I just drove my friend’s new 05 EVO 8. It feels very different then my 03 EVO 8. The clutch is lighter, the steering is lighter, the suspension feels softer, the turbo comes on smoother, no brake grind, and it’s a little quieter overall.

Can anyone list the differences between the cars?

The only differences I’ve heard about are turbo exhaust housing (05 = 10.5 cm**2, 03 & 04 = 9.8 cm**2); Active Center Diff in 05, Viscous center diff in 03 & 04; and the 05 loses the HID head lights, unless you get the MR.

I didn’t think there was supposed to be any spring/shock, 5-sp tranny/clutch, power steering, muffler or brake pad formulation changes between 03 and 05’s. But it sure felt like it.

 

probably just newer and not really broken in yet. there weren't any suspension or tranny changes that i know of.

 

I can't be sure, but my car never felt like his and I bought mine with less then 3 miles on it. Especially the clutch, his engaged lower and much lighter, it almost felt like a Honda setup.

Does anyone have access to list of part numbers for comparison between the 05 and 03?

 

Did you drive an MR or GSR?

 

I'm not sure which model is the GSR. Both of the vehicles I drove are the standard EVO 8, not the RS nor the MR.

Please note, I drive my 03 EVO 8 daily and I have driven another 03 EVO 8 and it drove pretty much like mine. The 05 EVO 8 I drove today felt very different. And all three are 100% stock.

 

Teflon Coated Shifter Cables, 10.5 hotside, more boost 20.3 psi, E-ACD, Front LSD, more midrange punch.

 

However, these changes do not explain what I perceived as lighter clutch, lighter steering, softer ride and quiet brakes.

Please note the clutch and the steering felt much lighter, not even close to the effort on the two 03's I've driven.

The changes are to the point that my friend's 05 felt to me like a boosted Honda with quick steering and track tires. Where as both 03's I've driven felt brutish, with hard suspension, race car like noisy brakes, super quick steering, clutch that engages high and requiring more effort then any Japanese cars I've ever driven.

I'm just wondering if Mitsu make significant tweeks for 05 without telling us.

 

I want to know too. Other than the obvious tweaks, what else have they done?

any differences in the engine? Cams? head? water pump? all the same parts?

 

one more difference, the temperature dial actually moves without getting stuck in the middle

 

My 03 had 200 more hp than my 05 :-(

 

What happened to your tuned up 03? You sold it to get a 05?

 

Also the 05 ACD switch is where my fog light switch is. The dimmer is located much lower. near where my change tray is. I would think this indicate the 05 has a different harness for that area of the dash.

Also, I think the 05 power steering assist is speed sensitive. The 03's assist feels constant.

The difference is very significant and easy to notice.

 

got vandalized/totalled

 

I haven't driven a 05 yet but I sure wish the clutch pedal and engagement on my 03 was like my HONDA and Toyota.

 

Sorry to hear about that. How's it feel to go back to a car with less HP? I know after the driving the EVO I hardly didn't want to hop back into the SC 00 SI.