Evo VIII or STi?

I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm ready for a drivetrain upgrade. My stage 2 SRT-4 hauls balls but...well you can imagine how 300hp/320tq and FWD can be. Not exactly a match made in heaven.

Instead of spending $1k plus on coilovers I'm thinking that money would be better spent on an Evo or STi. The only question is which one...

The STi is a little torquier and a little safer. I also wanna touch myself when I hear an STi w/an aftermarket exhaust. Gotta love the unique sound of a boxer engine. However it would have to be an '05 so, naturally, the cost will be somewhere at or near $35k out the door. Maybe $32k if I'm lucky enough to find a used '05.

Besides handling slightly better, the Evo and its 4G63 engine have an amazing reputation and an equally impressive aftermarket. I also like the lines of the Evo a little more than the STi...but by the smallest of margins. I figure I could land an '03 or '04 in the ballpark of $26k-$28k out the door.

Anyhoooooo...I value the opinions of the folks in here so please gimme your 2 cents. When my '03 Nissan Spec V was totalled this was actually the first place I came to begin researching my next car. It came down to the WRX and the SRT-4. I have no regrets. I've shown a few of those 2.0L Scoobies my tail lights in the last year. Now I'm ready to step it up a notch.

If you're willing to drop into the 35k range you could pick up an Evo MR which is a beefier Evo with a 6spd transmission and some other stuff. I'm sure someone knows the specifics and could chime in for me.

A new one will run you about 34k. So it gets my vote if you can drop the money.

Id go with the EVO, but thats just me. I test drove both, so I mean, I never got to really test their all out abilities, but the EVO was a little more fun to drive than the STi.

I read a comparison between these cars in some magazine. I believe the final consensus was that the Mitsu was nearly frenetic in its handling abilities compared to the slightly more stately Scooby. It depends on whether or not you want a hardwired track-ready racer(Mitsu) or the more refined Subaru. I think both cars are amazing, and personally, I would hold out for the Subaru.

One of my concerns with the Evo is that side impact airbags aren't even an option. I was at the SF Auto show this weekend and the Mitsu folks said the Evo has reinforced steel beams in the door panels. He couldn't tell me if this was a new feature (for '05) or something the Evo has had since it was released to the USDM in '03.

STi, hands down. More displacement, better powerband, more sophisticated AWD system.

The only reason the Evo feels more nimble, and "fun", is because it has an uber-quick steering rack. The Subaru is designed for real-world use, and although it has a slightly more aggressive rack than say a 2.5 Impreza TS, it's still a lot cushier than the Evo.

Also, the top-mount IC actually improves throttle response, as there is less distance for the intake to travel.

Lastly, Mitsubishi has had some major issues with the way they rebuke work that would have been covered otherwise by warranty, for something as simple as an intake, or even if they can prove you drive the car hard.

Trust me. You trusted me when I recommended the SRT-4, and didn't regret it. You won't regret the STi.

the 05 STi lost a good amount of power up top. it gained more low end tq. the 05 EVO MR dynos more hp then the STi. also the new 05 STi only traps at 100mph which also confirms its lost of power up top. i guess subaru was addressing the detonation problem the STi's were having so i guess they had sacrifice something. it still runs a 13.3 however it traps as lower then a stock SRT-4 now.

the 05 STi lost a good amount of power up top. it gained more low end tq. the 05 EVO MR dynos more hp then the STi. also the new 05 STi only traps at 100mph which also confirms its lost of power up top. i guess subaru was addressing the detonation problem the STi's were having so i guess they had sacrifice something. it still runs a 13.3 however it traps as lower then a stock SRT-4 now.

Actually, there is an E46 M3 owner in bimmerforums who claims that his brother's stock '05 STi hangs with his M up to 140MPH, where he slooowly walks away.

STi, hands down. More displacement, better powerband, more sophisticated AWD system.

The only reason the Evo feels more nimble, and "fun", is because it has an uber-quick steering rack. The Subaru is designed for real-world use, and although it has a slightly more aggressive rack than say a 2.5 Impreza TS, it's still a lot cushier than the Evo.

Also, the top-mount IC actually improves throttle response, as there is less distance for the intake to travel.

Lastly, Mitsubishi has had some major issues with the way they rebuke work that would have been covered otherwise by warranty, for something as simple as an intake, or even if they can prove you drive the car hard.

Trust me. You trusted me when I recommended the SRT-4, and didn't regret it. You won't regret the STi.


BOO wrong, seriously who made this guy a mod :disappoin :rolleyes:









Just joking, carnuttt makes a good point and you cannot go wrong with either car. However I'll disagree with carnuttt on this one, my choice is the MR.

Two points carnutt mentioned, one that the STI has better powerband, well this was true for the 03/04 models, however since 05 evos the new EVO turbine design allows for much better powerband which should be a close match for the STI's. The other point was that the STi is cushier again that was true for the old models and even for the regular 05 evos, however the bilsteins in the Mr allow for a much softer ride while actually giving you better handling.

So the two biggest advantages the STI had are matched now.

But what really makes me chose the EVO is its laser sharp handling. The STI is also very good but not at the EVO's level. Plus as TATII mentioned the new EVO's are actually putting more to the gound than the STI

And let me give you a quote directly from The Stig(from Top Gear):
the STI is a good boy's car but the EVO is a man's car.

And at last whatver you do get 05 models for either models, since they have been significantly improved. But my final vote gues for the EVO MR.

another thing side note

my friend's EVO's stock turbo is ridicous.

on the highway, we're goin 80mph hes at 10% throttle on the boost gauge it shows -5inch hg. he moves his foot down another 10% , the turbo spools to 19psi then drops off at 16psi in around 1 second!!! hes not even flooring it man and it already made from -5 to 19 psi of boost!!

comparison wise my friends 04 STi

in 5th, he has to floor it, then wait around 2 seconds to hit 15 psi. the IHI turbo that comes with the STi is no match for the 16G

it can only flow up to 370crank hp, spools alot slower, when the EVO's 16G can make 350awhp and spool super fast.

so the argument with the STi's top mount being more response is true in theory, but the turbo is just soooooo much more advanced then the STi that it doesnt' even matter.

The other point was that the STi is cushier again that was true for the old models and even for the regular 05 evos, however the bilsteins in the Mr allow for a much softer ride while actually giving you better handling.

I wasn't just talking about handling. I'm referring to over-all. The Suby was made for even non-enthusiasts, in that it is very livable as a daily-driver, and the steering rack response was one example I made.

Subaru could have made the steering more responsive in the '05's, as this basically the most glaring issue most testers had between the Evo and the STi. They didn't do this, because in the real world, with real drivers, you don't want to be too responsive, as to make any reaction an over-reaction.

If he is planning to track this car regularly in AutoX type, or other tight courses, then he should get the Evo, but if it is more for DD reasons, the STi.

Lastly, Evo MR is 2K more than the STi, with the STi still having more features.

I see your point carnuttt, but personally I prefer less civilised cars with racing-quick reflexes, even in my daily drivers.

But then again that is my personal choice and many people prefer a higher degree of civility.

While I see carrrnuttts views, I just have one point to make...

If you're in the market for an STi or an EVO, then chances are you're wanting a race car out of the box anyway, and like you said... the EVO fits the bill more than the STi does.

i go with the evo.. my boys also both have evo8 and sti both of them with same mods now , intake, turbo back, and underdrive pullys, and now that the evo 8 ecu has adj to the new mods the ev0 wips the sti ass all day and night.. and i love the way the evo looks.. evo hands down also it has a bigger aftermarket..
1

If he is planning to track this car regularly in AutoX type, or other tight courses, then he should get the Evo, but if it is more for DD reasons, the STi.

Ha I wouldn't bother with autox in the Evo, from pretty much everyone knows how badly Mitsubishi is pinning everyone on their warranties, And funny thing is there are Subaru dealers(ok well this was in this months C&D) that are actually giving memberships to SCCA when they buy an Sti or WRX, plus they also seem to be a little more laid back with the whole warranty, b/c everyone knows that there are some Mitsu dealers actually have been to track events keeping tabs on people and voiding their warranties for being involved in such things, good way to look out for yourself but when you advertise a car for being very quick, good handling people want to use it and not have any reprocussions(sp) :D.

Ha I wouldn't bother with autox in the Evo, from pretty much everyone knows how badly Mitsubishi is pinning everyone on their warranties, And funny thing is there are Subaru dealers(ok well this was in this months C&D) that are actually giving memberships to SCCA when they buy an Sti or WRX, plus they also seem to be a little more laid back with the whole warranty, b/c everyone knows that there are some Mitsu dealers actually have been to track events keeping tabs on people and voiding their warranties for being involved in such things, good way to look out for yourself but when you advertise a car for being very quick, good handling people want to use it and not have any reprocussions(sp) :D.


Be careful with those SCCA membeships the subi is giving away. Becuase if you use them they can void your warranty too. Its rather ridiculous since its basically entrapment but it has happened before. True subi is less known to have the nazi warranty department that mitsu does but they do cancel warranties too.

The trick is to find a god dealership, maybe even a mod friendly one(there exist just have to find them) and stick with them.


And about Autox or other SCCA events be very careful if you have a new car, I've heard stories of several brands canceling warranties because od them. Its too late for my cougar since i've raced it and its listed but for my next car I'll try to avoid having my car listed on the local club's website. Just my name and results will sufice since they cannot prove you don't have another dedicated car for racing.

In this case I say go with the MR, well, because I have ridden in both cars and I will support TatII to no end...the turbo is MUCH more responsive....that and the handling aspects are awesome. The only real downfall I see is there aren't any side airbags...so I would be less inclined to use it for daily driving.

On a side note : for around 38K you can pick yourself up a decent used Audi S4 Quattro.....344HP with 302ft lbs. torque...an AWD system, 6 spd. manual trans w/ short sports shifter, and awesome handling...I'm not saying this is the best one for you, but down at the track I saw a bone stock (stock turbos) one of these bad boys run a best of 13.3.....not bad at all...and it is very good for handling. This is only about 3-6K over what you wanted to pay for a new STi...and I'm positive this thing can out-perform that.

Bottom line, if you want either only an STi or an MR....go with the MR.

EVO MR. And thats all i have to say.

Be careful with those SCCA membeships the subi is giving away. Becuase if you use them they can void your warranty too. Its rather ridiculous since its basically entrapment but it has happened before. True subi is less known to have the nazi warranty department that mitsu does but they do cancel warranties too.

The trick is to find a god dealership, maybe even a mod friendly one(there exist just have to find them) and stick with them.


And about Autox or other SCCA events be very careful if you have a new car, I've heard stories of several brands canceling warranties because od them. Its too late for my cougar since i've raced it and its listed but for my next car I'll try to avoid having my car listed on the local club's website. Just my name and results will sufice since they cannot prove you don't have another dedicated car for racing.

You get a free 1-year SCCA membership if you by any new WRX or STi.

The difference between how Mitsu and Subaru have gone about the warranty problem is basically that Mitsu is denying all warranty work on the EVO if they can find ANY evidence that teh car has been run on track, auto-x, or drag strip, while Subaru actually looks for abuse. The weak point of the STi is the ($6000!) transmission, and in order to get them warrantied, the transmission has to be sent to SOA and inspected for abuse before any warranty is made on these. Again, this is regardless of whether or not the car has been run in auto-x or track.

Back to the original question, it all depends on what you eventually want to do. For performance, stock, the EVO VIII has a slight advantage over the STi in handling and 1/4 mile times. The STi responds better to handling mods than the EVO does, and the EVO responds better to top end power mods than the STi does. It's all about EXACTLY what you want to do with the car.

How about we just ask this guy exactly what he wants?

Honestly, if you can get over the interior of the EVO, pick the EVO. As far as im concerned its the superior car when it comes to performance and aftermarket, I dont care too much about safety.

Some people say they dont like the looks of the EVO, I say those people are probably ugly themselves and need Corvette body lines on their cars...

Thanks for all the replies guys. This is exactly the kind of debate I was looking for.

This car will be my daily driver. I don't plan to AutoX, drag race, track it or abuse it but I do plan to lightly mod it over time...maybe an exhaust, short throw shifter, a PCM reflash eventually. Aftermarket will not be my deciding factor though. I want a car that handles the twisties (I have a dream commute down a two lane twisty road in the foothills) but I don't want to rupture a kidney every time I hit some sort of pothole, bump, lip or general irregularity in the road surface. Right now that's something that makes long distance, freeway driving a nightmare for me in my SRT-4 because the car is lowered with Eibach springs but still sitting on the factory struts. I know. Shame on me.

I'm also 6'3" and about 230lbs so the car needs to have decent headroom and generous, aggresively bolstered seats. I'm not overweight...I'm in good shape...but those "Viper inspired" seats that are offered on the SRT-4 nearly imploded the boys the first time I jumped in for a test drive.

With all the morons in Bay Area driving SUV's and talking on cell phones, safety is a concern for me too. It seems that both platforms (Lancer and Impreza) do very well in crash test safety. The side airbag thing is something my wife is really pushing me on but both of us were happy to hear about the reinforced steel beams in the Evo's doors. The only thing I haven't been able to figure out is whether or not that's something Mitsu added for '05 or if it's something standard on all Evos sold in the USDM since the '03 model was first released. I'm still researching that.

well with that comment i think you're leaning towards that sti

Either one's a good choice, post pics when you get it!

I always leaned towards the evo before I found out about the MR just because the handling/steering. The STi has like what, another 40 hp? Well I heard from someone on here if you get a new exhaust system, boost controller, and something else little you'll have another 80 hp (Might sound a little high with just exhaust and controller but the guy said theres not much flow in the stock system). Not so sure about powerband though. Plus the MR has a 6 speed, more power, better suspension, and some other stuff.

I think the MR is out of my price range. I don't want to spend $40k+ out the door...which is what the MR would be. I'm hoping to be in the $25k-$35k range OTD.

all 05 EVO's comes with a Active center differential. its now driver selectable now, for gravel, tarmac or snow. only the MR comes with a 6 speed.

the ACD was not offered on the 03-04 EVO's. and that was probrably one of the best improvements you get for the EVO. now its one step closer to the japanese EVO 8 GSR.

I thought the MR was 34k?

I thought the MR was 34k?

I'm seeing the MSRP at $35k in NorCal with ALL the slimy dealerships marking them up at least another $3k-$5k because it's a limited edition...only 1,000 to be produced by Mitsu in all of '05.

all 05 EVO's comes with a Active center differential. its now driver selectable now, for gravel, tarmac or snow. only the MR comes with a 6 speed.

the ACD was not offered on the 03-04 EVO's. and that was probrably one of the best improvements you get for the EVO. now its one step closer to the japanese EVO 8 GSR.

They added the ACD, but it is still less sophisticated than the STi's DCCD, and they took out the IC sprayer, which the Suby still has.

I've been researching this for a while, when I thought I'd be able to afford one or the other.

I have a family that would have had to ride with me at one point or another, and there was just no competition against the STi in that factor. Also, the looks of the Evo is just too..."boy racer", whereas Subaru (at least locally) will allow you to swap a 2.5ST wing (molded to the trunk look), and if you don't like the tall scoop, you can always swap a regular WRX hood (or buy an aftermarket one - say CF).

Best of all, you can bias the TQ to the rear wheels up to 60-70%, if you want more throttle-steering.

I went and looked at a MR two weeks ago and it had $35k price tag on it ready to go out the door but thats in northeast Tenn. I asked about any factory hop ups that you could install or have the dealer install without voiding the warrenty and the sells guy looked at me like i was crazy then said "thats all the power you need for a street car" he didn't understand my question then I explained it and he said that you couldn't do anything without voiding the warrenty, but I never trust sells people definatly not that one.

I went and looked at a MR two weeks ago and it had $35k price tag on it ready to go out the door but thats in northeast Tenn. I asked about any factory hop ups that you could install or have the dealer install without voiding the warrenty and the sells guy looked at me like i was crazy then said "thats all the power you need for a street car" he didn't understand my question then I explained it and he said that you couldn't do anything without voiding the warrenty, but I never trust sells people definatly not that one.
http://www.sccaforums.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=001389;p=0

http://www.wrxtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=30492

The dealership doesnt take notes on the mods you have to the car. However there was this one case where this guy had a Lancer Evolution and he took it to the dealership for warranty work. The dealer said the warranty is voided b/c he raced it. He denied it. Then the dealer took out this book w/ all these photos of Evos racing at the local dragstrip w/ their license plates and VIN numbers, and the guy was one of them.


I just find it absurd that the biggest draw for the Evo is its race-car qualities, and you get penalized for using the car the way it's meant to be used. Legal too.

http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article_id=8422&page_number=1

Evo Owners Decry Warranty Rejections

BY TONY QUIROGA
September 2004


In June, several Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owners began posting notices on Evo-enthusiast Web sites saying their warranties had been canceled because they'd participated in timed racing events or installed aftermarket goodies on their cars. Owners complain that Mitsubishi used the Internet to dig up the names of these offenders. Owners found out about this when they visited dealers for repairs and were told that their warranties had been restricted because of the two activities.

Typical of all carmakers, Mitsubishi's warranty states that "problems or failures related to racing, alteration, and/or vehicle modifications are not covered conditions." Mitsubishi, meanwhile, denies that it proactively searches in hopes of voiding warranties. Responding to the complaints, the company said, "Mitsubishi does not have any automated Web search system looking for Lancer Evolutions involved in race events."

An Evo owner in Utah told Car and Driver that two weeks after he'd competed in an SCCA Solo II autocross, his car blew two connecting rods, which also ruined the turbocharger in the process. (Solo II racing involves coned courses in parking lots, and speeds rarely exceed 60 mph.) At the dealership, the owner said his warranty was voided even before the engine was examined, an action he said was based on computer information that he had participated in the autocross.

Reached for comment, Mitsubishi product and brand communication manager Janis Little said warranty claims are examined individually and Mitsubishi may deny claims if there is obvious evidence of abuse, modifications, or racing. The restricting or flagging of the warranty does not cancel the entire warranty, although getting warranty repairs done on a flagged car requires the approval of a district parts and service manager who oversees dealer warranty claims. When a warranty claim is questioned, Mitsubishi concedes that it may launch an investigation, which can include online searches for evidence the car was modified or run in a timed competition. The company adds, however, that owners are always given the benefit of the doubt.

The Utah owner got a whopping bill—nearly $8000—that, in his view, didn't qualify as the benefit of the doubt. He claims that Mitsubishi denied his warranty repairs before examining his car and that Mitsubishi's definition of racing is purposely vague. Evo owners stuck with bills for their damaged cars continue to flood Internet posting boards and forums railing about Mitsubishi's draconian measures and the company's lack of support for their broken Evos. Some see irony in the fact that the powerful little car is marketed on its rip-roaring sideways performance, but an owner who drives it in the manner of Gigi Galli could wind up behind a financial eight ball.

I'll admit, that's pretty gay.

But it doesnt stray me away from the Evo, although I can see how it could other people.

New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationin (NHTSA) started side crash-tested vehicles from 1997. It began with model year 1997 cars, then in 1999 started testing light trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans.
From NCAP's website

How does NHTSA side-crash test and rate vehicles?</B>

For testing side impact collisions, crash-test dummies are placed in driver and (driver's side) rear passenger seats, on the side of vehicle struck, and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. This test represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle. The barrier is covered with material that has "give" to replicate the front of a vehicle. Since all tested vehicles are impacted by the same size barrier, it is possible to compare all vehicles with each other when looking at side crash protection ratings. NCAP's Side crash-test stars

Side-collision star ratings indicate the chance of a life threatening chest injury for the driver, front seat passenger, and the rear seat passenger. Head injury is not measured in these tests. As with the front-impact ratings, a serious injury is one requiring immediate hospitalization and may be life threatening. [NCAP]
5 Star: 5% or less chance of serious injury
4 Star: 6% to 10% chance of serious injury
3 Star: 11% to 20% chance of serious injury
2 Star: 21% to 25% chance of serious injury
1 Star: 26% or greater chance of serious injury
Note: in 1999, there were about 2.5 million side collisions resulting in loss of about 8000 lives and many more seriously injured.
Mitsubishi Side Collision Results

Only those getting a "failing " grade - 1 or 2 stars are listed here. Many Mitsubishi vehicles have not been tested.
Side Collision (Front Seats)
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR. - 2 Star
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4-DR. - 2 Star
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR. - 2 Star
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR. - 2 Star
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB. - 1 Star
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB. - 1 Star
Side Collision (Rear/back Seats)
1997 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR. - 2 Star
1998 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR. - 2 Star
</B>Mitsubishi with 3 Star Ratings

There are a few other Mitsubishi vehicles that scored low - 3 Star rating. While 3 Star ratings can be "technically" considered passing - why take chances with your and your dear ones when they can buy cars with 4 and 5 Star ratings - 5 preferred.
Side Collision Rear Seats
1997 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.
1998 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.
2002 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.
2001 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB.
2003 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Head Injury

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4-DR. 4x4 rear seat side collision result was commented as "Higher Likelihood of Head Injury."

************************

Take a look at the difference:

Evo:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_1_4t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_2_13t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_3_11t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_4_19t.jpg

STi:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_1_4t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_2_15t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_3_13t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_4_16t.jpg

I have more, if you guys want it. Like i said, I researched these two cars thoroughly.

...a serious injury is one requiring immediate hospitalization and may be life threatening. [NCAP]...2 Star: 21% to 25% chance of serious injury...2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4-DR. - 2 Star...

Evo:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_1_4t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_2_13t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_3_11t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0123_4_19t.jpg

STi:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_1_4t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_2_15t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_3_13t.jpghttp://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/photos/0126_4_16t.jpg

I have more, if you guys want it. Like i said, I researched these two cars thoroughly.

You sure know how to make a point carrrnuttt! How did the Impreza platform do in the NCAP's side impact crash tests? Also, how did the Neon platform do?

A few notes on carrrnutt's posts the pictures are from IIHS not NHTSA, of course that doesn't mean they are not every bit as good if not better. I just being picky to piss him off. :p



Also the test in the picture are not of the EVO and STI but rather the base cars: Lancer and Impreza. And the test results gave both cars a GOOD across the board except for one Acceptable for the lancer in the "Restraints/dummy kinematics".

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0123.htm
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0126.htm


Now I don't know what diference is between an STI an impreza chassis wise but I know for sure the chassis of the EVO is far more reinforced than the base lancer. Of course this reinforcement is designed for stiffness and handling so it might or might not affect safety. But there is a difference.


IIHS had no ratings for side colisions, NHTSA did but they are again only for regular Impreza and Lancer(NHTSA lists the car as an EVO but a look at details (FF drive, 185 tires etc..) shows its still a lacer tested.

04Lancer test:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2893.html

03Impreza test
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2534.html

note those were the most recent year models with tests.

Since both cars got "best in class" honors from IIHS they are clearly structured very well. I would imagine both cars would adequately hold their structural integrity in the event of a side collision. The main difference being that a big fricken airbag explodes open to protect your torso, shoulders, and head on the STi. Wonder why Mitsu offered this feature as an option in their base model Lancer but not on the top of the line Evo...(scratches head).

Wonder why Mitsu offered this feature as an option in their base model Lancer but not on the top of the line Evo...(scratches head).


Probably same reason the srt4 with the regular neon rt seats got side airbags while the fancy viper seats got nothing.

So most likelly Recaro doesn't install side airbags on their seats.

I vote STi or maybe the new 5.3L "detuned" LS4 290hp Grand Prix GXP. :biggrin:

Since both cars got "best in class" honors from IIHS they are clearly structured very well.

Actually, they're similar with front impact testing.

Check the stars at the bottom of this link: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?modelid=11095&trimid=-1&src=VIP&tab=2&sub=0

And then compare it to this one: http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/subaru_impreza_wrxsti_2004/12529/style_safety.html

Sorry, couldn't find one for each on the same site.

I've got to say that after reading this I'm glad I didn't try to walk away in that MR. Thanks carrrnuttt you just saved me alot of hasel and probably kept me out of jail. I was plaining on buying the MR but I couldn't make up my mind but now I'll just stick with an older car, maybe a GN or fix my XR7 cougar.

Yeah I'm really leaning towards the STi right now. I may go test drive one today if I can find a dealer that will let me. If anything I'll sit in one and get an idea of how much room I would have.

Thanks for everything carrrnuttt. :D

I like DSMs and all, but where i live, theres WAY to many Evo 8s, and not enuff Sti. So i think i probably hafta to go with the Evo 8.

I like DSMs and all, but where i live, theres WAY to many Evo 8s, and not enuff Sti. So i think i probably hafta to go with the Evo 8.

Wow thats shocking, because at my school there are 2 STIs, no Evos, and one the streets around here, for every 2-3 STIs, I see one Evo.

STi.

I can beat both of those cars so i don't care which one you buy...






j/k ;) i don't know much about both these cars except they pretty much kick my ass off the line at the track lol. Based on looks, i'd saythe evo just cause they're not as flashy as the STI, meaning you could make it a sleeper. I don't really know which one is faster or safer or anything like that. Just go with the cheaper one and mod it. Modding is fun anyway.

...Based on looks, i'd saythe evo just cause they're not as flashy as the STI, meaning you could make it a sleeper...

Well it doesn't have that big hood scoop like the STi, but that monstrous carbon fiber ironing board protruding from the trunk might hurt my chances at the whole sleeper angle. LOL.

Well it doesn't have that big hood scoop like the STi, but that monstrous carbon fiber ironing board protruding from the trunk might hurt my chances at the whole sleeper angle. LOL.
I think the MR doesnt have it, and even if it does, you can get rid of it. Basicly, Id take off al badging except for "lancer" and throw on a oz rally badge...would definitly make it look slow as hell.

I think the MR doesnt have it, and even if it does, you can get rid of it. Basicly, Id take off al badging except for "lancer" and throw on a oz rally badge...would definitly make it look slow as hell.

It's the RS that doesn't have the spoiler. That car is actually pretty bad ass but I dunno how practical it would be as a daily driver. I hear it's like riding around in a race car suspension.

It's the RS that doesn't have the spoiler. That car is actually pretty bad ass but I dunno how practical it would be as a daily driver. I hear it's like riding around in a race car suspension.
It actually gets interesting to feel every bump in the road...believe me I drive a ford.

It actually gets interesting to feel every bump in the road...believe me I drive a ford.

I dunno dude. Check my sig. Riding on Eibachs and the factory struts may have already destroyed my chances of fathering children. ;)

I personally don't think it's a given that you have to sacrifice comfort for performance when it comes to handling. Just take a spin in an M3 and you'll understand what I mean. They ride down the freeway like my Mom's Buick but corner like a roller coaster ride.

It's the RS that doesn't have the spoiler. That car is actually pretty bad ass but I dunno how practical it would be as a daily driver. I hear it's like riding around in a race car suspension.


actually the EVO RS has the same suspension as the rest of the EVOs except the MR. It will have less sound deadening material though, and it lacks ABS (which is awesome if you are experienced at treshold braking), AC and powerwindows. The urban jungle package will give it back AC and power windows.

actually the EVO RS has the same suspension as the rest of the EVOs except the MR. It will have less sound deadening material though, and it lacks ABS (which is awesome if you are experienced at treshold braking), AC and powerwindows. The urban jungle package will give it back AC and power windows.

Since this post I've been spending a lot of time researching the hell out of the Evo RS. First of all the wife loves how it looks compared to my SRT-4...and for all of you married guys out there you can appreciate how important it is that the 'ol lady is in your corner for big purchases. She especially likes how this car has no obnoxious spoiler/wing/basket handle/ironing board on the trunk...like the STi, Evo GSR/MR or my SRT-4. I have to say I can't disagree. With the white model I might as well be driving some grandma's Lancer. You know what...maybe I'm getting close to "old farthood" but I think I migh actually prefer that. Who needs that kind of extra attention from police and boy racers anyway?

It turns out that I've been able to negotiate a pretty good price for a white '05 RS. Believe it or not, the SRT-4 was almost as much. Also, despite what the magazines are saying, all Evo RS models sold in the USDM (both '04 and '05) come standard with AC and are pre-wired for sound. A few RS owners I've talked to have even taken the time to add power locks and power windows by spending a few bucks and an afternoon installing the door assembly from a totalled Evo GSR or MR. It's very inexpensive and very easy with the right tools.

Personally I'm not all that concerned with the lack of amentities so I doubt I'll ever miss power anything. Of course the stereo thing will need to be addressed right away. Anyhow...if it sounds like I've made up my mind I haven't. This car doesn't have ABS (which is something I believe to be somewhat uneccesary for people who have taken the time to familairize themselves with the limits of their vehicle anyways), but what does concern me is that when you lose ABS you also lose EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). Can somebody give a retard's description of EBD and then tell me kind of concerns I should have (if any) due to the lack of this feature?

The RS is one heck of a good deal. And the stock sound system in the EVOs is not that great anyway so you're better with aftermarket anyway.


About the lack of ABS and EBD: Personally most of the cars I drove lacked both and after getting used to it I must say i prefer their absence especially during autox-ing. The braking feels much more natural and true without them, and it taught me very well treshhold braking. You just have to make sure you can keep a cool head and a steady controled foot during braking especially in sliperry conditions.


About EBD in particular: its absence will be much less obvious than ABS. Manufacturers do a lot of testing and tuning and the cars come with an perfectly balanced braking system.



BTW I though SRT4s came without EBD.

BTW I though SRT4s came without EBD.

Actually I just discovered that the SRT-4 does come with EBD.

Actually I just discovered that the SRT-4 does come with EBD.


Cool I did not know that. But anyway if you really want to know if you can live without ABS and EBD rent a cheapo car without them and try it for yourself.

Cool I did not know that. But anyway if you really want to know if you can live without ABS and EBD rent a cheapo car without them and try it for yourself.

That's a good idea too, but I'm gonna test drive an RS this weekend and get the whole experience. :D

First of all the wife loves how it looks compared to my SRT-4

Looks like a sale right there...

Looks like a sale right there...

LOL...it's married life an interesting game of "give and take".

Good luck man, even though i like the Sti's engine i would vote evo all the way.