Focus ST or Impreza WRX?

CS||nuTs said:
You need to try a remapped ST. I was not overly impressed with the ST in stock form,granted it did everything pretty much as expected but, nothing about it really stood out [other than the ride]

This changed totally once i mapped the ST, it now pulls like a train in any gear, 70mph in 6th and boot it feels like you have dropped it into 3rd. The boost now kicks in much lower down at approx 1800-2000 rpm and is a real kick in the back all the way through to the redline.

Might not be as chuckable as a Scooby but it is still a lot of fun.
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tuning is a completely pointless argument as both the Impreza and Focus can be transformed with little money thrown at them.

The sky is the limit with your impreza, you'll find plenty of engine builders quite willing to give you 400/500bhp if you've got the cash.

Same with the ST really.

Best to compare standard cars as you could be forever comparing the different modifications available.
 
I don't think his point is power - the biggest change in the map is how it is delivered.

FWIW though, an ST will still make more power than a WRX after both have been remapped. (~265-275 for the ST depending on mapper, and around 250-255bhp for the WRX it seems).

I think when you can pick up a single modification that can transform a car as much as the Bluefin or DSCi for as little as £200, it is something that becomes completely relevant.

If I was considering another ST, I wouldn't be looking at the merits of a standard car - I'd be looking at the merits of it remapped. Likewise for any other turbo motor really, assuming it can be done reliably.
 
I take it that the 250BHP figure just from a remap?

For some reason Japanese cars seem not to respond as well to a basic remap as European cars. Only when components are changed and combine with a map to make use of the changes do gains really begin add up

Although It has to be said that WRXs (at least on paper) seem to be a little rubbish when it comes to tuning with basic modifications.
 
The older classic UK models didn't seem to get many beyond 250bhp with an exhaust system and remap. But these days pretty much every WRX you see getting mapped gets over 265bhp, depending on condition etc.

Mike may be talking about generic slap on maps such as the Bluefin for the ST. But these do not work well on the Imprezas at all, it's all about the custom maps for them which make the power come out. Again an exhaust goes a good way to help make power, but more aids response than top end.

I wouldn't say Jap cars don't respond to just remaps, just the turbo on the WRX model is tiny. The Evo for example can jump nearly 100bhp if done right, but it has a larger twin scroll turbo.

FWIW I would (if leaving the cars standard) buy a Focus ST as it is better out of the box. The WRX to feel as nice to drive desperately needs lowering springs, and a remap/decat at least one of it's 3 large cats. But of course this can still apply to the ST too.
Budget dictates an STi here to be quite honest, or a cheaper already nicely modified WRX.
 
Yea but the classic WRX were imports with higher power so its clear Mike was trying to make up think new age ones only map to 250bhp.
 
[TW]Fox;18091080 said:
That sounds far more like it.

Another case of MikeH makes statements of fact on a subject he knows nothing about then?
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[TW]Fox;18091196 said:
Yea but the classic WRX were imports with higher power so its clear Mike was trying to make up think new age ones only map to 250bhp.
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Nope, I'm talking about the newer (blob-eye) ones and that is the figure someone who maps them states.

ScoobyDoo - you mention a free-flowing exhaust? Are you implying that they require an exhaust and a remap to reach this figure?
 
Fox..Maybe. Or he's just been misinformed.

Mike, you do not need an exhaust for the figures, no. It does aid in the response and makes the target easier though. Are you sure the guy from the USA isn't quoting their random and completely inaccurate WHP figures? I've seen nearly standard STi's make 300WHP over there which puts them at over 380bhp at the flywheel. Their figures are complete crap.
 
I've not mentioned anything about anyone from the USA.

http://www.scoobyworks.com/mapping_tuning.asp

Also seems to state that to reach 265bhp you require a downpipe, rear section and air filter as well. They also seem to recommend changing the up pipe too.

[TW]Fox;18091259 said:
Surely by now Mike you have been bitten enough times not to just blindly repost what others tell you?
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LOL. Why on earth would I disbelieve someone who tunes and maps Imprezas for a living, because someone on an internet forum tells me otherwise?
 
Sorry I read your "states" as from the states as in the USA.

Companies who supply packages like that do tend to say that you need x y z to achieve the power - because not all cars map the same. With a good full remap I have seen many many 270-280bhp cars with nothing more than a different panel filter.

As with anything, there are good and bad remaps, and cars which just don't take ignition timing etc. The companies have to factor all of this in, and then even state that the power figures they advertise may not be obtainable. I am not arguing the comparison to the Focus ST figures here, as the ST has a larger turbo so with an exhaust remap etc it WILL make more power than the WRX. I'm just saying that the figures you have quoted are generic figures and it is well known that WRXs done right will make 270-280bhp all day.
 
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