Handling Difference between Ralliart and Evo x
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, ON
RA is a solid street machine... but thats what it is. Its not a race car... its a street rally car. Take it for what it is and embrace it
It really comes down to how often you track race. If not often, its not worth it IMO. you cant legally push the limits on the Evo on the street, nor should you.
RA is a solid street machine... but thats what it is. Its not a race car... its a street rally car. Take it for what it is and embrace it
RA is a solid street machine... but thats what it is. Its not a race car... its a street rally car. Take it for what it is and embrace it
IMHO, the way I see it is these are different cars with different targeted purposes:
If you are looking for a nice daily driver with some excellent potential for the "fun to drive" factor, the RA is a very nice car. With some simple mods the RA can provide very good performance meeting the expectations of most people looking for a spirited daily driver.
If on the other hand you are looking for a track car that can also be used as a daily driver, the EVO is probably a better choice. With some simple mods the EVO can provide amazing performance meeting the performance expectations of most people looking for a true high performance car that can also serve as a daily driver.
Just my $.02
If you are looking for a nice daily driver with some excellent potential for the "fun to drive" factor, the RA is a very nice car. With some simple mods the RA can provide very good performance meeting the expectations of most people looking for a spirited daily driver.
If on the other hand you are looking for a track car that can also be used as a daily driver, the EVO is probably a better choice. With some simple mods the EVO can provide amazing performance meeting the performance expectations of most people looking for a true high performance car that can also serve as a daily driver.
Just my $.02
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: USA
I am not trying to rag on anyone here, but, like I have said before the EVO at the limit is vastly better then the RA is at the limit. It seems like this topic comes up a lot. So I figured I would throw down my $.02 just for a little clarification.
When pushed at 10/10 ths driving the RA just doesn't compare. I am not saying its bad but the EVO is just amazing. Put the EVO and any other production car you want into the hands of a great driver, whether be a drifter, open wheel racer, or rally driver. They will almost always say that the EVO is just as good as the other, even when put up against Ferrari's, Porches, and all others. That is at the limit with someone who knows how to get there.
Having said that. When it comes to a more average driver like all of us, the abilities of the EVO become far less apparent. Its still amazing, but at a level that we understand. Most of us on here will never even come close to the EVOs limits, or the RAs. So although the performance gap is still wide its not as wide as some make you believe, when those two cars are in the hands of the average driver. Here is the part that will **** a lot of you guys off. As good as you think you are, your not all that good. So the limits of any car you may drive or own, for you, are not what you think they are.
My point, by the way is, the RA is a very good and verrrry competent car for most people. It is very well though out with on of the better gear boxes on the market. It is easy to live with day to day for the most part. Buy it, get new tires, and have fun. Even if you never mod it, its still really good. Its just no EVO..........
When pushed at 10/10 ths driving the RA just doesn't compare. I am not saying its bad but the EVO is just amazing. Put the EVO and any other production car you want into the hands of a great driver, whether be a drifter, open wheel racer, or rally driver. They will almost always say that the EVO is just as good as the other, even when put up against Ferrari's, Porches, and all others. That is at the limit with someone who knows how to get there.
Having said that. When it comes to a more average driver like all of us, the abilities of the EVO become far less apparent. Its still amazing, but at a level that we understand. Most of us on here will never even come close to the EVOs limits, or the RAs. So although the performance gap is still wide its not as wide as some make you believe, when those two cars are in the hands of the average driver. Here is the part that will **** a lot of you guys off. As good as you think you are, your not all that good. So the limits of any car you may drive or own, for you, are not what you think they are.
My point, by the way is, the RA is a very good and verrrry competent car for most people. It is very well though out with on of the better gear boxes on the market. It is easy to live with day to day for the most part. Buy it, get new tires, and have fun. Even if you never mod it, its still really good. Its just no EVO..........
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: sweden
That's a nice writeup, and I agree with not able to reach the cars limits.
I value safety and I need the car to feel safe before I dare to push it.
The handling is a major part of the safety imo and it gives confidence to push the car further. I guess I'm trying to say, I rather have a car that I know outperforms my abilities in the handling department, rather then a car that can't keep up with what I'm trying to accomplish.
This sounds like the Evo is the obvious choice, but...
That being said, I'm no racing driver, and I don't need to get the best lap times possible.
Some things are apparent even on street use, like how the car moves when cornering. I came from a '07 Honda Civic Type-R which was hard as hell on my *** but had less obvious body roll then the Ralliart. However after changing the springs, I'm confident to say it handles the same or better "in my own conditions" (How much difference it is beyond that, I have no idea of, as I have ^^^ not reached the cars limit). Doesn't wear out my *** either.
In the end, there's always something better and I'ts good to ask yourself what the purpose of the car is, to you, and choose accordingly.
If I had the $, I would had probably bought a Nissan GTR + a great SUV.
Living on planet earth with a normal income, I don't have the luxury, so I have to prioritize.
The ralliart sportback is the middle ground defined imo and works good (not best) in most conditions.
It looks good and will perform fine on most type of roads without making your butt numb, and still be able to fit a 50" plasma TV standing up in the trunk with one seat folded.
I choose the Ralliart cause it fit my wallet and needs at the time. If my economy were a little better and if I had a garage, I would have got the Evo + something else comfortable for daily use.
We will see in a few years what the time will bring.
As for the OP: Looks like the answer is - You can make the Ralliart handle very close to the Evo if you spend some $, but not get it better, mainly cause of the Evos AYC technology.
I value safety and I need the car to feel safe before I dare to push it.
The handling is a major part of the safety imo and it gives confidence to push the car further. I guess I'm trying to say, I rather have a car that I know outperforms my abilities in the handling department, rather then a car that can't keep up with what I'm trying to accomplish.
This sounds like the Evo is the obvious choice, but...
That being said, I'm no racing driver, and I don't need to get the best lap times possible.
Some things are apparent even on street use, like how the car moves when cornering. I came from a '07 Honda Civic Type-R which was hard as hell on my *** but had less obvious body roll then the Ralliart. However after changing the springs, I'm confident to say it handles the same or better "in my own conditions" (How much difference it is beyond that, I have no idea of, as I have ^^^ not reached the cars limit). Doesn't wear out my *** either.
In the end, there's always something better and I'ts good to ask yourself what the purpose of the car is, to you, and choose accordingly.
If I had the $, I would had probably bought a Nissan GTR + a great SUV.
Living on planet earth with a normal income, I don't have the luxury, so I have to prioritize.
The ralliart sportback is the middle ground defined imo and works good (not best) in most conditions.
It looks good and will perform fine on most type of roads without making your butt numb, and still be able to fit a 50" plasma TV standing up in the trunk with one seat folded.
I choose the Ralliart cause it fit my wallet and needs at the time. If my economy were a little better and if I had a garage, I would have got the Evo + something else comfortable for daily use.
We will see in a few years what the time will bring.
As for the OP: Looks like the answer is - You can make the Ralliart handle very close to the Evo if you spend some $, but not get it better, mainly cause of the Evos AYC technology.
I am not trying to rag on anyone here, but, like I have said before the EVO at the limit is vastly better then the RA is at the limit. It seems like this topic comes up a lot. So I figured I would throw down my $.02 just for a little clarification.
When pushed at 10/10 ths driving the RA just doesn't compare. I am not saying its bad but the EVO is just amazing. Put the EVO and any other production car you want into the hands of a great driver, whether be a drifter, open wheel racer, or rally driver. They will almost always say that the EVO is just as good as the other, even when put up against Ferrari's, Porches, and all others. That is at the limit with someone who knows how to get there.
Having said that. When it comes to a more average driver like all of us, the abilities of the EVO become far less apparent. Its still amazing, but at a level that we understand. Most of us on here will never even come close to the EVOs limits, or the RAs. So although the performance gap is still wide its not as wide as some make you believe, when those two cars are in the hands of the average driver. Here is the part that will **** a lot of you guys off. As good as you think you are, your not all that good. So the limits of any car you may drive or own, for you, are not what you think they are.
My point, by the way is, the RA is a very good and verrrry competent car for most people. It is very well though out with on of the better gear boxes on the market. It is easy to live with day to day for the most part. Buy it, get new tires, and have fun. Even if you never mod it, its still really good. Its just no EVO..........
When pushed at 10/10 ths driving the RA just doesn't compare. I am not saying its bad but the EVO is just amazing. Put the EVO and any other production car you want into the hands of a great driver, whether be a drifter, open wheel racer, or rally driver. They will almost always say that the EVO is just as good as the other, even when put up against Ferrari's, Porches, and all others. That is at the limit with someone who knows how to get there.
Having said that. When it comes to a more average driver like all of us, the abilities of the EVO become far less apparent. Its still amazing, but at a level that we understand. Most of us on here will never even come close to the EVOs limits, or the RAs. So although the performance gap is still wide its not as wide as some make you believe, when those two cars are in the hands of the average driver. Here is the part that will **** a lot of you guys off. As good as you think you are, your not all that good. So the limits of any car you may drive or own, for you, are not what you think they are.
My point, by the way is, the RA is a very good and verrrry competent car for most people. It is very well though out with on of the better gear boxes on the market. It is easy to live with day to day for the most part. Buy it, get new tires, and have fun. Even if you never mod it, its still really good. Its just no EVO..........
Last edited by gloom; Feb 2, 2011 at 12:34 PM.
I am not trying to rag on anyone here, but, like I have said before the EVO at the limit is vastly better then the RA is at the limit. It seems like this topic comes up a lot. So I figured I would throw down my $.02 just for a little clarification.
When pushed at 10/10 ths driving the RA just doesn't compare. I am not saying its bad but the EVO is just amazing. Put the EVO and any other production car you want into the hands of a great driver, whether be a drifter, open wheel racer, or rally driver. They will almost always say that the EVO is just as good as the other, even when put up against Ferrari's, Porches, and all others. That is at the limit with someone who knows how to get there.
Having said that. When it comes to a more average driver like all of us, the abilities of the EVO become far less apparent. Its still amazing, but at a level that we understand. Most of us on here will never even come close to the EVOs limits, or the RAs. So although the performance gap is still wide its not as wide as some make you believe, when those two cars are in the hands of the average driver. Here is the part that will **** a lot of you guys off. As good as you think you are, your not all that good. So the limits of any car you may drive or own, for you, are not what you think they are.
My point, by the way is, the RA is a very good and verrrry competent car for most people. It is very well though out with on of the better gear boxes on the market. It is easy to live with day to day for the most part. Buy it, get new tires, and have fun. Even if you never mod it, its still really good. Its just no EVO..........
When pushed at 10/10 ths driving the RA just doesn't compare. I am not saying its bad but the EVO is just amazing. Put the EVO and any other production car you want into the hands of a great driver, whether be a drifter, open wheel racer, or rally driver. They will almost always say that the EVO is just as good as the other, even when put up against Ferrari's, Porches, and all others. That is at the limit with someone who knows how to get there.
Having said that. When it comes to a more average driver like all of us, the abilities of the EVO become far less apparent. Its still amazing, but at a level that we understand. Most of us on here will never even come close to the EVOs limits, or the RAs. So although the performance gap is still wide its not as wide as some make you believe, when those two cars are in the hands of the average driver. Here is the part that will **** a lot of you guys off. As good as you think you are, your not all that good. So the limits of any car you may drive or own, for you, are not what you think they are.
My point, by the way is, the RA is a very good and verrrry competent car for most people. It is very well though out with on of the better gear boxes on the market. It is easy to live with day to day for the most part. Buy it, get new tires, and have fun. Even if you never mod it, its still really good. Its just no EVO..........
I have taken corners at speeds to notice the huge difference of the Evo vs RA handling - BUT - those limits are nowhere legally reachable on the streets
What he said.
No, wait, I've never done that.
Just a few points:
Even in the JDM versions, some Japanese drivers preferred to not have the AYC because they felt that its benefits didn't not outweigh the extra 70-100lbs of vehicle weight.
The AYC is integral to the EVO X's SAWC, which I won't even pretend to understand fully... I just know that it kicks butt.
Finally, I am very doubtful that any of the frequent posters on these boards actually push their cars anywhere near their limits. I would be willing to bet that 99% of the people on these forums could do a time attack with a stock EVO X GSR and never come close to the times put down by a professional driver in a stock RA on the same track.
The best way to improve your car's handling? Improve as a driver.
Even in the JDM versions, some Japanese drivers preferred to not have the AYC because they felt that its benefits didn't not outweigh the extra 70-100lbs of vehicle weight.
The AYC is integral to the EVO X's SAWC, which I won't even pretend to understand fully... I just know that it kicks butt.
Finally, I am very doubtful that any of the frequent posters on these boards actually push their cars anywhere near their limits. I would be willing to bet that 99% of the people on these forums could do a time attack with a stock EVO X GSR and never come close to the times put down by a professional driver in a stock RA on the same track.
The best way to improve your car's handling? Improve as a driver.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: USA
I would be willing to bet that 99% of the people on these forums could do a time attack with a stock EVO X GSR and never come close to the times put down by a professional driver in a stock RA on the same track
Agreed..........
Again its not a refection on all of us. Just an observation about our abilities and the cars we drive.
Agreed..........
Again its not a refection on all of us. Just an observation about our abilities and the cars we drive.
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: SoCaL
StOck vs stock its night and day... Evo has aluminum suspension/cast iron, super-awc and AYC... The evo x suspension alone cannot match any other rally cars out there... I have a friend with an RA too and his cousin have evo x they went for a canyon run and his RA cannot keep up with the evo x he is 8-9 cars behind...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksfut...e_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksfut...e_gdata_player
Last edited by chazyronnie; Feb 3, 2011 at 09:40 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Koskullskulle - Sweden
I travelled 280 miles at night time through the dark winter in Swedish Lappland yesterday. (With ski's on the roofrack)
The RA's handling is perfect in those conditions, and the last part (about 50 miles) of the trip was on a small snowy, curvy hill-filled road. I felt like Ari Vatanen. It was so fun, wish it never ended :-)
Probably more fun with an Evo but I have a hard time imaging that the difference in this "every day" type of driving can be that big...Really...
http://maps.google.se/maps?f=d&sourc...91&ie=UTF8&z=7
The RA's handling is perfect in those conditions, and the last part (about 50 miles) of the trip was on a small snowy, curvy hill-filled road. I felt like Ari Vatanen. It was so fun, wish it never ended :-)
Probably more fun with an Evo but I have a hard time imaging that the difference in this "every day" type of driving can be that big...Really...
http://maps.google.se/maps?f=d&sourc...91&ie=UTF8&z=7
I travelled 280 miles at night time through the dark winter in Swedish Lappland yesterday. (With ski's on the roofrack)
The RA's handling is perfect in those conditions, and the last part (about 50 miles) of the trip was on a small snowy, curvy hill-filled road. I felt like Ari Vatanen. It was so fun, wish it never ended :-)
Probably more fun with an Evo but I have a hard time imaging that the difference in this "every day" type of driving can be that big...Really...
http://maps.google.se/maps?f=d&sourc...91&ie=UTF8&z=7
The RA's handling is perfect in those conditions, and the last part (about 50 miles) of the trip was on a small snowy, curvy hill-filled road. I felt like Ari Vatanen. It was so fun, wish it never ended :-)
Probably more fun with an Evo but I have a hard time imaging that the difference in this "every day" type of driving can be that big...Really...
http://maps.google.se/maps?f=d&sourc...91&ie=UTF8&z=7
I never realized just how close you are to Finland. I have family in Tuuri, Finland.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...,19.753418&z=6
I'm going to try this year to visit there, my cousin is a rally driver for Ford BP/Abu Dhabi and I want go over for a few weeks so he can teach me advanced rally
Last edited by SudzRA; Feb 3, 2011 at 12:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: CA
StOck vs stock its night and day... Evo has aluminum suspension/cast iron, super-awc and AYC... The evo x suspension alone cannot match any other rally cars out there... I have a friend with an RA too and his cousin have evo x they went for a canyon run and his RA cannot keep up with the evo x he is 8-9 cars behind...
Too bad there are many other factors to your statement that could affect that "Canyon Run" outcome like: the skill of the drivers, the traffic level on the road, the evo stock is faster then the RA and the whole point of this post was the handling difference not anything else, the evo has about 44 more HP then the ralliart and that more then anything else would make the evo pull ahead
And I'm not saying the Evo X isn't better then the RA in pretty much every way, just that the RA is a very competent car for what you pay for. I would trade my ralliart for a evo x in a heartbeat but not because its faster stock or handles better but because it has a wider body, thats really the only thing that I like better about the X.
Last edited by MichaelRalliart; Feb 3, 2011 at 09:17 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: SoCaL
Too bad there are many other factors to your statement that could affect that "Canyon Run" outcome like: the skill of the drivers, the traffic level on the road, the evo stock is faster then the RA and the whole point of this post was the handling difference not anything else, the evo has about 44 more HP then the ralliart and that more then anything else would make the evo pull ahead
Last edited by chazyronnie; Feb 3, 2011 at 09:40 PM.