Japan vs Japan — 2001 vs 2004
| Impreza WRX STI Spec C GDB | Forester STI SG9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 279 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,994 cc | 2,457 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 sec | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 158 mph | 143 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.1 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,932 lbs | 3,263 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,525 mm |
| Length | 4,415 mm | 4,485 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
On balance, the 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C GDB makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 counters with its own distinct appeal, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C GDB for outright capability, or the 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Subaru has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C GDB with the 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C GDB holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 265 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru Impreza WRX STI uses a Flat-4 DOHC 16-valve turbo (EJ207) displacing 1,994 cc, while the Subaru Forester STI relies on a Flat-4 DOHC 16-valve turbo (EJ255) with 2,457 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C GDB edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 5.3 seconds. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 331 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.