Which STI?

[navmangt]

So I'm looking into either a JDM bugeye STI or a JDM STI hatch (spec C maybe) and just can't seem to decide between the two.

I'm after a properly engaging drive and I know the older you go the more raw the driving experience is, but does this come at the cost of actual driving dynamics?

I'm not averse to changing to coilovers and such, but does the improved chassis rigidity and different suspension geometry of the hatch provide an overall better driving experience? I have heard the steering on the hatch is very numb which I'm not too keen on.

I will at some point give both a test drive but thought early advice would be useful.

[Acapulco99]

For me it's the Hawkeye Spec C RA. Depends what you want to use the car for though. A standard STi would be better for daily driving.

[mersontheperson]

I absolutely love the hatches, I don’t know why but there is something about the proportions that just rocks my boat.

I kept thinking of buying an auto A line as a daily driver as traffic on my commute is a nightmare. Yes I know I am a heretic

[navmangt]

Acapulco99 said:

For me it's the Hawkeye Spec C RA. Depends what you want to use the car for though. A standard STi would be better for daily driving.

As much as I would love to the RA's are out of my budget. This would purely be a weekend toy.

[navmangt]

mersontheperson said:

I absolutely love the hatches, I don’t know why but there is something about the proportions that just rocks my boat.

I kept thinking of buying an auto A line as a daily driver as traffic on my commute is a nightmare. Yes I know I am a heretic

Agreed, love the way the hatch looks. I just don't want a numb driving experience, but if this can be remedied with stiffer bushes and firmer suspension then I'd probably lean towards it.

[Acapulco99]

What is your budget? All the STis have appreciated recently.

[MDMA .]

R205. Just do it.

http://www.spaceauto.com/stock/?maker%5B06%5D=06&a...

Edited by MDMA . on Tuesday 25th January 12:10

[mersontheperson]

navmangt said:

Agreed, love the way the hatch looks. I just don't want a numb driving experience, but if this can be remedied with stiffer bushes and firmer suspension then I'd probably lean towards it.

I don’t know what you have been driving recently, but would think that the hatch being a bit numb might be very relative. On English roads I think you will probably end up feeling more than you would want 😊, maybe on super smooth tarmac it could feel a little more aloof, but the roads that I drive daily I am almost certain you will feel plenty. As the years go on, this will feel more and more engaged as others get ever more sanitized. Just my opinion, I haven’t ever driven one!

[plenty]

Go for the JDM blobeye, or widetrack blobeye in UK or JDM flavours.

The DCCD on these blob models has more rear torque bias which is more fun and is more neutral out of the box than either the earlier bug or the later hawk.

Never driven a hatch, but the extra weight and tales of numb steering aren't encouraging. And I'm not sure that a 'better' chassis on paper equals more fun...I've gone back to a classic despite later cars having much better rigidity and torsional stiffness etc.

[Acapulco99]

I've heard that before (from you) but the hawkeye is plenty RWD feeling and looks much better. Hawkeye all day for me.

[plenty]

Looks are entirely subjective. If you value the driving experience foremost then try a DCCD blob.

The difference between hawk DCCD and Blob DCCD is not as great as the difference between DCCD and non-DCCD cars. The former you only notice at 8/10ths and beyond...the latter is more noticeable.

Probably moot anyway, as EJ207 hawks are likely out of OP's budget (and you'll struggle to find any DCCD car for less than 15k today).

[trails]

navmangt said:

So I'm looking into either a JDM bugeye STI or a JDM STI hatch (spec C maybe) and just can't seem to decide between the two.

I'm after a properly engaging drive and I know the older you go the more raw the driving experience is, but does this come at the cost of actual driving dynamics?

I'm not averse to changing to coilovers and such, but does the improved chassis rigidity and different suspension geometry of the hatch provide an overall better driving experience? I have heard the steering on the hatch is very numb which I'm not too keen on.

I will at some point give both a test drive but thought early advice would be useful.

Hatches use the same hydraulic steering, so I would be surprised if you can notice any difference in feel.

Spec C's will hold their value/appreciate faster, greater badge kudos and a nice smattering of bespoke parts elevate them over a vanilla JDM sti...

[S600BSB]

Widetrack Blob.

[davidif]

navmangt said:

So I'm looking into either a JDM bugeye STI or a JDM STI hatch (spec C maybe) and just can't seem to decide between the two.

I'm after a properly engaging drive and I know the older you go the more raw the driving experience is, but does this come at the cost of actual driving dynamics?

I'm not averse to changing to coilovers and such, but does the improved chassis rigidity and different suspension geometry of the hatch provide an overall better driving experience? I have heard the steering on the hatch is very numb which I'm not too keen on.

I will at some point give both a test drive but thought early advice would be useful.

Syphillis or gonorrhoea?