Blobeye vs Hawkeye STI: Which One Should You Buy?

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

1. The Blobeye STI (2003–2005) is raw, aggressive, and a tuner’s dream with analog charm and iconic rally styling.

2. The Hawkeye STI (2006–2007) brings sharper handling, better refinement, and modernised aggression — ideal for daily driving and balanced builds.

3. Choosing between them comes down to personality: classic rally edge vs refined performance evolution.
   
   

Two Faces of a Legend

There are few debates in the Subaru community as passionate as this one: Blobeye or Hawkeye?

They’re both turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, and built on the same GD chassis. They both carry the legendary WRX STI badge, pack the same 2.5-litre EJ25 boxer engine, and come with a six-speed manual, DCCD, and rally-bred underpinnings.

But park them side by side, and you’ll immediately feel it — the difference in vibe, energy, and intent. One’s all bulging muscle and angry headlights. The other’s sharper, sleeker, more grown-up, but still hungry for a backroad brawl.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything that separates these two icons — and help you decide which one deserves your keys.

Styling: Angry vs Focused

Let’s get it out of the way — looks matter.

The Blobeye STI (2003–2005) is named for its rounded, muscular headlight design. It followed the controversial “Bug-eye” era and brought back aggression in a big way. With its pronounced hood scoop, wide fenders, and raw rally silhouette, the Blobeye looked like it just stepped off a WRC stage.

Then came the Hawkeye STI (2006–2007). Subaru narrowed the headlights, sharpened the bumper lines, and gave the whole front end a more hawk-like scowl. It was leaner, meaner, and a little more modern. The side profile stayed aggressive, but the overall feel was less rally car, more road weapon.

Which looks better? That’s personal.
Some love the Hawkeye’s sleeker maturity. Others swear by the Blobeye’s pure aggression. In the Stance Auto Magazine: The JDM Magazine, you’ll find both represented — proof that style in the STI world is about attitude, not consensus.

Engine & Drivetrain: EJ25 Brotherhood

Under the hood, both cars share the EJ257, a turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four that’s legendary for its tuning potential — and infamous for its neediness.

• Blobeye: 300 hp (UK models), early AVCS (Active Valve Control System), and a burbly, slightly more raw delivery

• Hawkeye: Similar output, but with refinements in ECU tuning, emissions control, and better low-end torque

Both come with the glorious six-speed manual gearbox, DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), and Subaru’s famed Symmetrical AWD system. These cars hook—rain, snow, or gravel. And with the right map and a turbo upgrade, both will hit 400+ hp with relative ease.

Real-world owners like Andrew have shown how the Blobeye’s older tuning systems leave more room for personalization, while builds like Jamie’s Hawkeye show how modern touches can enhance daily driveability without losing edge.

Handling & Chassis: Subtle but Significant

Subaru made incremental but meaningful changes to the chassis and suspension between 2005 and 2006.

• The Blobeye is more raw. It has stiffer ride characteristics, a little more body roll, and a rally-car-like urgency. It’s alive, but not always composed.

• The Hawkeye introduced revised suspension geometry, improved anti-roll bar tuning, and slightly tighter steering. It’s more refined, with better high-speed stability and cornering precision.
  
  

If you want to feel every pebble on the road, the Blobeye is your weapon. If you want to carve through canyons with confidence, the Hawkeye edges it.

But both have incredible bones — and with the right coilovers, bushings, and bracing, you can dial either in to your personal driving style. For tuning tips, Stance Auto Magazine July 2025 offers insights into how global owners are evolving their setups.

Interior & Living With Them

Let’s be honest — neither car’s interior screams luxury. This is early-2000s Subaru: hard plastics, bolstered seats, chunky dials, and driver-first layouts.

But here’s where the Hawkeye starts to show maturity. Subaru added slightly better materials, improved sound insulation, and updated gauges. The seats remain grippy Recaros, and the ergonomics are driver-focused.

That said, some still prefer the Blobeye’s simpler, lighter cabin — fewer electronics, fewer distractions, more raw.

In terms of daily use? The Hawkeye takes the win for comfort, but the Blobeye feels more connected in the old-school way. Neither are quiet. Neither are particularly subtle. But that’s kind of the point.

Tuning & Aftermarket Support

Here’s where both cars shine equally.

The GD chassis is one of the most supported platforms in JDM tuning history. From exhausts and coilovers to ECU tuning, widebody kits, turbo upgrades, and E85 conversions, both models are incredibly receptive to modifications.

• Blobeye is slightly easier to tune without complex emissions systems interfering.

• Hawkeye benefits from newer ECUs and can handle more torque reliably out of the box.
  
  

You’ll find both represented heavily in issues like The 90’s JDM Classics – June 2025 — showcasing builds that range from clean OEM+ to fire-breathing track monsters.

And don’t forget resale value — clean examples of both models are rising in price. Blobeyes tend to get nostalgic nods, while low-mile Hawkeyes fetch premiums.

Reliability: Boxer Quirks and Owner Commitment

Let’s be clear: EJ25s need love.

• Regular oil changes

• Timing belt service

• Boost management

• Cooling system health

If you're buying either car, do your homework. A stock or tastefully modded example with maintenance history is gold. Blown head gaskets and spun bearings are real risks if the car’s been abused.

That said, with care — and a good tuner — both cars are reliable weapons. Many owners get 200,000+ miles out of their STIs with the right attention.

If you’re unsure, stories like this STI journey offer a realistic view of what long-term ownership looks like.

So… Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Blobeye STI if you want:

• A rawer, more analog experience

• Classic rally styling with big personality

• Easier tuning access with fewer electronics

• An icon with deep JDM roots
  
  

Buy the Hawkeye STI if you want:

• A sharper, more refined version of the same formula
  Better high-speed stability and comfort

• Slightly newer tech without losing charm

• A car that balances aggression and usability
  
  

Truthfully, you can’t lose. Both are future classics. Both offer that magical mix of turbo, grip, and soul that Subaru nailed in the mid-2000s.

The right choice? It’s the one that makes your heart beat faster.

Related Articles 

1. Is an Electric Subaru WRX STI on the Horizon?

2. STI E-RA Concept: Subaru's Electric Track Monster

3. The 22B Legacy: Why Subaru Fans Still Chase the Dream

4. WRX vs STI: What Made the STI a Legend?

5. What If Subaru Built a Hybrid STI? A Tuner's Blueprint

6. Blobeye vs Hawkeye STI: Which One Should You Buy?

7. Why the Classic STI Is the Best First JDM Project Car

Author Bio:
Paul Doherty is the founder and editor of Stance Auto Magazine, passionate about connecting drivers with their perfect cars. From car reviews to deep dives into automotive news, Paul leads a team dedicated to bringing the culture of stance and community builds to a global audience.

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