I personally don't think you can't lose with either ('08 MS3 or '09 WRX). You'll have to choose what matters to you the most. Performance wise, I think the '09 WRX will win in some areas (see C&D recent test results below). But we all know it's not all about numbers. Do you need AWD? Do you like a more refined interior (of course that's debatable). I came from an '02 WRX after having owned it for 6 years. It was modded heavily so I was dealing with a harsher ride and rattles and squeaks. I'm sure I'll start getting those with my MS3 eventually, but right now, I like the overall refinement of the MS3. I decided that I didn't need the AWD in FL and I had $21,500 to spend. Couldn't afford the new '09 WRX since we wanted to pay it outright and not have payments

This will do for now...
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger,
4-door sedan or 5-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED: $25,660 (base price: $25,660)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 150 cu in, 2457cc
Power (SAE net): 265 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 103.1 in
Length: 180.3 in
Width: 68.5 in
Height: 58.1 in
Curb weight: 3204 lb
PERFORMANCE:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.9 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 19.7 sec
Street start, 560 mph: 6.3 sec
Standing -mile: 13.5 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 142 mph
Braking, 700 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 18/25 mpg
C/D observed: 20 mpg