First of all, sorry for starting yet another thread about Evo vs. STi. Here's my situation right now:

I just got done after shopping around today. I got to test drive a MR and all I can say is "Wow" I love that thing so much. I went to the Subaru dealer and they offered me an 05 STi for about 31k, I was impressed with the dealer as well. I really like the MR more than the subaru but it's so hard to pass up for such a good price. What do you all think about it? I also got to test drive a 350z but I liked MR/STi more. I'm not sure of the price on the MR because the sales man wouldn't let me know the bottom line. I'll find that out tomorrow. Any input would be nice. Flames are welcome too...

 

I would have to go with the STi

 

What is more important to you? Bottom line Price? Exclusivity? Warranty? Potential? A goofy looking hood scoop? A big *** carbon fiber wing? 5 speed? 6 speed? Power windows? Advertised HP?

Well....

 

do with the mr..i lookks so much better.but thats just my opinion.

 

What about an '05 GSR or RS...probably get those for same price. Got my '04 for 29k flat back in april. So, if it's price, you may want to look at non-MRs. just my 2c.

 

If cost is your main concern, then go with STI. Both car are the "same" interms of peformance level, but each behave very differently when pushed hard.

2 of my best friends have 04 & 05 STIs, so I was able to do comparision. I went with 05 MR because of several characteristics that I didn't like about the STI.

1. Seat is much softer and wider than evo, so when I drive hard on the STI, i have to push my knees against the door panel to keep me stable. The fabric on the seat is not as grippy as the evo seat.

2. The STI steering is heavier and vague as compared to the crisp and precise steering of the evo. STI's steering feels very similar to my boxster and my other friend's carrera 4s.

3. The sti clutch has a very short throw and mushy.

4. STI ride feels harsher than MR.

5. MR feels more neutral where STI exhibits more body roll and understeering.

6. Evo motor feels more responsive. You can definite feel the bigger/heavier pistons in the STI makes the motor rev slower than EVO.

One thing I really like about the STI is its low rpm torque. The evo feels like a classic POS 1.6 liter inline 4 when not the turbo is not boosting, whereas the sti actually feels like a small v6. The sti builds power smoother and can drive up hill without boost. You feel the turbo is just there to compliment the motor, no on/off turbo feeling. It feels smoother and power is building much in a linear fashion. But on the evo, you know the 4g63 is solely relying on the turbo to move. In another word, the sti is easier to live with when going slow like commuting to work and driving friends and relatives around town.

 

Some of the decition should be based on your plan for modding. The MR has a strong cast-iorn block where the sti has an aluminum one. So if you are going to mod, go for the MR if your going to cruse stock, i recomend the sti. .02 given

 

Sounds like you're definitely feelin the MR more. Go with your heart bro. You're already spending in excess of 30 grand. Dont let a couple more get in the way of what you truely want.

 

I say go with the STI. Better reliability and you don't have to deal with the headache of Mitsu. Plus you'll save money.

 

My advice is get what you want and dont just get what you get a better deal on. If you like the look of the MR more than you will regret your purchase everytime you see one on the road and it will eat you up inside like a parasite. But then again I am biased towards the EVO or I would have had an STI. Mitsu service does suck as$crack though.

 

I want to have my car stock for a while, then start modding. I'm not sure what yet but I do want to mod eventually. How well is the Subaru for moding, I've heard it can't handle that much power 'cause of the aluminum engine. I can get a Subaru for about 33k OTD and not sure of an MR yet. I love the swift spool up time on the MR. The Subaru didn't seem that quick to me but I didn't really engage the turbo that much. I'm used to having top end power as opposed to low end. I have a 91 Galant VR-4 now and pretty much only produces power in the 3500-6000 rpm range. The Subaru pulled in almost every gear with and without the assistance of turbo. The MR seemed to pull REALLY hard but I didn't rev it up that much. I think it's worth the extra money. It's not that much over 5 years anyway. I have no place to get it serviced. The dealer I'm buying it in is about 40 miles away so It's kind of a drive for me. The Subaru dealer is very nice and no pressure. Mitsu wanted to sell me a car that day and was hard to walk away. Everyone thinks I should get STi but me. I love the Evo but I'll probably end up getting the STi.
I doubt I could get less than 37k OTD for an MR.
Does the GSR have a similar level of performance to the MR is it very far off? I didn't get to test drive the GSR only MR. What would be a good OTD price for a new 05 GSR? If I can, I’d prefer an evo over STi but I'll settle for an STi. They're both very nice.

 

you COULD just wait til the IX comes out. it will have more hp and tq along with ALL (hopefully) the MR parts on it as standard. only downside is waiting

 

I would wait until the evo 9 comes out.

 

Screw what everyone thinks and get what you prefer. If cost is your primary concern, than you already know the answer.

 

I would wait to see what the ix will have.