You're not comprehending what were talking about here. Of course the AWD gives the STi and advantage. You really want to compare numbers. Ok I'll break it down for you
A STi has 300hp vs the MS3's 263hp (flywheel)hp
STi weighs about 3298lbs AWD usually loses about a 22% drivetrain loss.
300 x .22%=66
300 - 66=234awhp
3298/234awhp= 14.09lbs per Hp
MS3 weighs 3150lbs FWD usually loses about a 15% drivetrain loss
263 x .15%= 39.45
263 - 39.45=223.55whp
3150/223.55whp= 14.09lbs per hp
You can clearly see the difference between the two, which is nothing as terms as hp pound for pound. Now I'm not debating the STi is faster from a dig because it is, it has 37more hp and AWD.
From a roll the STi will lose (Stock vs Stock). This is the My argument!
The only comprehension lost here is reading my friend. Go back and re-read my first paragraph. I support your "argument" regarding the MS3 being faster from a roll.
However that said- I still feel the STi is "faster" due the the sum of these bullet points:
- racing from a dig= STi (awd traction advantage)
- racing from a roll stock vs stock= MS3 (less paracidic loss to drivetrain= more usable hp at highway speeds)
- road/course racing stock vs stock= STi (awd>fwd for this, excellent exit speeds)
Modify both of them and you'll get:
- racing from a dig= STi (still)
- racing from a roll modified vs modified= STi (more mods available and more effective tuning- I've seen plenty of "mildly" modified STi's trapping over 114 at the track- no MS3s, in fact the ABSOLUTE fastest ET MS3 on dragtimes is trapping 106.
- road/course racing modified vs modified= STi again
I'm not downing the MS3. It's a great car and a wonderful bargain at it's price. The STi is just more car (not better bargain). Tuning yields drastic improvements and the AWD setup future-proofs additional power as you build it. The MS3 is crippled by FWD even in stock form. Try putting another 100hp on it- it'll make an incredible hwy racer...but that's about it. I simply can't UTILIZE power with it's given drive-train.
- road/cource racing