Performance Review: Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM - [1997]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Subaru Impreza Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1997. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 TVR Speed 12 7.7L V12 and the 1997 McLaren F1 GT 6.1 V12.This particular Subaru Impreza has a 1994cc Turbo Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a F formation.

Alternative Petrol F4's includes the 2010 Subaru Impreza STI CS 400 - Cosworth - Hatch

The Impreza shares its Petrol F4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2010 Subaru Impreza STI CS 400 - Cosworth - Hatch and the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 Spec C - Hatch. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Impreza's All Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1190 kgs (2623 lbs) this makes the Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM in the same weight category as the 2018 McLaren Senna 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Subaru Impreza shares the same bhp with the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 1994cc 16V F4 engine produces 276 bhp (205 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Turbo F4 throws out 260 lb-ft (352.5 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Subaru Impreza you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2019 Bentley Flying Spur 6.0 W12 Twin Turbo (256.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Subaru Impreza.

The Subaru Impreza has a Power to weight ratio of 231.9 bhp per ton and 218.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 Impreza competing with the 2019 Bentley Flying Spur 6.0 W12 Twin Turbo (256.8 bhp per ton) or the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 426 7.0 V8 Hemi (256.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Subaru Impreza generating around 218.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2019 Audi A4 RS4 Avant 2.9 V6 Turbo (243.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (243.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.9 secs, this made the Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM as fast as the 2022 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo ALL4 (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT2 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs) the or the 2020 BMW X4 M40d 3.0 Turbo (4.70 secs). This Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM is also faster than the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the and the 2017 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 (4.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Impreza and the 2019 Toyota Supra GR RZ 3.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Subaru Impreza on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.87 secs @ 106.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2019 Toyota Supra GR RZ 3.0 Turbo (12.81 secs), the 2017 BMW X6 xDrive50i 4.4 V8 F16 (12.81 secs), and the 2017 Seat Leon Cupra 300 DSG (12.81 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1997 version of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM has a maximum speed of 135mph.

Top Speed of the 1997 Impreza equals the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (146 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STI V4 - Classic JDM then how about the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (146 mph), the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Ti 2.0 Turbo (146 mph), or the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo (146 mph).

Related Links:

1997 Impreza Rivals List.

A Brief History of Subaru

Car Comparison