Within the next month, im expecting to purchase an evo IX MR, of course im torn between the Sti and the evo but i keep looking back to the evo, so i have a bias towards the evo as of right now. The only thing that is keeping me back is hearing about clutch issues etc, and hearing about how powerful the sti is. I drove both and personally got more fun out of the evo. I just had a few questoins

1, how does the evo handle as a daily driver, in traffic, freeway etc.
2. clutch longevity?
3. ive heard about the evo responding well to an exhaust and tune, but what about suspension mods, i.e. tein coilovers, braces, and struts.
4. Interior comfort?, i realize its a racey car, but i really hate the seats in the sti compared to the evo's

Thanks a lot, i tried doing a search but got too much irrelevant info, i appreciate it, dan

 

If you test drove both you should know the answer to 2 of the above already. As far as clutch longevity, if it's it's treated right it WILL last PERIOD. The Evo does respond very well to mods, especially the IX. Suspension mods aren't necessarily needed since the evo comes out the box with a pretty amazing suspension setup, but it's nice to improve on something already great. From what I've read (have no experience, never been in one w/suspension mods), the evo takes well to suspension mods also, and people get great results.

 

The clutch can hold up just fine it just depends on how good of a driver you are. The car is fine as a daily driver and I think unless your an avid track ***** the stock suspension should do fine.

 

get the evo. There making crazy power with little mods.

 

I put 29,000 miles on my '04 RS clutch, which was worn, but not slipping, when I replaced it with an ACT clutch. That may not sound like much, but I tracked the car 45 times, and about 7,000 to 8,000 of those miles are HPDE on the road courses of Calif. and Nev. Frankly, I think the stock clutch held up very well under the stress of nearly one track day every week of its first year.

The thing the EVO can't take is high-rev launces -- what a drag racer does.

 

Could you elaborate on this? Where are you hearing about how powerful the STI is? I haven't heard of them putting down 270whp like the Evo IX. Are the 06 STIs a lot more powerful than the 05s? The previous STi was even with the 05 Evo, but nowhere near the 06 Evo last I checked...

 

These post's are kinda pointless because it is on an Evo forum...everyone is most likely going to side with giving their opinion on buying the Evo IX, however out of all honesty you should know what you want. Which car's looks do you like better? Which car felt better? You said yourself you like the Evo's seats better...just go with what you want!

 

Agreed.

 

I dunno about that. When I was trying to decide between the EVO and the STi, I went on the boards for both cars and I think I got pretty good and fair advice.

One thing's for sure. More STi's have been traded in for EVO's than the other way around.

 

this is off edmunds.com

for the '06 evo:
MSRP: $28,679 - $35,189
City Mileage: No Data Hwy Mileage: No Data

Pros: One of the best handling sedans available at any price, razor-sharp steering, ample turbocharged power, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, stripped-down RS model offers serious bang for the buck.
Cons: Spartan interior, unforgiving highway ride, not much in the way of upscale amenities, no side airbags.
What Edmunds.com says: The Evo has established itself as one of the most thrilling sedans on the market this side of a BMW M5. If you're willing to sacrifice a little ride quality and interior ambience for all-out performance, this car is hard to beat

for the '06 sti:
MSRP: $32,995
City Mileage: No Data Hwy Mileage: No Data

Pros: Stunning acceleration, quick steering, slightly more forgiving ride than that of Mitsubishi Evolution, high-quality cabin trim.
Cons: Handling not quite as sharp as Evolution's, shifter feel not quite as precise as Evo's.
What Edmunds.com says: With its powerful engine, driver-controlled all-wheel-drive system and track-ready suspension, the WRX STi represents the ultimate in affordable all-wheel-drive performance.

I kinda like the evo9's interior though, it's just what you need in a daily driver nothing more.

 

+1

 

Here is my answers and thoughts to your questions:
1. The evo handles very well for normal everyday driving, freeways are too short when you have an evo, and traffic is traffic no matter what you drive besides everyone else checking out your ride.
2. Depends on the way you drive it...take care of it and it will take care of you
3.the evo responds well to mods period!
4. There are two options for seats...leather or non leather...take your pick

conclusion: Your money, your pick, your ride. I"ll Get the EVO anyday.
my two cents
any evom members want to add to this..feel free

 

the sti is putting down 300hp with 300 lbs of torque.

 

I was torn between the two as well and chose the Evo9 and have no regrets. Very fun car.

 

At the crank, not at the wheels.