Stuart wrote:What's the real difference though @ something like 70mph though between an STi and type R (in terms of revs pulled)
Not absolutely sure Stu, as I've not owned one with the short 5th. My RA with longer 5th pulls about 3.5k at 70 and will reach 150 on a trackday if the straight is long enough. With the shorter 5th I think your max speed is around 125, limited by the red line rather than by aerodynamics. My STi4 was closer to 3k at 70, iirc.
There are a couple of other things just as important though. One is the sound insulation, and the RA has a lot less than the ordinary STi or WRX, making it feel raw in comparison. Not sure if the Type-R is just as raw, I never owned one and I've never found definitive info. The other thing is the extra noise once you modify it, exhaust in particular. Mine has the quietest 3" system on the market (2.5" tends to be quieter and is fine for 300ish bhp) but it's still an instantly-recognisable scoob burble. Like most aftermarket exhausts there's a noticeable resonant frequency and it's noisier at 70 than 80+. Around 80 indicated is the sweet spot for cruising, which is around 73 actual on the standard diameter wheel/tyre.
All the GC8's (classic shape) are crude by modern standards, but my STi6 RA has a raw feel compared to my old STi4, which felt quite sophisticated at the time!