Japan vs Japan — 1995 vs 1998
| Impreza WRX STI Version 6 (GC8) | Impreza WRX STI 22B | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,994 cc | 2,212 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Length | 4,340 mm | 4,365 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 424 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 (GC8) brings better value to the table, and the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B answers with its own distinct appeal. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The 1995 and 1998 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 (GC8) producing 280 hp and the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B delivering 280 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru Impreza WRX STI uses a Flat-4 Turbo DOHC 16V displacing 1,994 cc, while the Subaru Impreza WRX STI relies on a Flat-4 with 2,212 cc. On the collector market, the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B commands a significant premium over the 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 (GC8), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.