It’s fun how everyone learns stuff differently in the automotive world. For instance, I learned that a balanced car is the most fun type to drive and that lesson came via one of the machines you will see profiled below, a 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS. A pal named Adam Volpe had one of these in college and after about one year in Western Massachusetts running in the snow, on the dirt, and just around town, I came to realize that raw horsepower was only one part of the equation to having a fun car.
The Impreza 2.5 RS was kind of a WRX minus the turbo, torque, and truly neck snapping power. In many ways, the 2.5 RS was more true to form than the WRX. We had a riot slapping the Impreza around, especially on dirt roads. Luckily we did not cream any trees, hikers, or on coming traffic trying to slide the thing around like we knew what we were doing.
When it comes down to it, this thing would get mangled by a WRX in a drag race or likely even on a proper (or improper) rally course but given the chance to find one in good shape, a 2.5 RS would be in my fleet without an ounce of shame or regret.
Pugnacious little cars!
