Both cars are great. And fast.
Nevertheless, if someone couldn't decide which car to buy based on performance and asked for advice, I think the easiest way to put it would be to say:
"Do you want a short, tall, boxy, four-door rally racing car?"
"Or do you want a long, low, & wide 2-seater sports car?"
They are two totally different images. You either want one or the other (or both!
). Most people will decide which one they want based heavily on looks. Smaller, rally/econobox-type cars are what happen to be in style now. You pull up to a car meet these days in an Lancer or WRX (let alone Evo or STi) and you're turning heads (thats
if you have some exterior mods that distinguish you from the 30 other blue Subaru's). If you're like me you cruise the parking lot just looking to find the one or two groups of Pony cars and hope for a few Vettes.
As far as reliability is concerned, your engine is as dependable as you make it. As long as you select the proper components and improve failsafes as you increase HP, with regular maintenance that motor will run forever. In terms of boosted engines, the only inevitable issue becomes the seals - no big deal although somewhat of a bitch to replace (especially if you're doing it every other weekend!).