You had a 260WHP subie? Not too bad. I'm all stock around 210 or so with the new 2.5l turbocharged motor. I would think the SRT4 would be a step down. But I am not going to start that debate because you know and I know there is no end to that discussion, it is like the Jeep vs. Toyota argument.
Yes, the SRT-4 was a step down. But I bought a house in the process. I needed to part out my baby in order to save up for a house. So I bought the SRT-4, saved up a bunch more money, and purchased my house last year. I was going to buy another AWD vehicle, and test drove an 06 STi and an EVO 8, but wasn't too impressed for $30k. So I kept the money I was going to throw away on trade in and down payment and bought the truck instead. And if you need any info on your WRX, please join clubWRX.net . I moderate part of that forum and there is a lot of information there.
So you have dynoed the new car? The 260whp I ran was on the EJ20, on 91 octane, at 16psi on a VF22. It was a very conservative tune. Car was fast, but I wanted a house instead.
I have also dynoed the SRT-4. With 2 mods, a WGA and full exhaust I ran 245whp/275ft. lbs. trq. Larger turbo, possibly 50 trim coming soon.