both cars are great 06 sti / evo 9
it all depends on what you like better
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=34770

i personally cant stand the pig nosed new sti

 

Don't feel obligated to be loyal to a brand. That's that same BS that keeps Ford owners driving Fords and ignorant to other brands, or BMW owners driving BMWs, etc. But anyway, I would highly recommend the Evo. I've driven several WRXs, two STis, and an Evo IX. The Evo has always been the better handling car, but with the new features on the IX, it can be the quicker of the two as well, depending on the driver. But what really turns me away from the STI is the quirky facelift and ricier taillights for the 2006 model year. It's just ugly. But I will say that its gauges and dashboard layout are better than the Evo's.

 

I failed to mention that my budget is slightly constrained, and I don't want to drop a ton of cash on an evo IX. They are sweet, but I just plainly can't afford it. I'd be looking into an evo VIII with lowish miles (20-30k), probably a 2003. If i do get one, I'd probably drive the hell out of it before the warranty goes and try and see if anything is going to go. I can maintain some of the smaller stuff, but I have yet to replace a clutch and that doesnt sound like fun. So basically, it would be between an 04 STi and an 03 EVO. I don't mind giving up creature comforts at all, seeing as I am 21 and would prefer to drive on the track 100% of the time if i could. And yes it's going to be modded, and yes pretty far I hope. If I've learned anything from modding subarus its this: Turbo Back exhaust, a bigger IC, a better turbo and some injectors are the entire reason for life itself. Oh, and is it true that without EM, mods wont do anything on these too?

Apologoes for not using the search button. Thought I would have learned my lesson by now from all the subie forums.

 

^ All that stuff definitely plays a role. I'm not sure if the 03 Evos had 3 year/36k mile warranties or something else, but if they did, then keep in mind that those warranties are going to be over this year. Although this probably isn't the answer you want, if money is really a big thing (always is!), then perhaps investing in a different vehicle, especially one like the Evo or STi, might not be the best choice. Plus there are the costs of having such a vehicle (synthetic oil, Brembo replacement parts, higher insurance rates, lower fuel efficiency) that will spank you later on.

If you are set on modding, why not mod your current WRX (if you haven't already)? You could definitely spice up your car with some mods that aren't too expensive... gut your stock uppipe (free, plus most people still pass smog), Cobb Tuning Accessport (~$500), Prodrive springs (~$250)... all these things are within your reach and can make your WRX a better daily driver while still being cheaper to operate day-to-day. Plus you can add the JDM front lip and rear skirts and throw on some wheels to make it stand out. Then when the day comes, trade up for an Evo IX.

 

My current WRX is roughly stage 4 (minus the turbo that lays in my garage waiting to be put on), and I'm at the point of no return. If I hit stage 4, I have to worry about the tranny exploding, and the brakes are pretty unsatisfactory and a number of other things. I've gotten pretty power hungry and wanted something to fit the bill. I was planning on getting a set of brakes this spring, as well as a decent stage 4 tune and some suspension goodies. But in all reality, i could bring the car back to stock, sell it, buy a used STi or EVO and have the same performance, and probably even save a few grand. Or maybe I need to rethink my hobbies. Oh well.. the plot thickens.

The more I read about EVOs though, the more attractive an STi becomes. I'm not ******* the EVOs, I just don't think I want to drop the additional money for a car that isnt as fast as an STi (MR excluded). I am getting a ride (and possible test-drive) in one this weekend, and hopefully I will find out what the EVO is all about.

 

Sell the WRX and get the EVO, I did. The EVO is everything the little WRX wanted to be. If your close to stage 4, you already know that a stage 2 EVO will wip you and thats not including braking and handling. Get the EVO, you be a much happier man.

 

Dude, it's not like the 03 Evo lags behind the STi in terms of acceleration; in most comparisons, the Evo always hit 60 mph first (since the STi required a shift into third gear), and was only behind the STi by a tenth or two in the quarter-mile. And we're not even factoring in the braking and handling.

 

Your on an EVO website, so you should expect to be flamed for this comment. Who ever said the EVO wasn't as fast as the STi. 05 and 06 EVOs, it's not even an argument which is faster, and as far as 03 and 04 EVOs, I'd have a hard time believing the STi is faster, if it is, it's not by much. This is straightline of course, because I believe a 03 and 04 EVO VIII is faster around a track with turns then a 04 STi, but that's up for argument. But be wise to your wording, STi ever being faster than an EVO is up in the air, and by no means a FACT. I hope you didn't have the misfortune to ever attend one of the EVO vs. WRX/STi shootouts, if you did, you should of left there wondering what the heck happend to this claim of STi being faster. If there is ever another event, the only STi or WRX that should show up, is Big Valley Motorsports.

 

get the evo