WRX STi vs EVO MR
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Mitsubishi Racing Edition
vs.
Subaru WRX Subaru Tecnica International Edition
A Comprehensive Report on the World's Premier Sports Sedans
by Robert Forc3dfed, Jr.
Although much has been written about these two amazing automobiles, in fact they've been pitted head to head no less than 100 times, one can hardly grasp the scope of their world-class performance without actually riding in one. Unfortunately, I haven't been afforded that opportunity, so I went to the real experts for an honest opinion... the drivers themselves.
Amazingly, the Subaru drivers prefered their rally-rocket sedans almost 5 to 1 (about 20% really wished they had an Evo instead). Even more incredibly, the Mitsubishi drivers, to a person, prefered the far superior Lancer Evolution.
With this odd result of my impromptu poll fresh in my mind, I turned to the performance numbers. What I found was shocking! The cars, in real world testing and VIRTUALLY EQUAL.
My conclusion is this: When you are talking about 2 cars that are far better than anything in their price range, and outperform exotics costing 2, 3 and even 4 times as much, it really comes down to subjective preference. Do I like the hood scoop? Are the fender flares to dramatic for my mom's liking? Do I want to go 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, or will I settle for 4.8? When choosing between these "ultra-cars", these are the questions you must ask yourself. The question you do not need to ask is "Should I spend $30,000+ on one of these cars?". The answer is a resounding YES!
Footnote: The Evo is way better.
vs.
Subaru WRX Subaru Tecnica International Edition
A Comprehensive Report on the World's Premier Sports Sedans
by Robert Forc3dfed, Jr.
Although much has been written about these two amazing automobiles, in fact they've been pitted head to head no less than 100 times, one can hardly grasp the scope of their world-class performance without actually riding in one. Unfortunately, I haven't been afforded that opportunity, so I went to the real experts for an honest opinion... the drivers themselves.
Amazingly, the Subaru drivers prefered their rally-rocket sedans almost 5 to 1 (about 20% really wished they had an Evo instead). Even more incredibly, the Mitsubishi drivers, to a person, prefered the far superior Lancer Evolution.
With this odd result of my impromptu poll fresh in my mind, I turned to the performance numbers. What I found was shocking! The cars, in real world testing and VIRTUALLY EQUAL.
My conclusion is this: When you are talking about 2 cars that are far better than anything in their price range, and outperform exotics costing 2, 3 and even 4 times as much, it really comes down to subjective preference. Do I like the hood scoop? Are the fender flares to dramatic for my mom's liking? Do I want to go 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, or will I settle for 4.8? When choosing between these "ultra-cars", these are the questions you must ask yourself. The question you do not need to ask is "Should I spend $30,000+ on one of these cars?". The answer is a resounding YES!
Footnote: The Evo is way better.
Last edited by SterlingEvo; Nov 16, 2005 at 12:13 PM.
Originally Posted by SmikeEvo
To answer your questions: I drove both the Evo and STi before I bought an Evo. In my comparo the STi felt more like a street car v. the Evo felt like a slightly watered down race car. Which is what I was looking for, and also the aftermarket for the Evo is greater than the STi, in my opinion. Once modified the Evo can do much more than the STi. Id test the 05 Evo, the 06 Evo 9 is only tad different. But power and drive will be very close to an 05. The 06 STi only is a body upgrade, no other changes from the 05.
STi - The seats in the STi where squishier and the suspension as not as harsh. I did notice the understeer in the STi on my first run out. The 6 sp felt a bit sloppy and had long throws. There is an option for a short throw and I think it was a $300 option. Boost comes on smoothly, and the engine has a great sound. I did notice that the massive hood scoop wabbled around at freeway speeds, as with the rear spoiler. The interior is very nice, good mix of materials, and a good over all feel. The back seat is small for anyone over 5'10", I found my knees in my chest when I sat back there.
Evo - More of a race car feel over all. The seats are firm, but not too bad. I have driven on several 12 hr trips, non-stop and had no problems. Suspension is firm, you will notice the bumps and breaks in the road. Handling is much tighter than the STi, and it is easy to pedal oversteer when needed, almost like a rwd car. Last winter I was able to use the ACD, seemed to make a noticeable difference on bad days. The 5 sp can be notchy, but the throws are short and you get a positive feel. The interior is slightly less than the STi, more of a minimialist statement. However with a few changes it becomes much nicer (changed my shift nob to a metal version - instantly improved the overall look). The back is much bigger, I fit just fine in the back seat. Power comes on very quickly, and with the 5 sp you really feel the car take off. On the highway I usually dont have to down shift to pass, just role on the go-fast-pedal and it moves.
As far as the AWD systems - I like the ACD on the 2005 Evos better than the STi user adjustable settings. In my opinion the AWD systems are about equal. During normal driving and usage - I could not tell which one was working faster or better, supposedly there is a few tenths advantage in the STi for everything to come together, but again, I couldnt tell.
In the end the Evo won. This was based on all above. It felt better, handled sharper, has more power (now), and looks arent too boy racer (not as show boat as the STi with the hood scoop...) And well supplier discount on the Evo, that helped push me over.
Cheers,
Mike
STi - The seats in the STi where squishier and the suspension as not as harsh. I did notice the understeer in the STi on my first run out. The 6 sp felt a bit sloppy and had long throws. There is an option for a short throw and I think it was a $300 option. Boost comes on smoothly, and the engine has a great sound. I did notice that the massive hood scoop wabbled around at freeway speeds, as with the rear spoiler. The interior is very nice, good mix of materials, and a good over all feel. The back seat is small for anyone over 5'10", I found my knees in my chest when I sat back there.
Evo - More of a race car feel over all. The seats are firm, but not too bad. I have driven on several 12 hr trips, non-stop and had no problems. Suspension is firm, you will notice the bumps and breaks in the road. Handling is much tighter than the STi, and it is easy to pedal oversteer when needed, almost like a rwd car. Last winter I was able to use the ACD, seemed to make a noticeable difference on bad days. The 5 sp can be notchy, but the throws are short and you get a positive feel. The interior is slightly less than the STi, more of a minimialist statement. However with a few changes it becomes much nicer (changed my shift nob to a metal version - instantly improved the overall look). The back is much bigger, I fit just fine in the back seat. Power comes on very quickly, and with the 5 sp you really feel the car take off. On the highway I usually dont have to down shift to pass, just role on the go-fast-pedal and it moves.
As far as the AWD systems - I like the ACD on the 2005 Evos better than the STi user adjustable settings. In my opinion the AWD systems are about equal. During normal driving and usage - I could not tell which one was working faster or better, supposedly there is a few tenths advantage in the STi for everything to come together, but again, I couldnt tell.
In the end the Evo won. This was based on all above. It felt better, handled sharper, has more power (now), and looks arent too boy racer (not as show boat as the STi with the hood scoop...) And well supplier discount on the Evo, that helped push me over.
Cheers,
Mike
If one were to buy a car and leave it completely stock for the rest of its life, I think the STI may be better because the way dealers treat your warranty. But as soon as the gloves are off, the STI will take a beating. And the beating is more servere the more money poured in for modifications.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Originally Posted by DizzyTT
1, 2. STi has better stock power, ............
I don't know about all the other factors discussed, but as for the power, I think the newer EVO puts down more power, specially if you start comparing them with the new EVO IX which has the MIVEC engine. Those cars have been putting down 275 whp stock! on a Dynojet
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18
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From: Chicago Area
Originally Posted by forc3dfed
1. Which car do you think is superior over the other.
2. Why do you think so? (either from facts or personal experience & don't say because it has more hp)
3. Who's all-wheel drive is system is unquestionably better? Why?
3. Whether for handling, power, or looks. Which car would you choose and why?
2. Why do you think so? (either from facts or personal experience & don't say because it has more hp)
3. Who's all-wheel drive is system is unquestionably better? Why?
3. Whether for handling, power, or looks. Which car would you choose and why?
1. What's your definition of superior? Which year/model? They have similar performance, similar price, equal amount of accolades. Evo was '03 car of the year, STi was '04 car of the year.
2. MR handles better, is capable of making more power and more easily. But for the 3K price difference, the STi can handle just as well as the MR.
3. STi, there was a test of the AWD systems and they found the STi's AWD system is better than Evo's (at least USDM, I will try to find the article). Also, there WERE changes in the '06. The DCCD is now 49/51 in Auto mode and the front has a mechanical limited-slip now, making turn-ins quicker than the '04-'05. Also, subjectively, Subaru is synonymous with AWD.
4. Assuming stock '06. Handling, MR. Power, STi. Looks, MR. Price, STi. When modding, it all goes out the door, but generally speaking, MR wins this category. For the '05, I think the STi ver. 8 looks better than the Evo VIII MR. In my opinion, the STi stays true to its rally heritage and brings a rally car to the streets. The MR has EVOlved into a track car for the streets. If you look at the cars worldwide though, I'd probably take the STi S203 over the MR FQ320, but the MR FQ340 over the spec C TYPE RA. If you look at all the STis and Evos though, I'll take the STi 22B please.
5. Like they said in Top Gear, they also compete to see which has the longer name. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ320 vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STi TYPE UK.
Last edited by EarlQHan; Nov 16, 2005 at 12:58 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: north jersey (15 min from nyc)
dude...this sentence better be in the conclusion of your paper "In conclusion, the evo is just plain better than the sti for all the previous stated reasons."
thats all im sayin...
thats all im sayin...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5
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Originally Posted by 05SilverEvoVIII
Did you ask this in the sti forum to, because i think getting two diff. opinions from both sides would be better. just my 2 cents.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Originally Posted by Warrtalon
I will defiantly be included?! I don't think anyone will be defiant about being included, so that's not a worry. Be sure to proofread your paper very carefully...
1&2 should be one question.
3. Neither is unquestionably better. This is not a good question, so you should remove it or think of another one.
4. Is your professor/teacher interested in biased opinion as a source, or are you supposed to provide facts?
1&2 should be one question.
3. Neither is unquestionably better. This is not a good question, so you should remove it or think of another one.
4. Is your professor/teacher interested in biased opinion as a source, or are you supposed to provide facts?
Thread Starter
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I have to throw this in. On Feb 2005 Car and Driver published, "Why Do These Similar Cars Feel So Different?" You can view this article at http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
They tested on both on wet and dry surfaces. The results were that the STi accelerated at the same speed as it did on wet surface. While the Evo MR was .4 slower on the slippery section.
If the Evo's AWD system is superior over the STi's, then wouldn't the Evo perform better in those conditions?
They tested on both on wet and dry surfaces. The results were that the STi accelerated at the same speed as it did on wet surface. While the Evo MR was .4 slower on the slippery section.
If the Evo's AWD system is superior over the STi's, then wouldn't the Evo perform better in those conditions?
Originally Posted by forc3dfed
I have to throw this in. On Feb 2005 Car and Driver published, "Why Do These Similar Cars Feel So Different?" You can view this article at http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
They tested on both on wet and dry surfaces. The results were that the STi accelerated at the same speed as it did on wet surface. While the Evo MR was .4 slower on the slippery section.
If the Evo's AWD system is superior over the STi's, then wouldn't the Evo perform better in those conditions?
They tested on both on wet and dry surfaces. The results were that the STi accelerated at the same speed as it did on wet surface. While the Evo MR was .4 slower on the slippery section.
If the Evo's AWD system is superior over the STi's, then wouldn't the Evo perform better in those conditions?
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 34
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From: Delaware
Originally Posted by SmikeEvo
To answer your questions: I drove both the Evo and STi before I bought an Evo. In my comparo the STi felt more like a street car v. the Evo felt like a slightly watered down race car. Which is what I was looking for, and also the aftermarket for the Evo is greater than the STi, in my opinion. Once modified the Evo can do much more than the STi. Id test the 05 Evo, the 06 Evo 9 is only tad different. But power and drive will be very close to an 05. The 06 STi only is a body upgrade, no other changes from the 05.
STi - The seats in the STi where squishier and the suspension as not as harsh. I did notice the understeer in the STi on my first run out. The 6 sp felt a bit sloppy and had long throws. There is an option for a short throw and I think it was a $300 option. Boost comes on smoothly, and the engine has a great sound. I did notice that the massive hood scoop wabbled around at freeway speeds, as with the rear spoiler. The interior is very nice, good mix of materials, and a good over all feel. The back seat is small for anyone over 5'10", I found my knees in my chest when I sat back there.
Evo - More of a race car feel over all. The seats are firm, but not too bad. I have driven on several 12 hr trips, non-stop and had no problems. Suspension is firm, you will notice the bumps and breaks in the road. Handling is much tighter than the STi, and it is easy to pedal oversteer when needed, almost like a rwd car. Last winter I was able to use the ACD, seemed to make a noticeable difference on bad days. The 5 sp can be notchy, but the throws are short and you get a positive feel. The interior is slightly less than the STi, more of a minimialist statement. However with a few changes it becomes much nicer (changed my shift nob to a metal version - instantly improved the overall look). The back is much bigger, I fit just fine in the back seat. Power comes on very quickly, and with the 5 sp you really feel the car take off. On the highway I usually dont have to down shift to pass, just role on the go-fast-pedal and it moves.
As far as the AWD systems - I like the ACD on the 2005 Evos better than the STi user adjustable settings. In my opinion the AWD systems are about equal. During normal driving and usage - I could not tell which one was working faster or better, supposedly there is a few tenths advantage in the STi for everything to come together, but again, I couldnt tell.
In the end the Evo won. This was based on all above. It felt better, handled sharper, has more power (now), and looks arent too boy racer (not as show boat as the STi with the hood scoop...) And well supplier discount on the Evo, that helped push me over.
Cheers,
Mike
STi - The seats in the STi where squishier and the suspension as not as harsh. I did notice the understeer in the STi on my first run out. The 6 sp felt a bit sloppy and had long throws. There is an option for a short throw and I think it was a $300 option. Boost comes on smoothly, and the engine has a great sound. I did notice that the massive hood scoop wabbled around at freeway speeds, as with the rear spoiler. The interior is very nice, good mix of materials, and a good over all feel. The back seat is small for anyone over 5'10", I found my knees in my chest when I sat back there.
Evo - More of a race car feel over all. The seats are firm, but not too bad. I have driven on several 12 hr trips, non-stop and had no problems. Suspension is firm, you will notice the bumps and breaks in the road. Handling is much tighter than the STi, and it is easy to pedal oversteer when needed, almost like a rwd car. Last winter I was able to use the ACD, seemed to make a noticeable difference on bad days. The 5 sp can be notchy, but the throws are short and you get a positive feel. The interior is slightly less than the STi, more of a minimialist statement. However with a few changes it becomes much nicer (changed my shift nob to a metal version - instantly improved the overall look). The back is much bigger, I fit just fine in the back seat. Power comes on very quickly, and with the 5 sp you really feel the car take off. On the highway I usually dont have to down shift to pass, just role on the go-fast-pedal and it moves.
As far as the AWD systems - I like the ACD on the 2005 Evos better than the STi user adjustable settings. In my opinion the AWD systems are about equal. During normal driving and usage - I could not tell which one was working faster or better, supposedly there is a few tenths advantage in the STi for everything to come together, but again, I couldnt tell.
In the end the Evo won. This was based on all above. It felt better, handled sharper, has more power (now), and looks arent too boy racer (not as show boat as the STi with the hood scoop...) And well supplier discount on the Evo, that helped push me over.
Cheers,
Mike
(Mitsu guys would not deal) The Subaru dealer seem to honor warranty better. I would pay more for the Evo X though...damn hot car
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 138
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From: Reno, NV
I own both; and performance wise they are very very close- stock-to-stock. I do have a favorite and that's only because my personal preferences in vehicle dynamics is met more in one than the other. Here's some observations: STi gets to top speed faster, has a smoother power delivery @ low rpm, steers with the throttle as much as with the steering wheel, awesome brakes, awesome interior dash, has more body and suspension squeaks, has more quirks like leaky door seals and exhaust baffle noise, has noticeable body roll, has horrible paint which chips and scratches very easily, seat bolsters are designed for fat people, HID lights are awesome, AWD system works brilliantly in snow when "Locked.", looks a little beefier than the Evo (not prettier just more muscular in the car sense), shifts are notchy but short, clutch is very soft. Wing and scoop shake at high speeds.
The Evo feels quicker but seems slower to top speed, but it's top speed is faster due to it's Governor being a little higher. It's not as smooth in low rpms and needs a decent amount of revs to not bog off the start. It's power deliver is more turbo'esq ie... definite lag then a kick in the pants. It communicates the road very well thru the wheel, it steers almost neutral but does have very slight under-steer when pushed. The brakes are great, they feel some what lethargic during normal everyday use but, if increasingly progressive when squeezing on the pedal you can really feel them bite and slow the car fast. The gear train is very loud and clunky at slow speeds, you can hear everything. It shifts fairly well if you're from the school of smooth is fast. It feels a little better built than the STi ie, doesn't have any squeaks in the body or suspension and none of the seals have ever leaked. The tail wing is rock solid and never moves. The seats, though not very attractive, hold you very well. The HIDS are pretty good but they need easier adjusters. The dash layout sucks and is very dimly lit and doesn't match the HVAC and stereo controls...could take a lesson from the STi (dash only, it doesn't match HVAC either).
My preference? The Evo.
Couple reasons...
The tunability is better, it's more of a rarity where I live than the STi, and like I said before, I prefer it's handling dynamics. Not that it's better than the STi in handling, they just behave differently. The STi pushes more on corner entry, and steers more with the throttle than the wheel mid corner, but on corner exit you can throw smoothness out the window and stomp on the gas pedal and it will amaze you how well it grips and tracks and accelerates as it actually starts to pull a tighter line. The Evo likes to be trail braked (which is more my style) and due to its engine dynamics, in some corners it really pays to left foot brake which allows for amazingly late threshold braking and amazing mid corner speed with very little throttle steer. It exits corners very neutral, going right where you point it. So it's more a matter of preference.
The Evo feels quicker but seems slower to top speed, but it's top speed is faster due to it's Governor being a little higher. It's not as smooth in low rpms and needs a decent amount of revs to not bog off the start. It's power deliver is more turbo'esq ie... definite lag then a kick in the pants. It communicates the road very well thru the wheel, it steers almost neutral but does have very slight under-steer when pushed. The brakes are great, they feel some what lethargic during normal everyday use but, if increasingly progressive when squeezing on the pedal you can really feel them bite and slow the car fast. The gear train is very loud and clunky at slow speeds, you can hear everything. It shifts fairly well if you're from the school of smooth is fast. It feels a little better built than the STi ie, doesn't have any squeaks in the body or suspension and none of the seals have ever leaked. The tail wing is rock solid and never moves. The seats, though not very attractive, hold you very well. The HIDS are pretty good but they need easier adjusters. The dash layout sucks and is very dimly lit and doesn't match the HVAC and stereo controls...could take a lesson from the STi (dash only, it doesn't match HVAC either).
My preference? The Evo.
Couple reasons...
The tunability is better, it's more of a rarity where I live than the STi, and like I said before, I prefer it's handling dynamics. Not that it's better than the STi in handling, they just behave differently. The STi pushes more on corner entry, and steers more with the throttle than the wheel mid corner, but on corner exit you can throw smoothness out the window and stomp on the gas pedal and it will amaze you how well it grips and tracks and accelerates as it actually starts to pull a tighter line. The Evo likes to be trail braked (which is more my style) and due to its engine dynamics, in some corners it really pays to left foot brake which allows for amazingly late threshold braking and amazing mid corner speed with very little throttle steer. It exits corners very neutral, going right where you point it. So it's more a matter of preference.
