Re: The Evo VII and WRX speak out on the DE GTI (THE Wuss)
I couldn't help myself.... had to cross post this from a NAIAS thread
quote:
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Biggest disappointment: Subaru WRX
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I was disappointed with the WRX for two reasons:
Firstly, as others have already stated, it totally lacks any soul, character, charisma or whatever the current buzzword is. There is also a related deficiency in overall innovation, both technical and tactile. Even with the 350Z up on the turntable (could not sit in, touch or take an up-close-and personal look), it proved to be at the exact opposite end of this admittedly esoteric spectrum. I drooled for at least 20 minutes.
Second was Subaru’s marginal build quality. I know I’m at odds with the current ga-ga buzz over this car and the perception of all the boy-racers and that it is the next best thing since digital cellular. Here’s where I am at a disadvantage; I once did QC engineering for the Canadian importer of a familiar German brand (you know, the one with the “round” emblem). I have only my professional experience with OEM QC audits, product issue reports and ownership of primarily German makes over the last 3 decades to use as a barometer The cheap, plasticky feel of the Subaru interior panels, trim and switchgear along with an abundance of unfinished edges, mismatched panel textures and overall poor fit really turned me off. In particular, the faux carbon fiber on the center console was at ultimately an insult to real CF. The Subaru’s haphazard engine compartment plumbing, cable operated throttle and CCS, wire harness fix-points, inconsistent body panel gaps (even between two different cars), trunk finish (or lack thereof), care in seam welding and application of PVC coating were all very unnerving to see. It’s very obvious that Subaru has very broad production tooling and QC audit tolerances, allowing as how the final assembly is so inconsistent. It’s not quite as bad as the undisputed leader in poor panel gaps, GM, but disappointing nonetheless. You really do get your money’s worth I guess.
The above-mentioned boy-racers that want to counter the above with “ …you can take your panel gaps and carefull assembly and shove them while I blow you off with a 5+ second 0-60 time and awd”, really need to get back down on the carpet. The stark reality is, for the vast majority of time we spend in our cars, a 0-60 time here or there is irrelevant. We all drive to school/work, we all get stuck in rush hour traffic, and we all do 5-10 over the limit and we all dream about being Senna. A second or so difference in 0-60 or 30-50 times, or a .5 difference in lateral Gs between cars, awd or not, fizzles into obscurity during the 99th percentile we ACTUALLY use our cars. In fact, I am reminded of a piece Car & Driver did back in the mid 90’s whereby they compared quattro and 2wd versions of the Audi 100/200 (or then new A6, can't remember) and proved no real benefit of awd over 2wd in “day to day” driving conditions (see above) and insignificant differences in slalom or medium speed track venues. I wish that more of us admitted deep down that the pathetic bragging right game is really rather silly. Yet, over and above those that really wish to take advantage of awd due to geographic location (snow etc), the childish posturing seems to play such a big part in being an enthusiast nowadays.
Maybe it’s because I’m an old fart now, but I prefer to be content in the knowledge that the car of my choice was designed, tooled and assembled with attention to detail, shows innovation in technical and convenience features, has interior details that reflect richness in materials (touch etc.) and ambiance, because that’s where I happen to spend a lot of my time. Oh, and lastly, yes, “is also capable of generating competitive numbers”, but you’ll never catch me bragging. I’d also be glad to pay a little more for the above as well. Attention to detail, percieved or real, really does make a difference to those that chose to look for it (those that have been exposed to the Disney Institute's take on business will know what I mean). That to me is true value for money spent, and as such, the WRX only passes with a C-.
Focusing on the WRX performance potential issue for a sec., (you know, “the next best thing since…” crap), I can’t help but share an amusing experience from the last few autocross events I competed in last season. Anyway, several new WRX show in GS and everyone’s going ga-ga. Normally I don’t pay too much attention to times posted in classes other than my own, but imagine my surprise when I thoroughly spank all WRX’s with my pathetic, non R-tire, 1987 GTI 16V with, at est. 140, a little more than half their HP!. I guess this gives new meaning to “getting your moneys worth” with a WRX.
J.
