The race video between the STi and the EVOs was from a previous Best Motoring... they just added the Evo 8 part... the Spec C is damn fast.

 

MotoRex has a few copies...

 

12.6 - 12.7 quarter mile times (well, 0-400meter). Hmm, I wonder if these were press cars?

Cheers,

Paul Hansen

 

The last best motoring STi ran a 12.99. I thought that's was the best ever.

 

Looks like Subaru's really getting serious about competing with the EVO now. Man are we in for a thrill ride over the next few years!!! Competition is GOOD
Isn't the STi Spec C an ultra-limited edition though...???

 

You are thinking of the S202. The Spec C STi is simply the RA version, same theory as the RS version of the Evo. What it has over the standard STi is a ball-bearing twin-scroll turbo, some weight removed from the roof area (and other areas), different front suspension geometry and a additional brace in the front.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen

 

and to think all you nay sayers talked down on the STI's handling.

It doesn't really matter who won though. The EVO and STI handle close enough to eachother that the better driver will win in the corners.

However, the US STI's 2.5l 300hp engine may help it run away in the straights.

 

Paul, are you saying the standrad STi does not have ball bearing turbos? What does USDM STi have VF34?

 

It's a twin-scroll on the standard STi - just not a ball-bearing setup.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen

 

I believe it is a ball bearing turbo, but not a twin scroll. The twin scroll was developed for reduction of lag and lower rpms. Yet, with a larger displacement (USDM 2.5), Subaru believes that a twin scroll would not be needed for low end torque.

It would be interesting how the Spec-C would do against a USDM STi.

 

Wonder what criteria Subaru had for creating a non-rally legal 2.5 in the STI? Were they afraid of the EVO?

 

Damn.. you guys got it already???
I have to wait until April for my VCD version...

 

I figure that the thought running through Subaru's mind at the time was the same thought when they considered bringing the WRX to the U.S. in 2001--Why the hell not?

Regardless, of the U.S. buyers of WRXs, a small, SMALL percentage of them actually rally their cars, and even fewer put them in competitive rallies where the WRC regulations are enforced. And for those who do, they will just stick to the regular WRX or go the other route and buy an Evo VIII that still conforms to the WRC rules.

But honestly, if the tables turned and the STi had a 2.0-liter 271 hp engine but the Evo engineers put out a 2.5-liter 300 hp engine, I think most of you would be thinking, "Ha, stupid STi owners! Now we've got more displacement, hp, and torque!" Call it cheating on Subaru's part, but honestly someone was eventually gonna do it sometime, and it just happened to be SOA. I figure for the U.S.-spec Evo IX, they'll do the same thing.

Mitsubishi, Subaru, whatever, they're all great imports that can tear many V-8s to shreds. AWD-ers unite!

 

Who cares...

With close times that the STi and EVO are pulling, for most of the buyers including a lot of people on this board it probably comes to which one looks better in your opinion and which one has the better interior.

Personally, both are awesome.

Cheers to both companies bringing these cars in.

P.S. The reason for the 2.5 liter is due to the head at Subaru Tecnica International (STi) wanting to beat the EVO in the US at all cost to secure the market.

 

The majority of STIs and EVOs sold in the US will be driven on public roads, AutoXs and Road courses. Only a small percentage of the total will actually be used in the type of rallying that requires 2.0 displacement. Therefore, both companies can increase displacement without having to worry about rules like those in SCCA ProRally. Also, FIA stopped requiring Group A Homologation by introducing the WRC class in 1999, so that too is no longer a barrier to displacement.

I am quite certain that this new Subaru 2.5 will find its way into STIs sold in other markets. In addition, a detuned version of this 2.5 is also supposed to power the new Forester Turbo and a powerful version for the upcoming Legacy. Subaru has to find good ways to spread out the development cost of a brand new engine.

All else being equal, more displacement is better. If you can add displacement without adding too much weight...why not do it?

It's best not to get emotionally attached to a single car company. That way you can see the choices more clearly and likely won't get ripped off because you HAVE to have a certain car even if it means paying 5k over msrp. I really don't give a damn which car company comes out ahead in the end, as long as they fight each other hard and they let us vultures feed on the carcasses

Long live capitalism...