Used EVO or STi for rally/snow/DD?

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Jan 19, 2006 | 07:46 AM

#16

chronohunter

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From: Boulder, Co.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaWorstPlaya

If its off-road and you are choosing between the 03/04 EVOs and the 04 STi. The STi is the better choice for rallying out of the box because:
1. Front LSD (suretrac)
2. More compliant suspension with longer travel (more ground clearance)
3. DCCD (active center diff) is better suited for loose surface with low traction
4. ABS because the 04 EVO RS model has the front LSD but no ABS

Now if you are going to mod with suspension components, eg: coilovers and front LSD installed on the EVO, the EVO is the better choice. If you decide to throw the 05 EVOs in as an option then the EVO wins hands down. The O5 EVOs come with the ACD (active center diff) and front LSD.

on paper I would agree with you, the 03/04 EVO looks like the underdog...but, I have driven 03s-9MRs and I would have to say I like the Balance of the early non-ACD cars in the snow. There is something very simple/linear about a pure mechanical system that make the car more predictable and therefore ultimately faster/funner. An stock 03 with ws-50 Blizzaks is amazing

The only thing I would do is take the camber out of the back, I would run -.75 in the front and -.5 in the rear with a little toe-in in the rear and a little toe-out in the front. The stock suspension works great in the snow and I have had no bottoming issues even at high speeds on frozen fields (check out the pics in my gallery

) and remember WS-50s only (and keep them fresh, try not to EVER corner hard on dry or even wet pavement)!

Jan 19, 2006 | 09:47 AM

#17

modvp

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From: Maryland

chronohunter, how would you compare the 03/04 (without the front LSD/ACD) to the LSD/ACD equipped cars on a tight track vs. a higher speed track. Sorry for asking such a broad question.

Thanks.

Jan 20, 2006 | 03:33 PM

#18

Duende

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From: Salem, OR

Great posts, thanks so much.

Very, very appreciative of that info, chronohunter.

Jan 20, 2006 | 03:54 PM

#19

slo4g63

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From: hmmmm

Owning an 04' STI before I would have to say if you plan on not doing many mods, go with the STI. That extra torque is nice to have down low. The rumble along with power it'll make with a couple of simple mods is addictive. Some like the STI interior better, personally after a month or so, you realize it's all cheap but the EVO seats are hands down......much better to say the least. To me, the STI seats are "faux" racing seats. Let us know what your decision is.....