128i vs WRX

[ajc]

Which would you choose and why for a daily driver?

[dcho]

wrx more fun (awd, tuning) but 128 more refined (luxury, balance, heritage). what are your priorities?

[Black Flagged]

It's all about the resale value...

[dcho]

Originally Posted by Gangsta D

It's all about the resale value...

which subaru's actually do quite well with!

[2tonik]

I wouldn't say that a flat turbo four with AWD is more fun than a straight six RWD vehicle like the 128i. Especially if you add a Quaife to the 128i.

Sound-wise, there's no comparison. I still haven't heard a WRX that doesn't sound like a popcorn popper.

[mturo]

I actually just sold my 2014 wrx and purchased a 2012 135i with 10k miles (i know its not a 128i). The wrx was fun to drive, but the interior quality was (literally no better words to put it other than) shit. It started rattling the same day i got it but i was expecting that from the car so I was fine with it. All modification performance wise other than a cat back exhaust will require you to tune the car and most likely void your warranty (even a after market drop-in filter needs a tune). The engine is very sensitive a lot of people have ringland issues requiring a motor rebuild. Not trying to scare you, just want to let you be informed. If you keep the wrx stock it is a good reliable car, if you mod it you risk a 5-6k motor build.

[OrangeTea]

Originally Posted by Gangsta D

It's all about the resale value...

Then it would be hands down Subaru. They hold value like no other mass produced car.

[128Convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by ajc

Which would you choose and why for a daily driver?

For a daily driver, I'd choose the 128 (and did). Much nicer to live with.

But, for "enthusiastic" driving, the WRX crushes the 128. Much faster, better handling, etc. Among other things, to get even close in responsiveness you'd have to seriously mod the 128, with it's uncompliant run flats and soft suspension, particularly the bushings. Thousands of dollars, and a lot of time and trouble.

Even the new M235 can't match a 2014 WRX for overall performance, stock for stock.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...social20430864

Note that the WRX is both cheaper and better equipped, also. Since there was no automatic, manuals are easy to find.

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by Gangsta D

It's all about the resale value...

subaru beats us here.

[Black Flagged]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

subaru beats us here.

I know

[TheSt|G]

For a few bucks, the 128i is a significantly better car. Power goes to the right place, engine is light years ahead, interior isn't a Subaru, and with a little suspension work, it is utterly fantastic.

[mturo]

After the initial drop they maintain their value but the best i had a dealership offer me was 20k on a car with a sticker price of 27K. I did end up selling mine for what i paid for it.

[128Convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

For a few bucks, the 128i is a significantly better car. Power goes to the right place, engine is light years ahead, interior isn't a Subaru, and with a little suspension work, it is utterly fantastic.

I'm an admirer of yours, but this is just BMW fanboy stuff. Except for the interior.

As far as "power goes to the right place", where the rules allow, 4 wheel drive is supreme in race cars. Which makes it "the right place" by me.

Overall I like my 128, but the WRX is clearly better for performance. You've bemoaned the lack of an LSD on the BMW. The WRX has three <grin>.

[inFamousKicks]

Performance wise, I'd say
WRX>>128
135>>WRX

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

For a few bucks, the 128i is a significantly better car. Power goes to the right place, engine is light years ahead, interior isn't a Subaru, and with a little suspension work, it is utterly fantastic.

I think the 128i is an absolute better car than a WRX. But we should give credit where its due. Stock vs stock, WRX will smoke the 128i. Both of them lightly tuned, WRX smokes the 128i. The WRX msrp is also about $5k cheaper.

Which would I want to live with? Which would I enjoy more? 128I, and to me that is the question that counts.

[Dafttt]

OP what year WRX are we talking about? The 1-series just ended production, while the '14 WRX people are referring to, just started. There's a lot that can happen over a decade.

[dcho]

Originally Posted by inFamousKicks

Performance wise, I'd say
WRX>>128
135>>WRX

so u mean, 135 >>>> 128?

[2tonik]

The WRX is nice for what it is - an economy car with AWD and turbo. It feels cheap though - the doors have a distinctly flimsy feel when closed.

[IEDEI]

performance wise the WRX is better than a 128. If you are that worried about performance then get a 135.....quicker and more fun than a WRX.

as a DD or a nice car to live with.....the 128 destroys the WRX. every WRX I've ever sat in or driven has felt cheap and nasty......I could never own one.

[2tonik]

Don't get me wrong - the BRZ was a very strong candidate for me. I like the original WRX wagon quite a bit as well. And the SVX? Almost Citröen levels of cool to me.

Plenty of Subie love here.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by mturo

All modification performance wise other than a cat back exhaust will require you to tune the car and most likely void your warranty (even a after market drop-in filter needs a tune). The engine is very sensitive a lot of people have ringland issues requiring a motor rebuild. Not trying to scare you, just want to let you be informed.

None of this is true.

Any car requires tuning after a performance mod to get the full benefit of said part, but running an aftermarket drop in air filter is not going to reduce the performance of the car.

98% of all ringland failures come from people running higher than stock boost with the OEM Cast pistons that weren't made for it.

[JB007]

Agree
They are two totally different cars. I find the comparison really odd.
What is important to you, that is the real question.

I drove WRX and STI's. I always wanted to buy an STI, there is so much bragging about it, I thought it would be stupid fast. But after test drive, I found it to be slow as shit, and the interior reminded me some cars from 10 years ago. So, not for me. But both (WRX and sti) have nice 4x power trains. So, if a 4x drive is really what gets you hard, suby it is.

Otherwise, there are other interesting options, 128, GTI, etc. much more refined, well balanced, no ricer look, and good performers.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

as a DD or a nice car to live with.....the 128 destroys the WRX. every WRX I've ever sat in or driven has felt cheap and nasty......I could never own one.