me when were in the RX8 and see an Sti, "How did you ever compare this beauty (Rx8) for that plastic pocket rocket?" and she's right. I chose on the balance of performance, looks and build. I've never once regretted my decision.

rotarypower8

my brother just got his STi yesterday. thing is, hes making about 500 hp with an axis stage 5 motor, t3/t04e turbo, and lots of other power upgrades. its also got some nice visual upgrades to really add to the overall look of the car. i know a lot of you guys like to call the STi ugly and what not, but everyone has their own opinion. i personally think its a great looking car with outstanding performance. while you do sacrifice some of the luxuries you get with the rx8, you get some great performance to make up for it. if i were you, id go out and find a nice used STi.

Luke08

My friend got a STi not too long ago and as sad as it is to admit those things are on another level as far as speed and quickness...however id take my RX-8 over his STi anyday because it fits me much better for the following reasons
-The RX-8s interior looks nicer and I guess more "Classy" looking
-In my opinion the RX-8 was nicer looking then anyother car near its range
-STi might be fast but that doesnt mean its more fun to drive because if you have a 8 you can redline a whole lot more often being that it can take alot more hard riving then the STi
-STis seats are really uncomfortable to me for some reason and after driving it for even 20 mins my back started to feel very uncomfortable in the seat
-In my area STis are kinda common along with EVOs so I wanted a car that turns heads and brings alot of attention when cruising around (Not to mention its a chick magnet)

Those are obvuisly pros for the RX-8 I cant really make a similear list for the STi because I dont know it very well. Either way tho you cant go wrong, just choose the car that best fits you.

Ike

I'm guessing you're not in North America, because there is absolutely nothing laggy about a USDM STi.

Umbra

Dunno, I thought it was kinda laggy too unless you launched it by dumping the clutch a little, same as an 8. My sentra feels like it launches better. You could also watch the hood scoup and the rear wing vibrate at idle and low speeds. The STI isn't refined at all, it's just brute force with no finese. If they replaced the body of the car, replaced the interior, made it a smaller car, and maybe fixed the vibration issues it might be ok for the price, might.... Personally I think the old xt6's were better drivers cars.

Pololo_RX8

WOW!!!

Thanks for so many replies... I thought the Miata.net forum rocked but this one is at the same level.

Please don't take me wrong...and don't get "tired" of these topics... It's a LOT of cash for a car and a wise decision needs to be made with facts on hand.

I currently have a 1990 Nissan Maxima for commuting so I am not concerned about getting a car for that. However since the Maxima might "break" anytime I want to be ready with the weekend car to setp up and become my commuter...

Thus the reason for space, speed, handling and so on.

I tend to work on my cars myself. I currently have a 1990 Turbo Miata with every suspension mod you can imagine and at about ~190RWHP it ain't too bad when beating the "more expensive cars" I will be repalcing the Miata. I think I am done playing with it.

So do I like fast cars? Heck yes.. who doesn't? Do I drive my kids around in my Miata? No way... since it's unsafe for them.

And I won't be driving fast when I have my kids with me. No way.

I usually go to track days and AX. I am an driving instructor in my club here in California.

The car I am planning on getting will be my weekend car/track car and then move up to commute if I need to.

I keep on thinking about the RX8... I just love the looks.

I drove both of them (RX8 and STI) and I drove them hard...

Knowing me(I have a heavy right foot) I will always be above 6K on the RX8 as I do with my Miata anyway to keep the torque where it needs to be. (so MPG? forget it!)

With the STI, you don't have to do that since turbo will be more than enough ...thus keeping it at ~4K RPM is all you will need...

The STI understeers.. you bet it does.. it's their nature... but this can be easily fixed with sway bars and a good alignment...

The RX8 oversteers, assuming you take the driving aids out, but this can also be fixed with sway bars and good alignment.

I don't go to the snow so that is not a concern for me.. Heck I live in the Republik of Kalifornia.... where we get the most expensive gas-water in the country... How about $3.19/gallon of 91 crappy gas?

As far as aftermarket, the STI has waaay more aftermarket parts than the RX8... due to the rally scene.

And since when a WRC based car became "rice car"? I don't agree with this.

I wouldn't choose any other Subaru...The only reason for the STI is for its power capabilities..

I am not into BMWs especially M3 ($$$$ maintenance), Audis or Acuras(FWD).

Bottom line is.. I love the RX8 looks but functionally, when needing to carry strollers around, it's not the best option...The STI is a box on wheels (I admit that) but I think it's better suited for family outings if needed...

I am still undecided...Only I happen to find a great deal on an RX8 I will go for one...

Thanks for all the comments and advice...Feel free to reply. You guys are awesome and I believe some of you have been in my shoes before... I appreciate your help.

Carlos

Ike

Just an interesting tidbit... the STi is the fastest car I've ever seen tested to 30mph by a magazine. Faster than the Supercars, the launches on that thing are simply amazing and you can blow away any stock car on the streets in a 30 mph zone The voiding warranty thing is an issue with just about every car manufactturer now and it also seems to depend a lot on the dealer. My Subaru dealer has a performance shop so they lot a lot of mods go, other dealers will raise a stink over very small mods.

Ike

Now that I know your situation a little better you need an Evo not an STi. If it's going to be used very minimally for daily driving and almost purely a fun car the Evo is the one to have IMO.

th1rd3y3

I dunno that would be a hard choice. I have the 8 and my wife has the STi and honestly I'd be hard pressed if I had to choose between the two now after having both.

I initially bought the 8 a year and a half ago because at the time, STi (which I almost bought) had no creature comforts. When the 05 became availabe, I began looking to trade my wife's mazda6 and did a little over a month ago. I'm through the break-in period and already past the first oil change in the STi. After having it for a week straight with a two 7 hour car rides in it, you'd be surprised how civil and comfy it can be.

Honestly the only thing you'll miss is the comfort of the 8. Not so say STi is bad but it's not the RX-8. Gas mileage is roughly the same (highway), maybe a little better in the STi in town. I'd have to say if you're looking for a fun car and don't need the frills (sunroof, nav, heated seats, leather) get the STi. You won't be dissappointed, because all you have to do is mash that pedal and listen to the boxer growl and the turbo sing and you'll forget about all the other "stuff".

Don't get me wrong, I love my 8 and would never give it up (providing nothing else breaks), but it's a tough choice, I firmly believe that no matter which one you choose you'll definitely have a smile from ear to ear.

Fanman

You say you have kids, so you must be a bit older. One reason I didn't get an Evo (or an STI for that matter) was that I needed to drive around in a car that didn't look like a boy racer image. Call it what you will, but I am in my 30's now & sometimes I do take clients out for my work & the image of the Evo & STI just doesn't fit in the corporate world. The RX8 does fit (OK) with that, nobody will give me grief but when I was thinking about the Evo, the comment was made is that is what a HS/college kid gets when they want to drive fast. I'm not sure if this is a big deal for you but it was a consideration for me. Car is fast but I just figured that while I would maybe open her up once or twice a day I would have to live with the interior & exterior on a constant basis & that was too much of a trade off.

Pololo_RX8

I will make it short...

I drove an STI for about 6 hours...and I couldn't see myself in it. Nice car, lots lots of torque but not what I was after...

Lost the deposit...

Then bought a car from a forum member selling his blue in CA (rlfletch)...

All I can say is...yes it doesn't have torque... but who buys an 8 for the torque?

My best description is "it's like a bike with 4 wheels" I just LOVE it.

Power to weight can't be compared to my turbo Miata (190 RWHP) but the feeling of driving a rotary engine is just intoxicating...

Thanks guys,
Will be asking many many questions in the future...

Carlos

HeelnToe

Yea, I drove an Evo for probably 2 hours over numerous drives... and came to the same conclusions. LOVE it, but...

Congrats on the 8 Carlos!

MR2_Spyder

Dude, gimme a break. if you're a big wig at your company, taking clients out, it doesn't matter what you drive. It's all about the person.

My last job the CEO, who made about 600K per yr, drove a plain WRX. Screw your image talk. Image is nothing. No girl is gonna date a guy because of his car, and no client is gonna like you less because of your car.

Get real, man! C'mon!

spork

uh, maybe you should get real.

girls do date guys because of their cars. now... girls don't LOVE guys for their cars, but there's sure as hell girls out there that will date you just for your car.

image IS important because there are shallow people out there. clients aren't going to like you less because of your car, but they *can* be less impressed by you for it. if you don't realize how important image is; look up the milgrim experiment sometime. that experiment showed that you could get people to actually "kill" other people (via administering shocks which they thought were real but weren't) if you projected the right image (a legitamite scientist).

but honestly the STi's/WRX image isn't bad. it's just young and raw which likely doesn't appeal to the older crowd who'd prefer comfort over performance. most of the time though clients aren't going to be seeing your car anyways.

more likely than not the cleanliness and condition of your car is more important than the car itself. Though obviously you don't want to take clients in a car with a ride so rough that their bodies will be aching when they get out, or with road noise so bad that you can't talk while in the car. The best cars to take clients out in are probably the luxury sedans (Lexus LS430, BMW 5 & 7 series, Audi A6/A8, etc) anyways; large, comfortable and quiet.

Wurmfist

Okay, taking the thread back on topic now that it has been hijacked.

My friend has the ralley edition STI, fast as hell and the handeling is great. But he dosen't ralley race and it didn't even come with a radio...go figure. I'll sacrifice some things for some creature comforts. If you aren't racing in the Grand Am series, then having a powerful engine isn't everything. If you want luxury in a sport package, get the RX-8. If you want a grocery getter on steriods, get the STI. I'm sure you will be happy with either descision.

Added: Okay I'm a dumbass and saw that he already made his choice! yay for the 8! But my opinion still stands above.

MR2_Spyder

That experiment is bogus. Anyway...

If you care about impressing the shallow losers out there, then you're shallow, too. why do you care?

Any girl that dates a guy because of the freaking car he drives is a pretentious idiot that you should avoid at all costs.

crosswound

do yourself a favor and get the STI.

MR2_Spyder

Sti is ugly.