I think that maby the STI is too refined. It has grown up a lot and is way under the radar. To an extent it is a bore to drive, but I havent pushed it yet. I do miss my old STI, but I am ready for the change.

 

Boils down to preference (likes & dislikes) IMO an twenty more people in there own way will say this on this thread.

 

Test driven both the 2008 Sti and EVO X GSr. The Sti in my opinion has a much better interior build quality feel (fabrics, textures of plastics, fit and finish). The STI seats are better side bolstered than older STi models but not nearly as aggressive as the EVO X recaros, they do however have height adjustment. The 2008 STI's powerband feels more "torquey" then the EVO X but not as strong my buddy's 2005 STI. The steering feels nicely weighted. Chassis feels solid and suspension dampens road irregularities well. Shifter still remains notchy but did not "grind" during my test drive.

The EVO X surprised me with its seemlessness of the power delivery, compared to my stock 05 EVO VIII. It did not have the same "rawness" but i was pleasantly surprised by its power, but in all honestly it did not feel as quick. The X seats are supportive and aggressively bolstered not only on the side but on the bottom as well. The car drove nicely and would make a great DD. The cars handles nimbly and does not feel like it is a 3600 lb. car. Steering is still quick and intuitive and not as "nervous". Kudos to mitsu engineers.

The bad- The interior is low rent. Though an improvement from the EVO 8 & 9 in terms of design appearance, the materials & fit/finish leave much to be desired! Some may argue that this is not a main concern of this demographic, however, if Subaru can offer a superior interior Mitsu should be able to come at least close! The plastic panels on the dash are not aligned perfectly, the quality and texture of plastics on the door panels are in my opinion worse than the older EVO models. The Recaros although offering snug seating, seem to be more flimsy and less substantial than previous generations.
Another observation of mine is that outward visibility ( esp. B-pillar and rear window) is especially poor due a combination of the thickness the B-pillar, height of the recaros headrests and the smaller rearview window. The car does have a slight "clastrophobic" feel due to the modern high doorsill design.
Trunk space in the X is also pretty much meaningless. Also I did encounter the tranny"grind" on my test drive! I have this same issue on my 05 which the dealer says is normal. I felt this "grind" on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts on the new X! Nice to know that Mitsu has not worked this issue out on their "improved" 5 Speed...


I came into the test drives w/ an open mind...but for my hard earned money if i had to choose i would go with the STI. My view is that with both Subaru and Mitsu trying to go after the more mature , upscale. livable DD demographic the STI offers the best compromise in my opinion. Test drive both cars and make your own conclusions!

 

WOW that was a pretty good unbiased review! Nice writeup!

I am actually suprised at everyones opinions in this thread.. there all over the board.. It's not just beating up the hatch to death like I thought it would be..

I'm about to got to test drive the STi and X tomarrow to see which one I want.. I'm so up in the air about both.. One thing I know is that I'm leaving with one of them.

 

Very unbiased review. However, you fail to address which car you prefer in terms of looks and the fun factor. Did you notice that Evo was more fun to drive then the
STi or vice versa?

 

My bad. I misunderstood your post. I took it as the MR was actually on the lot.

 

On a scale of 1-10 : (my own subjective ratings)

Appearance exterior:
EVO - 7
STI - 8

Appearance interior:
EVO- 6
STI - 8

Since I had limited seat time on the test drives I can only really go off of initial "feel"

Fun-to-drive (variables entail power, handling, ergonomics, with a bias for daily driving in stock form)

EVO- 8
STI - 7 to 7.5

Fun to drive its pretty close but I'd go with the EVo if looking a only that criteria. The EVO feels nimbler than the STI despite weighing more, though the STI's powerband "feels" more torquey from what i remember, however , in my mind the other things described in my other post push me into favoring the STI. But don't just listen to me or another's opinion -test drive these cars and decide yourself!

 

Just wanted to know a bit more since you prefer the STI over the Evo. Not many of you on this forum

 

No problem just my own opinions, really wanted to like the X to trade in for DD potential, however, left the test drive kind of unconvinced. Will keep the EVO VIII. My recommendation for the STI was for someone in the new car market. I wouldnt trade my 05 EVO for the 2008 STI!

 

As a former WRX owner, I found that the Subaru is, in general, more forgiving because of its relatively vague steering and a smaller turning radius. From my car ownership experiences, a Suby steers like Toyota cars, while an Evo steers like Honda cars - more responsive.

Ultimately, I think both cars are amazing. Just pick up the one you like.

 

Could you further describe the feeling of acceleration the two cars offer. I know the STi feels more torquey down low, but does the EVO hit harder than the STi as it comes up on boost? i.e. - is the EVO X's the more exciting power curve?

I drove the new STi and its power felt kinda flat to me. I haven't yet driven the X.

I know you only had a limited time in the two cars, but any info would be appreciated. TIA

 

STi is the best car ever. Evo is pure poop.
J/K

Just go out and drive both cars.
If you have a family, dog, and a tool box. STi might be for you.
If you like the image, handaling, and styling. EVO might be your cup of tea.

No matter what ANYONE says, even magazines. The car needs to suite your needs.

I got a STi and love it. Many magazines said that the Sti is slow, and hangless porly. Well let me put it this way, they where dead wrong. and this is coming from a guy who sold his race car for a STi.