I love the size of my GR it's one of the reason why I got one. I love the thought of it being a corolla but is faster than your average car. It surprises many people
I have a GRC Circuit. "It’s almost like an exotic for not that much money" (Top Gear). The GRC is "an angry little beast." (Motor Trend). To me, the GRC is an enjoyable little car and the best looking hot hatch out of the latest batch of hot hatches. It is very willing to dive into tight turns and sticks like glue. I purchased the extended warranty from Toyota. Hopefully they'll honor the warranty if my engine blows up. But I'm not worried about it. The car seems to charge to red line better now with 4k miles on the odometer than when new/after break-in.
We are so lucky to have this car, the GR Corolla to play with. We all know Toyota is not very exciting when it comes to fun cars, they are focused on creating reliable appliances and profit, but this car is lightning in a bottle sorta deal. Enjoy it while you can because it will be gone soon.
Wrx/Sti owner since 2005. You do the math of my age. Ive owned bug eyes, blob eyes, and hawk eyes. The last WRX i bought was a 2012 Wrx back in 2012. I still own it. I’m currently daily driving a Supra. As much as I love Subaru, it’s not the same anymore. Ever since the Evo died, Subaru had no competition and its soul died with the Evo. That is why I quit buying the wrx/sti. Subaru stopped innovating. The GRC is what we wrx/sti owners wanted. We just never got it in after 2015. 2011-2014 wrx/sti hatch were the best.
Evo VIII owner for 20 years. And yes I have a similar take on your perspective with the STis of earlier and newer years. I do like the new GRC. Have not driven one yet but would love to sample on a back road in the future. A little pricey however it seems to be a great package from all of the reviews.
@@MohamedAli965 never said anything about the older Sti. Every STi after the EVO is just meh. Subaru and Mitsubishi use to have a new upgraded STi/Evo every 2 years. After the Evo, same STI since 2015. Sti/evo v.6 (2 years), sti/evo V.7 (2 years), Sti/Evo V.8 (2 years), Sti/Evo v.9 (2 years), Sti/Evo V. 10. (Evo dies). Sti = same old since 2015. 2022 no more STi. 2022 Wrx is crap. Went from 7000rpm to 6000rpm. 😂
@@MohamedAli965 I wouldn't go as far as stating rubbish but I get what you are saying. In terms of the engine performance, GRC really isn't beating the pants off the older Evos and STis from the mid-2000s. 0-60 mph in 5 seconds? Quarter mile in 13 seconds or thereabouts? Been there done that. Of course GRC is going to be more efficient and better in the corners but how much is that down to new tires and suspension technology in the last 20 years.
The GRC powertrain with the STi drivetrain would be the best of both worlds. For the notoriety the EJ25 has, you can’t deny that the STi trans and AWD system is second to none.
@@builtvisions true, the EJ25 does hold it's own when taken care of if you were to give me an idiot owned G16E or an idiot owned EJ25, I'd take the G16E. Now if it we were talking about a JDM EJ20, that'd be a different discussion.
Yup. GRC body and engine with STI front, center, and rear diff. No overheated rear diff, truly constant AWD which is nearly unbeatable in the snow. Wins all around
@@builtvisions such a cope, honestly. No other car brand except Subaru has such horrible engine problems. EJ engines blowing up is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.
I 100% agree on your take here. I was on a roadblock of deciding between the GRC and STi. My neighbor got the GRC and I got to drive it. Although, the GRC imo is a more driver oriented car and fun to drive, I ended up choosing the STI because it was a lot more practical. I needed a car to take 4 people comfortably to snowboarding trips and I felt that the GRC was way too crammed.
Having owned most generations of STI I can't imagine owning one without a downpipe and a tune. Wakes the car up so much without much downside as long as you stay on top of maintenance and don't chase power beyond that. When I test drove the GR it felt the same way where it just isn't quite fast enough in stock form. Will be a really appealing buy on the used market to put a tune on.
My friends owned STIs back in the day. Not a single one was able to put significant miles on em because the few who did had "ringland failure" and blue smoke. Some moved onto the GRC and mentions it understeers less and has better agility and grip.
My Corolla GR only has an upgraded intercooler and charge pipes and make 303whp and 310wtq on a mustang dyno. Mine is a daily and owned am since July of 2023 and now have 24k miles. Love the car!
The Corollas hatch is the only selling point for me over the STI. But cost to performance ratio, the new WRX is turning out to be surprisingly capable. So far they're able to push about 400whp with basic supporting mods/bolt ons and e85, all on the stock downpipe which is nuts. And about 320 wheel on 90 octane completely stock except for an axel back. The WRX is also about 10k less than the Corolla and the difference could be spent on other things like suspension, cosmetic or some power mods depending on which way you want to go to essentially turn it into the STI we "shouldve had". But I do hope theyll offer a 5 door WRX in the future. Wishful thinking but at least we some options thanks to the Corolla.
I traded my 2017 STI for a 2022 WRX when it hit 90,000 miles. Head gasket was starting to leak and I just wanted a warranty again. I regret my decision, but I do love the VB. Still a great car, great daily driver. But it's no STI.
🔴I loved my '16 STI. Amazing daily. The STI stock suspension was a little too stiff as a daily though, but livable. Seems very similar to the GR suspension. One thing to add is the amazing visibility the STI has in the cabin.
2017 STI owner here. Rented a GR Corolla earlier in the year with the possibility of upgrading. The GR was awesome and ultimately a better car than my STI but I didn’t feel it was worth the trade in plus cash needed to avoid a loan. Still may upgrade to a GRC some day but at the moment, I am very happy with my STI. Fenton, is this your first STI review on the channel?
21 STI here. I test drove a GRC recently with the same thought of upgrading. I came to the same conclusion - stock for stock, the GRC is a better car. But I have several upgrades on my car (coilovers, swaybar, AP), which really evens things out. Given the investment I've put into my car, and the fact that the performance is so similar w/ the upgrades, I don't think it's worth switching.
I have both, 2008 STi and 2024 GRC. Both are great cars but I noticed that ever since I got the GRC, the STi gets driven less and less. I’m thinking about selling the STi after we get through the winter. We’ll see…
The problem with the STI for me is the body control and driving dynamics is far too much like a heavily front bias car. You can never rotate the car naturally, when you give it power it just understeers rather than power oversteer. It's very difficult to control vs heavier BMWs that I can easily push it to rotate. The weight distribution is another issue here. It's not as heavy as other German cars but the car is very difficult to slide. Which is why I think the Evo is still the rally car to beat.
While I like both of these, and for those who experience inclement weather often the awd make sense, I just can’t imagine choosing anything in this segment other than the CTR. It just seems the most focused and highest quality in the segment
I have a 18 STI and know exactly what you mean by the mid corner steering pressure change. The best way I can describe it is like the pump pressure fluctuated. I am on a rebuilt rack because the first one leaked, even though a cooler was installed. Both had the same feel, but I do not recall this feeling with the WRX that I had back in 09.
And yeah the 6 speed in the corolla may feel nicer...but the STI trans is a total UNIT. The thing is huge and beefy and notorious for holding fuck loads of power. Very reliable transmission.
Still driving my STI now at 85K miles from zero miles off the dealer. Don't care if this car is now slower, it is still a very honest car without new tech tricks. Extremely predictable and still very fast in the corner. I have no problem keep up with many modern cars in the twisty. And it performed extremely well at Laguna Seca. I am forever satisfied.
Meh had a GRC on order, but the price in Canada is around $60k for a base. Can get a nice STi in the 30's. Toyota dealerships are criminal in Canada with markups.
You are correct…before 2015, wrx and Sti both had direct linkage but post 2015, only the Sti kept it until its demise. Another bummer is open rear differential post-2008 on Wrx.
They really fucked with the GR chassis subarus... I like the GD and will keep my GD and might have it be my "old man car" cause it's getting more of a classic as we move on in life @@keiserious
@@ZackNakazora1 the GD was the last analog Subaru and I would definitely keep it if I was you since it’s hard to find one in good condition without rust…at least GR has direct linkage trans but the interior is horrendous and prefer it to VA.
I had a 16 STi limited just like this one. Side by side, the interior of the GRC looks cheap. With Mountain Pass Performance coilovers, it was wonderful. I think I would still take it over the GRC
As 06 STi owner I know that EJ engine isnt going to be as reliable but then the GR has its own quirks with the drivetrain. For me with kids rear legroom is a must so I would still go with the STI which I think has 37ish?. My 06 has 33 inches and it is tiny, I cant fathom trying to put kids in that GR with just 30 inches.
The GR, though the more cramped space is a bit of an issue (which carried over from the regular hatchback). I know it's an ancient platform, but I would've loved to see an evolved erformance based Matrix because fo the space.
The mid corner feeling is I believe the factory setup for intentional understeer. It is likely the owner hasn't done the necessary tweaks to stop that from happening. It was one of the things I really didn't like about my 2018 STI, and would have been dealt with if I kept it. (I moved to a 2023 WRX which has none of that from factory). Also to note, the STI is a significantly heavier car, that is basically underpowered (due to weight ratio) compared to the modern equivalents. It's still very special, but it is no longer a hero car IMO.
@zygrene, Have you driven a Focus RS or Evo X? Those are two cars I would pick over these two for a more 'driver's car' kind of feel.. especially the Evo X as it had a torque-vectoring rear diff to go along with it's center and front diffs.. Most people build those for the strip or all out power.. I argue, because of the rear diff, it would be an absolute backroad BOMBER with more of an 'autox' setup..
@@Zygrene I agree. Im hoping to find a decent enough one to 'bring back to life' possibly later as Im lucky to live near English Racing (Evo specialist)
I own both cars and i can honestly tell you sti is a different beast man. Seating in sti makes you feel business but corolla gr miss a lot. Seating is not that great. Gr heat up a lot quicker. In sti i can do few more laps and sti feel more at home i drive it on gravel. I like GR but i love sti.
interested in the STI in the past, but the dealership in belmont ma wouldn't allow a test drive? salesperson suggested taking a test driving a 3-4 year old STI ? my google review : the ford dealership allowed for a test drive of my 2019 mustang GT 6 speed and i bought it in a heartbeat!
STI doesn't become FWD after two hard laps. It just blows up instead 😬 still better than the GRC. Put equal money into each car and i think the STI is still better off.
You have to realize Subaru is not Santa clause! If you wish for something, Subaru wont bring it to your house! While Toyota is the world biggest automaker, Subaru is one of the smallest! They simply just don’t have the financial background to develop new electric, hybrid and sport cars at the same time. They have to focus on what brings more money.
A new STi is going to happen soon enough, there's a big void in the market for an enthusiast AWD and Subaru won't just give up on it's rally heritage. Just hope they put a hydraulic on it - maybe that's asking for too much these days.
Every person I know who has owned a WRX/STi has suffered an engine failure. Every. Single. One. To be fair, I don’t know anyone with the new model. Is that engine better?
I would say jdm STI>GR yaris> usdm STI>>>GR crolla，GRC is a car specially for the state，let's all be honest here，US people is not qualified to get a real JDM car，that is why GR yaris is not coming because American only like big stupid truck and SUVs，every part of GRC is designed for GR yaris，so if you put those component on a 500 lbs heavier chassis things will become so wired，that is why GRC is completely out of my option，as for STI in US at least the chassis is the original design，that is why I say yaris will over an USDM STI，but if you I choose between a JDM EJ20 STI between Yaris，I probably will go STI
look at the corollas teeny lil struts and tell me they look good enough to rally. the gr corolla is awesome but imo hardly rally inspired, unlike the wrx which is definitely more rally capable out the gate.
The Corolla can’t do more than two laps without the awd shutting off. It also has even worse understeer than the STI from factory. But other than that I can see what you mean.
Why compare a new car to an old one? The STI engine got refreshed in 2019 after the RA version came out. It makes 20-30 whp more on 93 octane over prev models with more torque throughout the entire rev range. Atleast compare new to newest possible Another untouched upon point when it comes to reviewing WRXs/STIs among all journalists is that they seem to forget this car has a top mount intercooler. When you test drive these cars after sitting, it will be completely heat soaked and feel like a dog. You either start on a cold engine or push the car after some cool down (if its been turned off and sitting after driving), a couple miles or so atleast. In truth, there are definitely quirks with driving STIs but once you know how to drive them, it's a far more rewarding driving experience than most cars, definitely a GR corolla. Smaller car, 3 cylinder (down on power and sounds bad), mid interior, looks bad, definitely not worth 50k. Plus STIs come with spare tires in the trunk and heavy ass wheels, esp on 18+ with the 19 inch. Just removing the spare tire and going to a lighter weight wheel makes a world of difference.
Once another AWD car comes out (possibly STI) everyone will forget the GRC for the new shiny thing. Tired of the “This is the spiritual successor to this!” BS. You can essentially say that phrase for any car nowadays, it’s overused.
You don't have to say "2.5 liter from the EJ family" we all know it's the same EJ they've been putting in the car for 20 years, untouched except slightly different turbos over the years.
It's a few failures over 10s of thousands of motors in grc and gr yaris. These engines are sensitive to lugging ( lots of throttle when running low rpm in too high of gear ) which leads to pre ignition. Also there seems to be weird piston ring gap in middle cylinder. The fires seem to be a combination of lugging the engine which makes it throw a rod which pours oil on turbo/ manifold resulting in a few cars burning to ground. There finicky engines, but still a very rare occurance.
@@wellsbengston4132 IF Toyota doesn't honor the warranty or if it lapses it's expensive. Have you seen the cost for a replacement engine from Toyota? It's Over 14k USD for a long block. Honda is more reasonable, Civic Type R engine turbo and ECU is about 11k.
@@Aftershok128 The STI was available after 2016. Either way comparing vehicles, even the same model, that are 8 years apart doesn't make sense to me. "What am I missing?' was my question to those that make these comparisons. Just saying that it's popular doesn't answer that question.
Comparing two different manufactured cars whose attributes are very similar to each other? They’re both AWD, turbo charged, rally inspired cars. What’s there to miss? Very little improvement between a 2016 vs 2021 STI.
Biggest difference is the sound. You could throw thousands at the GRC and it won't sound as good as an STI with a Nameless axle-back lmaoooooo Edit: I had an 18' STI Type RA with both the awe muffler delete and replacement mufflers. Both sounded like silverbacks fuckin'.. except the muffler delete sounded like make-up sex 😂😅
@@Stephen-re4oy You're the first person I've heard say that. Everyone I know and have talked to agree it's one of, if not, the best sounding 4-cyl engines you can get.. because of the UEL.
Me and my 2019 STI will grow old together.
Ya once your engine grenades that’ll be exactly what happens
@@19hundoc47better than catching on fire.
Haha same here 2019 only 35k kms on it
@@19hundoc47 Mine blew at 165'000km, changing the short block right now and will grow old with it!
Don't forget that the average MPG of the GRC is 25 and the STI is 18mpg. They are so comparable performance wise but the 7mpg difference is huge.
I’ve also seen mid 30’s in eco mode. I know you don’t buy these for gas mileage but having the option is great
My 24’ GRC is shockingly better on gas than my old STI.
@@sithinside Sorry to hear about your thirsty STI.
*checks average MPG on dash (reading 21.7 MPG)*
So that was a lie..
I love the size of my GR it's one of the reason why I got one. I love the thought of it being a corolla but is faster than your average car. It surprises many people
For a minute the small turbo awd hatch was a hot market and there were many options. Thankfully Toyota still recognizes this segment!
I'll still take the STi.
an 11-14 sti sure, a 15+ heavy ass sti no thanks
@@thehitman8663 the 11-14 STI Hatch is 3373lbs, the VA STI is 3391lbs? They're both heavy.
Yep, same!!
Gross
@@19hundoc47what ?
I have a GRC Circuit. "It’s almost like an exotic for not that much money" (Top Gear). The GRC is "an angry little beast." (Motor Trend). To me, the GRC is an enjoyable little car and the best looking hot hatch out of the latest batch of hot hatches. It is very willing to dive into tight turns and sticks like glue. I purchased the extended warranty from Toyota. Hopefully they'll honor the warranty if my engine blows up. But I'm not worried about it. The car seems to charge to red line better now with 4k miles on the odometer than when new/after break-in.
We are so lucky to have this car, the GR Corolla to play with. We all know Toyota is not very exciting when it comes to fun cars, they are focused on creating reliable appliances and profit, but this car is lightning in a bottle sorta deal. Enjoy it while you can because it will be gone soon.
Wrx/Sti owner since 2005. You do the math of my age. Ive owned bug eyes, blob eyes, and hawk eyes. The last WRX i bought was a 2012 Wrx back in 2012. I still own it. I’m currently daily driving a Supra. As much as I love Subaru, it’s not the same anymore. Ever since the Evo died, Subaru had no competition and its soul died with the Evo. That is why I quit buying the wrx/sti. Subaru stopped innovating. The GRC is what we wrx/sti owners wanted. We just never got it in after 2015. 2011-2014 wrx/sti hatch were the best.
Evo VIII owner for 20 years. And yes I have a similar take on your perspective with the STis of earlier and newer years. I do like the new GRC. Have not driven one yet but would love to sample on a back road in the future. A little pricey however it seems to be a great package from all of the reviews.
Respectfully but i call rubbish. What innovation does the GR corolla bring that a 2002 sti didnt?
@@MohamedAli965 never said anything about the older Sti. Every STi after the EVO is just meh. Subaru and Mitsubishi use to have a new upgraded STi/Evo every 2 years. After the Evo, same STI since 2015. Sti/evo v.6 (2 years), sti/evo V.7 (2 years), Sti/Evo V.8 (2 years), Sti/Evo v.9 (2 years), Sti/Evo V. 10. (Evo dies). Sti = same old since 2015. 2022 no more STi. 2022 Wrx is crap. Went from 7000rpm to 6000rpm. 😂
@@MohamedAli965 I wouldn't go as far as stating rubbish but I get what you are saying. In terms of the engine performance, GRC really isn't beating the pants off the older Evos and STis from the mid-2000s. 0-60 mph in 5 seconds? Quarter mile in 13 seconds or thereabouts? Been there done that.
Of course GRC is going to be more efficient and better in the corners but how much is that down to new tires and suspension technology in the last 20 years.
Should have kept your Hawkeye, that is the greatest of STi ever made in many peoples minds and was the high point in its lifecycle.
The GRC powertrain with the STi drivetrain would be the best of both worlds. For the notoriety the EJ25 has, you can’t deny that the STi trans and AWD system is second to none.
Nothing wrong with the EJ25. It’s idiot owners…this topic has been proven multiple times.
@@builtvisions true, the EJ25 does hold it's own when taken care of if you were to give me an idiot owned G16E or an idiot owned EJ25, I'd take the G16E. Now if it we were talking about a JDM EJ20, that'd be a different discussion.
Yup. GRC body and engine with STI front, center, and rear diff. No overheated rear diff, truly constant AWD which is nearly unbeatable in the snow. Wins all around
@@Slowwagonftl this is the Toyota x Subaru collab that should’ve been.
@@builtvisions such a cope, honestly. No other car brand except Subaru has such horrible engine problems. EJ engines blowing up is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.
3rd subaru
2003 wrx 80k
2002 wrx 200k plus cobb stage 2
2020 sti og owner 73k
Coming from a tracked s2k.... sti is special
I 100% agree on your take here. I was on a roadblock of deciding between the GRC and STi. My neighbor got the GRC and I got to drive it. Although, the GRC imo is a more driver oriented car and fun to drive, I ended up choosing the STI because it was a lot more practical. I needed a car to take 4 people comfortably to snowboarding trips and I felt that the GRC was way too crammed.
We cannot buy a new STI, Focus RS, EVO, so the GR Corolla is the next best thing.
@@yume8380can’t deny you there, but I am happy with my used 2018 STI. I bought it early this year, and don’t regret it one bit!
Having owned most generations of STI I can't imagine owning one without a downpipe and a tune. Wakes the car up so much without much downside as long as you stay on top of maintenance and don't chase power beyond that. When I test drove the GR it felt the same way where it just isn't quite fast enough in stock form. Will be a really appealing buy on the used market to put a tune on.
It's already only a 1.6L 3 cylinder lol. Won't be as much potential compared to a 2.5L 4 cylinder STi thats for sure.
My friends owned STIs back in the day. Not a single one was able to put significant miles on em because the few who did had "ringland failure" and blue smoke. Some moved onto the GRC and mentions it understeers less and has better agility and grip.
Cuz your friends are f u c k i n g idiots thats why. Pure and simple.
My Corolla GR only has an upgraded intercooler and charge pipes and make 303whp and 310wtq on a mustang dyno. Mine is a daily and owned am since July of 2023 and now have 24k miles. Love the car!
Excellent review, keep up the good work !
The Corollas hatch is the only selling point for me over the STI. But cost to performance ratio, the new WRX is turning out to be surprisingly capable. So far they're able to push about 400whp with basic supporting mods/bolt ons and e85, all on the stock downpipe which is nuts. And about 320 wheel on 90 octane completely stock except for an axel back. The WRX is also about 10k less than the Corolla and the difference could be spent on other things like suspension, cosmetic or some power mods depending on which way you want to go to essentially turn it into the STI we "shouldve had". But I do hope theyll offer a 5 door WRX in the future. Wishful thinking but at least we some options thanks to the Corolla.
I traded my 2017 STI for a 2022 WRX when it hit 90,000 miles. Head gasket was starting to leak and I just wanted a warranty again. I regret my decision, but I do love the VB. Still a great car, great daily driver. But it's no STI.
🔴I loved my '16 STI. Amazing daily.
The STI stock suspension was a little too stiff as a daily though, but livable. Seems very similar to the GR suspension. One thing to add is the amazing visibility the STI has in the cabin.
Love the stance on that grc. Wide body just makes it look so cool.
2017 STI owner here. Rented a GR Corolla earlier in the year with the possibility of upgrading. The GR was awesome and ultimately a better car than my STI but I didn’t feel it was worth the trade in plus cash needed to avoid a loan.
Still may upgrade to a GRC some day but at the moment, I am very happy with my STI.
Fenton, is this your first STI review on the channel?
@@jasonyee6533 I reviewed this same STI a year or 2 ago. Haven't reviewed another example though.
21 STI here. I test drove a GRC recently with the same thought of upgrading. I came to the same conclusion - stock for stock, the GRC is a better car. But I have several upgrades on my car (coilovers, swaybar, AP), which really evens things out. Given the investment I've put into my car, and the fact that the performance is so similar w/ the upgrades, I don't think it's worth switching.
@@johnyoon5399 I’m mainly stock with my STI. Going to hold off on making any purchases until I get behind the new Type R and try her out.
@Zygrene I have a stock STi type RA if you want to try out, maybe match it up with a GR circuit edition?
in what was would a gr corolla be an upgrade?
I have both, 2008 STi and 2024 GRC. Both are great cars but I noticed that ever since I got the GRC, the STi gets driven less and less. I’m thinking about selling the STi after we get through the winter. We’ll see…
The problem with the STI for me is the body control and driving dynamics is far too much like a heavily front bias car. You can never rotate the car naturally, when you give it power it just understeers rather than power oversteer. It's very difficult to control vs heavier BMWs that I can easily push it to rotate. The weight distribution is another issue here. It's not as heavy as other German cars but the car is very difficult to slide. Which is why I think the Evo is still the rally car to beat.
I bought a '21 STI because I'd outgrown my '14 Corolla. Then this gets released and I want a Corolla so badly again lol
I'd happily own both lol
While I like both of these, and for those who experience inclement weather often the awd make sense, I just can’t imagine choosing anything in this segment other than the CTR. It just seems the most focused and highest quality in the segment
I have a 18 STI and know exactly what you mean by the mid corner steering pressure change. The best way I can describe it is like the pump pressure fluctuated. I am on a rebuilt rack because the first one leaked, even though a cooler was installed. Both had the same feel, but I do not recall this feeling with the WRX that I had back in 09.
And yeah the 6 speed in the corolla may feel nicer...but the STI trans is a total UNIT. The thing is huge and beefy and notorious for holding fuck loads of power. Very reliable transmission.
Still driving my STI now at 85K miles from zero miles off the dealer. Don't care if this car is now slower, it is still a very honest car without new tech tricks. Extremely predictable and still very fast in the corner. I have no problem keep up with many modern cars in the twisty. And it performed extremely well at Laguna Seca. I am forever satisfied.
It keeps up with the rich guys!
Appeal of wrx sti still❤ ofcourse the rival of evo’s and rest is history
I owned a '16 STi. It's a great transmission surrounded by mediocrity and is only fun on dirt or snow.
Meh had a GRC on order, but the price in Canada is around $60k for a base. Can get a nice STi in the 30's. Toyota dealerships are criminal in Canada with markups.
Yes, GR over price in Canada. I bought a 2024 WRX and have 12 grand to do mods. So far, no regrets with the WRX. Love driving again.😅
I thought markups were illegal in Canada 🤔
Awesome review Fenton!😊
That’s odd. I’m probably misremembering, but doesn’t the sti have direct linkage in its transmission as opposed to non-sti wrx?
You are correct…before 2015, wrx and Sti both had direct linkage but post 2015, only the Sti kept it until its demise. Another bummer is open rear differential post-2008 on Wrx.
They really fucked with the GR chassis subarus... I like the GD and will keep my GD and might have it be my "old man car" cause it's getting more of a classic as we move on in life @@keiserious
@@ZackNakazora1 the GD was the last analog Subaru and I would definitely keep it if I was you since it’s hard to find one in good condition without rust…at least GR has direct linkage trans but the interior is horrendous and prefer it to VA.
Manual Transmission. Short Gearing. Ancient Simple Drivetrain. (Some of the things that make the WRX stand out from german competitors)
I had a 16 STi limited just like this one. Side by side, the interior of the GRC looks cheap. With Mountain Pass Performance coilovers, it was wonderful. I think I would still take it over the GRC
As 06 STi owner I know that EJ engine isnt going to be as reliable but then the GR has its own quirks with the drivetrain. For me with kids rear legroom is a must so I would still go with the STI which I think has 37ish?. My 06 has 33 inches and it is tiny, I cant fathom trying to put kids in that GR with just 30 inches.
The GR, though the more cramped space is a bit of an issue (which carried over from the regular hatchback). I know it's an ancient platform, but I would've loved to see an evolved erformance based Matrix because fo the space.
The mid corner feeling is I believe the factory setup for intentional understeer. It is likely the owner hasn't done the necessary tweaks to stop that from happening. It was one of the things I really didn't like about my 2018 STI, and would have been dealt with if I kept it. (I moved to a 2023 WRX which has none of that from factory). Also to note, the STI is a significantly heavier car, that is basically underpowered (due to weight ratio) compared to the modern equivalents. It's still very special, but it is no longer a hero car IMO.
STI is cooler, but I'd take the GR.
@zygrene, Have you driven a Focus RS or Evo X? Those are two cars I would pick over these two for a more 'driver's car' kind of feel.. especially the Evo X as it had a torque-vectoring rear diff to go along with it's center and front diffs.. Most people build those for the strip or all out power.. I argue, because of the rear diff, it would be an absolute backroad BOMBER with more of an 'autox' setup..
@@dre32pitt yep I've driven both. Just not a fan of the Focus RS. Doesn't feel dialed. Evo X feels a lot more dialed.
@@Zygrene I agree. Im hoping to find a decent enough one to 'bring back to life' possibly later as Im lucky to live near English Racing (Evo specialist)
As a daily you might also consider gas mileage. I think the Subaru 2.5 is really not in the same ballpark as the Corolla.
Another nice video. Mines road? You ever take it all the way up to Mt Hamilton?
Now that I’m older - I’d love an actual STI Outback - in an Automatic
The sti probably has an aftermarket pedal spacer, the stock arrangement on the VA is almost impossible to heel toe
GRC is an excellent car but I would take a VB WRX & VA STI over it. Something about them Subaru’s man just hits differently
I own both cars and i can honestly tell you sti is a different beast man. Seating in sti makes you feel business but corolla gr miss a lot. Seating is not that great. Gr heat up a lot quicker. In sti i can do few more laps and sti feel more at home i drive it on gravel. I like GR but i love sti.
STI all the way boys 💪🏼
Still love the last gen Sti
interested in the STI in the past, but the dealership in belmont ma wouldn't allow a test drive? salesperson suggested taking a test driving a 3-4 year old STI ? my google review : the ford dealership allowed for a test drive of my 2019 mustang GT 6 speed and i bought it in a heartbeat!
STI doesn't become FWD after two hard laps. It just blows up instead 😬 still better than the GRC. Put equal money into each car and i think the STI is still better off.
You have to realize Subaru is not Santa clause! If you wish for something, Subaru wont bring it to your house! While Toyota is the world biggest automaker, Subaru is one of the smallest! They simply just don’t have the financial background to develop new electric, hybrid and sport cars at the same time. They have to focus on what brings more money.
Both cars deliver their power transmission suspension differently but at least the gr gets much better mpg
need to get an s209 on this road
A new STi is going to happen soon enough, there's a big void in the market for an enthusiast AWD and Subaru won't just give up on it's rally heritage. Just hope they put a hydraulic on it - maybe that's asking for too much these days.
I love the carolla but doesnt it have overheating issues?
Automatic GR Corolla gonna kill it and be a way better car.
Where did you get your Best Motoring shirt?
Ill take the WRX any day of the week 😅
Hahaha I pick both, but clearly I’m bias owning both 😂
Not a chance id get a GR over an sti w money left over for mods.
Finally 👌
Had an 05 Legacy GT manual wagon. I just never trusted that ej25.
How is the road noise compared between the two?
@@Melvin-belvin I didn't drive them on normal city streets or highways so not sure
Comparing cars with an 8 year gap? I’m still telling the sti
How can YOU only have 50k sub… I dont understand
Yes, it’s a shame.
i disagree. sti way better. sti dont catch fire.
Meanwhile the Type R owns both of these
At least you can do more than two hot laps with an STI
Yes, because the EJ will blowup on lap 4
@@guiltyspark652 /rolleyes.
Oil starvation 😭
Every person I know who has owned a WRX/STi has suffered an engine failure.
Every. Single. One.
To be fair, I don’t know anyone with the new model. Is that engine better?
Haven’t watched the video yet. But my guess is the Sti is better
Arent the gr corollas catching on fire and having a shit load of recalls?
I would say jdm STI>GR yaris> usdm STI>>>GR crolla，GRC is a car specially for the state，let's all be honest here，US people is not qualified to get a real JDM car，that is why GR yaris is not coming because American only like big stupid truck and SUVs，every part of GRC is designed for GR yaris，so if you put those component on a 500 lbs heavier chassis things will become so wired，that is why GRC is completely out of my option，as for STI in US at least the chassis is the original design，that is why I say yaris will over an USDM STI，but if you I choose between a JDM EJ20 STI between Yaris，I probably will go STI
look at the corollas teeny lil struts and tell me they look good enough to rally. the gr corolla is awesome but imo hardly rally inspired, unlike the wrx which is definitely more rally capable out the gate.
just sold my my16 sti for a my25 GR Yaris. very relevent video, cheers
Hydraulic steering fun, until your rack leaks everywhere.
The Corolla can’t do more than two laps without the awd shutting off. It also has even worse understeer than the STI from factory. But other than that I can see what you mean.
Why compare a new car to an old one? The STI engine got refreshed in 2019 after the RA version came out. It makes 20-30 whp more on 93 octane over prev models with more torque throughout the entire rev range. Atleast compare new to newest possible
Another untouched upon point when it comes to reviewing WRXs/STIs among all journalists is that they seem to forget this car has a top mount intercooler. When you test drive these cars after sitting, it will be completely heat soaked and feel like a dog. You either start on a cold engine or push the car after some cool down (if its been turned off and sitting after driving), a couple miles or so atleast. In truth, there are definitely quirks with driving STIs but once you know how to drive them, it's a far more rewarding driving experience than most cars, definitely a GR corolla. Smaller car, 3 cylinder (down on power and sounds bad), mid interior, looks bad, definitely not worth 50k.
Plus STIs come with spare tires in the trunk and heavy ass wheels, esp on 18+ with the 19 inch. Just removing the spare tire and going to a lighter weight wheel makes a world of difference.
I’ll take the more reliable one lol
Once another AWD car comes out (possibly STI) everyone will forget the GRC for the new shiny thing.
Tired of the “This is the spiritual successor to this!” BS. You can essentially say that phrase for any car nowadays, it’s overused.
You don't have to say "2.5 liter from the EJ family" we all know it's the same EJ they've been putting in the car for 20 years, untouched except slightly different turbos over the years.
Arent these motors catching fire?
Only if you do 130 mph pulls or drive 35 mph in 5th gear inducing lspi
So drive them like a turbo? 😂
Feel like you're the new smoking tire of ole
sti WILL BE BETTER THAN THIS 1ST GEN gr. tHE sti H AS REAL awd WHIAND TH ETOYOTA DOESNT.
The GR Corolla just looks like a grandma econo lump. I would far rather drive the STi.
Would take the old STi simply because you could go more than two laps around the track before going FWD.
13:31
Toyota : Are you sure about that?
I wanted the GR Corolla, but Not anymore after reading about a few engine pistons failing and ruining the engine blocks.
It's a few failures over 10s of thousands of motors in grc and gr yaris. These engines are sensitive to lugging ( lots of throttle when running low rpm in too high of gear ) which leads to pre ignition. Also there seems to be weird piston ring gap in middle cylinder. The fires seem to be a combination of lugging the engine which makes it throw a rod which pours oil on turbo/ manifold resulting in a few cars burning to ground. There finicky engines, but still a very rare occurance.
You probably don't want any motor vehicle then. All of them have failures.
@@wellsbengston4132 IF Toyota doesn't honor the warranty or if it lapses it's expensive. Have you seen the cost for a replacement engine from Toyota? It's Over 14k USD for a long block. Honda is more reasonable, Civic Type R engine turbo and ECU is about 11k.
Gr corolla looks like a girl car
this made me lol
Why not compare apples to apples instead of 8 year old vs new? Seems pointless to me, what am I missing?
There is no STI new and there was no GR Corolla in 2016 - these sorts of old vs new comparisons are super common. What are you missing here?
@@Aftershok128 The STI was available after 2016. Either way comparing vehicles, even the same model, that are 8 years apart doesn't make sense to me. "What am I missing?' was my question to those that make these comparisons. Just saying that it's popular doesn't answer that question.
Comparing two different manufactured cars whose attributes are very similar to each other? They’re both AWD, turbo charged, rally inspired cars. What’s there to miss? Very little improvement between a 2016 vs 2021 STI.
@@xvpboyx okay, thank you for trying to explain it. The comparison is lost on me and that's on me.
@@xvpboyx “rally inspired”
A $53.000 Corolla. No thx. Overrated and over priced. I can get an Elantra N for 10 grand less and have just as much fun with even more practicality.
I'm only paying $43k for a 2025 Premium. Once you know what goes into building a GR Corolla, the price seems like a bargain.
Toyota’s blow up and Toyota doesn’t cover them under warranty. Why waste your money?
Subaru all day long.
No thanks. I’ll stick with my ISF….
Biggest difference is the sound. You could throw thousands at the GRC and it won't sound as good as an STI with a Nameless axle-back lmaoooooo
Edit: I had an 18' STI Type RA with both the awe muffler delete and replacement mufflers. Both sounded like silverbacks fuckin'.. except the muffler delete sounded like make-up sex 😂😅
The Subaru UEL header sound is pretty polarizing.
@@Stephen-re4oy You're the first person I've heard say that. Everyone I know and have talked to agree it's one of, if not, the best sounding 4-cyl engines you can get.. because of the UEL.
@@dre32pitt I’m not a fan and know of plenty of others in that camp. In my experience it definitely seems like a love it or hate it sound.
@@Stephen-re4oy I hear you.. I'm one of the few people i know who hate that Princess Bride movie, lol..