2017 SUBARU WRX vs 'Bugeye' 2003 WRX// Review and Rally Test// ONE TRACK MIND EP. 4 

Thanks for watching everyone! Make sure you check out our more recent videos to see James and Thomas put more cars head to head!

Proud owner of an 03’ WRX Sedan In Midnight Black Pearl. Couldn’t agree more with your assessment. The 03’ is a timeless classic with killer looks that always results in turned heads and appreciative looks. Despite stop and go traffic leaving me sweaty with a trembling leg after a bit I couldn’t imagine driving anything else. The older WRX’s have a spirit all their own that makes them feel almost alive. It’s like they are forever impatiently awaiting that moment you let them off their leash to run. Still smile just as big now as I did the first time I took my baby off-road. Never gets old.

Owning a bugeye isn't something you will ever forget. It's a good feeling.

I own a roger clark motorsport 2002 Bugeye sti running 340bhp with quality parts. no pods, no stupid plastic stick on body parts and stickers, no nonsense. I drove a 2017 sti the other day and it was day and night. The newer car needs work it doesn't come close. Please subaru, make lighter, fix the drivetrain, add power and give it some rally heritage again. Ditch pointless fake grills and sharp edges, make it badass again.

First/only owner of a fully-stock 2002 bugeye here. Absolutely loved this video. Wholeheartedly agree with: 1) This car is still a BLAST to drive. 2) Stick shift simile is spot-on: broom handle into a box of rocks.

I had a silver wingless 2002 bugeye.Got it brand new in 02. I had it tuned to 275 hp at Vishnu in Blackhawk Ca. Great car stock. But after the tune it did 0to60 in 4.9sec.w/no turbo lag.Everything else was stock. well..except 18in wheels,235/40/18 tires and H&R lowering springs. Is literally THE best car I have ever driven

Proud owner of a 03. I have to agree with your analysis completely, it's a unrefined and pure driving experience. Plan on keeping it forever.

I'm 20 and in college to be an engineer at ASU, the 2002-2003 wrx has been my dream car since I was about 10. In October I found the car and happened to have just enough money saved up to buy it. 100% stock, maintained, and well cared for. I drive it as my daily and love it more and more each day! I hope you found one bro!

Thank you for giving a review of the WRX in its intended environment...

You definitely deserve a larger audience. Very professional production and great to listen to. My only criticism is that the external/moving shots could use a little work, but I understand they're hard to master. Awesome stuff!

i miss my white all-stock-because-i-was-poor '02 bugeye. some teenage broad clipped the rear left end with her civic while it was parked on the street. she ended up on her roof, fatally damaging my car. i miss the comfortably driving 80mph+ on the freeway, the fellow subaru owner camaraderie, the feeling of owning a cult car icon, and just looking at it. i've always been a fan of the bugeye style because it reminded me of japanimation for some reason.

Good review. I've owned five Subarus; 2002 WRX, 2007 WRX, 2011 Legacy, 2013 BRZ, and just purchased a 2017 STI. I've owned a bunch of other cars as well. That 2002 WRX was my favorite so far. It was just fun to drive. It felt lighter, like I could just toss it around. Nimble.

I just bought a 2017 sti about a month ago. I previously had a heavily modded 05 wrx, and I must say even though my old car was faster, I feel like subaru did a good job at keeping the subaru feel with the new generation. It does feel more refined, but turn the traction control off and it gives you the same rush as the older cars did. Overall I think the new models are a step in the right direction for subaru, and anyone who owns one of these cars will be amazed with it.

I just picked up an 04 blob eye wagon two months back. Easily the most fun car I've ever driven. I love the bug/blob eyes. This was a great watch.

my first WRX was a 2011 hatch. When the 2015 came out I test drove it and immediately traded in my 2011 because I loved how flat it cornered and the power delivery. Soon after that we had a baby and ended up trading in the 2015 WRX for a 2016 Forester XT. it's not that the WRX didn't have enough room, but the ride seemed unnecessarily harsh for baby hauling duty. I decided I wanted to get an older, cheaper car to mess around with rather than a brand new one so I shopped around a while and eventually found a 2002 WRX with 64k for $6500. I love how it drives compared to the newer wrxs. sure it's less refined and it probably handles worse at the limits but it's just so charming and tossable. the ride is also better and it sounds amazing, especially with its downpipe and Cobb catback. I was lucky to find a low mileage one with no rust and good compression, the other two I found before it were crap.

What a lovely, understated and informative car video. No "Mr. Personality", hi-jinx, loud music, needless opinions or rudeness. Just honesty and passion. Thank you for this. As I'm winding down my days in the desserts of the Middle East and coming back home to Ontario, I will seriously look at getting a WRX. You've got me sold, Bro.

One video I've been waiting for ever since the new one came out!

Really to the point! I like this video! I drove a retired rally wrx on gravel track a couple of years ago and I immediately loved it!

Anyone else think This guy looks like Jesus from the walking dead..?

I about died laughing from that side styling comment. Also, what the hell is an Ootback?

Thanks for doing this. Finally someone tested them.

Why do we all mod our cars but assume everyone else does it wrong???

Very artfully crafted video. I love your writing and character; subscribed!

I could watch that GD chassis run that course all day. Great video and comparison.

Another great video - glad I'm not the only one who prefers the bugeye!

Great video! well produced, pleasant to watch and informative

great content and high quality editing. keep up the great work! hope your channel gets more views.

9:00 it looks hideous then immediately after you look at it.. it looks amazing haha so true. It's definitely going to be a classic if it ain't already is.

Thanks for coverage of the GD platform WRXs -- they are automotive gems. By every objective measure, the newer cars are better. But there's so much feedback with the early WRXs and so few electronics (mine had ABS and nothing else) that you know exactly what the car is doing. In this age of VDC, TCS, ESC, electrical steering pumps, drive by wire, brake by wire, adaptive cruise, auto-braking, etc., it is refreshing to have a simpler, purer driving experience.

Great video! I really appreciate you going into the depth of the WRX. Very fun and educational. Thanks!

I love your reviews! Keep it up.

WRX 03 BUG EYE STOCK was my fav car ive ever driven or owned, once i got on gravel or loose dirt country roads, fell in love.

I love these raw, analogue cars, buy them while you still can because they won't make cars like this again and original examples will get very expensive sooner than you think. 8:53 I entirely agree. I hated the look when they came out, and then woke up one morning and suddenly they look amazing, easily the best Impreza. A totally weird and inexplicable aesthetic volte-face. I now like them so much that I am going to test drive an immaculate low mileage jdm sti tomorrow. It will have to horrible for me not to buy it...

Dunno why but my eyes watered a bit at the end of the film - Good Work.

Nice review Tommy, I almost bought a 2016 WRX (tech package) last year, saw a lot of videos on it and I think yours is one of the better. keep it up!

Thank you so much for sharing this! Good editing/direction/sound edition!

I love my stock 03 wrx but this video makes me appreciate mine so much more now! Thank you so much for the sick videos 👏

Everyone is talking about their 2nd gens, well obviously because this video is about a 2nd gen, but I just wanna take a moment to say that the 3rd gens are criminally underrated. About a month ago I bought my actual first car (so, not a hand-me-down), a 2008 WRX sedan. Ive never owned a turbo car and as soon as I hit 4k for the first time i lit up with joy. Mine is 100% stock with 153k miles on the clock. Even if I only get 50k miles out of it, which is still a lot, I will be happy.

Great video man! The love for E46 brought me here, I follow your channal since you started and I see a huge inprovement, the quality of your content is just amazing! You deserve way more subscribers! keep it up!

Wow great vid, man. Subscribed.

Great video. Covering all necessary aspects. Keep up. :)

Love the channel, found you because I might get an e46 as a first car. But great production quality and personality!

Love to see great Canadian content like this! keep it up

The 02-05 Impreza manual transmission had an issue where the linkage would would wear out and it was non-servicable. You have to buy a new shifter linkage update which uses a design more like the 06 and beyond, improving rigidness and removing side to side slop that develops over time. Replacing that part along with installing a short shifter and new pro-urethane shifter bushings would make it feel like a viper. (the new Imprezas use a cable based transmission instead of the former mechanical one which felt more natural)

Great review. And everything you said about the bugeye is true, I have a 2002 and I absolutely LOVE it.

A well-made video, I properly enjoyed that.

Great content !! 💪💪 bugeye’s are my favorite. I wish they made the STI here in the states. I’d sell my Hawkeye in a heartbeat.

Love this video! Nice work. I wish I could see the '17 on the rally track!

Just bought a 2002 Wrx yesterday with a jdm 2.0 swap with only 45k on it. This video is getting me super stoked as I'm picking it up later today. On the surface it seems unmolested with the classic subie blue paint/gold wheel combo but under the hood it has a very well maintained swapped motor with a new turbo. The oil was changed last month and still looks good enough to put on some pancakes! I know nothing about subies (nissan guy) but after searching the internet for ideas on styling, it seems mine is cleaner than any I can find unless heavily modified or custom painted. I can't believe I bought one of these but I'm excited for the journey ahead!

great video man, subscribed.

Owners of the new wrx's dont wave back, they're not enthusiasts.

You have my subscription with this video alone my friend. Great job.

man this was very well made, subbed

Good description of the looks of a bugeye. I bought one new in 2002 and still drive it very day. I feel the same way.

Amazing video! Thanks! I love my 2017 WRX, but I definitely need to find a bug eye too and have some fun with it as a project car.

I live in Michigan, daily a stock bugeye for almost a year and a half now. Best vehicle decision I've ever made in my life.

Great video. I've been a Subaru Tech for 8 years and I've never felt like the brand was any less than awesome. I've owned 3 and loved them all. Yes there is an issue with EJ "ring lands", but here we are with a whole new engine lineup. The 15 and newer WRX's have been dominating SCCA DS class with only a tire upgrade, so there's no disputing it's still a premium Motorsports contender

really great video! I've always wanted to see something like this. And I hope you get one because I really want to see videos on it :)

I knew that rally course the second I saw it. I've driven on it a few times. Crazy Leo is an amazing driver and has earned his name.

I was hoping you would take the 2017 out on that dirt track :(

I totally get it. I have owned New WRX's and STi's from the beginning. My original 02 was more pure than the new model. My favorite was my 04 STi. I prefer the non electronics. No buttons to turn off before fun.

2003-2007 Forester XT has a lot of that spirit as well. I can't wait for the snow to come this year!

Great channel you have here. Keep up the good work!

awesome video man!

Great video! I love my 05 WRX, great for rallycross. True that we wear dents as badges of honour!

I happen to get a 02 WRX when I wasn't planning it. It just kind of was put in front of me and I went for it. I had no idea what to do with it and wasn't a fan of the bugeye. But now a few months in of ownership and the cars charm just won me over. I freaking love it now and I get so much more compliments in it. The sound this car makes just puts a smile on my face and while definetly not the fastest car I owned the fun factor is an all 10/10. My faster cars I had I was more worried of losing control. This car gives me the control and confidence. I just cant praise it enough. Awesome video!

Awesome vid! Just earned yourself a new sub 👍

This is my first time watching this channel so I wasn't expecting that break at 1:24 and ended up bursting into laughter at my college library lol

Great review, I drove a bugeye 2002 wagon for 6 years, then followed it up with the technologically advanced but soulless 2008 STI Hatch. I have a 2015 wrx with cvt for my wife and now I drive a 2017 STI Limited. Can vouch for everything about this video (except for the manual shifting in the 2017 wrx which I haven't tried). The 2017 STI feels like the bug eye and the cyber versions merged and it's totally amazing. All the raw feel of the original without the twitchy parts (although yes those could sometimes be fun). Great video.

hahahah his last comments. I love it. I found one of these stock last october and many people compliment about how much they want this car.

pushing "a broomhandle through a basket of rocks". What a perfect analogy XD. Exactly how it feels.

that was really a good video. well done! you couldn't have said it better. Subaru needs to bring back the essence of what it used to be in the past. well that what we all want, maybe it is something that it was left in the past... I own a 1997 wrx sti v limited 555 which is pretty much stock, and it is nothing like it. The feeling and the communication with the car on the road give you that raw sensation of driving a sports car.

Great Video! Well written quality!~

My 03 outback is obviously not as sporty as this wrx, but I love a lot of the same things about it that you described in this video. Never taken it on a track of any kind but I honestly look forward to every time it snows enough to make thre roads slick. Pulling out of every corner like there is no snow is such a great feeling. Lol. Only had this beast a year and she had so many problems....... But then winter came around and I'm in love.

I love my GD chassis. But after this review, I think the new WRX would be a perfect daily. Great footage!

Incredible video, thanks

awesome video. as a bugeye owner, this is insightful perspective

Awesome comparison!! I used to own a 02 wrx and really wanted to own the new one after all these year's!

I love my 18 wrx limited. Has every option and is an everyday driver. Great in the snow, no complaints yet. Looking to get an older sti soon hopefully 06 or 11. Great video! I love the canadian "aboot" and "ootback".

There's one almost mandatory modification to a bugeye and that is to decat the up-pipe, because if the cat in the OEM pipe goes, it can get sucked into the turbo and that's just not cool. Plus, if you tune the ecu to match, you can get a slightly quicker turbo spool that makes the car a bit more fun.

Got my hands on a fully stock wrx 2004 blobeye. Wanted the sedan but the wagon was so taken care of and I knew I wouldn't find a sedan in this condition. I love it. Drives so well in the snow

I got a stock.bug eye. Its sweet. Crazy Leo crashed his Orange sti in front of me at Oregon trail. lol. He threw it in reverse and hammed down. It was awesome. good review. thanks.

Great video! been waiting for a new WRX vs. original (in America) comparo. Still have and love my bugeye bought in 05. Blew the engine at track day, but back with a V7 STi engine :)

8:50 Hahaha it's exactly the same thing that I think !! I love my Bugeye ♥ Really nice video dude !

I'm thankful for my 02 wagon v7 swapped beast at 400bhp

I own a 2004 STI with 41000 miles and is completely stock. It is a blast to drive!

I currently own an 18 year old '02 2.5 RS bugeye which I have owned from new. (Less power, shorter gears, no boost, no lag compared to the WRX) I clicked on this video because I wanted reassurance that letting go of the crusty old beater was going to be OK. What I got was a sinking feeling that I'm going to have try really hard to replace it with something that makes me smile as often as this fully analog AWD system running through a manual gearbox in a car that obeys when you make unwise choices then gleefully snaps back in line when you're finished being stupid. Great video.... Jerk.

I Still daily my 03 bugeye in 2020. I've owned it for 7 or so years it has 270whp with 235xxx still runs strong. When it dies I'm gonna rebuild it because I love my car so much 🤙

I love this video man

LOVE IT! Makes me wanna get out there and drive one... tradsies? ;)

"stick a broom handle into a basket of frogs"… that just made my day LOL

You really deserve more subscribers!

02 bugeye with 04 ej207 swap, love it!

Nice video! like you mentioned, no traction or stability control on bugeyes and I love it. traction control should be between your ears for a proper unfiltered driving experience. my bugeye is a ton of fun, good luck on the search for yours!

My first car we’re getting this weekend is a completely stock bugeye and I’m excited

Wow, on point....good review.

I had the bug eye and I have a 2015. I honestly preferred the way the bugeye drove. I felt more connected to the road in the bug eye. Also I got adjusted to the rev hang. If you owned the car you would start to adjust to it. After awhile it's no big deal.

holy crap I liked that review

Best description of the side visual issues with the new corolla wrx

2016 Stock WRX owner and I absolutely love it. We also used to own a 2014 hatchback and loved it as well. I will say that I like the 2016 much more than I did the 14. Sadly I have never even driven or ridden in an older WRX than a 2011 STI. I would like to give one of the older ones a spin just to see what they used to be like but I def do not know anybody who owns one and I only see a few a year driving around my area.