Japan vs Japan — 1992 vs 2005
| Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI | Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 274 hp |
| Torque | 268 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,994 cc | 2,261 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 152 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,778 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,675 mm |
| Length | 4,340 mm | 4,745 mm |
| Original MSRP | — | $28,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $20,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring answers with higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Sports Sedan cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI versus the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring. Both hail from Modern classic and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI producing 280 hp and the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring delivering 274 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru Impreza WRX STI uses a Flat-4 Turbo EJ20 displacing 1,994 cc, while the Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16-valve MZR DISI turbo with 2,261 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI edges ahead at 4.7 seconds versus 5.4 seconds. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 822 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI commands a significant premium over the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.