Subaru Impreza 2.5i / VW Rabbit / MINI Classic

[Ontario_Matt]

Good afternoon, all.

My wife and I are potentially in need of a second car and are looking at a lease in an effort to keep our monthly payments low. The following three vehicles all have similar monthly lease rates, at least according to the online calculators:

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan (w/ automatic)

2009 MINI Classic (w/ automatic)

2009 Rabbit 3-door Trendline (w/ automatic and stability control)

The monthly lease rate is approximately $362 - $370 or so in each case.

Basically, we are only interested in vehicles with stability control, if not stability and AWD. As cool as the Fit is, we can't get stability control on it in Canada, so it's out. The Kia Soul is another possibility when it arrives.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice on those vehicles or good deals on another vehicle they might recommend, we are listening.

Thanks so much for your help.

Cheers!

[bpopd]

I think the Mini Classic is the classiest of the three, as well as the most fun to drive of the three. Sports the bmw warranty, so you just bring it back to the dealer to get oil changes and maintenance.

The Subaru 2.5i sedan is the ugliest of the three, (the wagon 5door) is much more practical, and this one probably sports the most powerful engine, and is most useful in the winter time. Most reliable as well.

The 3 door Rabbit... It's the cutest of the three, but I think the least reliable. Least sporty of the three.

I choose the Mini Classic. Classic style, easy to drive, awarded as an one of the top "Green" cars available. 34/37 mpg

[thephenom]

I think the Mini Classic is the classiest of the three, as well as the most fun to drive of the three. Sports the bmw warranty, so you just bring it back to the dealer to get oil changes and maintenance.

The Subaru 2.5i sedan is the ugliest of the three, (the wagon 5door) is much more practical, and this one probably sports the most powerful engine, and is most useful in the winter time. Most reliable as well.

The 3 door Rabbit... It's the cutest of the three, but I think the least reliable. Least sporty of the three.

I choose the Mini Classic. Classic style, easy to drive, awarded as an one of the top "Green" cars available. 34/37 mpg

Are you bashing the Rabbit just because it's a VW? The MKV platform is pretty reliable IMO, or at least I don't see a whole lot of problems popping up on VW forums. And the Rabbit actually has the most powerful engine at wheels, at the crank, the subaru might look power on paper, but factor in transmission loss on the impreza.

IMO, just go with the one you like to drive the most. They are all pretty good cars to drive and to maintain.

Just wondering, why does everyone seem to be wanting VSC?

[malecoke]

Good afternoon, all.

My wife and I are potentially in need of a second car and are looking at a lease in an effort to keep our monthly payments low. The following three vehicles all have similar monthly lease rates, at least according to the online calculators:

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan (w/ automatic)

2009 MINI Classic (w/ automatic)

2009 Rabbit 3-door Trendline (w/ automatic and stability control)

The monthly lease rate is approximately $362 - $370 or so in each case.

Basically, we are only interested in vehicles with stability control, if not stability and AWD. As cool as the Fit is, we can't get stability control on it in Canada, so it's out. The Kia Soul is another possibility when it arrives.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice on those vehicles or good deals on another vehicle they might recommend, we are listening.

Thanks so much for your help.

Cheers!

Just FYI, AWD and VSC does different things. An AWD vechicle still needs VSC to keep the vechicle from sliding sideways.

As for your choice of vechicles, Subie is no doubt the most pratical of them all. Determine if you need that praticality, if not the Coper and the Rabit are surely more fun to drive.

[new_vr]

I had a golf before, and now I have an impreza. I would go back to a golf. The impreza is great fun in the snow, but they just cut every corner to give you awd for the price of a normal econobox.
I would be interested in checking out a mini, but I haven't driven one yet, so can't really comment.

[new_vr]

As for your choice of vechicles, Subie is no doubt the most pratical of them all. Determine if you need that praticality, if not the Coper and the Rabit are surely more fun to drive.

What do you mean more practical though? No matter what car you get, you should put snow tires on it, and after that any of the cars can get you through the worst Toronto has to offer.

[malecoke]

What do you mean more practical though? No matter what car you get, you should put snow tires on it, and after that any of the cars can get you through the worst Toronto has to offer.

Impreza is the only choice from OP that can hold 5 passengers comfortably and have a trunk...pratical as in it can hold more people, hold more cargo etc.

[Cooper_s]

Sports the bmw warranty, so you just bring it back to the dealer to get oil changes and maintenance.



We're not Americans, so we don't get the worry-free and costless maintenance schedule that our neighbours down south get.

With a Mini, you must pay out of pocket for routine maintenance.

[new_vr]

Impreza is the only choice from OP that can hold 5 passengers comfortably and have a trunk...pratical as in it can hold more people, hold more cargo etc.

The impreza is slightly bigger then the rabbit, but not by a huge margin by any means. Not enough difference that I would consider it practical while considering the others impractical.

[konfusion666]

The 3 door Rabbit... It's the cutest of the three, but I think the least reliable. Least sporty of the three.

The current-gen Rabbit is actually designated by CR as having "much better than average" reliability - which is actually a notch or 2 above the current-gen Jetta which is merely "average".

So if I'm not mistaken it's considered to be on a level playing field with the Subie and Mini, as far as reliability is concerned. The reason for that? Don't know, maybe because it's built in Wolfsburg, Germany rather than Puebla Mexico.

[MTD71]

My wife has an 07 Mini Cooper and its a great little car. Fantastic on gas (about 700k's mixed city/highway), very fun to drive, handles excellent and with winter tires, ABS, DSC and traction control, it is unstopable in the snow. But, it is very small inside. Essentially a 2 seater unless its small kids or elves sitting in the backseats.

[Patman22]

Are you bashing the Rabbit just because it's a VW? The MKV platform is pretty reliable IMO, or at least I don't see a whole lot of problems popping up on VW forums. And the Rabbit actually has the most powerful engine at wheels, at the crank, the subaru might look power on paper, but factor in transmission loss on the impreza.



Another cool thing about the Rabbit is the 6 speed automatic transmission. There are no other cars priced this low that come with a 6 speed auto. The Rabbit has a ton of standard features too, it's probably got the most standard features of any car priced at around $20k in Canada.

[Brandon]

Another cool thing about the Rabbit is the 6 speed automatic transmission. There are no other cars priced this low that come with a 6 speed auto. The Rabbit has a ton of standard features too, it's probably got the most standard features of any car priced at around $20k in Canada.

Really? I didn't think that 6 speed autos in that price range were that rare. Two that come to mind are the Ford Escape and the Chevy Malibu.

[Patman22]

Really? I didn't think that 6 speed autos in that price range were that rare. Two that come to mind are the Ford Escape and the Chevy Malibu.

And both of those are in the mid 20s and up (and also not in the same category as the Rabbit either, being an SUV and a midsize car, so the Rabbit is still unique in it's own class)

[taro-chan]

With a Mini, you must pay out of pocket for routine maintenance.That's correct unless you get a package when you bought the car, else all oil changes aren't free. However, you will get loaners/rentals for any time that requires service.

My wife has an 07 Mini Cooper and its a great little car. Fantastic on gas (about 700k's mixed city/highway), very fun to drive, handles excellent and with winter tires, ABS, DSC and traction control, it is unstopable in the snow. But, it is very small inside. Essentially a 2 seater unless its small kids or elves sitting in the backseats.Wondering whats your mileage on only Hwy and what gas do you use? And having a tiny car with 4 seats is an excellent way of not driving people around...


Back on topic, the cars you've listed were also on my last a couple years ago. Have you test drove them yet? I didn't like how the Impreza looked and I didn't like the louder engine noise on the Rabbit as well as its interior... As for winter handling, the Mini has a low ground clearance, so you are going to hit chucks of slush from other cars (good thing there is a guard...) but overall, it handles like a good fwd but you will get stuck in the snow if its deep.

[Impreza]

I will go for Subaru Impreza for practical reason and value for money. Under 30k with all the safety features included for only vehicles over 30K, Impreza stands in its own class as it is the real all time AWD, this increase safety right away in all seasons, stability and tracking controls all come in as standard. Sorry, Look is not my first priority, practical and reliable are my criteria. It will seat comfortably with three people at the back. Remember, 09 Impreza awarded with ALG award, that means high resale value.

[Ontario_Matt]

Just FYI, AWD and VSC does different things. An AWD vechicle still needs VSC to keep the vechicle from sliding sideways.

As for your choice of vechicles, Subie is no doubt the most pratical of them all. Determine if you need that praticality, if not the Coper and the Rabit are surely more fun to drive.

Thanks for your reply.

We actually have a 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5-door with Sport Package right now. It's our second Subaru so we definitely know the benefits of AWD. However, it's our first Subaru with VDC and this winter has felt even safer. If we did get a vehicle that didn't have AWD, we'd at least want VDC / stability control, as it really is quite amazing when you feel it working.

We drove all three yesterday.

The Subaru is rock solid, safe, reliable and fun-to-drive in the snow (and merely decent in the dry). It's not great on gas and not exactly beautiful inside or out. Practical is a good choice of words.

The MINI is stylish, eager to have fun and thrifty. It isn't as practical as the Subaru, but is absolutely amazing on gas and has more style than anything else at that price. We drove one with optional 17" sport tires and it was a little too harsh a ride for my wife's tastes, but the standard 15" on the MINI Classic would rectify that. (Also, you can get a Canadian flag on the roof, which is pretty damn cool.)

The Rabbit is just a beautiful, cute, well-made car. It seems so fluid and smooth on the road. It's isn't as sporty as the MINI, but feels like a far more expensive car on the road. The typically VW interior is pleasant. The fuel consumption is similar to the Impreza.

Honestly, all three cars are incredibly different, but all boast something that would make them a pleasure to drive and own.

[Ontario_Matt]

What do you mean more practical though? No matter what car you get, you should put snow tires on it, and after that any of the cars can get you through the worst Toronto has to offer.

The Subaru is still much more practical. I've always used snow tires on my past FWD cars and having snow tires on a Subaru almost feels like cheating. A FWD car with snow tires can handle most of what Ontario winters has to offer and I'd be fine with eith the MINI or VW with snow tires, but that "mountain goat" feeling you get with a Subaru can't be beat.

[Ontario_Matt]

My wife has an 07 Mini Cooper and its a great little car. Fantastic on gas (about 700k's mixed city/highway), very fun to drive, handles excellent and with winter tires, ABS, DSC and traction control, it is unstopable in the snow. But, it is very small inside. Essentially a 2 seater unless its small kids or elves sitting in the backseats.

Yeah, the fuel efficiency is definitely just as appealing to us as the style and fun-to-drive factor. We'd still have our other Subaru for vacations or hauling friends or family, so the size isn't really an issue. For day trips or overnighters when the weather is clear, it might actually be nice to drive something as thrifty as the MINI. Trips down to Niagara region wouldn't take much gas at all.

[Ontario_Matt]

And both of those are in the mid 20s and up (and also not in the same category as the Rabbit either, being an SUV and a midsize car, so the Rabbit is still unique in it's own class)

Both the Rabbit and the MINI have 6-speed automatics and yes, it is definitely rare in its class. The 4-speed in the Subaru is pretty antiquated in comparison, although it is a proven transmission, so I suppose there is something to be said for that too.

[Ontario_Matt]

I will go for Subaru Impreza for practical reason and value for money. Under 30k with all the safety features included for only vehicles over 30K, Impreza stands in its own class as it is the real all time AWD, this increase safety right away in all seasons, stability and tracking controls all come in as standard. Sorry, Look is not my first priority, practical and reliable are my criteria. It will seat comfortably with three people at the back. Remember, 09 Impreza awarded with ALG award, that means high resale value.

I can't disagree at all concerning the safety of the Subaru. I've owned two Subarus so far and would be shocked if I didn't own more in the future. Now that they've added VDC to every Impreza (and Forester), they're even more amazing. We are just considering the benefits of the other two options, too. All three are great cars in their own rights.

[konfusion666]

Really? I didn't think that 6 speed autos in that price range were that rare. Two that come to mind are the Ford Escape and the Chevy Malibu.

In the "compact car" class then, it's rare.

The compact car class would primarily be made up of: Honda civic, Toyo Rolla, Mazda3. None offer 6 speed trannys.

[citycat]

out of curiosity, which car did you end up picking?
i'm debating between those cars as well now (and the c30, too, because it seems to boast superior safety, but personally, i think it's expensive for a car in that class)
also, is there a significant variance in insurance? (mini is 2-door.. as is c30)

[andrei14]

i cannot comment on the mini since i always thought that they're too expensive for what they offer and never took one for a proper test drive. i like the car though.

the new vws are coming from germany (except the city editions). much better quality than previous years. solid car. on par with mazda 3.


if you want awd, you should take a matrix for a spin. imho it drives a little bit better than a yugo, but if you're driving mostly in the city, you won't notice that much.
another option would be a suzuki sx4 (awd). very reliable. very decent car.

subaru.... that's what we bought. it handles like a dream. a little bit on the thirsty side. the 2009 model comes with awd, traction control AND stability control.

[Ontario_Matt]

out of curiosity, which car did you end up picking?
i'm debating between those cars as well now (and the c30, too, because it seems to boast superior safety, but personally, i think it's expensive for a car in that class)
also, is there a significant variance in insurance? (mini is 2-door.. as is c30)

I never had the Mini quoted for insurance purposes, but the Subaru and VW were fairly similar.

As for our final decision, we still haven't made a final decision, as we are waiting to hear about a possibl eemployment change. We've also driven the new Kia Soul but truth be told, I'd imagine we'll get another Subaru... we've had two Subarus now and I just can't imagine living without the safety and reliability and bad-weather confidence we've come to love in our Subarus.

(We did look at the C30 as well, but agree that as much as it is a nice package and very handsome, it is too pricey for what you're getting.)

[ES_Revenge]

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan (w/ automatic)
2009 MINI Classic (w/ automatic)
2009 Rabbit 3-door Trendline (w/ automatic and stability control)

Basically, we are only interested in vehicles with stability control, if not stability and AWD. As cool as the Fit is, we can't get stability control on it in Canada, so it's out. The Kia Soul is another possibility when it arrives.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice on those vehicles or good deals on another vehicle they might recommend, we are listening.

Thanks so much for your help.

Cheers!

Out of the three I would pick the Rabbit. Is the Mini Classic the stripper-model Mini or is it what used to be the base model in years previous? I remember in 08 they brought out a stripper model that was below what it used to come with at a lower price, but I'm not sure if that got called the Classic or if the Classic was what the old one was :confused:

The Impreza automatic sacrifices it's manual trans. counterpart's better AWD system, and also the auto trans itself is outdated--most others are 5 and 6 spd these days and I think the Impreza is still 4spd or something?

Impreza also has crap paint, so there's that to consider. The interior is also pretty poor/spartan. It's alright, but other than having AWD it doesn't really have much on the other two being compared here.

The Mini is kind of a cool car I suppose but if it's the stripper model that will definitely not be good. If it's the normal model then yeah it has lots of standard features but I've always felt it was a bit pricey overall.

The Rabbit is the easy winner here in my eyes--170hp, stability control, 6spd auto, well built, quality interior, etc. The one thing I didn't like about the Rabbit were the tyres it came on--I had them howling the entire course at the last Mini test drive event. I think they were some Michelen all-seasons. If there is an upgraded package with bigger wheels/tyres (preferrably not all-seasons) then I would go with that. Edit: Wait no I think it was the Volvo C30 2.4i that had the crap Michelin tyres, come to think of it. The Rabbit had Continental ContiPros but they were still craptastic (as are any all-seasons). It was the C30 that I had howling around the course though, not the Rabbit.

The Subaru 2.5i sedan is the ugliest of the three, (the wagon 5door) is much more practical, and this one probably sports the most powerful engine, and is most useful in the winter time. Most reliable as well.
Not sure how you get to the conclusion of "most reliable"... I don't find it ugly either. The hatch isn't as practical as you think either--the Rabbit's hatch is better. The hatch in the Impreza has an abnormally high floor which makes it a bit less useful than it seems it would be. The hatch is more for looks than functionality it seems.

The 3 door Rabbit... It's the cutest of the three, but I think the least reliable. Least sporty of the three.
Huh? :confused: Who told you that? The least sporty? The Rabbit beats the (non-S) Mini Cooper in sportyness. It also beat a bunch of other cars, including the Impreza in this test:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2009_toyota_corolla_vs_ford_focus_vw_rabbit_subaru _impreza_and_four_more_economy_cars_comparison_tes t+page-9.html

The Impreza is over 3000lbs, and it was pretty middle-of-the-pack in acceleration. The Rabbit ain't a lightweight either, but at least it backed it up with good performance #s. The Impreza came in 2nd in the test though. The test Impreza car had a manual trans--that outmoded auto Subaru uses isn't going to help it out, trust me. It's also the noisest. Overall it's merely average.

The Rabbit was quicker than all but the Lancer GTS, and it also posts slightly better acceleration times than the Mini (which wasn't in this comparo).

In this test the Impreza was shod with Potenza RE92s in a wider size and larger wheel diameter than the Rabbit on crappier tyres (the garbage that are Continental ContiPros), yet despite that advantage the Impreza did exactly the same on the skidpad and in the lane change test. AND, the Impreza took 11 more ft. to haul down from ~120km/h!

How on earth you got to the conclusion that the Rabbit is the "least sporty" I have no idea, but it's certainly not on the facts.

That's correct unless you get a package when you bought the car, else all oil changes aren't free. However, you will get loaners/rentals for any time that requires service.
Yeah but the maint. packages for Minis had exhorbitant prices last time I checked a couple years ago, but that might have changed now...

I didn't like how the Impreza looked and I didn't like the louder engine noise on the Rabbit as well as its interior...
The Impreza is noisier than the Rabbit isn't it? And you've got to be kidding me if you think the Impreza interior is better than the Rabbit's :confused: Or did you mean compared to the Mini?

Both the Rabbit and the MINI have 6-speed automatics and yes, it is definitely rare in its class. The 4-speed in the Subaru is pretty antiquated in comparison, although it is a proven transmission, so I suppose there is something to be said for that too.
Yeah that's what I was saying above, the 4spd auto in the Impreza is pretty craptastic. Might be "proven" as you put it, but it's definitely a bit behind the curve. Unless you're getting a manual I would not go with the Impreza. The good points it has, it loses when you drop the manual trans.

As for our final decision, we still haven't made a final decision, as we are waiting to hear about a possibl eemployment change. We've also driven the new Kia Soul but truth be told, I'd imagine we'll get another Subaru... we've had two Subarus now and I just can't imagine living without the safety and reliability and bad-weather confidence we've come to love in our Subarus.
I sincerely hope that your Subarus ride on winter tyres in winter. There's a difference between bad-weather confidence and bad-weather performance. It's things like AWD and crap [read: all-season] tyres that make up the former above, and that gets people into the ditch the fastest. It's the latter that actually keeps you safe.

(We did look at the C30 as well, but agree that as much as it is a nice package and very handsome, it is too pricey for what you're getting.)
Yeah the C30, like all Volvos, is overpriced it seems. Plus the rear end is a real aquired taste and the hatch is near useless for loading/unloading (only the glass opens :rolleyes: ). The manual trans has a balky shifter, not too great feeling. The interior is very Volvo which is good and bad I guess. THe steering wheel is huge (or at least seems that way) and it's not really fun to drive though it looks like it should be. The T5 is fast and all, but not worth it IMO. In it's class, the A3 beats it, but then we're talking about more premium cars anyway, compared to the normal Mini/Impreza/Rabbit...

[citycat]

hey, i did my test drives over the weekend and out of that list, i say "rabbit."
my mom hated the mini.. apparently, there's no space in the back, so unless you won't need the backseat, i don't think it's your best choice. the salesperson at vw really sold the safety aspect of the rabbit and it was a stable solid drive. the impreza drove like my current el so i was a bit disappointed.. of course, had there been snow, i'm sure the test drive would've been much more telling.

then again, it's all very subjective, so good luck in your car hunt =)

[bfungyau]

hey, i did my test drives over the weekend and out of that list, i say "rabbit."
my mom hated the mini.. apparently, there's no space in the back, so unless you won't need the backseat, i don't think it's your best choice. the salesperson at vw really sold the safety aspect of the rabbit and it was a stable solid drive. the impreza drove like my current el so i was a bit disappointed.. of course, had there been snow, i'm sure the test drive would've been much more telling.

then again, it's all very subjective, so good luck in your car hunt =)

I park my Mini in the garage and in front of it, there is an old cabinet and also a snowblower. Yet I still have space to put another snowblower if I need the space. I think this is a perfect second car, if you have another regular 4-door to haul the kids or stuffs. So in short, it is not a car you buy for space at the back but for the fun. I only test-drive a car when I plan to buy it and so I can only speak for Mini.

But suprisingly I first sat on a Mini a few years ago in Europe - three adults and two golf bags. We drove an hour to the course and I did not feel cramped. I was very impressed at the time as the guy was driving really fast, must be at least 160-180 Km/h. I said to myself I wanted to get one.

As for insurance, I pay about $20 more than a Honda CRV which is 6 years older than the Mini. Not bad at all. If you are a Costco member, make sure you get a quote from Costco's partner insurance company. Good rate and service so far.

[skygolf]

Just got my impreza… the acceleration is fairly good but corner and handling is a lot better then Mini or Rabbit. If you almost miss a turn or like just doing quick turn but don’t want to end up in the ditch you should consider impreza.

Look – I totally agree they can be better.

[ES_Revenge]

Just got my impreza… the acceleration is fairly good but corner and handling is a lot better then Mini or Rabbit. If you almost miss a turn or like just doing quick turn but don’t want to end up in the ditch you should consider impreza.
Riiight.. Perhaps you forgot what I posted above?

In this test the Impreza was shod with Potenza RE92s in a wider size and larger wheel diameter than the Rabbit on crappier tyres (the garbage that are Continental ContiPros), yet despite that advantage the Impreza did exactly the same on the skidpad and in the lane change test. AND, the Impreza took 11 more ft. to haul down from ~120km/h!

On better tyres the Impreza is only equalling the Rabbit in handling. If the Rabbit were on the same RE92s I would bet it would post better numbers than the Impreza.

That said, the Impreza being an all-driver would have better traction on corner exit acceleration, particularly in wet/poor road conditions.

[skygolf]

Riiight.. Perhaps you forgot what I posted above?



On better tyres the Impreza is only equalling the Rabbit in handling. If the Rabbit were on the same RE92s I would bet it would post better numbers than the Impreza.

That said, the Impreza being an all-driver would have better traction on corner exit acceleration, particularly in wet/poor road conditions.


You can post ur reviews so can I … doesn’t mean I have to agree w/ you.:twisted:
Perhaps you should also consider the balance of the car while turning.

[ES_Revenge]

You can post ur reviews so can I
Uh okay, then post some.

I didn't say you have to agree with me; but you can't disagree with objective data without providing other objective data for a credible source that says otherwise. And sure there may be variances from one publication to another, but the cars are still close if not equal in handling while the Impreza is on better tyres. I didn't make that up, it's the facts.

In the subjective scores from that test, the Rabbit beat the Impreza on every chassis category except brake feel which it was tied for (and at that the Rabbit stops 11ft shorter from 120km/h, as mentioned). In fact, out of 12 subjective categories in the test the Impreza only beat the Rabbit in one of them (rear-seat comfort) and only by one point.

Car and Driver is a fairly well respected and well known automotive publication which has been around for over 50 years. Though not every review they have is perfect nor do I agree with everything they write, I do tend to trust most of what they say as it's the same thing you usually find in reality yourself.

So forgive me if I'm trusting them and their impressions (and their real test measurements) and their 50 year reputation, over your layperson's opinion as a [clearly biased] Impreza purchaser.

Not to mention the fact that I've driven both cars enough to know the Rabbit is certainly competent and is not as you claim it is. (Hint: I already know what both cars drive like, I was posting the review to back it up, not to make meaningless statments like "you can post ur reviews so can I" with words like "ur" :rolleyes: because you know, that's English right? :rolleyes: )

I have nothing against the Impreza per se, it's just beat by the Rabbit. The Impreza has some good points, like AWD of course, better weight distribution, etc.; but, talking about the automatic version, it simply doesn't have enough points to trump the Rabbit with its auto.

It's great that you bought an Impreza and it's great that you love it but trust me you are not going to end up in the ditch with the Rabbit as you put it, nor does the Impreza handle "a lot better than the Mini or Rabbit".

[new_vr]

I have had an MKIV golf (which the rabbit is supposed to be better then) and now have an Impreza. I had good tires on the golf, after I used up the stock ones (really quickly).
The only thing the Impreza is really better at then the Golf is the winter driving. It could accelerate well in even the worst conditions, and was fairly stable on the road.
On clear roads, the cornering is different, but fairly comparable, in my opinion.

[skygolf]

I have had an MKIV golf (which the rabbit is supposed to be better then) and now have an Impreza. I had good tires on the golf, after I used up the stock ones (really quickly).
The only thing the Impreza is really better at then the Golf is the winter driving. It could accelerate well in even the worst conditions, and was fairly stable on the road.
On clear roads, the cornering is different, but fairly comparable, in my opinion.

+1

Right, Rabbit does have better overall reviews compare w/ other hatchbacks in Car and Driver. Driving is base on ur style and feel … not by books and reports. I drove a golf, test drove a rabbit, ride w/ my frnd’s mini… all great car. Unfortunately we don’t have enough sunny/dry road condition days in GTA. They may be equal, if you wish we can say rabbit have better handling/corner on a perfect summer days. But nevermind snow… on a rainy day I won’t go at it w/ my golf nor rabbit.

[bionicbadger]

On better tyres the Impreza is only equalling the Rabbit in handling. If the Rabbit were on the same RE92s I would bet it would post better numbers than the Impreza.


Hahaha! Read ANY subaru forum and everyone complains about how crappy the stock RE92 tires are. Its hard to imagine the VW ones being worse.

[new_vr]

Hahaha! Read ANY subaru forum and everyone complains about how crappy the stock RE92 tires are. Its hard to imagine the VW ones being worse.
Keep in mind the RE92 are supposed to be sporty tires. So...they suck for sporty tires. I think the best thing about the continentals are they are low rolling resistance...but they don't even pretend to be sporty ;)