Tonight I test drove a 2011 PB GSR w/SS and leather (again). I also test drove a 2010 PB EVO MR Touring. Here are a couple observations:

The GSR (My intention was to buy this today)
- The interior noise is hardly noticeable. I think the enhanced sound insulation made a big difference from the GSR I drove a few weeks ago. I think my Speed3 is louder.
- Found the 5th gear feels like an over-drive even though it is pretty tall.
I also did not notice much engine noise on the test drive.
- Handles great; but so does my Speed3. I took the EVO into some wicked turns at 40 mph and it was like driving a go cart.
- The ride is rougher than my Speed3 but not by much.

I hate the torque-steer on my Speed3 but it has been a problem free vehicle.

I have two days to figure out how to convince my wife that I need both cars.

Monday I go back for round 2 to buy it!!!!!!!

 

cant go wrong with the 2. Just pick what you like best.

 

you will love the sense of security with awd on wet snow or gravel roads!

 

I agree about the sense of security with AWD. I had a BMW 330XI that was great in bad weather. Problem was I drove too many loaner vehicles when I owned it.

 

X > Speed 3 on everything but price.

 

i owned a speed3 before i bought my X in august. i LOVED my 08 speed 3 as well but trust me, you wont look back. the evo is much more of a tuned machine. obviously the AWD is a hughhhh + . but over all the evo beats the speed3 in every catagory except price. i dont miss my speed3. good luck on your purchase!!!!!

 

and cargo lol

 

Weight.

 

I also test drove 2010 Special Edition STI which supposedly has less body roll. Subaru a bit softer but still like the EVO best.

I also noticed the EVO had a much smoother and lighter clutch. Speed 3 has a heavy clutch and would wear you out in city driving.

The EVO shifter did not appear too nothchy as I have read on this forum; it was pretty well warmed up when I drove it and it only had 6 miles on it.

 

I traded my MS3 3 in August for a 2010 GSR. ZERO regrets.

I kind of miss the big glove box, interior fabrics and...the extra room in the trunk I guess, but that's it. Oh also, Being a former hardcore Subaru guy, I was completely convinced that I was going to get into a 2011 STI but after driving one back to back with the 10, there was no way I could convice myself that the STI was a worthy "upgrade" over the MS3.

The MS3 has great steering, balance and braking, though the clutch, shifter and torque steer is anoying. the limits of the MS3 were easy to predict and to exploit, and the Evo 10 takes a bit of time and trust to get used to, especially since it's limits are amazingly high.

I get about 5-6 mpg less in the 10. The motor buzzes and drones at 80. It's hard to see out the back with the SSS wing. It's chewing through the tires and brake pads 2x faster than my MS3. It attracts WAY more attention than my MS3. All that being said, I have ZERO regrets!

 

hhhmmmm... I had a Speed3 also .... and believe me when I say that the Speed 3 is a child's car compared to an Evo X ..... more aggressive, power, handling, looks ..... everything....
and I aslo rememeber that the Speed3 had alot of noise inside the car itself....

Just take the Evo and if you regret it..... i'll find you another speed 3

 

It is a nice feature and added security, but please don't try to break the rear free in the rain and end up in the ditch or total their cars like some people have.
That being said, if you can't have both, get the GSR. I've had several friends with MS3's who have testdrove the evos and would make the switch if they had the cash.

 

i never test drove my GSR when i bought it....either way i had no regrets.

 

The 3 is probably a bit more practical but I love how much fun my X is. It does get anoying not having any storage space though.

 

^post ***** much?