I think the MR is worth it if you get a good deal. I was in the camp "not worth it" as I couldn't get one for less than about 40K until recently. I had a mitsu dealer fire me a great deal, so I took them up on it...but if I was looking at sticker vs. sticker...I'd say it's probably a bit overpriced unless you really like a few of the options it has. Either way, they're all great cars.

 

Actually, I never contemplated getting the MR. I had spoken to a dealer briefly about it just to get an idea about the car. One day he called and told me that they had an MR and were ready to trade with me. I thought about it and since I was sick of how my poor EVO VIII turned out from all the mods done to it, I went to just check out the car and the deal. He let me test drive the car and I was convinced right away.

They also gave me a decent deal so I signed the papers and took my old car that night to a friends house where we removed the FMIC, the exhaust and the AEM wide band UEGO. The next day Andrew at Dyno4mance removed the XEDE and we checked out the car to make sure it was OK.

I traded that EVO GSR on the MR and never looked back. I think that most or all the ppl who are saying **** about the MR and how it's not worth the extra bucks and all, have probably never actually driven one. The combination of parts that make the MR add up to one sweet car. It's really quite nice and IMHO is much better for me than the GSR. Oh yeah, I stuck the cat back exhaust in it that was left from the GSR, I'm going to Dyno4mance this weekend and I fully expect my MR to make more than 250 whp on the DD dyno this weekend. The car is already stupid fast and my friends told me that my car was faster than both their EVOs, one of then was dynoed at over 290 whp at the AWD dyno of a local tuner......... I'd say the MR is definitely worth the extra $4K in my opinion and experience.

 

If I lived in a sunny state and not in IL, I'd have done something like that a long time ago, but with snow in the forecast I refuse to get a RWD car.

I've been lucky with my '03 ... it has responded very well to mods. Had a buddy of mine who drives an STi take it for a spin and he couldn't believe how much faster it was. Out of curiosity, how does your MR do once it gets past 5500 rpm or so? That was one of my biggest disappointments on my Evo until I upped the cams to 272s... It'll be interesting to see what your MR will do at the dyno day. Good luck.

l8r)

 

I totally understand the superiority of AWD. That's why I continue to buy these cars (3 so far, 1 WRX and 2 EVOs). I also bought myself a neat silver '92 Miata so I have the best of both worlds . I've been down the mod route with Miatas in the past, but never as extreme as I quoted....

The 5500 rpm curse of the EVO was present in the MR too .... However, that has been rectified and the difference is outstanding. I was at 242 whp before I added the cat back exhaust....... We'll see what happens Saturday....

 

If you have the money and never plan to mod your car then get the MR. At least
you will know you have the best of what is available for now.

My opinion is that the extra cost would only be worth it if the HP and torque were changed to a point that I wouldn't want to mod the car. Unfortunately it is not. The reality is most EVO owners love speed and staged upgrades are so cheap its hard not to want to do it.

You have to be an EVO owner to actually even know what an MR is and most EVO owners don't really think there is much of a difference. If I could do it all over again, I would buy a used evo or a new 2003, 2004 and save that cash for whatever new comes your way in a couple years.

 

You are wrong in your assesment. Power is not the issue as you can mod both cars for more power. The real issue is the intended use. If the car is to be a daily driver (with occasional track use), some people will prefer the ride and lower rpm at 70 mph of the MR. If it is a track car only and you plan on modding the suspension as well, then the RS is the car. The GSR falls somwhere in between. If your are splitting hairs over the cost of the GSR and the MR, then maybe you shouldn't be getting an EVO because you can't afford it.

 

I think the GG might be worth it tho!

 

As pointed out, all 05's have ACD, which is essential, at least for me! I can definitely tell the difference, you can FEEL the increased grip - passing on mountain roads and being able to set it for gravel or snow as needed is AWESOME! However, would I trade in an 03' for it? Me, yes, for regular driving, maybe not. Is the MR worth the $$$ - sure if it's the mods you want. I don't plan to race (at least all-out, some may call my driving up the mountain racing ;-) ), so the MR wasn't for me. I'd like to put in, yes, we DO have snow in SoCal!
mtnracer

 

I don't care how foolish I look but what does an aluminum roof do to help you at all? And anyone whos saying the vortex generator is a factor to getting a MR the 05's all have the option to get it for under 300 I believe.

 

The aluminum roof is lighter and helps to lower the center of gravity on the car. Some say they can tell the difference. Personally I cannot.

l8r)

 

The aluminium roof gives a lower center of gravity which should help with cornering. However, it's hard to tell the difference.

 

Yup. Several are on Ebay for $169 right now. Benefit is 7% more downforce at 60, and up to 35% over 100.

 

The vortex thingy might work fine, but I don't know that for sure. OTOH, the aluminum roof lowers the CG and I can definitely tell the difference. It might not show up in improved times or some other benchmark, but it really makes the car feel differently from the GSR while cornering

 

The vortex Generator works for every Evo 8. There's a very good write-up in the 2004 Mitsubishi Technical Review on how the Vortex Generator helps to improve downforce and reduce drag. The review can be found here: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/cor...logy/review/e/

Of course if you're looking to get one off eBay, I'd make very sure it's an actual mitsubishi part and not a knock-off.

l8r)

 

After fully reading this thread, I'm starting to turn more towards wanting the MR now. My opinions here are coming purely from a tuner's view, someone who has plans to modify. Any help I can get in which direction to steer towards would help. This is more leaning towards a IX GSR vs. IX MR view.

I want HIDs on my car. The thought of paying $3,000 for a SSL package just to get HIDs, is malarky. Not to mention I do not want a sunroof, nor do I want leather seats or a subwoofer. An aftermarket HID kit, possibly even brighter than stock, is cheaper than $3000, and even below $1000.

All the interior touch-ups are nice. Is the e-brake handle actual carbon fiber, or mock? I keep thinking, "Things like the e-brake handle, the pedals and the shift knob can all be switched out. Big deal." I will admit, have exclusive MR badging is nice. Plus you get the crappy center mounted OEM guages. Again, good for someone who doesnt plan on going all out and tuning.

How badly does the new 6-speed transmission affect racing compared to a 5-speed? I'll be completely honest, I do not know how much of a difference there is between the two. I know how each functions on an intermediate level. Some say the 6-speed is awesome, some say it isn't. Why? Would anyone take the time to explain that or link me to a post I may have missed in my search about transmissions. This seems like one very valueable and worthwhile asset.

The aluminum roof is nice, but I doubt it's going to ber noticeable, although I do recall reading someone's positive remark sabout it after driving the '05 MR when he finished driving a GSR before it (Yes, I know it isn't a true GSR).

Everyone seems to be giving the new bilstein shocks a good review. For $1500 though, you could install a TEIN coiloverkit and save $500.

The BBS wheels are nifty, but for the same amount you can find yourself with lighter, better looking wheels. I love the BBS's though, don't get me wrong. They are amazing looking.

What about the VG? Just how much does it actually aid the downforce?

Both cars come with the ACD and with the MIVEC. So the only improvements I see over the IX MR over the IX GSR are so:

6-speed transmission w/ teflon coated cables (claimed to be better than the 5 speed. HOW?)
Bilstein shocks
BBS one-piece forged wheels
Aluminum roof
Interior brush-ups (Shift knob, pedals, e-brake handle, center-mounted guages)
Vortex Generator

I don't know.. Im just tryign to figure out where to go. I plan to drag race, take part in track events and have fun on the road. I plan to tune and not stay one bit stock.

Which route is best? GSR or MR?