I love the X, but the 8/9 take the cake as far as proven performance. The aftermarket support on the 8/9 is incredible. The X is right behind it, but in terms of bang for the buck modifications I think the 9 would be my choice. It is getting harder and harder to find a clean one. Most of the 8's we see for sale are destroyed.

Michael

 

Here are some pictures of my V. 2005 just broke 95,000 miles. all stock except for the tinted tailights and a K&N air filter. Thanks for all of the responses, I like all of the input from everyone and i think i would difinitly have to go with an EVO IX. As for the one GTO someone had mentioned with the headers, exh and intake. he's probablly closer to 350 at the wheels. that motor is an LS2 same as 06-07 V's, theres no way he's making close to 400 with those few mods. most people with those mods + a cam, pushrods, valve springs, t-stat and a good tune get around 410-420 at the wheels.

As for the handling, I'm sure i will feel a positive difference but the V's are not like camaros or stangs, they are made for a track with IRS and better weight distribution, they are not targeted for the 1/4 mile and i got mine to pull over 1 G in each direction this summer at VIR on stock run flats.

Although I would like an unmolested IX, i think I'd rather take a slightly modded one to save some money and time with all the little things. Like in my original post i dont want one that some jackass just craked up the boost on and called it a day. Does anyone know of someone looking to trade?

 

I would go with the IX. better then the V/// and X. And besides you can do all kinds of stuff to the interior of the IX to get what the X has. IX has my vote.

 

As an owner of an 03' VIII and IX. I will go for a IX for the reasons stated above (MIVEC, ACD, etc). I do miss the sunroof though. I also like the darker seats better than the blue/black ones.

 

I think you are in for a surprise... CTS-Vs seem like boats on the track compared to a well sorted Evo. If you enjoy track days, you will fall in love with the Evo.

 

CTS-V while better track suited than your average pony car, can not be compared to a rally machine when it comes to handling. Huge sacrifices were made (to luxury) to make the evo the way it is so that it performs well on the track.

 

only notorious issue i can think of between the evos is the brembos fading, and on the 8s the paint being ****tty and chipping easily.