 I was going back and forth between the R32 and 2008 STI since I wanted a performance hatchback. After much angst, I decided to get the R32 - came down to I wanted a moonroof. While the car is fun to drive, it doesn't have nearly the same zip as my 2006 WRX which I still own, and find driving it more fun. The R32 is a great car to drive if you want to have fun and don't want to deal with shifting gears in traffic. Since I'm only leasing the car for 2 years, I will probably unload it and get the new STI - 305 hp!!! There is no comparison. 