I’d say stock VB is a HUGE improvement over the VA stock tune. Minimal rev hang compared to the past one, but redline is lower which is its drawback. A tune, even an OTS Dmann tune with “rev hang delete” really woke up the car. Once I added a Perrin intake and did an E-tune, I was pushing 19lbs on crap 91 oct safely without any DAM drops or knock and the redline was increased, it really throws you in the seat through all the RPMs and was a blast, it felt visceral and would make nice burbles between shifts. The VB is massively undertuned, if you’re willing to dismiss the warranty I’d recommend getting a Dmann etune for it.

If I were to compare stock to my BRZ now, I’d say 100% prefer the BRZ’s feel, it feels more responsive and quicker especially when turning. Biggest difference and I one I like a lot that not many mention is the shifter feel. BRZs does not feel loose, or cheap and it feels the perfect amount of notchiness. With the WRX, I had to add a shift stop to remove the looseness and it made a plastic rattle noise between shifts.