What is the 0 100 on a 1998 STI?
The 0–100 km/h time for a 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is typically in the mid‑4 to mid‑5 second range, depending on the exact variant and testing conditions. In mph terms, that’s roughly 0–62 mph in about 4.6 to 5.0 seconds.
Context: the 1998 STI lineage
In 1998, Subaru’s Impreza WRX STI arrived in Japan as a high‑performance variant, built around a turbocharged flat‑four engine and all‑wheel drive. The U.S. market did not see an official STI in that exact year, so most early speed numbers come from Japanese‑market tests and subsequent independent measurements. The STI lineage in this era emphasized lightweight construction, aggressive gearing, and strong traction to deliver rapid acceleration off the line.
What powers it
Early 1998 STI variants used a turbocharged 2.0‑liter flat‑four engine with roughly 276–280 horsepower in Japanese‑spec trim, paired with Subaru’s performance‑tuned AWD system. The combination of turbo boost, torque delivery, and traction contributed significantly to brisk acceleration figures for the era.
Measured performance: 0–100 km/h figures
Because acceleration results depend on multiple factors—variant details, weight, tires, transmission, elevation, and launch technique—measured 0–100 km/h figures for the 1998 STI show a typical range. The list below reflects commonly cited values from automotive press and owner tests, not a single official figure.
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): approximately 4.6–5.0 seconds in favorable conditions
- Variations exist between versions and test setups, with some measurements clustering near the 4.7–4.9 second marks
- In practical terms, the car’s AWD turbo setup aimed for brisk launches rather than a high initial redline sprint, contributing to solid mid‑range acceleration
These numbers illustrate that the 1998 STI offered competitive acceleration for its time, leveraging all‑wheel drive and a turbocharged engine to deliver strong initial speed off the line. Real‑world results, however, can vary based on how the car is prepared and tested.
What affects the figure
A variety of factors can skew the exact 0–100 km/h result for a 1998 STI. Understanding these helps explain why tests disagree on the precise time.
- Engine health and maintenance status
- Turbo boost control and spool characteristics
- Vehicle weight from equipment, fuel, and modifications
- Tire type, condition, and road surface grip
- Transmission and gearing specifics for the tested vehicle
- Test conditions such as altitude and ambient temperature
- Launch technique and driver experience
In short, while a typical 1998 STI should reach 0–100 km/h in roughly 4.6–5.0 seconds under favorable conditions, the exact number depends on the specific car and how it is tested.
Summary
The 0–100 km/h time for a 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI generally falls in the mid‑4 to mid‑5 second range, with about 4.6–5.0 seconds being a common benchmark in well‑documented tests. Variations arise from the exact variant (Version 2 versus later iterations), tuning, weight, tires, and testing conditions. If you’re seeking a precise figure for a particular car, sharing a specific VIN or variant detail can help narrow the estimate.
