Modified vs. New: Is Upgrading a 2006 Subaru WRX Worth It?

In the latest video from Donut, they take on the ultimate question: is it worth spending a small fortune on modifying a 20-year-old car? To find out, they pit a brand new Subaru WRX against a heavily modified 2006 WRX. The modified car, aptly named "High Car," has undergone extensive upgrades, costing over $30,000. It boasts upgraded wheels, suspension, brakes, turbo, and even a conversion to E85 fuel. The team puts both cars through their paces on city streets, highways, canyons, and a racetrack to determine which one reigns supreme.

As expected, High Car steals the show with its enhanced performance and engaging driving experience. The upgrades have transformed it into a true track-ready machine. However, it does come with a few downsides, such as uncomfortable bucket race seats and the need for harder-to-find E85 fuel. On the other hand, the brand new WRX offers a more comfortable and reliable driving experience, but lacks the excitement and personality of its modified counterpart.

In a drag race, High Car's significant horsepower advantage allows it to leave the new WRX in the dust. However, when it comes to a hot lap around the racetrack, the new WRX manages to hold its own, only a few seconds behind. While the modified car may have the edge in terms of raw power, the new WRX proves that it can still deliver a respectable performance.

In the end, the team concludes that the modifications made to the 2006 WRX were indeed worth it. Despite the drawbacks, such as the uncomfortable seats and the need for specialized fuel, High Car offers a unique and thrilling driving experience that the new WRX simply cannot match. So, if you're willing to put in the time, money, and effort, modifying an older car can truly transform it into something special.

Watch $30,000 WRX vs $30,000 WRX on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for $30,000 WRX vs $30,000 WRX

SATAN: Thinks the WRX will win
Caleb Owens: Impressed by Jerry's accurate lap time prediction
Vezperado: Wants to see a high low on a GT86 platform
Jimi Yu: Suggests a series called "Build it better" where they compare older and newer cars
Dylan Rhine: Wants Donut Media to collaborate with Dunkin' Donuts
z DOC: Expects the old WRX to either beat the new one or have engine issues
Mike Kunkel: Likes that the new WRX doesn't have push button start
01GTB Daily: Recommends having a spare engine for older WRX models
Tankfantry: Disagrees with James about push button start, prefers keys
NICHOLAS SULLIVAN: Compliments the team
Gus the Goose: Clarifies that only the top trim GT doesn't have a manual transmission
Vivicector: Appreciates that the new WRX is fast and comfortable
VHS Crêpes: Surprised that James drove the new WRX
Fly with Me: Prefers the old WRX over the new one
Jeremy Brown: Likes the new WRX motor and suggests tuning it for more power
Matt Orie: Suggests comparing new and old Z cars
Project Flat4: Wants more videos like this
PaganiGaming: Wants an "up to Speed" episode on James' dad
Ongkon Deb: Jokes about spending money for attention from boys
HOpesaNDreAms: Misses James in "up to Speed" episodes
michael brinks: Believes old cars can be made as good and reliable as new cars with proper restoration
Samuel Rosales: Quotes a funny line from the video
Andrew Kolansky: Advises polishing the headlights
Conman125: Comments on the difference in gas prices between regions
Scott Hartfield: Wants a "Built vs Bought" series
yizzer2: Criticizes the auto industry for lack of innovation and focus on entertainment features
Brandon Horan: Compares the WRX to a Crosstrek
Ryan Scott: Thinks the new WRX is far from a sports car
WRX_Caleb_Earl: Believes the new WRX is better once modified
Александр Нахват: Finds the non-STI WRX expensive, shares a lower price he found
Flo GMR: Thinks most JDM cars are bad, except for a few
Mr. Beaubles: Prefers the new WRX for its reliability and modern features
Jacob Ochs: Wants to know how to get a car reviewed by Donut Media
James Kearney: Questions why anyone lives in an area with expensive gas prices
Jason Gray: Comments on the difference in gas prices between California and Colorado
Snacksu: Suggests a Cobb OTS tune for the WRX
Mitch McCron: Appreciates the honest review of the disappointing car
AMV12S: Prefers the older WRX for its appearance
I am the Offender of All: Believes built cars are better than bought cars
James Hall: Compares the new WRX to Michael Jordan's kid trying to be better than his father
Brendan: Notices something bothering James and thanks him for Donut Media.