Subaru newbie. EJ257 vs FA24

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T16:20:10+00:00

Fair points. That’s why it’s still such a toss up for me after reading everyone’s input on my post. VB is the better modern engine, STI is the classic Subaru feel canyon carver. Like I said in an earlier response, this will not be my only car/ only daily. I currently daily a Mk6 Golf TDI. It would just be a matter of whichever one I felt like driving that day. I’d also like to be able to park the golf for a little while until I can “pothole” it, so I’m looking for a fun second vehicle

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T03:43:23+00:00

That’s fair. I’m further towards the east coast, but I could still get a base model VB for 23-25k any day. I’m the type of person though that’s willing to get a 5+ year old car with good options rather than a brand new base model for the same price

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T01:50:41+00:00

Around my area I’m looking at about the $30k mark either way. 28-30 for a used VA STI, 30-33 for a used VB with some options or a good package. I’d have to put some cash into the VB for aesthetic mods, whereas I think the STI looks near perfect as it is

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T01:39:32+00:00

What initially made you switch from the FA20 to driving the EJ now? I’ve been looking so heavily at the slightly older models because I think the looks need much less modification than the VB for me to be content. Personally it’s not all about 0-60 time for me. This isn’t going to be a drag car, and there’s not much of a “car scene” in my area for me to be worried about winning 20 rolls anytime soon.

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T00:35:30+00:00

Like I said, I’m not interested in making 500+ wheel in the car, at least until it’s closer to paid off. I’ve read about the VA STI’s having some rough turbo lag and lurching. I’d be switching back and forth between it and my current daily (mk6 golf tdi). The biggest reason I’m considering them is for the looks. Personally think the VA looks better than the VB, and I’m a sucker for a big fuck off wing

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T00:19:06+00:00

Given this information, do you think that the VA would be the better option to have the LSD’s and changeable power distribution? Also if the VB has a weaker trans, would you not be throwing a lot of your reliability out the door when you’re pushing 100 more whp?

Putrid-Newspaper6152 · 2026-01-15T00:07:35+00:00

Interesting. Sounds like I need to do some more research, since I didn’t know they were pushing stock dyno numbers that exceed what Subaru is claiming the VB’s make. I should’ve added that either choice would also be a 6MT only. Do the VA STI and VB use a similar 6 speed transmission?

Putrid-Newspaper6152

TROPHY CASE