[nox]

I'm a 2001 Miata owner and currently in the market for an Impreza and have test driven the 2002 WRX, 2.5RS and a 99 2.5RS. I have to say, they are all extremely fun! I preferred the 99RS the most even though the WRX 227hp was fantastic!

I love that AWD handling. The Impreza is such a solid construction from the sound of that boxer engine to the feel of the steering wheel. This car begs to be tossed around! I can't believe I've just discovered this car.

I haven't had the chance, or even found, a 98-01 2.2 L model locally yet. I'm curious to how it compares to the larger, more sporty engines. The price for the 2.2 are more what I'm looking for (around $10k), but if it doesn't feel like the 2.5 then I'll gladly shell out the cash for an RS. Anyone have any comparisons/opinions that could help?

 

[RS25.com]

From what I hear the 2.2L pales in comparison to the 2.5L engine, but don't take my word for it... anyone else?

 

[FuJi K]

you could always buy a L and swap a worked up 2.5L into it.

OR

buy a WRX engine from over seas, or put a legacy 2.2T into the engine bay.

just some ideas to think about.........

Just remember, The tranny will not hold alot of hp, well that's if you abuse it with 230 hp. You will need to get new clutch and tranny if you're going for more hp like the STi Version.

Don't take my works seriously, i'm young and don't own one but know about it.....

 

[RallyImprezive]

From what I hear the 2.2L pales in comparison to the 2.5L engine, but don't take my word for it... anyone else?

Hey now!!! I am the proud owner of a very nice 2.2, and I can keep with the 2.5s just fine.

But in the name of honesty, I will point out what I have noticed...and maybe some biased opinion.

- The 2.2 compared to the 2.5 is just that. .3 litres difference. Yes there is a power difference. 142 stock to 165 stock for 2.2 and 2.5rs respectively. (MY98)

- The 2.5 engine block is made from the same cast as the 2.2, just bored out a little more. The stroke is the same.

- The heads on the 2.5 have a dual port exhaust. Whereas the 2.2 has a single port. I would assume that the added back pressure gives a bit more low end torque and gives up a little top end performance.

- Cobb's aftermarket heads bolt right up the the 2.2 block. (I actually asked Trey, so I am sure of it) which fixes the single exhaust port if you plan on getting heads. Trey would also be willing to work on the 2.2 heads.

- If it fits a 2.5, it will fit a 2.2, minus headers (because of the exhaust port) Both cars use the same shell, engine configuration and tranny lay out. As I side note though, I think the gear ratios on the 2.5 MT are different than the 2.2 MT

- The 2.5 has a LSD in the rear, the 2.2 does not.

- The 2.2 has softer stock suspension

- The 2.2 lacks the flashy hood and bumper (just look at the pic of my car at the top of the page!)

In short, you get what you pay for, the 2.5 RS certainly has its benefits, but if you don't want to have the flashy looks, the 2.2 is still sleak, and is just as capable as the 2.5RS with a little work. I have, intake, exhaust, and an underdrive pulley, and I am pretty much dead even with a STOCK 2.5 RS. I also have aftermarket suspension that makes my car handle like a dream. The 2.2 is still a subaru....still capable....just a bit more "de-tuned"

That should be enough info. Hope it helps!

-Andy

 

[OutbackBosco]

2.2's are a great little engine.

Ok so the 2.0 turbo in the WRX and the 2.5 in the RS have more HP. The best part about driving Scoobies are the twisties.

There they all perform the same. If you want to get HP happy get a stage one turbo kit for about 2k or get a JDM 2.0l Turbo.

.02

BW

 

[Gambit]

If u don't plan on any serious engine mod, the 2.5l RS is a good buy. You get sport tuned suspension, sunroof, 2000 & 2001 gets LSD, big ass foglights, 4 wheel discs, ABS, etc....

 

[Guest]

I owned a '98 Impreza L 5-speed sedan. And I now have a 2001 RS 5-speed sedan.

To be brutally honest, there isn't that big of a difference. Had I known what I know now, I would have bought another Impreza L. I don't use the sunroof that often. The LSD isn't a big benefit because I'm not into competing in it at all. The hood scoop/vent is cosmetic, and therefore not all that important - same with the fogs/bumper. I would have had leather put in my car either way. The short-shifter too. The suspension would be the same too. The carbon fiber crap came off pronto. The white-faced guages are nice, but not all that important.

It's a great car, and I really enjoy it, but if I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldn't have spent the extra several thousand. Or rather, I would have spent the extra several thousand on a turbo kit, or some other goodies.

 

[nox]

Thank you all so far for you opinions. I hope I continue to receive more. RallyImprezive and horatio102 gave me a good impression comparing the two engins.

My main concern is if the 2.2 would give me as much fun driving it as the 2.5. Do they share the same precise notchy gear shifting (I think they do) and do they handle similar (the RS has sport tuned suspension and LSD)? I hate to go thru all this trouble to buy one and find out that the 2.2 would be sitting in my driveway because I don't like the way it drives compared to the RS.

The cosmetics like the 2.5's hood scoops, rear spoiler, 16" rims, front skirt an fog lights, the color coded door handles and trim really appeal to me much more than the conservative 2.2L. The extra add-ons like the sunroof, cruise control, keyless entry and leather wrapped steering wheel/shifter are also things that I appreciate very much.

These things can all be added on aftermarket, but I prefer them to already be on the Impreza I choose to buy. The cost to add them aftermarket would most likely add up to the same cost as if I were just to get the RS initially.

But, again, the important thing to me is if the 2.2 has the same character as the 2.5. I guess I'll never know until I find and drive one, but you guys are a great source for opinions before I do.

-David

 

[RallyImprezive]

Nox,
It sounds like you are leaning towards the 2.5RS. If there are certain aspects of the RS that you enjoy, you might kick yourslef in the ass if you step down to the 2.2L.
As far as the 2.2s character is concerned, the body shell is identical to the 2.5RS, and the suspension geometery is also identical with the expection of the stiffer strut/spring combo. In short, yes, I think the character is the same. However one of the reasons people enjoy the 2.5rs so much more is because of the visual cues that lean more towards performance. The steering wheel, high bolstered seats, sporty gauges and hood scoop that you can see from the drivers seat all sort of enhance the mood. It sounds to me like you would be better off in a 2.5RS. Besides, if everyone ran out and bought a 2.2L and modified it, my car wouldn't be so unique anymore.

-Andy

 

[sunnys25]

I think the 2.2 L's also don't come with ABS if that matters
and also have rear drum brakes.

 

[OutbackBosco]

I think the 2.2 L's also don't come with ABS if that matters
and also have rear drum brakes.

My OBS has the single pot front discs and drum back. Stopping power is pretty pathetic after heavy braking. One of the next major upgrades that I am going to do is get RS front brakes.

The thing about the hoodscoops being cosmetic is partially true. Most of the RS owners I know have taken the backing off and made them practical. The front right hood vent can be opened to allow cold air to enter and hit the intake. The hood scoop can be used to let all that hot air out of the engine bay.

I guess you have to ask yourself how much time and money are you willing to spend upgrading the L in terms of all around performance.

BW

 

[RS25.com]

I went to Edmunds.com and did some comparisons, and the car to get is the LX. It has a rear sway bar (which some others may not), wheel disc, ABS, and some other goodies. I can't remember all that it had, but it only took me about 20 minutes to narrow it down. I personally am looking to get an older (cheaper) Impreza, and I will only get a 94 or 96 LX because of those features. The 95 dropped a lot of features (go figure) and then they picked them back up in 96. The 93 didn't have a few things, and the 97's just get expensive from there on out. Go check out Edmunds.com and just make a note of features and that should help a lot.

Maybe I'll go do it now since I am feeling better...

 

[Warp3]

Keep in mind only the 2000+ 2.5RS has a rear LSD. The 98 and 99 models have an open rear diff.

 

[RS25.com]

Okm here goes:

1993 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr LS AWD Sedan
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, Air Bag Restraint, Air Conditioning, Air Dam, AM/FM Stereo, Anti-Lock Brakes, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Cruise Control, Digital Clock, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1993 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L AWD Sedan
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Air Bag Restraint, Air Conditioning, Air Dam, AM/FM Stereo, Digital Clock, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1994 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr LS AWD Sedan
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Anti-Lock Brakes, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Center Console, Cruise Control, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Sunroof, Power Windows, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Rear Window Wiper, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1995 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr LX AWD Coupe
4 cyl 2.2 L Engine, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo, Anti-Lock Brakes, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Antenna, Power Brakes, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Velour/Cloth Seats

1995 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr L AWD Coupe
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1995 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr LX AWD Sedan
4 cyl 2.2 L Engine, Air Conditioning, Aluminum/Alloy Wheels, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Anti-Lock Brakes, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Center Console, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Intermittent Wipers, Power Antenna, Power Brakes, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tilt Steering Wheel, Velour/Cloth Seats

1995 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L Special Edit. AWD Sedan
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Velour/Cloth Seats

An Impreza coupe and an Outback Wagon are added to Subaru's subcompact line of cars in an attempt to broaden their appeal with sporting and outdoor enthusiasts. Top-of-the-line LX model is introduced, replacing the LS trim-level, with an available 2.2-liter engine taken from the Legacy. Unfortunately it is available only with an automatic transmission

1995 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L Spec. Edition Sedan
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Center Console, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Velour/Cloth Seats

1995 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L AWD Sedan
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Air Conditioning, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1996 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr Brighton AWD Coupe
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Air Conditioning, Air Dam, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Rear Window Defroster, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

The formerly optional 2.2-liter engine is standard across the board, except in the new budget-minded Brighton AWD Coupe. A new grille accompanies the bigger engine, and a five-speed is available as well

1996 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr L AWD Coupe
4 cyl 2.2 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Air Conditioning, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1996 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr LX AWD Coupe
4 cyl 2.2 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Air Conditioning, Air Dam, Aluminum/Alloy Wheels, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Anti-Lock Brakes, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Fog Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission + $236

1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr LX AWD Sedan
4 cyl 2.2 L Engine, Air Conditioning, Air Dam, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Anti-Lock Brakes, Automatic 4-Speed Transmission, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Spoiler, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Trunk Release, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

1997 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr Brighton AWD Coupe
4 cyl 1.8 L Engine, 5-Speed Transmission, Air Conditioning, Air Dam, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Rear Window Defroster, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tinted Glass, Velour/Cloth Seats

Imprezas receive a facelifted front end that includes a Hemi-sized hood scoop. A new Outback Sport Wagon debuts, with nearly six-inches of additional ground clearance, fog lights, and a slightly raised roof. LX model disappears, which means only the Outback is equipped with ABS. Power and torque for both Impreza engines is up for 1997, and some new colors are available. HVAC controls are revised

4 cyl 2.2 L Engine + $98
Aluminum/Alloy Wheels + $192
AM/FM Compact Disc Player + $139
Automatic 4-Speed Transmission + $230
Center Console + $48
Cruise Control + $66
Fog Lights + $58
Rear Spoiler + $116
Special Wheels + $209

All years had some options, but they are usually nothing - things like cruise or 4EAT.

Hope that helps some... I don't see anything saying about the rear sway bars and such, so I'll see where I found that and let you know.

 

[RS25.com]

Okay, Autotrader has the brake info (disc/drum) but you get to go research that.

Here's ONE link:

http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ucars/UsedCars_compare.jsp?Ids=13056731

 

[Wrgb]

The thing about the hoodscoops being cosmetic is partially true. Most of the RS owners I know have taken the backing off and made them practical. The front right hood vent can be opened to allow cold air to enter and hit the intake. The hood scoop can be used to let all that hot air out of the engine bay.

im wondering if this actually makes any difference? would it not just allow more dirt and crap into the engine bay, and would that slight breeze on the intake, and the more airflow around the engine help anything (performance/reliably) ??

 

[Trix]

I run the backing plates off on my hoodscoop. I don't see much dirt in my engine bay. It really depends on where you live. In the summer i run with the hoodvent covers off so I can get extra cooler air into my intake. The hoodscoop really works especially when i'm autocrossing and launching at 5500rpm. The hoodscoop keeps the engine cool helps the transmission cool down.

 

[George.of.the.Jungle]

what is it with today...is it bump old ass threads day or something...this one's 6 years old..

 

[SleepySubie]

holy crap it is its from when you were a noob haha

 

[Signatus]

Insane. This thread is so old, lol. Where did you find this?!?! Page 395293529359? Haha.