Today, we focus on two high-performance cars, models that are each swift, though in completely different ways.
The Subaru WRX STI is a rally-bred, all-wheel-drive beast with a turbocharged flat-four and exuberant styling. In comparison, the Chevy Camaro is an all-American icon with classic proportions and a brawny V8. Which is better? That’s your job to figure out!
Subie’s offering is motivated by a 2.5-liter boxer-four. With a turbocharger and 14.7 PSI of boost it cranks out 305 horses and 290 lb-ft of torque. The only gearbox offered is a proper six-ratio manual.
Helping the STI grip like an alley cat climbing a tree is a performance-tuned version of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. With a driver-controllable center differential and a Torsen limited-slip unit at the rear, it provides a nominal front-to-rear torque split of 41-to-59.
In comparison, the Camaro features a 6.2-liter small-block V8. With direct fuel injection and other high-tech goodies, it delivers an impressive 455 horses and an equal measure of torque. Drivers can choose between either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-ratio automatic.
Niceties that increase the Camaro’s appeal include standard 20-inch wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps, burly Brembo brakes and even an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Curiously, when it comes to fuel economy these cars are all over each other like two teens at the back of a darkened movie theater. The WRX STI averages 19 miles per gallon, as does the Camaro. The Subaru bests the Carmaro by one MPG in city driving, returning an unimpressive 17. However, the Chevy is more economical, returning a claimed 25 on highway runs, two better than its Japanese rival.
The Camaro may have advantages in horsepower, torque and fuel economy, but the Subie’s got one major trump card. That all-wheel-drive system makes the STI a four-seasons vehicle, one that laughs at blizzards and eats icy asphalt like candy; even with snow tires the Chevy is at best iffy in winter weather.
Which of these cars would YOU rather own, the Subaru WRX STI or Chevrolet Camaro SS? For more information, compare them here, and don’t forget to vote!
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