Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. I have a few questions as I'm currently in the market for a new car. I've always been a huge fan of the Evo series and was really hoping the Evo 7 was going to hit our shores but alas did not. Now we have the 8! I'm not too crazy over the front end but it's liveable.

I heard a rumor that the US version won't have the TCS controls that the Evo 7 did. Like being able to switch from Tarmac/ Gravel/ Snow. That would kind of suck if it's true. I know they got rid of the AYC and ACD. I don't think I'm skilled enough to push it as hard as the pro's so that probably isn't as critical.

On a side note I've been banging around in my head on either a 350Z or the Evo 8. Right now I'm leaning heavily towards the 8.
Thanks for any info.

 

AYC & ACD are the TCS. So you've already answered your own question. ACD is what controls the Tarmac/ Gravel/ Snow modes.

 

Even without the AYC and ACD, the Evo should handle extremely well. We'll still get a mechanical rear LSD, 235mm tires, and supposedly the same suspension settings as the Japanese Evo.

It's also going to be a much more aggressive vehicle then the 350Z. The 350Z would be the better choice if you like the style and want the extra creature comforts and softer ride for everyday use... still a great sports car (more of a true sports car since it's a 2 seater and RWD, and Front Mid-ship engine). The Evo should be a great street/track car with a proven engine/drivetrain/suspension setup, but doesn't have the luxury interior, etc.

Mark

 

Actually not true. The 350z with the track package option is very track worthy. It was marginally quicker than an E46 M3 (around Willow)! The article is in this months R&T, you know the one with the Silver EVO VIII on the cover!

I think you have to decide between 4 door/4WD (not a big deal in Carlsbad unless you like the dirt ) and the 2door/RWD (a little easier to drift and slide around, on the track of course ) The EVO of course, is a more versatile daily driver (4DR)

I predict very similer, very quick, lap times from them both

The EVO is ahead right now when it comes to modifying but a twin-turbo conversion for the z is probably minutes away!!

A track 350z does cost a few grand more though (assuming MSRP on both!)

Add it all up and the EVO wins but the Z is a worthy compeditor

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Man I've never had such a hard time making a decision before. I do love the creature comforts that the Z has and it's overall look. But I can't get over how cool the Evo's performance is and the fact that I've never owned an AWD sports car before. Damn why can't the decision be easier.

 

What about the new RX-8 and GTI R32 coming?
I may hold out for a R32...I just love those hatchies...

 

ACK I'll never buy another VW as long as I live.
There is the new STi though which is supposed to boast 300hp. They have slightly nicer interior. I don't know why Mitsu couldn't up the interior design a bit. It looks so 80's.

 

yea new STi is a 2.5l engine that has 300 hp 300 torque. That topic has been discussed a lot, just run a search.
The rx8 should also be a pretty nice car too. Man this year is coming out with all sorts of cars

 

In the march Issue of R&T they list the time arround the streets of willow for those cars on page 73.

WRX 1:39.8
Stock VII 1:36.6 (they say VII either an error or they had a VII for comparison)
350Z 1:37.4
s2000 1:38.2
HKS EVo VII 1:25.6

 

Judging by those times the Evo rocked! But it only managed to edge out the 350Z which is my other choice. *sigh* I've always wanted an Evo since the V series. It sucks that it's finally here and I'm actually debating on what to get. The Z is really nice. Got to drive one and I ride in one all the time.(friends) It's nice looking in and out and performs very well. But there's the mystique about the Evo that's just so alluring. I don't know what it is. Something really draws me to it that I can't explain. Maybe it's the sheer performance of the car. The potential. Offroad capability. I don't know. If I didn't know any better and I looked at the 2 side by side I'd pick the Z hands down. But I know too much.

Side note. I've heard from multiple people now that Mitsu's aren't very reliable and have problems. Strange I've never heard this before from others. Any insight to this? My Toyota lasted forever. My Mirage lasted forever so my experience was always good.

 

I agree with you on this. When I first saw the interior of the Evo VII, the first thing I thought of was, mini van. But it's grown on me now.

 

Wow, for an econo-box, I think the Lancers interior is unbeatable. Remember folks, Mitsu has (well had now) the Evo out for one reason, to make enough cars to make it elligable for WRC competition. They were not trying to make the end all car for speed and style. They made a rocket ship out of an econo box. To save money, much of the parts on past and current Evos went unchanged from the lesser tuned versions, such as interior pieces like the dash.

Heres my thought, and Im sure some of you older members will agree. If your worried about the look of the dash or interior, the Evo is not for you......

 

I disagree. What's wrong with wanting it all? The WRX is $25K , fast, and has a nicer interior. The 350Z is fast and has a nicer interior. I would have rather paid a little extra like $33K-$35K and got an overall blistering fast yet feel good inside car. There's no reason it couldn't have been designed better even with ****ty materials. I think they just dropped the ball.

 

anyone heard about that ford escort that crashed? damn.....that's one rare machine

 

um, why is my post here? i intended it to be in the Evo in HKG thread