the WRX STi, with the pre MY00's have relatively short gearing.
They are not geared for top speed or top end power.. rather better low end torque and tractability...
With the MY02 bug eye and MY04's, anything after MY00, if im not mistaken the gearing became slightly taller... but i could be wrong..
Mercedes cars, even C180K or C200K would have relatively good top end..
Try to drag a C180K or C200K kompressor for the 1/4 mile and your WRX would blow it away... not only because of grip but better low end and shorter gearing..
heck..even my 318i valvetronic can keep with C200kompressor sports on 1st and 2nd gears... 3rd gear he blow me lar...
hehehe
but.. aiyar...