Originally Posted by OptionZero

3.7 V6 RWD coupe vs 2.5L i4 AWD sedan - could not be more different platforms but they're sorta in same predicament - they're both kinda outdated

The Z34 is using the same VQ found in everything, with a dated chassis that is compromised by its dual-use in the G. Without the need for back seats I bet they coulda shrunk it down and shaved a couple hundred pounds, and then we're really cooking. But cost savings/parts sharing is where its at.

OTOH The STi is using the flawed 2.5L turbo thats around 10 years old and still has the same rod knock issue that it had when it came back. You basically need to budget in a rebuild if you're gonna mod it. The platform is also compromised by weight due to being a sedan and growing substantially from the GC8 over the generations.

Neither is really "bang for the buck" and you should be easily able to find good used versions of the same car for substantially less. I think you'd be an idiot to pay sticker on a new Z34 or Sti when you get save upwards of 10 grand for basically the same damn thing.

Factory turbo means you can add power cheaper on the Sti - to a point. With a full liter of displacement advantage the Z will always have more upside if you have the cash. And the chassis is better.

The driving experience - i got the Z because it isn't dependent on electronic AWD assistance and it would be a more raw experience. But if i wanted a second car lightly modded to bomb around in and handle wet conditions, i'd consider an STi.

random:

the STi trim adds way more to the base wrx than the nismo to the sport i think. Upgraded brakes, suspension, transmission, engine, wing. But the wrx might be a better value for certain intended uses. The Z always gonna be more limited b/c its coupe (although apparently some people want to turn it into a comfy DD SUV)