Hey guys, I've been browsing this site, the NASIOC site, and the WRX sites for some time now, and I must say AWD+turbo = magic. Not only in performance but practical use as well...
As of next Nov. the lease on my 01' Celica expires, and I'm free to purchase a new ride!!! This time around I'm going to do it right...
I'm aiming for around 8 - 10k down, and a payment in the 300 - 375$ range. I'm going to PURCHASE, not lease ever again, and this time I'm going to be patient enough to at least wait for the color I really want, lol.

So it is down to 2.... The Subaru STi or the Mitsu Evo8
I'm going to be beating things up pretty good through this year, and hopefully come out with the perfect purchase. Whichever car I purchase is going to be black I know this for sure. I love the 6 speed in my Celi (albeit there's really nothing there to support its functionality) but it does capture the edge of the peaky engine allowing some decent times for a NA 1.8 litre. But the thing has NO trq at all... and although the VVTL-i hits like a brick it comes way to late for my tastes... But it was one of the 1st entries into this new sport car era that has emerged (thank god!), so I bought with too much haste, and came out with a fast looking, false impressioned (?), mediocre ride... I will admit that it looks amazing, but there's not much there to back it up under the hood and when you're carving paths in the twisties, it understeers horribly under load (due to the sudden burst of power on the top end).

OK, enough about my stupid @$$ being too immature to wait for a good purchase deal.

bottom line - I have 11 months to decide what I want, and I don't think anything will steal the spotlight from the STi or Evo, so this is my enigma. I like what the Celica was aiming for, but it falls short on all counts.

I'm such a newb

 

Either the STI or the EVO is a good choice. I have driven both and you won't be disappointed. stock for stock, for a daily driver I think the EVO is a nicer choice, it has a radio and some sound deadening material. Mod for Mod I still like the EVO and thats why I bought it! Good luck with whatever choice you make.

 

^ pointless post (what was I smoking?) I'm sure that didn't help much. The STI seems to have no lag and the evo has a slight bit of lag to it. The STI is about brute force and the EVO is smooth and talks back to you if you ask.

 

s4, rs6....the new AWD x5....evo or sti will be nice

 

All those things play a factor. As I'm used to the Celica, which SUCKS in a trafficy stop and go situation, I don't think either car could be worse... As I won't have to get to 3k rpm just to go from 0 - 10 mph.
Biggest turn on's of the 2 -
4 doors
AWD stability
quick out of the box

differences that make me confused,lol -
pro on STi - I love the 6 speed trans layout
con on STi - radio is extra?
pro on Evo - cheaper (duh!)
con on Evo - "normal" interior (not to say its bad, just nothing special is all)
pro on Evo - Quicker steering, and better 'feel' of control
pro on STi - buncha cool toys (power adjustable headlight, DCCD)
pro on Sti - no lag
pro on Evo - better aftermarket, AYC
All these things are like... man what do I do? lol
What really makes me want one is that its already a beast in stock form, and its ALL under warrenty, whereas if I want my Celi to rocket around in the 13's (which isn't easliy achievable mind you) I'd blow the warrenty right out the door... And where do they get off charging 25k for a GT-s these days???
If only they we're combined.... hmmm *starts dreaming*

 

Con on STi - Heat and not very efficient stock intercooler. Obviously both cars can use improvement, but the front mount is a better design and rerouting on the STi (I've heard and read) can be a *****. If you stay top mount well...that's your business.

Both great cars though.

 

Thats true too... See what I have to decide? Its a ***** of a decision, thats for sure.
Both cars make me
And they both look twice as good in person than in pics for some reason... Seeing IS believing!!!

I bet it comes down to which dealership is closer, lol.

 

Question is: Are you a die hard enthusiast? do you love to drive? If so, plain and simple answer is...EVO. Check the car of the year article in this current issue of automobile. They sum up the appeal of the car far more eloquently than I am able. cheers, and good luck.

Percy

 

I consider myself an enthusiast of sorts... Thing is both cars have great followings. Both dominate the rally circuit. Both dominate the AWD market in perfomance/price. Both have outstanding platforms (albeit the STi's is new, but I trust their history of automaking).

Seriously it really comes down to personal taste. they say the youger crowd is more Evo friendly than the STi, which is attracting a bit older of a demographic.. Now, I am 22 years old, and with everything laid out, they both greatly appeal to me. Granted I have not test driven one yet,a nd maybe that will sway my decision. Oh, there's another con - WHO the H#LL is gonna give a 22 yr old a test drive in these cars? lol

 

I have a friend that has an STI and both him and I agree the things that matter on the interior of the car are better on the evo. Everything you touch to drive the car in the evo is quality although the STI may look more cool. Oh, the evo gauges do suck.
BTW the EVO has adjustable HID lights as well.

 

I had no problem getting to test drive an STI, but was turned down without a deposit to test drive an evo. Then I found a dealer with a used evo for sale that let it go for test drives.

 

you really can't go wrong with either car. Both are quick and will mod pretty easily. I prefer the looks of the Evo, but that's just me.

I am sure you have read a hundred posts of power (STi) vs. precision (Evo) - but in reality both cars are pretty flawless performers.

The biggest edge for the evo? back seat that can fit 2 adults.... 4 adults simpily can't ride in a WRX/STi with much comfort (at least in the midwest where everyone seems to be 6'+ & 200 lbs+

 

If you dont really care for understeer you might wanna look into an EVO . I've heard the STi understeers quite a bit at times, hence the EVOs faster track times, when not getting as high top speeds as STi [ Car and Driver, tested both on a dirt track, STi got to a higher top speed, but the EVO cornered better, and resulted in the EVO hahving a faster time]

 

The Evo has electric adjustable HID's? I didn't know that -
more goodies!!! lol

See, I'd have to get in the cars and drive them, and bang on the interior a little and just make sure the pillars and dash and everything feels solid...

I'll probably get a better idea then.

 

What was the clencher for you guys? I'm sure you at least glanced at the STi when you thought about the Evo.
Plus, I though the backseat area looked virtually identical between the 2 cars?