If these are the only two cars you are considering, then my opinion goes with the STi. Honestly, not because I'm a Subaru fan (I'm trying to keep this objective, for your sake) but because of the slower steering and slightly softer ride. I'll agree to a degree with Blue Evo, and say you go in a different direction with possibly a BMW328 or similar sport luxury if you want better build quality/amenities.

Seriously consider these options, because, well, $30,000 is a lot of money. Feel free to disagree with me or disregard anything I saw if you so choose, it's just my opinion.

 

Blue Evo 8 and Evilution:

Thanks for the responses, but I'm not interested in the G35. I've driven it, its nice, its a slug. I don't want to turn this into a G35/EVO/STI debate. Been there, done that.

I am not the only person in the country who buys a sports car without intending to race it. IMHO, the only cars in the price ball-park which can touch the fun factor of either of these cars are the ZO6 and the M3, and its the only one that can seat four (important to the wife) and has AWD (important in the snow).

Any responses to the above questions would be appreciated. I am looking for EVO enthusiasts' opinions about the car which directly competes with the EVO.

Thanks.

 

You're asking an Evo board to sell you on the STi. I don't think people's opinion will be unbiased. They will undoubtedly steer you towards the Evo.

My .02.

 

of course a Suby board is going to point out the EVO's flaws... or whatever they think are flaws... i think people are just running away with this whole tranny thing...

you really seem to already have your mind made up though... i'm not going to try and talk you into either one... you drive both and decide...

i personally think the STi is "ugly" when compared to the EVO... not that it is an ugly car, it's just not as nice as the EVO, this is just my opinion...

 

Understood. Given my situation as discussed above, I am looking for the arguments as to why the EVO is the better choice. If all I hear is "its .00001 faster in the 800ft slalom," "don't get either if you don't want to spend your friday nights racing," "it kicks more a** than the STI," etc., etc., then I'll be pretty sure I made the right choice with the STI (or, probably more accurately and given how close these cars are, that I didn't make the WRONG choice).

My point is that I have been waiting for over a year for the STI, its almost here, I am giddy, I am about to drop the cash on it, and I'd like to give anybody the opportunity to talk me out of it.

Capiche?

 

Actually, I think you should go with whichever car is Cheapest!
That's because both cars are so close in performance and any other comparison. So, the best deal would be the cost and buy whichever is cheapest.

This is valid only if you like both cars equally. Otherwise, get the car which you prefer most.

 

Test drive an STi, then go with what your gut tells you to. If you can't get a dealer to let you test drive one, find someone in your area with an STi (they are showing up at dealers right now) and see if you can take it for a spin. Go back and drive the Evo if you can.

I'd say it is too early to say either car will have "reliability" problems. And if problems do emerge, I'd hope that both Mitsu and Subaru will handle issues with their "halo" models better than ever.

Don't see how you can go wrong here, really!

TRS

 

Have fun!! We sure are!!

 

Welcome to the club. You won't regret it

 

What bothers me about the EVO is it only makes 276hp with 19psi of boost?
My 02 WRX with only 18 psi boost runs 12.7@108mph in the 1/4 mile.

The STi runs just 14.5 psi boost. That is a low boost level for the STi's low compression ratio. If the past proves true, Subaru will leave plenty of room for increasing the boost. The VF39 Turbo on the STi will easily pump out 18+ psi boost. I can only imagine how much hp an STi setup to run 18 psi boost will be making. 350-400hp?


You can't go wrong with either car. The EVO is a great platform for mods. It does everything very well. But for my tastes which is driving back and forth to work every day an STi fits the bill. It will make a great daily driver and weekend drag racer. Thats just me. You need to make your own decision based on your needs. If I was into circuit racing (very risky with a daily driver), I would probably get an EVO. But my car is going to be for the real world, driving back and forth to work.

By the way I expect my 04 STi within the next 2 weeks. Just think how lucky you are to be having such a difficult choice. A choice that will make you happy no matter what you decide.

 

I find it funny how everybody says the EVO's interior is ugly and the STI's is great. Personally, I think the blue carpet in the STI is butt ugly! The EVO has better seats, more room in the back(your wife will like that), and a stereo. If you're going to use it for a daily driver, then a stereo is a must, and that'll cost at least a grand for a decent one. The EVO's interior isn't bad. The EVO looks better, handles better, and performs on par with the STI with less displacment, horsepower, and torque. Don't get wrapped up with the psi numbers. They have 2 totally different turbos. The tranny problem is blown way out of proportion. Just wait a few months and the STI will be having just as many problems, if not more, than the EVO. The 4G63 is proven, and bulletproof. I think I've said enough, so peace!

 

O.K. I lied. One more thing. Of course the Subie boards are going to be harping on the "problems" the EVO is having. The EVO is their rival and they want to bash it as much as possible. They're still stinging from all the magazine reviews saying the EVO is the better overall car. But, I suggest you drive both cars and get the one you like the most. I prefer the EVO, and can't be happier with my car. Good luck with whichever you decide. My $.02

 

I'm not sure I know what you want.

How about this?

Are you buying a car for the best driving thrill? If not then buy the STI. If the STI and EVO were that close relative to how they handle, the STI should have won a few of the overall titles in mag reviews. To my knowledge the EVO has been given the overall nod in every comparo to date. What 8 for 8? The STI is first loser every single time. The EVO has better steering, brakes, suspension, seats, steering wheel, balance, overall handling and stereo The EVO is more fun and easier to push to its limit; it is the real deal driver’s car. If your buying a street legal race car based upon reliability and warranty then consider a minivan. Do a search on Shiv’s early review on nasioc concerning why he prefers the EVO. His review was excellent and one of his points was that the EVO better suited his current driving mood and you are the only one that can answer that question.


Or this? (emotional)

The STI is perfect for two adults and very small people in the back seat with a pleasant ride and steering. The blue STI is for commuters and Papa Smurf and financial advisors and accountants. EVO owners are way cooler than STI owners and definitely have more fun. If you own a pocket protector and/or straps for your glasses...... buy an STI. When is the last time a thread was started in nasioc.com that commented on women flashing their breast at Subarus? And finally male EVO owners have bigger hands and female owners are hotter!!

I'm kidding of course, I don't feel we can think for you and you need to drive both then go with your gut. Have fun!!

Speeldimit....

 

First of, there is no wrong decision between the EVO and STI. Secondly, you have clearly made up your mind about the STI yet you say you want to give people the opportunity to talk you out of it? WHY? This battle between the EVO and STI isn't going to end anytime soon so the only advice that can be given to you is go with your gut feeling. Test drive both if possible on the conditions that suits your everyday driving. There is no better way than that.

 

It is easy. Buy an STI this time and an EVO next time.

Speedlimit...