Agreed !!!!!

 

I considered a WRX in 03 (no STi model then). The primary reason was for the looks/performance. Something about it. Like those little bug eyed pug nose dogs, they are so freaking ugly they are adorable. I think the latest model with the larger hood scoop is less appealing though. If you ever see one up close you'll be amazed just how huge that wing and scoop are for the 04's.

I still think they are cool though, but I also kinda dig AMC gremlins.

 

My old roommate had a WRX that was modded (up pipe, down pipe, waste gate, or some s**t). I drove it numerous times. Fit and finish was very tight, and I actually like the looks and the feel, but the power-band was more or less an on-off switch and you had to wind the crap out of it. And, three hard lauches in a row would fill the interior with fried clutch smell for an hour. He told me that after about 30 hard launches, the stock clutch went bye-bye.

So, if you do come across an WRX at a stoplight, race him at the next 2 or 3 lights too. Even if he does beat you, he'll have to burn 10% off of the life of his clutch to do it!

 

Beautiful !!! And I thought the whole Japenese crap scene was immortalized by everyone for outstanding quality through and through! Argh, people just don't appreciate the American automobile anymore.

 

Granted those things aren't things of beauty, but they are very impressive performance cars. As you found out, straight line speed is probably pretty much up to the drivers, each car having their own respective advantages -- STi's AWD, Stang's vast low-end torque. But the STi's never were intended to be drag cars and are a bit out of their element on the strip or stoplight. Out for a longer run in the twisties, especially in less than ideal conditions, and I imagine the advantage would be more solidly with the STi's, though driver skill would still be a huge element.