DON'T Buy a MY01 WRX Whatever you do. (Why - Heavy/Long Gear Ratios/Up-Pipe that falls to pieces)
02 has shorter gear ratios - 4.444 Final Drive with slightly wider gear teeth. Its definately a stronger box than all previous WRX's.
02 has a Suretrac Rear Diff
02 has Electronic Brake Distribution
02 has no radio aerial on the A pillar
02 has a single cd instead of 6 stack
02 has full the Brant Alarm (Owners have had issues however)
02 has TGV's
The Bug Eye will definately have a stronger chassis than the 99/00 WRX however you will have a weight penalty with it being some 150odd kg heavier than the 99/00 WRX.
You really have to brace the front and rear strut towers on the GC8's as well as a Underbody H-Brace to get some degree of chassis stiffness.
Seats will be narrower across the hips - lower back in Bug Eye than 99/00 WRX. May be a problem if your a big bloke.
And of course Interior is a little bit more bling.
The big consideration if your modding it is that the 02 Bug Eye can get a Verso Re-flash - which is damn good value. Although a Power FC on 99/00 is good also at same price.
Get the 99/00 WRX if you want a car thats a bit more raw and chuckable due to its lighter weight or a bug-eye if you want a bit more refinment and chassis stiffness. Bug-eye's really need the black STI lights though to make 'em look half agressive - too Bambi doe eyed looking otherwise.
99/00 WRX for the agressive look
