What To Know
- Both the Blobeye and Hawkeye offer exceptional handling, but the Hawkeye’s revised suspension and upgraded brakes give it an edge in high-performance driving scenarios.
- The Hawkeye is a more refined and user-friendly car that offers a balance of performance, comfort, and modern amenities.
- The Blobeye and Hawkeye STI are two sides of the same coin, representing the evolution of a legendary sports car.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a legendary sports car that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for decades. Two iconic generations of the STI, known as the “Blobeye” and the “Hawkeye,” stand out as formidable contenders in the automotive realm. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of these two generations, comparing their performance, aesthetics, and overall desirability.
Blobeye (2004-2007)
The Blobeye STI, known for its distinctive headlights that resemble bulging eyeballs, is a raw and unyielding performance machine.
Performance
Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine, the Blobeye STI produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Its all-wheel drive system provides exceptional grip and handling, making it a formidable force on both the street and track.
Aesthetics
The Blobeye’s aggressive exterior is characterized by its flared fenders, large hood scoop, and prominent rear spoiler. Its interior is functional and driver-focused, with comfortable seats and a no-nonsense dashboard.
Desirability
The Blobeye STI has become a sought-after collector’s item due to its unique styling and limited production numbers. Its raw performance and iconic status make it a highly desirable car among enthusiasts.
Hawkeye (2008-2014)
The Hawkeye STI, with its sleek and refined design, represents the next evolutionary step for the Impreza.
Performance
The Hawkeye STI received a significant power boost, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine now producing 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. Its revised suspension and upgraded brakes further enhance its handling capabilities.
Aesthetics
The Hawkeye STI features a more aerodynamic exterior with a revised front bumper, hood scoop, and rear diffuser. Its interior is more luxurious, with improved materials and a more modern design.
Desirability
The Hawkeye STI is a more refined and user-friendly car compared to the Blobeye. Its increased power and improved handling make it a formidable competitor on the street and track.
Blobeye vs Hawkeye: A Deeper Dive
Styling
The Blobeye’s distinctive headlights are its defining feature, giving it a unique and aggressive appearance. The Hawkeye’s more aerodynamic design offers a sleeker and more modern aesthetic.
Performance
The Hawkeye’s upgraded engine provides a slight power advantage over the Blobeye. However, the Blobeye’s raw and unyielding nature may appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize driving feel over outright speed.
Handling
Both the Blobeye and Hawkeye offer exceptional handling, but the Hawkeye’s revised suspension and upgraded brakes give it an edge in high-performance driving scenarios.
Interior
The Hawkeye’s interior is more comfortable and luxurious, with improved materials and a more modern design. The Blobeye’s interior is more functional and driver-focused, with a no-nonsense approach.
Collectibility
The Blobeye’s limited production numbers and iconic status make it a more desirable collector‘s item. The Hawkeye’s increased refinement and user-friendliness may appeal to those who prefer a more modern and practical car.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Blobeye and Hawkeye STI ultimately depends on your individual preferences and driving style.
Blobeye
- Raw and unyielding performance
- Distinctive and aggressive styling
- High collector’s value
Hawkeye
- Refined and user-friendly performance
- Sleek and aerodynamic styling
- More comfortable and luxurious interior
The Verdict
Both the Blobeye and Hawkeye Subaru Impreza WRX STI are exceptional performance cars that offer unique experiences. The Blobeye is a raw and unyielding machine that appeals to enthusiasts who prioritize driving feel and collector’s value. The Hawkeye is a more refined and user-friendly car that offers a balance of performance, comfort, and modern amenities.
Ending with a Twist: A Tale of Two Generations
The Blobeye and Hawkeye STI are two sides of the same coin, representing the evolution of a legendary sports car. While they share the same DNA, their distinct characteristics cater to different types of enthusiasts. The Blobeye is the unruly rebel, while the Hawkeye is the sophisticated successor. Both cars are icons in their own right, leaving an enduring legacy in the automotive world.
Top Questions Asked
1. What are the key differences between the Blobeye and Hawkeye STI?
- Styling: Blobeye has distinctive headlights, Hawkeye has a more aerodynamic design.
- Performance: Hawkeye has a slight power advantage, Blobeye has a more raw driving feel.
- Interior: Hawkeye has a more comfortable and luxurious interior, Blobeye has a more functional and driver-focused interior.
2. Which generation of STI is more desirable?
The Blobeye is more desirable as a collector’s item due to its limited production numbers and iconic status. The Hawkeye is more desirable for those who prefer a more refined and user-friendly car.
3. Which generation of STI is better for performance driving?
Both generations offer exceptional handling, but the Hawkeye’s revised suspension and upgraded brakes give it an edge in high-performance driving scenarios.