Why is the bog standard UK-spec '05 WRX STi 75kg heavier than the '05 WRX PPP? The STi is 1470kg and the WRX PPP with similar power & torque is 1395kg. (EVO figures)

Weight is one of the most important factors in the design of a sports car so where is the extra 75kg?

Both of them are fat ba$tards compared to the classic weighing just 1235kg, but then it did have body panels made from kit-kat wrappers.

 

Gearbox, suspension, brakes?

 

It would be interesting to see if the c/g is lower though. Pure weight alone isn't the full story.

 

The gearbox is as ive heard, about 40kg heavier on the STi.

Tony

 

Well it does have an extra cog and all related parts!

 

Yeah but 75kg??? That's like having a fat mate sat next to you all the time. If the STi is supposed to be the more extreme car, it should be lighter, not heavier than the WRX on which is is based.

I went from a '99 turbo to an '03 WRX and the increase in weight was very obvious in the sluggish performance. It needed an Ecutek remap to ~265 bhp to get back to the performance I had from the basic '99 turbo.

Weight is everything with sportscars... just ask Lotus, Caterham, Ariel, Ultima etc etc....

 

Bigger wheels and tyres will easily make up the remaining 30+kilogrammes.

Big wheels:

Icrease your vehicles weight
Increase your unsprung mass, affecting handling, traction & ride
Decrease the effectiveness of your brakes by increasing the leverage on the existing disc.

Makes you think doesnt it?


Simon

 

It annoys me that cars are getting so heavy.

In the new Evo they have an M3, RS4 and AMG thing.....the M3 is the lightest at nearly 1600 kg!!!!!

People will soon look back on the classic Subaru and realise what a good little car it was.

I think Walter Rhol said that 200 bhp and 1000kg was all a good sports car needed....he ended up buying an old 911 that fits the bill too.