Japan vs Japan — 1992 vs 1998
| Impreza WRX Type RA GC8 | Impreza 22B STI | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 246 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,994 cc | — |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 149 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,646 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Length | 4,340 mm | 4,340 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 424 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA GC8 brings lighter weight to the table, and the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI answers with stronger collectibility. 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. The 1992 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 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA GC8 producing 280 hp and the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI delivering 280 hp. The engine configurations differ significantly — a Flat-4 DOHC 16-valve turbo (EJ20G) in the Subaru Impreza WRX versus a Flat-4 Turbo in the Subaru Impreza 22B STI. The 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI claims a higher top speed at 149 mph compared to 149 mph. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.