Loads of Questions for Suby fans....might get quite a discussion going!

No.

It means "You don't know jack, about drivin' a WRX".

Probably. In any event, it was not my intention to insult your ride WRX). Sadly, you don't seem to take my critique well. If you check my posts again you'd probably notice that I'm lamenting mostly about lack of recent menaingful updates to transmissions of imprezas with normally aspirated engines: RS & OBS.

The shifter feel is not my only gripe. The gear ratios on normally aspirated impreza are selected with fuel economy (far apart), not spirited driving in mind (close together as on EVO). Or maybe they are just inherited from WRX that has a very different powerplant. Maybe it's to help Subaru to reach it's combined EPA ratings? Moot point now that Outback is classified as a truck.

That's a good point on the EPA stuff. The WRX does have a long second gear (though not quite as long as my old Datsun SRL-311 !) I suppose to allow a little lower first gear, probably too many broken trannies from kids doing 5-6K drops, I dunno. No idea why they choose what they choose. or why the EVO is different unless it just has to do with peak torque/HP curves being a lot different or something. WRX is a little anemic feeling until 3K or so - but torque comes in like a locomotive at that point! then tapers off. maybe the EVO is more gradual?

Carl

But shouldn't you be comparing EVO against STI rather that Wrx. That apples and oranges thing.

No, not really. EVO RS cost around $28k but nevertheless is a much better value than WRX in any trim. Better brakes, better transmission, better handling, proper suspension, better warranty period. But I guess it heavily depends on what you want. It does not mean Impreza RS, OBS or WRX are inferior cars. I just though I'm laid back enough for OBS. Turns out I was dead wrong. It's only my fault. I'm happy to hear that some people bought what they really wanted.

That price puts it between my car ('06 WRX wagon) and an STI. At least pricewise. And there are some that would argue the handling/suspension issue with you - I can't having no experience with the EVO. It's very well respected and seems to offer a lot for the money. And my brakes work well enough. ;^)

Still, I think the general sense of what someone wants a transmission to 'feel' like works across almost all cars. My old Hondas were distinctly high revving and the gear spacing and ranges were set up differently - doesnt really matter that they were 75hp instead of 230 - the shift points felt different ,probably, because of the power curves.

Carl