I own a Type R, and had a
I own a Type R, and had a Civic SI before that. And have driven both the WRX and STI. The STI corners better? In what universe? Handling is a clear win for the Honda in anything but snow and ice. They do fine in the rain, and will crush a Subie on a dry road. Check any course, any lap time. Not knocking Subaru- I actually had one at the top of my list before test driving them back to back with Honda. In the AZ desert you don't need a snowplow. You need a scalpel. And that is what Honda makes. Even back in 2004-2006, when I test drove an STI vs an Evo, the Mitsubushi easily outhandled the less agile STI. Now if you want something to put your ski rack on, the STI is great. But if you want something to handle a slalom like an Olympic skier, then you need a Type R, or at least an SI. All Honda had to do for their record lap at Nurburgrung was throw some Michelin Cup 2 tires on a stockType R. Subaru had to create an entirely different version that you cant even buy let alone use every day. Renault meanwhile had to recently create a special edition too. and take out the back seat, etc. to catch the Civic. So let's give it to Subaru for a good hydraulic rack-although the steering on the Type R is also magic, better all weather capability, a much better turning radius than the Type R, and a great culture. And some serious Rally history. Everything else goes to...Honda. Not a fan boy, just hard facts plus my observations. I even test drove the Focus RS. Impressive, still not as good as the Type R. Which is a keeper. Subaru makes a great car. Pretty much the same one they have made for years. Sorry, had to go there. Honda engineers actually have an answer when their boss asks 'what have you done lately,?'