When I first set out to compare a $40,000 Subaru WRX and a $5,000 WRX, my mind was racing with excitement. The allure of the WRX has always captivated me. Its rally heritage, aggressive stance, and that distinctive rumble make it a dream for any driving enthusiast. So when I had the chance to compare a pristine 2019 WRX Raiu edition with a well-worn 2006 WRX Hawkeye, I was thrilled to dive into this adventure.
The 2019 WRX Raiu edition was a pristine specimen. Parked in a sleek, modern showroom, it exuded an air of sophistication and raw power. With its low, aggressive profile and the signature Subaru blue paint that gleamed under the showroom lights, it was a sight to behold. As I slid into the driver’s seat, the interior was a world apart from the older model. The leather-wrapped steering wheel felt solid in my hands, and the advanced infotainment system was both intuitive and impressive. The engine roared to life with a satisfying growl that promised exhilarating performance.
Driving the 2019 WRX was an experience in itself. The power delivery was immediate and relentless. The turbocharged engine, paired with a meticulously tuned suspension, made every twist and turn of the road feel exhilarating. It was clear that Subaru had refined this car with precision. The steering was responsive, almost telepathic in its feedback, and the brakes were powerful, providing confidence even in the most demanding situations. The modern WRX felt like a well-oiled machine, each component working in harmony to create a driving experience that was both thrilling and incredibly refined.
In contrast, the 2006 WRX Hawkeye had a different charm. This model had clearly seen better days; it was rough around the edges and bore the marks of a life well-lived. The paint was faded, and the interior showed signs of wear. However, there was something undeniably appealing about its battle scars. It was clear this was a car that had been driven hard and loved dearly. As I climbed into the driver’s seat, the experience was like stepping into a time machine. The dashboard was simpler, the seats were more utilitarian, and the driving controls felt more direct, almost raw compared to the modern car.
The engine in the 2006 WRX Hawkeye had a different character. It lacked the refinement of the 2019 model but made up for it with sheer, unfiltered aggression. The turbocharged engine, while not as smooth or responsive as its newer counterpart, had a throaty roar that was pure automotive passion. The suspension was stiffer, and the ride felt more raw and unrefined. It was less about precise handling and more about experiencing the raw thrill of the road. The steering was heavier, providing a more direct connection to the road, and the brakes, while not as advanced, still offered a satisfying level of performance.
Comparing these two WRXs felt like contrasting two different philosophies of performance. The 2019 WRX Raiu edition was the culmination of years of engineering refinement. It was a product of meticulous development, designed to offer a polished, exhilarating driving experience. Every aspect of the car, from the interior to the suspension, spoke of modernity and sophistication. It was a car that was easy to fall in love with because of its balance, power, and technology.
On the other hand, the 2006 WRX Hawkeye was a testament to the raw, unrefined passion of an earlier era. It was less about polish and more about character. Driving it was a reminder of why enthusiasts fell in love with the WRX in the first place. It had imperfections and quirks, but these were part of its charm. It was a car that demanded a bit more from its driver, but in return, it offered a visceral, engaging experience that spoke to the heart of rally-inspired performance.
In the end, the decision between the two came down to what you value in a car. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge driving experience with modern conveniences and refinement, the 2019 WRX Raiu edition is hard to beat. It represents the pinnacle of Subaru’s engineering efforts and offers a driving experience that’s both thrilling and comfortable.
However, if you’re drawn to the character and rawness of a classic rally icon, the 2006 WRX Hawkeye has its own unique appeal. It may lack the polish and refinement of its newer counterpart, but it offers a driving experience that’s pure, unfiltered, and full of personality.
Both cars have their merits and represent different eras of Subaru’s performance philosophy. Whether you’re drawn to the modern sophistication of the 2019 WRX or the classic, unrefined charm of the 2006 WRX, both have something special to offer. For me, experiencing both was a reminder of why I love cars and the different ways they can connect with us.