On paper the VA and VB are similar in power but on the dyno, the VB makes 30+ more whp and it does it on almost HALF the stock boost. The VB is way underrated.
The VB has a higher ground clearance, but has a lower center of gravity. It’s 3” longer, 1” wider, 1” shorter. Depending on the trim level, the weight is about the same.
I love my 21 WRX conservitly protuned by M45/Snail Performance Auburn, CA. Grimmspeed stealth box intake, EBCS, V2 jpipe, invidia r400 cat back. 91oct 292whp 326wtq Grimmspeed V2 turbo inlet & V2 bpv arrive on Wednesday. Grimmspeed charge pipe and TMIC next and then back to M45/Snail Performance to be retuned and that's it for the stock motor
I have the last year of VA, it is a great vehicle. I see so many ppl comparing mods for speed. First of all, if you are looking for speed, reliability, and cheap Subaru isn't the platform for you. However, it's whoever have the most money can turn anything better than stock. VA has the looks, while VB has the power. It all comes down to preference, either way it will cost you to make a good-looking all-around car with great horsepower. I personally will not trade my VA for VB, VA looks better in every aspect and making it xxx horsepower isn't the only reason to have a Subaru.
Sold my stage 2 VA a while back. Now in a vb after much debating on how it looks. Pulled the trigger anyways and zero regrets. Absolutely VB all the way. Both good cars but I feel the vb has the edge.
I'm 61 and I love my 2016 VA WRX! Wouldn't consider having a VB, expecially after watching this. But it's also the first used car I've bought in 25 years, part of the appeal is that I don't worry about it. I am also lucky enough to also have a 2019 F150 which is my long distance cruiser.
I had a VA now own a VB … You can’t go wrong with either one. I’ve found the VB is more solid/comfortable plus I really like the 11.5” touchscreen. My color is CBS so the cladding is not an issue since it all blends in.
i recently went to test drive the VB to consider trading in my '16 VA. Yes, the VB is a little better in everything, but I decided to modify and improve my VA and Im very happy I did because it was a cheaper option to do and its even better than the VB now!
@@HI-pi1er They're both limited by the transmission, which is the same across both models. Meaning your torque limit for both engines is the same, so modifying them beyond that limit is pointless unless you plan to spend big bucks. The FA20 can get to 330-350 whp with the same degree of mods as the FA24.
A few months ago I was in the market for my first ever Subaru. I ended up going with a Limited VA. It was cheaper and it looked better in my opinion in lapis blue pearl. I like the VB too, But I'd have to make alot of changes to make it to my liking. Probably would have come out spending more money too. If I had the budget. I probably would have went VB. I don't regret my VA purchase tho. I love my car.
I’ve driven a few VAs as I work in a Subaru dealership. Just bought a 23 VB and I love it. I’ve only driven the VA a little bit here and there but the VB is my favorite. Prob a little biased but just my two cents.
That car is gorgeous! I'd fly to NH to buy it if I was in the market. But I may be biased; I have a '21 that is the same color. Keep up the great videos!
Great video. I had a 2021 sport tech with a SPT (CVT) which I gave back on a 2 year lease, and picked up a 2023 sport tech with a 6MT. I'd have to say i prefer the way the 21 handled. I agree the 23 is a more comfortable ride. I personally hate the large touchscreen, and wish it had the physical climate control knobs which is easier and safer to use while driving. I also prefer the 21 trunk opening as it was more rectangular and ergonomic for placing larger cargo vs the 23 has a narrower bottom. I also find that the seats in the 23 hurt my back after driving for 30 mins. The hill assistant in the 23 is very nice especially considering this is the first time driving manual in 22 years. Both VA and VB perform great in the snow. My last thought is that I love that no one ia stealing Subarus considering whats happening out there these days.
Appreciate your perspective on the intangibles between the two. I have a 2023 VB--never driven a VA. But your take validates my decision to go with the VB: I think it fits the bill for what I was looking for. And...... I freakin' love the thing. I'd driven VWs, Audis and Minis, prior. The Subie is dope. Thanks for the video!
As a first time Subaru buyer at 32 I went with the VA chassis. Mostly for aesthetic reasons. I have to disagree with many of your negative talking points about the VA chassis, though, as many of them rectified by Subaru for the 18-21 model years. I'm not sure if you used a 2016 specifically to highlight these differences or it's just what you had available but the comparison would have been much more fair if you had used an updated VA model rather than an early production.
Cant go wrong with either. Of course VB FA24 is more reliable and HP per dollar ratio is better than the VA FA20. But they make similar power after 400 wheel. VA looks Sooo much better than the VB. They both have the same trash transmissions. But VB ride quality, shifter and seats are MUCH better than VA.
I've driven a lot of lightweight sportscars. FB/FC/RX8, NC Miata, FRS, and the VA feels more like an AWD extension to that philosophy. VA doesn't feel nearly as fast as VB though it feels like the peaky engine can teach you more. VB feels like a better Bond Car (excluding the minimalist interior). Where something like an FRS is good to teach you to be a stunt driver, the WRX is a better escape vehicle. VB feels more rugged and faster, more grown up. If you haven't yet learned how to stunt drive, you might benefit from the earlier car or, ideally, a lightweight RWD sportscar. If you wish you had a modern R32 GTR (yes I've driven one).... VB WRX does that.
I don't know man. I came to the VA from a NB Miata that is modified to the teeth. After 6 months of ownership, I have to say that the Miata is just such a special car and the build quality is very good. I bought a 5 year old VA as our third car for when I have the Miata in pieces. I pulled 100lbs of crap off of the car immediately, doubled the spring rates, put of wide rims and 265s on the car and went to Cobb stage 1 in a couple months. The Miata really beats this car in terms of how the driver connects to it. It has a rigid girder that connects the transmission to the differential, which results in near zero drive train slop. The WRX feels like the drive train is connected to the chassis with a handful of rubber bands. The Miata shifter is an absolute Godsend. The WRX transmission makes me sad, even with the optional STI shift mechanism, knob, Perrin bushing and shift stop kit. I got a base model so I didn't have the heavy sunroof up high, but it still rolls all over the place compared to my admittedly very stiffly modified Miata. What the WRX does have is a great engine that you don't have to add a turbo kit to for it to be quick. That's a real plus, because at some point tuning engines has to become your hobby otherwise. It's also relatively new, so you just get in it and go without worrying much about 25 year old parts. I'm not sad I got it, but it has a way to go. I never looked very much into the VB because of the Rubbermaid fenders and the enormous infotainment system that I just want to stab with a screwdriver. Repeatedly. I'm here to drive, I don't need a damn screen. I am here to tell you that you can do really incredible things in the VA. You can pull off corners that would be really sketchy in my Miata and there is no drama, though maybe it would be nice to tighten it up and have a little more drama. FWIW. Life is too short for boring cars!
Looks like the previous owner of the VA was chewing on that steering wheel. I own a VB and the half inch taller makes no difference on handling. My car sticks to the road like glue.
VB engine is better. The rest, I prefer the VA (not the US version though). US and CAN versions were the only ones have have the rev-hang issue. Australia, Japan etc, this was never a problem.
It still irks my nerve Subaru had the audacity to shock the world abruptly discontinuing the WRX STI for the VB platform after they had the car fully built and ready for it to go to production because of the PR move they think the government is making them do. If they come out with an STI that's fully EV and call it STE, they may as well not even bother bringing it to this market. I'm not even a WRX owner nor a WRX STI owner of the outgoing generation, but I wouldn't want no electric STI because it will not be a real STI. It's mad disrespectful to the WRX and WRX STI community. There was plenty of room for the WRX STI to be on the VB platform. All they had to do was upgrade the turbo, the ECU, exhaust, intercooler, intake manifold, suspension, give it 320hp matching the Integra Type S or beat by 5-10 extra hp and with 325-330hp and 320lb-ft of tq beating the entire competition: Elantra N, GR Corolla, MK8 Golf R, FL5 Civic Type R, and DE5 Integra Type S. There was and is still plenty of room for the car in the enthusiast community.
The VB engine is seperior to the sti VA in multiple ways like direct enjestion, a better turbo, a much higher compression ratio and much lower boost which gives it more tuning potential to make more horse power with less mods that the VA.
The FA24 has more potential than the EJ, give it more R&D time and I can see Subaru making an STI with that same engine. I mean the new WRX does 271hp, its closing that gap of the STI numbers.
The VB was supposed to have an upgraded FA24 engine specific for the STI, but Subaru pissed it away. All it needed was a bigger turbocharger, an ECU retune, upgraded intercooler, upgraded intake plenum and manifold, stronger shocks and struts, tighter suspension, and upgraded unequal length exhaust headers. It could easily get 325-330hp and maybe 320lb-ft of tq. Subaru had a fully built STI completed and ready to go and they threw it all away. Some independent shop will do what Subaru won't do and let the STI Division continue to do and they'll post it on TH-cam, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Reels showing exactly what Subaru is passing up and missing out on with the WRX STI community.
Great video Mike! After spending time with the VA I agree with every single point you have made. Ironically, after stepping into the VB after lots of time in the VA, I did feel the car was too soft compared to the previous gen, so I chuckled when you said that. Thanks for stopping by!!!
I would say the VA looks more evolutionary than revolutionary lol there’s my corny Dad pun about Lancer evolutions I’ve owned a VASTI and an Evo and my mom thought they were the same car from the front because of certain things
Answer is NO. VA is incredibly outdated as is looks and performance wise. Not to mention theres a reason used WRX's have the rep they do. People beat on them and usually modify them heavily. You dont know what youre getting. Do yourself a favor and get a branch new one with a fresh factory warranty and down the line if you plan on modifying you'll spend a fraction of what you would have on the VA in parts and get a lot more performance out of the VB
Outdated? Brother they threw a longer stroke and tune at it, the fa20 has an established aftermarket and an 800 whp VA is much easier than the same reality for a VB, looks are down to opinion and the VA makes a better platform to build, not saying the VB won't reach the same potential eventually but don't forget the VB is entering a newer era than the VA did, the VB is better stock hands down but the VA is more of a monster that has traditional Impreza DNA, answer is it's up to what a buyer wants, i plan on doing alot of learning when I get my VA 😊
The VA is a better looking car and I say that while my weekend toy is a 2024 WRX Sport-Tech 6 speed. The VA is more conservative and just better looking. But that is about the only thing that makes this prior generation better. In EVERY OTHER aspect, the new chassis and drive-train is better. The interior is mildly better in the new, with better tech and some trim touches. The chassis and suspension is better with a wider track, more space and a far stiffer chassis thanks to better welds, better materials and light-weight ultra-strong metals. Most importantly, the 2.4 T tuning and power delivery is FAR better. More linear, far flatter without the dips and valleys of the old .20DIT engine.
For me. The touch screen makes the VB just a no go. I refuse to consider any cars that won't have any manual knobs for AC. Its something that is just a must. Other than that they both are pretty close that I would probably go for a VB new. But until the touch screen is gone I don't think I would consider it. I don't want to crash trying to change my AC
@@antoinelee-thomas9536 So it sounds like we are in agreement. Trying to use a touch screen while driving is bad. Its much easier to reach over without looking to use knobs.
@@chriswhoop neither one is very fast, and even with tuning, the increased HP cannot be utilized with it's shit handling performance out of the box. You would need to spend 10s of thousands of dollars to even get it at the same level as an STI, and even then, the STI is not even the fastest platform either. That makes the VA and VB WRX extremely slow against its competitors.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
On paper the VA and VB are similar in power but on the dyno, the VB makes 30+ more whp and it does it on almost HALF the stock boost. The VB is way underrated.
The VB has a higher ground clearance, but has a lower center of gravity. It’s 3” longer, 1” wider, 1” shorter. Depending on the trim level, the weight is about the same.
I love my 21 WRX conservitly protuned by M45/Snail Performance Auburn, CA. Grimmspeed stealth box intake, EBCS, V2 jpipe, invidia r400 cat back.
91oct 292whp 326wtq
Grimmspeed V2 turbo inlet & V2 bpv arrive on Wednesday. Grimmspeed charge pipe and TMIC next and then back to M45/Snail Performance to be retuned and that's it for the stock motor
I have a 2017 WRX and a 2022 WRX. VB all day! More consistent power delivery. Smoother ride.
I have the last year of VA, it is a great vehicle. I see so many ppl comparing mods for speed. First of all, if you are looking for speed, reliability, and cheap Subaru isn't the platform for you. However, it's whoever have the most money can turn anything better than stock. VA has the looks, while VB has the power. It all comes down to preference, either way it will cost you to make a good-looking all-around car with great horsepower. I personally will not trade my VA for VB, VA looks better in every aspect and making it xxx horsepower isn't the only reason to have a Subaru.
Sold my stage 2 VA a while back. Now in a vb after much debating on how it looks. Pulled the trigger anyways and zero regrets. Absolutely VB all the way. Both good cars but I feel the vb has the edge.
I'm 61 and I love my 2016 VA WRX! Wouldn't consider having a VB, expecially after watching this. But it's also the first used car I've bought in 25 years, part of the appeal is that I don't worry about it. I am also lucky enough to also have a 2019 F150 which is my long distance cruiser.
I had a VA now own a VB … You can’t go wrong with either one. I’ve found the VB is more solid/comfortable plus I really like the 11.5” touchscreen. My color is CBS so the cladding is not an issue since it all blends in.
Got a 2023 VB and I’m looking for a catback exhaust … can’t wait !
i recently went to test drive the VB to consider trading in my '16 VA. Yes, the VB is a little better in everything, but I decided to modify and improve my VA and Im very happy I did because it was a cheaper option to do and its even better than the VB now!
how much are you making ? my vb with just a tune will walk you :)
The vb with a few engines mods wipes the floor with the VA’s
@@HI-pi1er idk about that
@@Paul2.4T yep
@@HI-pi1er They're both limited by the transmission, which is the same across both models. Meaning your torque limit for both engines is the same, so modifying them beyond that limit is pointless unless you plan to spend big bucks. The FA20 can get to 330-350 whp with the same degree of mods as the FA24.
A few months ago I was in the market for my first ever Subaru. I ended up going with a Limited VA. It was cheaper and it looked better in my opinion in lapis blue pearl. I like the VB too, But I'd have to make alot of changes to make it to my liking. Probably would have come out spending more money too. If I had the budget. I probably would have went VB. I don't regret my VA purchase tho. I love my car.
I’ve driven a few VAs as I work in a Subaru dealership. Just bought a 23 VB and I love it. I’ve only driven the VA a little bit here and there but the VB is my favorite. Prob a little biased but just my two cents.
VA looks much better... really not a big fan of the VB side plastic trim
That car is gorgeous! I'd fly to NH to buy it if I was in the market. But I may be biased; I have a '21 that is the same color. Keep up the great videos!
Thanks! Definitely a good looking car and I liked the exterior mods the previous owner installed.
Great video. I had a 2021 sport tech with a SPT (CVT) which I gave back on a 2 year lease, and picked up a 2023 sport tech with a 6MT. I'd have to say i prefer the way the 21 handled. I agree the 23 is a more comfortable ride. I personally hate the large touchscreen, and wish it had the physical climate control knobs which is easier and safer to use while driving. I also prefer the 21 trunk opening as it was more rectangular and ergonomic for placing larger cargo vs the 23 has a narrower bottom. I also find that the seats in the 23 hurt my back after driving for 30 mins. The hill assistant in the 23 is very nice especially considering this is the first time driving manual in 22 years. Both VA and VB perform great in the snow. My last thought is that I love that no one ia stealing Subarus considering whats happening out there these days.
Appreciate your perspective on the intangibles between the two. I have a 2023 VB--never driven a VA. But your take validates my decision to go with the VB: I think it fits the bill for what I was looking for. And...... I freakin' love the thing. I'd driven VWs, Audis and Minis, prior. The Subie is dope. Thanks for the video!
As a first time Subaru buyer at 32 I went with the VA chassis. Mostly for aesthetic reasons. I have to disagree with many of your negative talking points about the VA chassis, though, as many of them rectified by Subaru for the 18-21 model years. I'm not sure if you used a 2016 specifically to highlight these differences or it's just what you had available but the comparison would have been much more fair if you had used an updated VA model rather than an early production.
Cant go wrong with either. Of course VB FA24 is more reliable and HP per dollar ratio is better than the VA FA20. But they make similar power after 400 wheel. VA looks Sooo much better than the VB. They both have the same trash transmissions. But VB ride quality, shifter and seats are MUCH better than VA.
I've driven a lot of lightweight sportscars. FB/FC/RX8, NC Miata, FRS, and the VA feels more like an AWD extension to that philosophy. VA doesn't feel nearly as fast as VB though it feels like the peaky engine can teach you more. VB feels like a better Bond Car (excluding the minimalist interior). Where something like an FRS is good to teach you to be a stunt driver, the WRX is a better escape vehicle. VB feels more rugged and faster, more grown up. If you haven't yet learned how to stunt drive, you might benefit from the earlier car or, ideally, a lightweight RWD sportscar. If you wish you had a modern R32 GTR (yes I've driven one).... VB WRX does that.
My vb with an intake and pro tune leaves VA sti’s for dead
I don't know man. I came to the VA from a NB Miata that is modified to the teeth. After 6 months of ownership, I have to say that the Miata is just such a special car and the build quality is very good. I bought a 5 year old VA as our third car for when I have the Miata in pieces. I pulled 100lbs of crap off of the car immediately, doubled the spring rates, put of wide rims and 265s on the car and went to Cobb stage 1 in a couple months. The Miata really beats this car in terms of how the driver connects to it. It has a rigid girder that connects the transmission to the differential, which results in near zero drive train slop. The WRX feels like the drive train is connected to the chassis with a handful of rubber bands. The Miata shifter is an absolute Godsend. The WRX transmission makes me sad, even with the optional STI shift mechanism, knob, Perrin bushing and shift stop kit. I got a base model so I didn't have the heavy sunroof up high, but it still rolls all over the place compared to my admittedly very stiffly modified Miata. What the WRX does have is a great engine that you don't have to add a turbo kit to for it to be quick. That's a real plus, because at some point tuning engines has to become your hobby otherwise. It's also relatively new, so you just get in it and go without worrying much about 25 year old parts. I'm not sad I got it, but it has a way to go. I never looked very much into the VB because of the Rubbermaid fenders and the enormous infotainment system that I just want to stab with a screwdriver. Repeatedly. I'm here to drive, I don't need a damn screen. I am here to tell you that you can do really incredible things in the VA. You can pull off corners that would be really sketchy in my Miata and there is no drama, though maybe it would be nice to tighten it up and have a little more drama. FWIW. Life is too short for boring cars!
Great job!
Thanks!
Looks like the previous owner of the VA was chewing on that steering wheel. I own a VB and the half inch taller makes no difference on handling. My car sticks to the road like glue.
VB engine is better. The rest, I prefer the VA (not the US version though). US and CAN versions were the only ones have have the rev-hang issue. Australia, Japan etc, this was never a problem.
It still irks my nerve Subaru had the audacity to shock the world abruptly discontinuing the WRX STI for the VB platform after they had the car fully built and ready for it to go to production because of the PR move they think the government is making them do.
If they come out with an STI that's fully EV and call it STE, they may as well not even bother bringing it to this market.
I'm not even a WRX owner nor a WRX STI owner of the outgoing generation, but I wouldn't want no electric STI because it will not be a real STI. It's mad disrespectful to the WRX and WRX STI community.
There was plenty of room for the WRX STI to be on the VB platform. All they had to do was upgrade the turbo, the ECU, exhaust, intercooler, intake manifold, suspension, give it 320hp matching the Integra Type S or beat by 5-10 extra hp and with 325-330hp and 320lb-ft of tq beating the entire competition: Elantra N, GR Corolla, MK8 Golf R, FL5 Civic Type R, and DE5 Integra Type S.
There was and is still plenty of room for the car in the enthusiast community.
The demand was not there anymore to keep producing the sti
VB! no replacement for displacement. However... VA had an STI
I wish they'd make a VB STi. So much potential with the platform and powertrain.
The VB engine is seperior to the sti VA in multiple ways like direct enjestion, a better turbo, a much higher compression ratio and much lower boost which gives it more tuning potential to make more horse power with less mods that the VA.
stock for stock a vb wrx will beat a va sti, barely but it will
The FA24 has more potential than the EJ, give it more R&D time and I can see Subaru making an STI with that same engine. I mean the new WRX does 271hp, its closing that gap of the STI numbers.
The VB was supposed to have an upgraded FA24 engine specific for the STI, but Subaru pissed it away. All it needed was a bigger turbocharger, an ECU retune, upgraded intercooler, upgraded intake plenum and manifold, stronger shocks and struts, tighter suspension, and upgraded unequal length exhaust headers. It could easily get 325-330hp and maybe 320lb-ft of tq.
Subaru had a fully built STI completed and ready to go and they threw it all away.
Some independent shop will do what Subaru won't do and let the STI Division continue to do and they'll post it on TH-cam, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Reels showing exactly what Subaru is passing up and missing out on with the WRX STI community.
Great video Mike! After spending time with the VA I agree with every single point you have made. Ironically, after stepping into the VB after lots of time in the VA, I did feel the car was too soft compared to the previous gen, so I chuckled when you said that. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Thanks Jacob! That’s why I love my VB lol. The VA is cool but doesn’t appeal to my driving style. Still a great car for purists though.
I would say the VA looks more evolutionary than revolutionary lol there’s my corny Dad pun about Lancer evolutions I’ve owned a VASTI and an Evo and my mom thought they were the same car from the front because of certain things
Answer is NO. VA is incredibly outdated as is looks and performance wise. Not to mention theres a reason used WRX's have the rep they do. People beat on them and usually modify them heavily. You dont know what youre getting. Do yourself a favor and get a branch new one with a fresh factory warranty and down the line if you plan on modifying you'll spend a fraction of what you would have on the VA in parts and get a lot more performance out of the VB
Agreed. I would NEVER buy a used WRX or STI from a used dealership or someone I didn’t know well.
I agree with you as well! VB is a better platform.
Same thing with sti and people still buy used sti.
The new generation looks hideous
Outdated? Brother they threw a longer stroke and tune at it, the fa20 has an established aftermarket and an 800 whp VA is much easier than the same reality for a VB, looks are down to opinion and the VA makes a better platform to build, not saying the VB won't reach the same potential eventually but don't forget the VB is entering a newer era than the VA did, the VB is better stock hands down but the VA is more of a monster that has traditional Impreza DNA, answer is it's up to what a buyer wants, i plan on doing alot of learning when I get my VA 😊
Still gonna watch this video, but I’m not gonna lie. I was super stoked because I thought it said V8 and somebody had stuffed one and a new WRX.
The VA is a better looking car and I say that while my weekend toy is a 2024 WRX Sport-Tech 6 speed. The VA is more conservative and just better looking. But that is about the only thing that makes this prior generation better. In EVERY OTHER aspect, the new chassis and drive-train is better. The interior is mildly better in the new, with better tech and some trim touches. The chassis and suspension is better with a wider track, more space and a far stiffer chassis thanks to better welds, better materials and light-weight ultra-strong metals. Most importantly, the 2.4 T tuning and power delivery is FAR better. More linear, far flatter without the dips and valleys of the old .20DIT engine.
VB beats all except the STI. Larger engine = less boost (1/2) = more reliable long term
For me. The touch screen makes the VB just a no go. I refuse to consider any cars that won't have any manual knobs for AC. Its something that is just a must. Other than that they both are pretty close that I would probably go for a VB new. But until the touch screen is gone I don't think I would consider it. I don't want to crash trying to change my AC
Set your AC before you drive, not while you're driving and get distracted doing it. Common sense.
@@antoinelee-thomas9536 So it sounds like we are in agreement. Trying to use a touch screen while driving is bad. Its much easier to reach over without looking to use knobs.
Red gauges though…
I dunno why the way he says VB is so cringe
No.
The new generation wrx looks hideous
Theyre both awful cars. Fa platform is trash, if you are to buy wrx buy one before 2015
Nah, you trippen
@@chriswhoop neither one is very fast, and even with tuning, the increased HP cannot be utilized with it's shit handling performance out of the box. You would need to spend 10s of thousands of dollars to even get it at the same level as an STI, and even then, the STI is not even the fastest platform either. That makes the VA and VB WRX extremely slow against its competitors.
@@TheLastS209 you high, the VB handles like it's on rails with stock suspension. completely flat. you sound foolish
@@AbleMable you must've never driven many cars to think a VB "handles like it's on rails"
@@TheLastS209 the stock VB dyno’s just about the same as a VA STI and costs WAY less to make 400whp. Do your research 🤦🏻