If you are looking to get close to STI performance out of a WRX, buy a STI not a WRX. You'll spend butt loads more on WRX to bring it to STI level. STI's lot more refined than base line WRX and EVO 8 and 9, lot more comfy. STI/WRX are oversteer/tail happy. Subaru community is one of the greatest out there. They hold their value very well. STI's have great over all fit and feel to them. STI's are basically bullet proff off the line, given owner takes care of the car.

Want to go fast for half the price of STI Mods and get cheap parts & support, buy a EVO. Can't beat amount of parts, and tunning assistance for it. EVO's are based on FWD so they tend to understeer compared to STI. Compared to STI, evo feels like go cart, very quick responsing steering. Inside it feels cheap to me compared to a STI, no competition. Evos are known to have transfer case problem, even in stock form. At the same time you can pick up a EVO good 3-4 grand cheaper than a STI. And that 3-4 grand can go long way in a EVO.