View Poll Results: Choose which ones will influence your decision
Wow, 300hp, 300 ft-lbs from 2.5L Subaru boxer engine
152
22.25%
Proven tuning potential of the Mitsubishi 4G63
355
51.98%
Subaru\'s strong 6-speed manual tranny
138
20.20%
Mitsubishi\'s dependable 5-speed tranny
109
15.96%
DCCD on the STi... wish Evo had ACD
132
19.33%
Stock FMIC on the Evo
164
24.01%
Exterior looks
305
44.66%
Interior quality
148
21.67%
Gross Vehicle Weight
79
11.57%
I want to test drive both before deciding
165
24.16%
Price
261
38.21%
Body Shell Rigidity
133
19.47%
Brakes
163
23.87%
0 - 60 mph and 1/4 mile times
201
29.43%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 683. You may not vote on this poll
Evo vs. STI | Anything and Everything [ALL THREADS MERGED]
Originally posted by broeli
Yep, it's personal preference really. I liked the looks of the Evo better, the rear seat room, the Recaros, the proven and easily modded 4g63, the quicker steering and the more rigid feeling chassis.
Someone else may like the looks of the Sti better, the bigger softer seats, the slightly less rigid feel from suspension and chassis.
Some other things that each lack but can easily be added are radio/cd player and floormats in the Sti and cruise in the Evo.
Both are nice cars and performance wise it will be a drivers race.
The clutch isn't an issue with a majority of the Evo's. You just hear about problems more on these boards that makes them seem widespread. I know 7 evo owners in my area and only one is replacing his clutch...but he also drag races and autox's about every weekend and it has SAFC, turboback exhaust, mbc, intake, etc. He is replacing his at about 7000 miles. The tranny is nice and strong also.
Don't worry about what you hear about track spys and warranty work. Every area has good and bad dealers and it goes both ways...Subaru and Mitsubishi.
Just get what you like the most
Yep, it's personal preference really. I liked the looks of the Evo better, the rear seat room, the Recaros, the proven and easily modded 4g63, the quicker steering and the more rigid feeling chassis.
Someone else may like the looks of the Sti better, the bigger softer seats, the slightly less rigid feel from suspension and chassis.
Some other things that each lack but can easily be added are radio/cd player and floormats in the Sti and cruise in the Evo.
Both are nice cars and performance wise it will be a drivers race.
The clutch isn't an issue with a majority of the Evo's. You just hear about problems more on these boards that makes them seem widespread. I know 7 evo owners in my area and only one is replacing his clutch...but he also drag races and autox's about every weekend and it has SAFC, turboback exhaust, mbc, intake, etc. He is replacing his at about 7000 miles. The tranny is nice and strong also.
Don't worry about what you hear about track spys and warranty work. Every area has good and bad dealers and it goes both ways...Subaru and Mitsubishi.
Just get what you like the most
Nicely said. I totaly agree with you
I was in the same boat. I had a hard time choosing what i wanted. I chose the EVO because it was more of a drivers car, imo looks better, and more fun to drive imo.
Originally posted by Anubis
FYI - To all that own, considering, or desire an Evo or STi. Subaru dealers and warrenty work is not any different than Mitsubishi. Consider this: When the WRX came out, dealers would sell you the Japan spec WRX suspension, short throw shifter, muffler ect. They would not install any of this stuff on your car when you bought it from them and it would void your warrenty when getting this stuff installed. I have owned 4 Subaru and still own a '98 Impreza Outback. Don't expect better service by a Subaru dealer and don't base your decision only warrenty issues alone, because you'll probably be disappointed (with either company). They are both great cars and BOTH cars have terrible dealerships and service, especially coming from someone who traided in an Audi TT for an Evo. If you want better service buy a BMW, Audi ect. Comparing the STi and the Evo in a nutshell: the STi has a better drivetrain and impressive HP, as well a little better for daily driving; the Evo is much more responsive in regards to handling, braking and driver control. Looks are all up to the beholder. Everything else such as seats, interior looks, options ect you can make up your own mind without driving the car to what is important to you. I love both cars and would own either one. I owned an Impreza RS and WRX before my TT, my brother owns a silver STi which is the color I wanted so I decided to buy the
Evo, not because it is better than the STi or vise versa. The Evo had what I wanted: great handling, great brakes, I like the looks, I wanted a sunroof (and no matter what anyone says here none of us are good enough or consistant enough to feel the 30 lb increase it weight around the track; if we were that good we wouldn't have the day job we have now), I would have taken cruise control if it was an option but since it wasn't I'll live without. Either way it all comes down to what you are looking for, because both are so equal you won't be any faster in one car or the other because of the car, it'll come down to what one you feels most comfortable in. If this helps too, I am very happy with my Evo. It is not my daily driver, neither was my RS, WRX, or TT, but for the weekends and the recreational stuff I do with it I have a blast!!! This is exactly why I bought it. 
FYI - To all that own, considering, or desire an Evo or STi. Subaru dealers and warrenty work is not any different than Mitsubishi. Consider this: When the WRX came out, dealers would sell you the Japan spec WRX suspension, short throw shifter, muffler ect. They would not install any of this stuff on your car when you bought it from them and it would void your warrenty when getting this stuff installed. I have owned 4 Subaru and still own a '98 Impreza Outback. Don't expect better service by a Subaru dealer and don't base your decision only warrenty issues alone, because you'll probably be disappointed (with either company). They are both great cars and BOTH cars have terrible dealerships and service, especially coming from someone who traided in an Audi TT for an Evo. If you want better service buy a BMW, Audi ect. Comparing the STi and the Evo in a nutshell: the STi has a better drivetrain and impressive HP, as well a little better for daily driving; the Evo is much more responsive in regards to handling, braking and driver control. Looks are all up to the beholder. Everything else such as seats, interior looks, options ect you can make up your own mind without driving the car to what is important to you. I love both cars and would own either one. I owned an Impreza RS and WRX before my TT, my brother owns a silver STi which is the color I wanted so I decided to buy the
Evo, not because it is better than the STi or vise versa. The Evo had what I wanted: great handling, great brakes, I like the looks, I wanted a sunroof (and no matter what anyone says here none of us are good enough or consistant enough to feel the 30 lb increase it weight around the track; if we were that good we wouldn't have the day job we have now), I would have taken cruise control if it was an option but since it wasn't I'll live without. Either way it all comes down to what you are looking for, because both are so equal you won't be any faster in one car or the other because of the car, it'll come down to what one you feels most comfortable in. If this helps too, I am very happy with my Evo. It is not my daily driver, neither was my RS, WRX, or TT, but for the weekends and the recreational stuff I do with it I have a blast!!! This is exactly why I bought it.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Originally posted by BeenWaitin4Evo
One other thing to throw in the mix...
Subaru has frameless windows (I think on all of their cars). Having this in one of my previous cars, I can tell you this is a nightmare.
Evo has framed doors, much more rigid, much less susceptable to window leaks, power windows dropping off tracks, and window noises. Framed doors also give you a place high up to swing the door closed with.
One other thing to throw in the mix...
Subaru has frameless windows (I think on all of their cars). Having this in one of my previous cars, I can tell you this is a nightmare.
Evo has framed doors, much more rigid, much less susceptable to window leaks, power windows dropping off tracks, and window noises. Framed doors also give you a place high up to swing the door closed with.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
wait, let me get this, u guys would pick a car over another just beaause one has framed windows, and the other dosen't, i mean come on. Ok, i agree about the simple lay out of the evo, and i just love the recaro seats, but for 30k, the material seems kinda cheap, and as for the understeer of the sti, am i really gonna see any of that, from day to day driving, i mean i'm not gonna drive it like i stole it, everyday. Anyway, i'm still undecided but thanks for all the help, keep it coming.
also about the frameless windows, i don't think that is a problem because it's used in the wrc rally car by subaru and i don't think they have any leaks, so it's not a concern to me
also about the frameless windows, i don't think that is a problem because it's used in the wrc rally car by subaru and i don't think they have any leaks, so it's not a concern to me
Originally posted by DrMerl
I concur - Even BMW with their little up/down window seal trick cant get a good seal like the Evo. I'll take a framed door any day over a non, just out of pure exp. The Suby, while nice, still doesnt have the command oriented seating position. The interior is not that nice IMO. BMW's have nice interiors (even over Merc IMO). I've been very, very impressed with the way the Evo is put together. The interior is early Porsche...simple and effective. The car is meant to be driven...more so than the STi I think.
I concur - Even BMW with their little up/down window seal trick cant get a good seal like the Evo. I'll take a framed door any day over a non, just out of pure exp. The Suby, while nice, still doesnt have the command oriented seating position. The interior is not that nice IMO. BMW's have nice interiors (even over Merc IMO). I've been very, very impressed with the way the Evo is put together. The interior is early Porsche...simple and effective. The car is meant to be driven...more so than the STi I think.
The Suby has us dead and buried there, IMO. Not that I care for a plush interior, but the Evo certainly does not have one. 
Kind of funny. I've read about Sti owners complaining of their interior saying that the Evo's seats, carpet, and steering wheel were nicer. They mentioned that the blue material in the Sti seemed cheap and that the steering wheel felt/looked cheaper with it's faux aluminum plastic cover. All opinion 
I think everyone will agree that the Sti's gauges are nicer without a doubt.
I think everyone will agree that the Sti's gauges are nicer without a doubt.
Yeah, I think the STi suspension is too soft. The Evo has us on that one IMO. Additionally, the Evo has 8" wide rims vs. our 7.5". I will likely put 255s for running AS but I would imagine that the Evo could do more
The Evo definitely has the STi on that one. The material is sure nice on the STi but the outer portion reminds me of cheapish neoprene 'Wet Okole' seat covers. I do like the extra peace of mind of having a side impact air bag though. The USDM STi seats are way too wide though (i'm 5'9" 170 w/32" waist). My ITR has a JDM Recaro in it and it is just perfect for track days. The rest of the blue material in the door panels and back seat are cheaper material and remind me of felt. It doesn't matter to me though.
Like I said before, the steering wheel is nice and small and the metal spokes on it are really metal unlike the STi's faux aluminum cover (although I wouldn't want to hit it if it were real).
My two biggest gripes about the STi interior is that it is a little tacky and high maintance. I can dela with and fix the tacky part (making all interior lights red and removing the pink from the steering wheel.) It's the high maintance part that kills me. I'm so scared of stains on the seats and carpet. I hate to even open the door in the rain. The blue cloth on the reat seats and door panels look really cheap. They are going to look bad quick. I will possibly be looking at a carpet swap soon. I eat in my car. All it will take is one drop of mustard. On the Evo seats, you simply need to wipe it off
where did you find those?
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: New York / Singapore
I know it's dumb but what made me decide on the evo was the "door slam test".
Slam the door on the evo - sounds and feels like a 330i
Slam the door on the STi - sounds and feels like a civic coupe
That did it for me, I knew that evo would be the car for me.
Slam the door on the evo - sounds and feels like a 330i
Slam the door on the STi - sounds and feels like a civic coupe
That did it for me, I knew that evo would be the car for me.
Originally posted by Noize
Except that the STi is only a breath behind the Evo. And especially the fact that an STi would smoke the crap out of a Cobra around that same racetrack. Some Evo guys on this board don't give the STi its just due.
I'm sure we all know that the Cobra is the straight line king of the three cars.
Except that the STi is only a breath behind the Evo. And especially the fact that an STi would smoke the crap out of a Cobra around that same racetrack. Some Evo guys on this board don't give the STi its just due. I'm sure we all know that the Cobra is the straight line king of the three cars.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: boonies
Originally posted by Fireball
Did we also forget about all the detonation problems, and the crappy seats? All of you think that the Evo has it's problems... you should read the lynching going on in the STi forums.
Did we also forget about all the detonation problems, and the crappy seats? All of you think that the Evo has it's problems... you should read the lynching going on in the STi forums.
Originally posted by SGOSWRX
You must be a better driver because an STi is definately faster in a straight line, especially at speeds over 80mph. I've talked to several guys that have raced stock EVO's vs stock STi's and everyone of them said that around 4th gear ( 75mph or so in an STi) the STi started walking away. At speeds over 100mph, the STi pulled away even harder.
It is also becoming common knowledge that the EVO is easier to drive for most people and is faster in the twisties. So if your racing around a track an EVO should have the edge, but in a straight line an STi will win everytime drivers being equal.
You must be a better driver because an STi is definately faster in a straight line, especially at speeds over 80mph. I've talked to several guys that have raced stock EVO's vs stock STi's and everyone of them said that around 4th gear ( 75mph or so in an STi) the STi started walking away. At speeds over 100mph, the STi pulled away even harder.
It is also becoming common knowledge that the EVO is easier to drive for most people and is faster in the twisties. So if your racing around a track an EVO should have the edge, but in a straight line an STi will win everytime drivers being equal.
And you are a WRX's, So I will tell you this a pe1818f car with custom Ecuteck tuning and full supporting mods only got about a half a fender on my EVO and the only thing I had done to it was a test pipe. (Stock boost, stock A/F and stock exhaust) This was at 135mph.