2004 Mach 1 or WRX STI Char needs help...

[JTX]

You gotta go with the Mach 1!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[williecume]

i really hate to say it but i voted the wrx. i guess i'm just a freak that loves four doors.

 

[Crankcase]

MUSTANG...she will be the coolest teacher ever!

 

[Hokie]

How much does she drive and how much will she actually be getting into it on a backroad? The WRX will be livelier and better on hairpins, the Mustang will do beautiful donuts.

As far as reliability, Subaru has better interior fit and finish, but I'd trust the 4.6 over a high test turbo'd 2.5 boxer. they're asking a lot out of a little 4 banger, so longevity would seem sketchy. I've heard of the WRX's having turbo problems and their trannies not being the strongest. The mustang will probably have a T5, which is tried and true.

Also, around town the mustang's power will be more usable ~ there is no replacement for displacement. It will feel quicker at every stop light and when speeding up to change lanes. You just can't beat American torque.

Lastly, the 'stang will have more mass so Char will have better chances if she were to ever get in a wreck. So there's a little more peace of mind for you.

It all depends on what she's looking for. The WRX Sti will feel more like her old VW (just waaaay more power) but the 'Stang will be an entire new ballpark, that can be fun as hell!

Can't go wrong either way!

 

[sncwfo99]

wait for the '05'

 

[DonM]

WRX for sure.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Remember when Subaru cars had the spare tire on top of the engine... yep, right smack in the middle of the engine bay. Subaru has come a long way.

I would still go with Mach1 for many reasons already said above but above all because she is the wife of Rick who owns a Ford Explorer site.

 

[CodePoet]

I voted Mustang....of course!

Later
CP

 

[B94Sport]

Originally posted by Hokie
I've heard of the WRX's having turbo problems and their trannies not being the strongest.
Lastly, the 'stang will have more mass so Char will have better chances if she were to ever get in a wreck. So there's a little more peace of mind for you.

Regular WRXs have a weak tranny that dates back to when Subarus had half the HP and TQ they have now. The case flexes too much and the input shaft is too long, many drivers have shredded 1st and 2nd without even trying.

The STi tranny, however, is bullet-proof. You can do 5500 RPM clutch dumps all day long with no (tranny) problems. The rest of the drivetrain is another story. Some drivers have broken their rear axles.

As far as crash test ratings, they are both about the same. The Mustang beats the Impreza by a star in driver frontal impact, but the Impreza beats the Mustang in side impacts.

 

[Stic-o]

S T A N G !

Or

I'm ford guy Rick, and you my friend are an American Muscle Car guy. You know you are!

I heard about your past! Do the right thing!

 

[410Fortune]

Rick and Char,

How long will Char own this thing? I mean are you going to lease or buy?
The Mustang is more reliable and cheaper to maintain. The AWD system and Turbo charger can really add to the maintenece requirements down the road.
Personally I LOVE the Subaru, they are MONSTERS.

For a daily driver the Subaru would get my vote, but after a couple years of driving it I would rather have the Stang. Plus if the STI was mine, I would ROMP on it daily and probably lose my license, so unless you plan to really drive it hard, go with the STANG

Can you tell I can't decide? I see your dilema.

Let us know what you decide, and also let me drive it
hahaha

 

[dman726749]

Originally posted by 410Fortune
Rick and Char,



For a daily driver the Subaru would get my vote, but after a couple years of driving it I would rather have the Stang. Plus if the STI was mine, I would ROMP on it daily and probably lose my license, so unless you plan to really drive it hard, go with the STANG

you would not romp on a 300+ hp mach 1 either? i find that hard to believe haha

 

[zensius]

All other things being equal is Char going to be driving two or three people around? Having an extra set of doors and a little more space in the back seat makes a BIG difference. Also since you live in AZ don't forget to check in to their A/C capabilities.

 

[Alec]

Knowing Char and Rick personally, y'all will have more fun in the Mustang.

The WRX is similar to the car I bought, but I didn't give it a second thought. My X with 31s had better rain handling and bad weather acceleration than any of the WRXs I raced Though I didn't race an STi.

Considering you live in AZ and don't have to worry too much about weather, get the Stang hands down. If you need to ferry people, take the Dodge and stick 'em in the camper

 

[unclemeat]

I would consider her driving habits. IF you are looking for a nice car to tool around town and be seen in the Mach 1 is the choice. If she is going to drive around on country roads like the devils is chasing her the then the STI is the choice. I am likely to have to be making a similar decision next year.

 

[dman726749]

all you people are talking like the mustang cant corner. sure it wont corner as well as awd, but it is a sports car and it will corner well. get some lowering springs and you will have a true preformer any day of the week

 

[Lefy]

for me no question sti it's dirt and back road preformance can't be touched by anything under 60 grand
the evos a pile in my opinion

and I thought ford has always been making crappy stangs ever since the old style 5.0 left sorry

 

[snowburns]

I think you all are aproaching this wrong....Rick you should approach it like guys do when the need new power tools. Which would you rather drive when she's not lookin'???

In all seriousness both would be cool, I would suggest whichever she would get the most use out of (in the way(s) that the car was made to be used).

 

[dman726749]

Originally posted by snowburns


In all seriousness both would be cool, I would suggest whichever she would get the most use out of (in the way(s) that the car was made to be used).

EXACTELY who in all honesty is going to take there sti out on a dirt road and fling it around. i can honestly say i would not want to. but on the other hand i would not think twice about crusing down to the local strip and grabing some gears on the 1/4 mile

 

[B94Sport]

Originally posted by dman726749
EXACTELY who in all honesty is going to take there sti out on a dirt road and fling it around. i can honestly say i would not want to. but on the other hand i would not think twice about crusing down to the local strip and grabing some gears on the 1/4 mile

I saw pics of a wreck where a guy in an STi was showing off on a dirt road, lost control, hit the side of a bridge, and flipped it. I, on the other hand would not take it on a dirt road. Subaru's paint is thin and very prone to chips and scratches!