Subaru Impreza WRX STI

vs

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Japan vs USA — 1998 vs 2015

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (1998)
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (2015)
Specifications
Impreza WRX STI 22BMustang Shelby GT350 5.2L Voodoo V8
Horsepower280 hp526 hp
Torque429 lb-ft
Engine Size2,212 cc5,163 cc
0-60 mph4.3 sec
Top Speed174 mph
¼ Mile12.5 sec
Weight3,648 lbs
Wheelbase2,520 mm2,720 mm
Length4,365 mm4,784 mm
Units Produced424
Original MSRP$59,440
Value (Excellent)$450,000$85,000
Collectibility5/108/10
Rarity10/105/10
The Verdict

The 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2L Voodoo V8 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, stronger collectibility, better value. The 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

Putting the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B against the 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2L Voodoo V8 is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Japan versus USA. The 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2L Voodoo V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 526 hp compared to 280 hp, a 246-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru Impreza WRX STI uses a Flat-4 displacing 2,212 cc, while the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 relies on a V8 DOHC 32V flat-plane crank with 5,163 cc. On the collector market, the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B commands a significant premium over the 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2L Voodoo V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2L Voodoo V8 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.