Forester XT vs. WRX wagon

[MatthewakaMatt]

I'm still doing a little bit more debating about what particular AWD wagon I want to get as my rallycross plaything and general practical vehicle. Naturally, the first thing that came to mind is to just get a WRX wagon. (I know that a STi or Evolution should be a little faster and a lot more expensive, but I really want the practicality of a wagon.)

However, the change to 2009's stock class rallycross tire rules got me thinking about the turbocharged Forester XT. There are a few actual knobby all-terrain tires that come in stock class legal tire sizes for the Forester (such as the 215/65R16 General Grabber AT2), which I would guess work in the dirt a lot better than snow tires do. Might the (potential) added grip of all terrains outweigh the higher CG of the Forester?

Since I haven't had the chance to thouroughly test drive a stock Forester yet, how do they handle compared with the WRX? I have seen a Forester on slicks tearing up ESP in autocross, so I would assume that at least with aftermarket springs they can handle.

[enginerd]

I think you're goals are commendable and anaylsis is accurate. Pretty sure the Fozzie has stiffer springs/shocks and a little more travel which is good for rompin' and rally cross. With some nice tires that would defenitely be a winner. However might not be the right car for Auto-X becuase of the center or gravity thing.

I got an 02 WRX Wagon this year for the same reasons. Reilable daily driver, can haul the kids and dogs, great at the rallyX and on snow with el-cheapo AT tires. I almost got Legacy or Forestor but really liked the looks of the WRX and they didn't have turbo versions in my year model so WRX it was!!

Is horsepower or looks a concern? I have a buddy that snagged one of the new Sti Foressters and it has GREAT power, looks, and suspension.

For what it's worth I haven't seen a single Forestor at the RallyX events this year. But I also don't see too many wagons. We're out there and we're kicking ass though.

[albascoob]

FXTs handle brilliantly....slap on some 15" rally wheels with gravel tyres and you will be set. I would even recommend the auto....it's a rocket.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildkt/3018321702/in/set-72157608803388401/

[MatthewakaMatt]

Pretty sure the Fozzie has stiffer springs/shocks and a little more travel which is good for rompin' and rally cross. With some nice tires that would definitely be a winner. However might not be the right car for Auto-X because of the center or gravity thing.
Hmm, it looks like you are right that the Forester XT has slightly stiffer spring rates and a fair amount more travel than a WRX does. So hopefully between that and the extra ground clearance, a Forester can stay WOT with all the tires keeping planted over bumps and dips that a stock WRX would either slow down for, bottom out on, or go airborne.

Checking on the CG and rollover rating, it looks like it is only a couple inches higher that the WRX and within the range for ordinary sedans and wagons, so putting it on its roof shouldn't be too much of a concern.

Oh, and as I mentioned in my introduction thread (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7400), I have a STS2 Miata for my autocross fun.

[Jard]

Bringing either one out to Summit Point this year? ;)

I have an '02 WRX Wagon and a 2008 FXT. Love them both, but they are night and day different, at least how I have them prepped.

I think the FXT could be competitive in stock class...at least regionally.

[pookdizzlehtk]

Well check this out!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x18goizbqs4

[albascoob]

I think the FXT could be competitive in stock class...at least regionally.


erm......it certainly is competitive, in PA and M4 too, regionally of course!

[MatthewakaMatt]

I think the FXT could be competitive in stock class...at least regionally.
erm......it certainly is competitive, in PA and M4 too, regionally of course!
Since both of you are just saying it could be regionally competitive (and there were quite a few WRX wagons at nationals), are you saying that you think that the Forester XT is decent but slower than an equally prepared WRX?

[albascoob]

Since both of you are just saying it could be regionally competitive (and there were quite a few WRX wagons at nationals), are you saying that you think that the Forester XT is decent but slower than an equally prepared WRX?

I said regionally because I haven't competed nationally, I only competed in the FXT once....that photo above is from a recent event here in MI where the car took 1st in PA, fastest run of the day and fastest cumulative time overall (8runs) and I would say our competition here in Detroit Region is pretty tough with several Stis, WRXs, RSs and Talons.

The car is stock with the exception of the rally tyres so yes, I consider it a competitive vehicle. Honestly, I think the auto box has an advantage over the 5sp.

(Random thought) I believe Paul Eklund has competed in an FXT also in the past...

On the flip side, I've had our WRX rally car at rallycrosses and been smoked by 2WD cars before so my question to you is, how much is driver skill and how much is vehicle performance?
Makes you think...

[enginerd]

On point sir. Seat time and learning will win every day!!!

[MatthewakaMatt]

I said regionally because I haven't competed nationally, I only competed in the FXT once...
Ah. Makes sense now. I was trying to figure out if you were saying it was merely a somewhat competitive car, or saying that at least from your experience in your region it looked competitive. I understand since the techniques of driving on dirt will take some getting use to, seat time will be key and I personally don't expect more than just a good time for the first few seasons.

Oh and Jard, whether I end up with a WRX, Saab 92x Aero, or Forester XT I definitely plan on going to as many of the Summit Point rallycrosses as I can make it to. I mostly plan on autocrossing the Miata, but it would be fun to take it to the track sometime too.

[albascoob]

Ah. Makes sense now. I was trying to figure out if you were saying it was merely a somewhat competitive car, or saying that at least from your experience in your region it looked competitive. I understand since the techniques of driving on dirt will take some getting use to, seat time will be key and I personally don't expect more than just a good time for the first few seasons.

Oh and Jard, whether I end up with a WRX, Saab 92x Aero, or Forester XT I definitely plan on going to as many of the Summit Point rallycrosses as I can make it to. I mostly plan on autocrossing the Miata, but it would be fun to take it to the track sometime too.


Thats the right attitude. You'll find that you'll be considerably faster at the end of your first RX season than when you started, regardless of the vehicle your choose. Keep us posted on progress and good luck.

[junkyard racer]

I have a buddy that snagged one of the new Sti Foressters and it has GREAT power, looks, and suspension.


*heads to the subaru website*

more info please.

[RA Limited]

haha yeah Frank, i saw that too.

WTF

[MatthewakaMatt]

While browsing online I've seen a lot of the later Forester XT Sports with STI style wheels (like this one) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=253053307&dealer_id=575930&car_year=2008&rdm=1230355239092&model=FOREST&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=__WFQ,__&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=088084&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=SUB&keywords_display=XT&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=21048&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=189), and they look a lot like the non-US STI Forester. Maybe either that's what he is talking about or the friend lives somewhere where they actually got Forester STIs?