I'm a 35-year-old math professor who is admittedly in love with the Lancer Evolution. I bought a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS 18 months ago and at the time, was unaware of the existence of the Evolution (I actually saw one for the first time on the showroom floor while in the process of buying the Eclipse). Since then, I've spent far too many hours browsing reviews and specs related to the Evo. Though I have never had the opportunity to drive one, it is by all appearances an astonishing vehicle. I'm asking for any coherent and constructive advice as to whether I should "trade up". I love my Eclipse and maintain it fanatically. It has a healthy aftermarket and I'm sure that for a few thousand dollars I could significantly augment the HP that I currently have. Are AWD, a limited slip differential, and the other goodies really that important? To those who have driven and/or owned both the eclipse and the Evo, what would you recommend? In light of the fact that it is human nature to always covet what we don't have, any input would be appreciated.

 

You should go test drive one, you will see the difference immediately, even without pushing the car.

 

yup, drive one and the decision will become very clear

 

there's nothing better in the price segment. STI is close but it's missing a soul or something.

This car is comfortable, safe and fun. You will never regret getting it, as far as car is concerned. However, you should do some more on the warranty and some of the small issues that people are having on this board.

If you don't buy an evo, you'll never know what you're missing. It's a v8 killer substantially, and it's a v10 killer in a lot of aspects with aftermarket support and if you have the money, this is a v12 killer easy.

After all the you could go to get your groceries and actually fit it in your car with 4 more people in it.

can't go wrong with this car.

 

Does the Eclipse feel like an extension of your body, because that is what an EVO feels like.

 

In Fresno, AWD is probably not necessary, but nice. The limited slip diff. in driving can be argued both ways and if you search, you'll find statements from both sides of the fence from professional drivers. On the mechanical side, a LSD is necessary to keep the EVO from gernading a stock open front diff. if you ever get wheel hop, even at stock power levels. It was a wise choice by Mitsu. to move the 03, 04 GSRs over to a LSD for 05+. The recaros are the bomb also.

0.02.

jcnel.

 

I would highly recommend taking an Evo for a test drive if the car intrigues you that much. It doesn't matter what anyone else says to you about the advantages/disadvantages of the two cars when compared. You should compare the two yourself and FEEL the difference driving .

Now saying that...let us see here... the Evo has more passenger room, trunk space, the recaros are the shiznit! It has more power (TURBO MAKE ME WANT TO ). It has a larger mod community (the 4G63 is an awesome motor when it come to mod's, it has 7 earlier generation to build off of). The Evo looks better IMO.

The only negative I can think of off the cuf is that you loose low end torque (but there are mod's that can take care of that for the Evo as well )

 

the proof will be in the pudding. if you don't want to buy one, don't test drive one because you will obsess even more after the test drive.

 

If you do the Math it makes perfect sense to get an EVO.
Hp to $ ratio.
compare lateral accel.

All that stuff, and it is a blast to drive.

 

Do yourself a favor and test drive one. After you drive it post some pics of your new evo.

 

^^^ haha, totally

 

when in the showroom buying my evo i saw an eclipse gts spyder. that thing cost as much almost to the dollar as my evo. for me there is no compariason between these cars. i guess leather and convertible can really bump up the price of a car. test drive the evo man you wont regret it.

 

[QUOTE=mathgeek]Are AWD, a limited slip differential, and the other goodies really that important?

hell yeah - you need to drive one!

To those who have driven and/or owned both the eclipse and the Evo, what would you recommend?

the evo , of course. the eclipse is nice but rather sluggish

In light of the fact that it is human nature to always covet what we don't have, u

- well if you have the opportunity , you should take it and get the evo!

 

This is the first are that after 49,000 mile I still get a grin on my face evey time I drive. I sold my BMW 540I And I will tell you this I would buy the Evo again over the bmw. all that is a Big Waste of Money. I say go drive one.

 

Do drive one. You will see that the EVO is about performance, not luxury and comfort (although it won't thump you about too badly if the roads in your area are in reasonable shape). It's an aggressive car - a good adjective for it is "visceral." I suggest you think carefully about what you intend to do with the performance if you purchase an EVO. If you are interested in some form of motor sport (drag, autocross, track racing), you can hardly do better for the money, especially after adding a few modifications. If not, you may want to stick with what you have. I autocross and track the car, so I love it -especially the part where a lot of expensive and fancy iron has a great deal of difficulty keeping up with me. Good luck in your decision.