I'm definately getting the evo now. I went to Frank's Subaru (HQ of SPI motorsports) and now they've changed the policy. Anyone below the first 50 people on the "list" pay a $5k mark-up. For months they were claiming MSRP or less. The frist 30 or so on the list are friends of Frank and/or vendors like TEIN and HKS. So that leaves about 20 for regular joes like us. The rest of the 103 people on the list pay the $5K or no deal according to them.

Rob

 

It is unlikely that I can use either car at 10/10s, even on a track. I am concerned about the daily use of the Evo, and whether that steering is a problem when "performance mode" is off (as it will be most of the time I drive it). Also, I am most likely going to remain stock for some time (I would like to keep my warranty this time, especially with the Mitsu!), so those easy power upgrades aren't coming anytime soon. I feel like no one on this board who owns an Evo would give an honest opinion of any bad aspects of it, with all the competitive nonsense going on. I drove the evo for a short trip and really liked it, I hope I can test drive the Sti- but will I really be able to decide with 2 five minute test drives? I just don't want to make a mistake...

 

I went with the Evo based on looks. I for some reason do not like the way the STI looks.

 

i wouldn't say i don't like the looks of the STi, but i would say i like the looks of the EVO alot better than the Scoob...

 

STi:
1st gear...35mph
2nd gear...54mph
3rd gear...73mph
4th gear...95mph
5th gear...132mph
6th gear...147mph...(Electronicly Controlled)

Evo:
1st gear...38mph
2nd gear...58mph
3rd gear...80mph
4th gear...109mph
5th gear...155mph (Redline Controlled)

Weight:

STi: 3180lbs---Evo: 3160lbs

All information abtained from Automobille magazine...

 

hey

gtr, yes i have driven the EVO, and honestly, it wasnt that big a WOW as many of the reviews i have read on this forum. possibly its because i have had a modded wrx before, and was pretty happy with it. i also drove a wrx @ 8 psi, stock turbo, but heavily modded exahust and suspension right before i drove the EVO. the difference was certainly there (insanely quick steering ratio, very quick motor, and very "planted" feel) but is didnt seem as light years ahead as many on this forum make it out to be.

keep in mind i also got to take a disney land ride with shiv when he had pulled a bunch more hp after a tuning session on the dyno with the xede. insane ride. one that makes me laugh when anyone says the EVO needs suspension work or coilovers. just seems wrong on a car that is that good stock....

but i am going to be living in place that in not so kind to stiff suspension. the roads all winter will be rutted, and pot-holed slippery snow covered roads. does the EVO lend itself to those sort of roads? from the initial reviews, i dont think so. the STi seems the better of the 2 for those sort of conditions. the EVO would be no slouch, but probably less than ideal.

even after all this toiling and weighing the differences, the pure driver, and my gut still leans toward the EVO. even as one of the main moderators of the i-club, and a die hard suby fan. as shiv has said the real test will come if i can ever drive the STi. i think at this point to make a decision based on others reviews is foolish. i guess i will just need to wait until i can get a ride in an STi

josh

 

Interesting figures but with todays electronics/chips you can over ride the electronically limited top speed. I would guess the STi will easily surpass 155mph top speed.

I purchased a 99z28 that was electronically limited to 116mph. It was limited to 116mph because the car came with 2:73 gears and the touring package. (all season tires - not Z rated).

I bought a hypertech reprogrammer for $350 and reprogrammed the computer and then took the car out and ran an easy155mph.

 

Josh, if you had a modded WRX suspention your car may be stiffer than the evo. I don't know about the STi but I hate how the front of the WRX lifts up under acceleration. I feel it needs some anti lift kit for that suspention design. Even with super stiffer spring and shocks it doesn't stop the front bumper from going up.

From the sounds of road conditions go with the STi. Shocks, you can always change and the bbs rims are nice. Seem like you will be happier sticking with the scoobies and that's all that matters . I've driven a wrx with a type R/A shocks so if the STi feel similar to that i'd go with the evo if i had to choose now. It handles good but evo has more at the limit grip. I like that style of driving better. Also love the evo steering wheel. Small, thick. I can't wait till all the review done by members who drove them both.

 

Why Subaru has decided to limit the STi to 147 mph is beyond me. At Brainerd International Raceway's 1-mile front straight, the STi MIGHT hit 147 (my Integra Type-R gets to 132 on a good day) before entering Turn One at about 140 mph (132 in my Type-R ).

I wonder if "Automobile" actually weighed the two cars. Both cars seem suspiciously light.

 

The STi numbers match the calculations based on published gear ratios, but the Evo doesn't. They seem to be about 2-3 mph low.

I don't recall many Evo folks here claiming to shift into 3rd to hit 60. Owners?

TRS

 

wow.....there is only 22mph in 4th gear....i guess people would shift 4 times through the ¼ mile!

 

That's what surprised me too, but i didn't calculate this, this is strraight from a article in Automobile magazine.. but they also showd that unlike the STi the EVO's fuel cut is quite a bit after the redline...so maybe people go past redline to get the extra 2mph... im not sure just guessing..b/c fuel cut for the STi is right after the redline.. if you guys want i can try to find the link where i got this article from again..

 

you should hit 60mph at the top of 2nd...

 

I thought the EVO's top speed was governed and not redline limited?

 

I think they mean the evo speedo is off by 2mph


and I don't think the evo top end is 'limited' in any way .. just that who wants to hold their engine past redline for 30 seconds to hit 160