JasonH

I wasn't going to say anything, but since we're talking about WRXs now...
The only difference between the 2002 and 2003 WRXs is the lighted ignition switch on the 2003 (not including paint colors.) The 2004 US model might have more HP and will probably be the facelifted design.

mopho

I was told by someone who works for the Subaru Rally Team that the new facelift will be here in about four months, that is why they are updating the rally cars. It is possible that they will label the car as a 2004. The only horsepower increase will be the STI version which will have 260-280hp. I have driven the STI in Japan (300hp) and it is a monster!

vibrantvivid

hey i dont know what everyone is talking about spending $25k on the car i got. like i said i traded the car in and paid a total of $19k for a fully loaded wrx the only thing i diddnt get was the center mounted gauges. that is a hell of a deal that is actually only about $500 more than what i paid for my protege5. there is no comparing these 2 cars to eachother. even the interior is better designed. as far as the seats they are awsome i dont see any defects in mine. my stock sound sysem in my new car is much better than mine in the p5 with alpines. i got a 6 speaker system and a stock sub. i dont really need to say much about the power differences. they way i see it is the protege is just a small taste of what a wrx is.

ohh as far as opting for a 2003 with 20hp more. i dont see why i'm getting a boost controler soon so 20hp aint really much. i was told that the us would see the 20hp gain until 2004 possibly 2005 witha new body in line.

Tornado

All I know is that a Mazda Protege5 is no WRX. Are there differences? Sure, maybe some like the seats better or the interior whatever. The fact remains that the WRX in Canada is like a $40,000 dollar car after tax and the Pro 5 is a little under 27.

Take your car and enjoy the huge harsepower increase and the fun of driving an AWD car. From all reports it's a blast and very rugged. I agree whoever said they were jealous

By the way if someone has a new WRX they hate and want to trade for my p5 let me know

vibrantvivid

i actually talked to the original owner and he was a 48 year old volunteer nurse the only mod he did was put a xm satilite radio into the car. as far as the car getting beat on im sure that it happened a few times but im not very worried because when i traded the car in for this one in the contract i had tham do all the maintence stuff to the car as well as an oil change and tranny fluid exchange. i also recieved a 36 month 36000miles warranty so i looks like im going to be beating on it to. i got three years of worry free driving in a car that was ment to be rally'd what do you think im gonna do

mopho

[like i said i traded the car in and paid a total of $19k for a fully loaded wrx the only thing i diddnt get was the center mounted gauges. that is a hell of a deal that is actually only about $500 more than what i paid for my protege5.

Wow you paid $18,500 for your Pro5, (I paid $16k w/sunroof)at that point I would have just gone for the WRX in the first place?! My friend got his wagon for $22,500 new.

Anyhow, enjoy the car, I am jealous