Thought I'd share my comparison of the car to my previous classic STi and the newage WRXs I used to own.
Starting with the Imprezas, the newage cars have a much stiffer chassis than the classic cars and it is very easily felt on the road. The confidence those chassis provide is eye popping in any conditions including icy. The blobeye, however, has the better chassis since it has the wider front track. Again, it is easily felt. The blobeye could be used much harder than the bugeye. Even after lowering the bugeye on Eibach pro springs and getting a fast road alignment, it still didn't compare to the standard blobeye with just a rear anti roll bar and nothing else (not even a geometry check)! In terms of speed, the blobeye was noticeably quicker.
I then changed for the classic STi. Since it was a jap spec STi it had much harder and lower suspension than the UK turbo of the same era and all the parts that make it an STi such as aluminium lower suspension arms at the front, carbon strut brace, aluminium bonnet etc. This car, in terms of speed, was savage. On a trackday it (just about) disposed of M3s and the like in terms of straight line speed.
As standard, the handling was a bit shocking. Due to the masses of power, there was masses of power understeer - lovely
. Also, because of the less stiff chasssis, it just wasn't as predictable mid corner and it didn't provide as much confidence as the newage cars. I then modified the handling by fitting an anti-lift kit and had the geometry done. This really sorted the car out literally eliminating the understeer completely. Traction out of slow bends was phenomenal and turn in was super sharp.I now have the ATR. I must say I am very impressed. It is easily a match for the newage WRXs I had in terms of speed, roadholding and handling (in the dry). OK, the traction is not as great out of slow bends but that's where you really can't compete with 4WD. Outright grip is still best in the WRXs but the handling is certainly that bit better in the ATR. I'm amazed by the body control and how you can switch direction with no drama. It does this better than the STi. It rides better than the WRXs and has equal steering feel. The STi had more steering feel and a quicker rack.
I will assume that if I spend the same amount of money on mods as I did on the WRXs (springs and geometry) it will widen the gap and make the ATR much better. Out of the box, I would say the ATR is a little better overall. I'm not comparing to the STi because they're worlds apart.
Here's some pics:
