Can the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Hang With a GR Corolla? | Track Test

[@nohbody]

I would love to see publications conduct similar tests throughout 10 laps rather than only 1 lap... It would show the audience how the brakes, as one example, continue to perform lap after lap and also highlight scenarios such as the GR Coralla's AWD system shutting down after a few hot laps. This would better represent what actually happens when these cars are taken to a track day.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Yeah we'd love to be able to do more extensive testing, but the realities of the media loan system for these cars rarely permit it. As it is we frequently have to ask forgiveness rather than permission just to do our track tests. But when opportunities present, we try and do deeper dives into long term viability of some of our test subjects as track companions.

[@Wind_slash0]

We need 24hr lemons comparo. Will the wrx die from oil starvation, or grc catch on fire first?

[@joby602]

@@Wind_slash0 How many of this model WRXs have died from oil starvation?

[@BDA0531]

​@@Wind_slash0 Where is your evidence/documentation of VB WRX's suffering from oil starvation?

[@reaality3860]

The 2025 Corolla GR is sold with extra transmission and oil coolers

[@bradfoster8146]

GR Corolla is definitely my next car. Checks literally every box for me

[@kanaric]

I just got a job with a signing bonus, probably will be an owner of one in the next two weeks. Won't be buying a new one for the price it is though especially when there are used circuit editions around with like less than 5k miles, and I would never pay $47k for a wrx that is an insane asking price for such a basic car.

[@aroundomaha]

The mid $40k price is an inhibitor for me, even as a current Subaru owner. I like this car but it seems a detail or two away from the “special” factor segment it is competing in. For now I will stick to my poverty spec BRZ as a daily.

[@Togairu]

Yeah I bought a 22 limited 13k miles for 29...much more reasonable. 45k is a no go imo. The brz is a sick car anyway

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Yeah the price is not helping it one bit. As a price competitor directly to the civic Is or Elantra N it can make a stronger argument, but at this price it's in Type R and GRC territory, and that's a tough hill to climb.

[@SoulEraser000]

Unfortunately, 40k isn't even considered expensive in the car segment. 30k~ is the new bottom floor. So 40k isn't really that much more. Blame economics, not the manufacturer.

[@K03sport]

negative harder. talk w/your sales person. keep the deal/terms in your favor. wait until the end of the month (in spring summer). In Fall/winter, everyone wants a AWD car. So in fall/winter, buy the BRZ or Miata (and have winter tires waiting in the wings). If your location has a real winter. ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

[@Teromi]

@@SoulEraser000exactly ….. people love to whine about prices but do not realize the current economics .

[@antoineozaneaux6881]

GREAT SHOW.

[@jeffking543]

Any SWAG on how much time the WRX could make up if it had summer tires like the GR Corolla?

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Tires alone would probably buy it half a second. Somewhere thereabouts. Unfortunately the front camber control still isn't great, so even better tires are only going to be using mostly the outside edges without at least some static camber added. Still, though, the tS suspension package is a huge improvement. Even a regular WRX would benefit from a solid shock and spring upgrade.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

@@Grassrootsmotorsports most of the GRC test cars are lsd laden. Meanwhile the VB is open diff, regardless. A REAL journalistic approach would’ve been both base models sparring. Same tires. Where’s that video?

[@K03sport]

​@@ianfairbanks1318 problem w/both base models and same tires requires EXTRA effort on the testers part. Press mules are usual mid to top tier cars because that is what is reviewed/highlighted and then that is what is bought. Why do you think VA WRX/STi came with Dunlop Sport Maxx tires--it was a "cheat" to do better in review/magazine testing. A base trim showdown might have to be done on customer cars.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

@@K03sport Hey im totally fine with the VB being a hidden secret. keep things affordable, and let's me destroy the youtube kids that can't autocross.

[@nfsfanAndrew]

I'll keep my 2015. Bought it for $27k. It was modified properly to make 450 to the wheel. Still runs great. Owned it for 5 years. Only have 46,000 miles on it.

[@spboy215-VC]

The OEM tires are actually Summer Max Performance tires not All Season Performance tires. For the price point it would be nicer if Subaru introduced more power to the drivetrain but, maybe they're holding out for the STi if they finally bring it back.

[@LifeofWiks]

My grc core with the performance pack came in at $39k out the door and its one of the best cars ive ever driven for what it is. Ive driven FWD, AWD, RWD, V8, V6, and so on. Everyone ive given a ride to are shocked at how much it pulls for being a 3 cylinder

[@progpogs]

Impressive how close it was considering the weight/power discrepancies. I would much prefer to buy an STI of the VB generation if Subaru provided the option.

[@HashTheGrappler]

I really don’t see myself trading in my 18 STI for this. The price and the fact that it just falls short of the STI platform, makes it not worth it at 50k when you can buy a 21 STI for 20k cheaper

[@ureydeliz8636]

Yea a used sti… this is brand new. But I do agree on the sti being better just because of the trans. But the VB got the superior engine by a long shot. So if you really think about it… it’s a 50/50

[@scottjohnson4885]

Would like to see the facelifted 2025 Golf R compared against some of the comp…

[@godzilla7391]

I bought a new , 2023 Cyber Grey Elantra N about a year and a half ago, and its been a blast. I shopped around, even had the WRX on my radar, but the Elantra N won me over , especially for performance per $. I know the looks on it are over the top, but it has grown on me. The GR Corolla ive heard some complaints about the transmission overheating on the track.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

The Elantra N is one of our favorite small performance cars, regardless of price. Factor in the fact that it's also a screaming deal compared to cars like the CTR and GRC, and that you can buy one with insane dealer markups, and it looks even more appealing.

[@pault151]

J.G. I notice that there are pretty small differences in the graphs below about 68 MPH which I'm guessing is a gear change on the Subaru. For autocross, this speed is rarely exceeded. So it's interesting to speculate that the tire difference to Super 200's might wipe out much of the GR's advantage when autocross is the venue (as opposed to the higher speeds reached at The FIRM) plus the better tires would probably improve the WRX braking advantage.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

The WRX is also seriously camber-challenged. We noticed this particularly in the base model we tested a couple years ago. The tS with a slightly stiffer suspension mitigates this somewhat, but it's still very front heavy and has a very tall center of mass and the outside edges of those front tires are doing way more work than they should. In contrast, pretty much every other car is the category uses all four tires a lot better than the Subaru (especially the Type R). So what I think this all means is you may be able to mitigate some of the bad habits of the Subaru with good alignment and tires, but everyone else has access to to those options as well. So you might close the gap on the GRC with tires and camber... until you throw tires and a couple degrees of camber at the toyota.

[@Brandon-xj8wp]

They knew most of us WRX enthusiasts disliked this models looks and details yet all they did was make it more expensive, got rid of a base model and then didn’t even think of doing a refresh to make the car more acceptable looking for the audience that wanted it. I was looking forward to this car back in 2022 and when it came out, it was laughable at best even with its new engine. I’m just gunna swap a FA 24 in the VA if my engine goes and call it day. I can tell at this point I won’t be buying any current or future WRX models because they really missed what everyone wanted here and just crams extra stuff we don’t care for in higher, way more expensive models. Even those TS wheels looks like some Walmart special, hot wheels. You have to spend over 6k just to make this car look acceptable to the rest of the WRX enthusiasts…

[@Teromi]

I’m sure it’s outside of Subarus control to keep it less than this price. everything is expensive … I paid $40k otd for a limited as it was the highest trim with a manual in 22.. the break kit, the seats, adaptive suspension with drive modes and eye site is worth the extra 5k in my opinion.

[@curtvesely5886]

The thing you testers never seen to mention is with a simple accsess port from Cobb tuning. I took my car to a very reputable tuner (CLARK TURNER), Clark lives about 7 miles from me. With nothing but a dyno tune with no parts added, I left with 40 more hp and 80 fps, all with raising my boost from 12.5 to 16.7. The difference was nothing short of astounding. The car runs exactly as it always did unless I stand on it, then it's Caty bar the door. As far as warranty goes, I don't care. Unless your some kind of a Neanderthal it's not going to brake...

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

We do plenty of digital tuning-usually to great success-with many of our project cars. But our new car track tests utilize as-delivered showroom models. Flashing the ECUs on media loaners would be frowned upon by the manufacturers, and as you know from your experiences, tuning is frequently a process, not simply a one-and-done operation. That's why we stick with tuning as a path for our long-term projects rather than our new car test catalog.

[@mcglsr237]

I think what you also fail to realize is that anything you do to your WRX, someone else can do to their turbo whatever as well. So sure, with a simple tune that ups the boost pressure, you get a good amount of hp gain (thank you, high compression ratio). So okay. Now you are faster than a stock whatever. But then, just as easy as you got yours, they can go get theirs, and now it's no longer you tuned vs. their stock. So the fact that you can get a tune is mostly irrelevant. That's like saying "if I put better tires on my car, and you have all seasons on yours, I will be faster." Well, sure. Of course. Until they also put better tires on. It's a pointless comparison.

[@GokuTheHusky]

Thing is since they selling badly i have seen them sold for 39k while type rs go over 10k over msrp. The Elantra N is hard to find at any dealer around me and from searching on forums theres barley any Elantra Ns in the US.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Yeah here in central Fla Elantra Ns can also be tough to come by, although they tend to sell close to or at list price. Dealers just aren't getting the allotments around here for whatever reason. It's such a niche car I'm not exactly surprised I suppose.

[@Keith-e5f]

Glad I got a WRX before they eliminated the base model. 29k for a 2023 wrx. Brand new. I'm not going to tune mine but I would think with a 2.4 l, it could be tuned to smoke that corolla. I never have like three cylinder motors. They vibrate inherently.

[@nicolashuffman4312]

I'm always a little surprised when a car company increases spring rate by 5%. I'm not sure that is enough to really be noticeable. I nearly doubled the spring rate on my VA WRX and there isn't a huge difference in harshness.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

To a global OEM, though, 5% may as well be full spherical-mounted coil-overs. Remember these are still consumer products and heavily curated IP that has to appeal to a very wide customer base. OEM's-particularly ones mostly focused around average consumers-will always err on the side of the largest audience. Also remember that a big part of the point of cars like the WRX is not selling WRXs but in having something "cool" in the showroom to help convince someone to buy an Outback or Forester.

[@IIBundo]

here is the thing. Subaru undertuned this engine for some reason, maybe cheap internals but from what i've been hearing the new 2.4L FA24 has a lot of overhead when it come to tuning. Wuth little to no engine mods tuners are achieving 300 WHP. Now, I get it, thats a voided warranty and asking for issues, but lets be realistic, anyone tracking their car is ready for mechanical failures. So far the WRX seems to love being beat on, especially this new FA24 variant. (designed for the Ascent with 5000lb tow rating)

[@danny2607]

On Throttle Houses track the TR was I think about 1.3 off the GRCs pace. I’d bet when they test the TS it closes that. I’m taking the TS. For a car that’s heavier, down 30hp, no LSD it can hold its own fantastically. It’s a shame the VB won’t see an STI version to really kill all competitors

[@PocketDrummer]

An STI with a proper STI transmission, LSDs front and rear, and 300+ hp would really push this thing toward the top of the pack. My only worry is that the price will top the pack, too.

[@dannyd7714]

So a GR Corolla.

[@yourmanzach2307]

im super happy with my wrx base trim. $30,500!

[@brian6speed]

Where can I buy a civic type r for 45k? I was quoted 10-15k above msrp by every dealership.

[@madmanmohoeknee7911]

They laughed at me for even asking for msrp

[@rodrigolovefemales]

There’s one here in Hazelwood Honda in Saint Louis, Missouri

[@godzilla7391]

The Civic Type R, while a fantastic car, would definitely not be worth it with those mark ups! Crazy thing is I'm sure they're still selling them out, due to people being impatient, or stubborn, and still purchasing them way above mark up

[@kanaric]

Then buy a used one with 2000 miles. Who gives a shit.

[@thystaff742]

You're gonna have to wait a couple more years till they sell the type r at msrp. Of course, now that I stated this some one-off is going to say they got it at msrp.

[@keithsullivan3520]

Bring the STI back or no deal.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Your lips to god's ears. There's good bones here, begging for a trip to the gym.

[@tomrakusan1179]

Ok - no deal. Go complain to SOA or Subaru. I am sure they shaking in their boots - oh, no, Keith says no deal…….

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Sports car or lifestyle car? I'm not sure. Especially at this price. If it was priced more like a BRZ? Also, I find Subaru pedal placement and pedal boxes less than ideal. Your team of editors and drivers obviously have a lot more track experience than I do but I'm not sure why you are so complimentary of the Subaru pedal placement? The break and gas pedals aren't close enough for my very average size 9 shoes to do a vertical rocking throttle blip and when I try to swing my heel out more horizontally to heel-toe that way, my heel runs into the transmission tunnel/console cover. I've made this comment on KZbin before and someone always responds with, "You idiot, they make pedal covers that fix this problem." I guess I can understand why an Impreza sedan might have a compromised pedal placement. I'm not sure why they didn't do better on the pedal box/placement when they first designed the BRZ. It's not a deal breaker in my mind (I'd probably buy those pedal covers the internet keeps yelling at me about), but it is a little frustrating for a ground up sports car design.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

I try not to criticize too harshly when it comes to seats, seating position and pedals, unless there's glaring faults. These are such personal factors and I have proportionally short legs and a long torso, so I'm not a great one-size-fits-all example to begin with. That said, I really liked the tS seat/pedal setup, and I haven't always loved previous WRXs. It feels like the tS versions of the WRX and BRZ have a lot of small, maybe under-reported adjustments to seating position that have been nothing but an upgrade IMO.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

@@Grassrootsmotorsports Fair. I always appreciate your reviews and videos!

[@justinsweeney643]

At this point I'm just happy that you can still buy a car with a stick shift. Pretty soon there will be almost zero options left.

[@bbb4019]

Vs a base GR Corolla. The GR Corolla is rumored to be part of a deal with Subaru that they wouldn’t sell an STi while the GR was in production.

[@IHadToMakeThisAccount]

Do you have any online source for this? I find this interesting yet somewhat believable

[@momsbasement656]

@bbb4019 Wouldn't doubt it. Would also explain why the WRX is detuned. It's also underrated at 271hp when it dynos the same WHP as the GRC or previous STI.

[@K03sport]

​@@IHadToMakeThisAccount ...proof or not; think about it. 1) Would Toyota actually let that information out for public view? It would destroy their "credibility" because it would show they can't win in an open/free market. Toyota boardroom execs killed the STi, not sales or the market. 2) Toyota has how much % stake in Subaru (is it double digits?) and Toyota is the big boy on the block, so Subaru benefits from Toyota money and technology. 3) Toyota has lots of collaborations w/multiple brands (e.g. Subaru, Mazda, BMW) and Toyota is using those collabs to benefit itself. The Yaris is a Mazda2; Supra is mostly a hardtop Z4; BRZ86; RAV4 is part Forester and CX-50 or vice versa. So, with the STi still on the market, Toyota would have a harder time selling the GRC if there were 3 AWD in the segment (Golf-R, GRC, STI). Audi S3 is a close 4th.

[@IHadToMakeThisAccount]

@ i mean i don’t just believe stuff without proof but you make valid points we’ll see when and if the sti comes back

[@bbb4019]

I was told this by a master technician at Toyota. He also told me about the Supra engine from BMW being part of a deal where BMW received IP around Toyotas Hybrid technology.

[@matthewwain9958]

So on all season tires it handled as well as a CGR on summers? Darn. As always... The engine needs a tune.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Not everywhere, but it showed real composure and grip in several corners. There's plenty to like here, but as you noted, it's let down a it by having the lowest power among its peers.

[@matthewwain9958]

@Grassrootsmotorsports definitely take you review sincerely as well. Love what your team does. Was surprised how much of a difference 5% spring rate made. I'm still interested in a tS to replace my 23 premium WRX. But I can't deny I will have to take a long look at the other options in its price range. My wife would neutralize me, but the Elantra N is a crazy good deal these days.

[@momsbasement656]

No mention of using identical tires, brake pads and brake fluid?

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Because of the structure of the manufacturer loans, we test cars in as-delivered condition. This means OEM tires and fluids. We do a basic nut-and-bolt and fluid check before we hit the track, but the manufacturers don't like us turning wrenches on their press loaners.

[@beaches2mountains230]

VB IS THE SHIT. OWNED MANY SUBARUS AND CARS FOR THAT MATTER, BUT EVEN COMPARED TO MY 2013 STI, ITS THE BEST WRX EVER. YEAH IT HAS SOME SHORT COMINGS BUT IVE ADDRESSED MOST OF THOSE ISSUES ALREADY..I WENT WITH CADILLAC V SPEC BREMBOS AND THERE GREAT. IVE GOT A PALLET WITH A FULL STI DRIVETRAIN AND DCCD SO ONCE THE STOCK 6 SPEED GIVES UP THE GHOST ILL BUILD MYSELF AND EVEN BETTER STI THEN SUBARU COULD HAVE OFFERED !!

[@Wind_slash0]

WHY ARE WE YELLING

[@kanaric]

all caps = low iq

[@jonathanb1987]

Toyota owning 20% of Subaru probably has something to do with not allowing the WRX to have the same power as the GR Corolla.

[@deigobams3]

What a mistake Subaru made not giving the WRX more power. Espeically because it's just a few pounds of boost away from from hanging with its competitors. Would have cost them nothing.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Maybe their warranty underwriters know something we don't?

[@madmanmohoeknee7911]

@@Grassrootsmotorsportsexplain….

[@6Mar99]

Probably to pass emissions

[@kenxiong6830]

Bring back the 2 door STi!

[@ronaldsaavedra9300]

at this point if they bring out a STI - considering what that would be priced at - it would still be better to buy any other car that has similar or more HP - it would most likely be cheaper and all you are buying is a logo - keep in mind, I own a VB WRX - I have a base and essentially have the same car as the TS - engine wise. Nothing in there validates the extra cost seats, brakes.....nope!

[@turbovarg]

I know the Impreza based cars have been fairly noncompetitive from a performance per dollar standpoint for some time now, but this is a $45,000+ car, I want to know what subaru's excuse is for this not making 300hp+ if that's all it takes for it to out perform a cheaper corolla or hang with the similarly priced Golf R (44hp advantage). Is it a real softball of a tune for no reason? Or is it a fragile engine/drivetrain that needs that low state of tune? Let's keep in mind that under 300hp for a turbo 4 in a performance car is late 2000s stuff, ecoboost mustangs make what? 310hp? And they're $10,000 cheaper. I don't want to rag on it too much, but those plastic arches... real 2000s GM looking stuff. You just know are going to be chalky in 8-10 years in Florida.

[@crimsonnimbus158]

The cladding is super inexpensive to replace and you could literally make them look brand new again by kissing the surface with a flame. Works the same way with weathered lawn chairs. You can buy paint matched cladding if you're not a fan of the look. A lot of foreign cars use cladding. Wide body kits are also being made that cover it completely.

[@momsbasement656]

@turbovarg SavageGeese and others have found the 22+ WRX actually makes slightly more WHP than the GRC. For some reason, Subaru underrated it by 30+ HP. So it *is* a 300hp car. However, the torque is the real sad part. It's been massively restricted, which is why this car still loses. The thing is, it's all artificial detuning. For the price of an Accessport and E-Tune, (about $1000) the WRX makes 70hp and 100ftlb more. No mods. The EcoBoost starts blowing up when you tune it. This new Subaru FA24F doesn't. It's also available with a manual and a stronger STI manual can be easily swapped in. The Mustang is only auto.

[@turbovarg]

@@momsbasement656 So the tunability and underrating doesn't answer the question, it actually raises more. If they could have made the power from the factory with no consequence and it's just a softball tune, why didn't they? Power sells, if it can make more power with zero drawbacks it would improve mass appeal of the car and it doesn't make sense that they didn't do it. It's not like they're trying not to cannibalize sales from the STI which no longer exists. As for the mustang not having a manual, I don't really care, that's irrelevant when all I was asking was basically "why is the WRX TS so much less powerful than cheaper cars"

[@crimsonnimbus158]

@@turbovarg reliability sells. The WRX hasn’t been track ready until the TR came out. It’s simply wasn’t sold to be a race car until the TR. The TR isn’t a race car either. It’s simply Track Ready. You can drive it to the track, race, and then drive it home. It doesn’t mean it’s breaking records. Any of this “STI tuned” nonsense is simply them trying to sell the car that really isn’t competitive. It’s a reliable fun car with AWD. Can it be made fast? Of course it can but there goes your warranty. The WRX has been and most likely will forever be for someone who wants to modify the car. I would never spend $45K for a TR. You could build a base model that’s competitive with after market parts and still have some spare cash. But you’ll need it for whenever you find the breaking point which will certainly be the Transmission. Anything above 400 tq is said to be the limit until an STi swap. There’s a small percentage of people out there who race competitively in a completely stock car. Let’s be honest about that. The open deck FA24 engine is said to handle north of 450hp/450tq which is a massive difference in power compared to how it comes stock.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

IMHO, neither one are worthy contenders to the STI, when you need to supplement them with power, differentials, or stop the rear end from decoupling. YMMV

[@kanaric]

Rather have diff issues than typical subie exploding engine issues the STI always had. Diffs are already commonly replaced when you track a car, an engine in a new vehicle is not something you want. And if all this car needs is a diff cooler then why do I care? Evo needed the same shit and that car was ALSO superior to the STI

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@kanaric Sounds like one or more cars hurt you or your wallet with that anger. 🤣 I've been buying Subaru vehicles since the late 80s/early 90s including but not limited to STI (i), Forester, Tribeca, GL, WRX, and have yet to have one grenade in a new one. Currently own a '20 STI. I've also owned other manufacturers including a Weightless White Evo. But to your point of "only" needing a diff cooler? not so fast.

[@saabaru007]

After 2 laps, the GR Corolla's rear diff will overheat and the GR becomes FWD. Then the WRX will walk away.

[@tealchief]

There is already a solution for this. Watch the savagegeese video on this topic.

[@kanaric]

People said the same thing always about the Evo X all while it dominated the STI after just getting a transmission cooler, then the STI engine explodes which we see they still haven't resolved issues with the flat 4 exploding.

[@milliebays1801]

Ts in America is like lacrosse in canada

[@rwilson3896]

Funny thing about the comparison for the GR Corolla is that all the fanboys for the GR never talk about the AWD system failing on track after a few laps. It’s to a fault, that they treat the GR at such a high standard while it has a serious reliability flaw. These fools send the message to Toyota that they accept low standards for reliability and quality while paying full price for a performance car that can’t deliver on its as advertised marketing promises of being track worthy. Shame on you GR fanboys.

[@dannyd7714]

I owned a 2015 STI and now own a 23 GR Corolla Circuit Edition. The GRC is better in EVERY way.

[@rwilson3896]

Of course you’d overlook the fact that all generations of the STI have had better AWD systems than the trash AWD system in the GRC. Anyone else out there who struggles to see things at face value want to say a similar comment about the GRC’s superior AWD drivetrain?

[@beaches2mountains230]

FIRST THING I MODIFIED ON MY VB WRX ACTUALLY THE SHIFTER. I HATE CABLE SHIFTERS BUT I DID THE BILLETWORKZ FULL SHORT SHIFTER KIT WITH A GROUP N PITCH STOP AND IT WAS 90% BETTER. IVE SINCE ADDED OTHER TIDBITS LIKE A GROUP N TRANS MOUNT, POSITIVE SHIFT KIT AND REAR DIFF BUSHING INSERTS.. HAVE ORDERED IT YET BUT PERRIN ALSO HAS A DRIVESHAFT LOCKDOWN THAT SUPPOSEDLY REALLY TIES IT ALL TOGETHER TO MAKE IT AMAZING..IVE GOT THE CLUTCH DELAY DELETE ORDERED AND THE SHIFTER DETENT KIT SO I FEEL LIKE IT WILL THEN BE GOOD ENOUGH TO LAST UNTIL I HAVE TO INSTALL THE STI DRIVETRAIN. CHEERS

[@K03sport]

agree, (stiffer) pitch stop, trans mount, shifter pivot bushing, and slightly heavier knob help with feel and directness. "snick snick"

[@K03sport]

still more edgy than the GTI....to truly hang w/a GR Corolla, the new WRX tS needs a Crosstrek/Outback rear end. They (Subaru) have the means and all of the bits/tuning, so a fast WRX tS/TR wagon is not out of reach. I'm not asking for an S209-like "all accessories included" wagon, even though that would be bonkers...I just want an everyday, awd, manual, turbo wagon at or below $45k....is 'that' too much to ask for?

[@yourmanzach2307]

iimagine getting a base wrx and putting 2k into it to easily beat the GR.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

You're certainly not going to get those Brembos for $2k, but a good set of springs and shocks, a proper alignment and a tune is going to really wake up a base WRX. As we discussed with the BRZ tS, these "factory bolt on" upgrade packages we're seeing more and more now can easily be duplicated with aftermarket parts, often for the same or less than the OEM option package. But... the appeal of those OEM packages isn't just the parts themselves. It's also the ability to finance those upgrades right into your car loan or lease, and the warranty coverage on those parts as well. Certainly our choice would usually be to upgrade ourselves, but we totally understand the appeal of the factory packages for lots of buyers.

[@yourmanzach2307]

@@Grassrootsmotorsports i have seen youtubers tune it with bolts ons just catback, CAI making 350hp

[@kanaric]

And $2000 into a GR? If you mod one car you have to compare the other car modded. If i'm modding a WRX i'm buying the base not something that's $47k. I can buy a S3 for that. GR is the better buy at that price. $47k for a WRX is laughable.

[@yourmanzach2307]

@@kanaric i just bought my new base wrx for 30k. after taxes and short throw in thee 33k range. would have cost me the same for a civic si so the wrx is def good value!

[@ianfairbanks1318]

LMAO. the fastest VB wrx model is the BASE model. its the lightest. the other additions dont do anything for being faster.

[@crimsonnimbus158]

Incorrect. Better brakes = better lap times. TS is quicker hands down because it's able to brake efficiently by allowing you to drive faster into turns before hitting the brakes since a BBK is better at dispensing heat to reduce brake fade as compared to the stock brakes.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

@ and those brakes on a base model would dominate, yet again. Wanna keep going?

[@crimsonnimbus158]

you literally said, "...the other additions don't do anything for being faster." Wanna keep going?

[@brian6speed]

ian is the type of guy who is always wrong but thinks he is always right. Arguing with these ppl is just wasting time.

[@Brandon-xj8wp]

@@brian6speedhe still makes a good point, it would be faster in a straight line because of the weight difference and all he’s trying to convey is the fact that they did nothing to boost horse power on higher, way more expensive models that they came out with which is unacceptable for most Subaru enthusiasts. I’d say 85-90% of us isn’t on a track anyways….

[@momsbasement656]

The WRX was sadly gimped. Running at least 6psi less boost than all previous gen WRXs. When tuned, it wrecks the GRC.

[@James-sb4ge]

Oh nice a modified car will beat a stock car?

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

The chassis improvements definitely highlight the lack of power. This current chassis would be perfectly comfortable at GRC power levels.

[@SoulEraser000]

@@James-sb4ge High strung 3 cylinder vs Very mildly tuned 4 cylinder with healthy sized displacement. More so speaks about the the potential the WRX has. I think the point is that the new engine isn't even close to using its full potential.

[@thehitman8663]

Does no one ever look at the GR yaris same motor doing 450whp for years now?????? Hello? People are so goofy saying its high strung because 3cyl smh ​@SoulEraser000

[@yt_hatescrime_data4301]

Yeah it ain't gonna break til 500+ hp. 👍 ​@@thehitman8663

[@martinrosa88]

The GR Corolla over heats after 2 laps foh

[@dorianleclair7390]

Subaru has always been cheaper than Toyota and Honda. Charging as much as a Type R civic and 7 grand more than a GR Corolla is a shame.

[@Imprezalove]

The VB WRX keeps getting slept on. Everyone here is going to regret it. It’s the GOAT.

[@ttis3701]

The wrx can't even hang with a 2003 camry 😂

[@ZakTheRipper18]

Jesus H. Christ does this guy have any other adjectives at his disposal besides "fantastic"? Not everyone is cut out to be a presenter.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Fantastic comment

[@ZakTheRipper18]

@Grassrootsmotorsports fantastic channel

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

different tires, unfair comparison

[@silvapain]

The WRX Ts is about $15k overpriced.

[@W333dm4n]

It kinda sucks its a vb lol

[@r3games1985]

STI, ST. Horrible acronyms.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

Too bad GRM forum is a garbage dump filled with the worst humans of all time. I USED TO BE a sub of the mag, but not anymore. The magazine became highly political and the forum went to crap.

[@kanaric]

Details or you just sound like an ass devastated loser banned for the same reasons you are whining about. Nobody goes to a car forum to see a boomer whine about shit, if you were banned for that then go whine on youtube then nobody cares you are gone.

[@markharrison1689]

I love the mag. I don’t see the political nonsense. Great info for me.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

@@markharrison1689 go back to 2019 on the forum and have a look. Grade A assholes abounded, GRM took every article and made it political. **** them.

[@arctictruck10]

When are you going to get the automatic gr Corolla and stop messing with these lame manual transmission cars

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Everything we're hearing about the automatic GR Corolla thus far has been pretty positive. Modern automatics-even non-DCT autos-have really come a long way in the last decade with products like the ZF 8HP and others. Hopefully the GRC auto is as good as we're hearing.

[@stock.cars.2ned]

Corolla is for betas. Tune the wrx and you got 300-350whp on regular gas or 400whp on ethanol. No mods, just software.

[@kanaric]

And when you tune the Corolla what do you get? And at 47k why am I buying a WRX and not a Golf R or S3 or CTR or any other car that is vastly superior to it including the GR corolla? WRX is a $30k car not a $47k car and an Elantra N is a better buy.

[@stock.cars.2ned]

@@kanaric i dunno, my wrx was 29k, so not sure what WRX you buying for 47. As for tuning corolla you get 40whp/50wtq on top of what you have. Its not bad at all, but again, my wrx is 29 and GRC is 50% more.