I'm planning to buy a new Evo X MR in the spring. After researching, it doesnt seem like there are many alternatives. I want a DD that can handle a 40 mile or so commute round trip in a snowy winter (prefer AWD), and some occasional tracking without modification. Some other cars I've looked at:

BMW 335Xi - It's quite a bit higher priced when you start adding options vs. Evo (up to 58K). I'd have to buy one used. There isnt a mechanical LSD, and I've read the AWD in BMW is designed for all-weather safety, not for performance.
Infiniti G37x sport - similar feelings as the 3 series.
Audi S4/S5 with sport rear diff - Again, a lot higher $$$ vs. Evo X. I've read the Audi S5 is not a good track car mostly because of brake and general handling issues.
Subaru WRX STi - I'm worried about the ringland issues. I think the Sti is a more comfortable car in terms of daily driving, but since it's "softer" it probably isnt as good on a track. It's still a great car - The main reason I prefer an Evo is for the DCT for commuting.
Ford Mustang Boss 302/GT - I'm not sure I want RWD for the winter. I know with snow tires it will probably be ok. I'm also not really a Mustang fan.
Nissan 370Z - I saw a guy driving one in the snow the other day. I read there's no factory engine oil cooler, so the engine overheats unless you add one aftermarket. Also, the brakes and viscous LSD dont perform well on a track - even the NISMO version of the 370Z.
Evo X GSR - probably easier to mod considering the 5MT. I prefer an auto for my commute, but I might miss driving manual since I have been for 10 yrs. Also cheaper than the MR.
Evo X MR - The DCT overheats after several hard laps on the track. I think I can tolerate that since I'm just an amateur and I'm not going to take it too seriously. I know I can mod it as much as a GSR with an aftermarket trans cooler and clutches/steels, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable doing that. I doubt I'll want to add more power than what the transmission would allow with mods any ways (At some point I'll probably go to 350 WHP). I do kind of prefer a 2 dr car, but 4dr is ok.

I'm wondering what other cars ppl here considered. I know there are several older threads on this, but I didnt want to bump an old one. Thanks

 

I think the MR is better than the STi for daily driving since it has an automatic. However, I'd agree the STi is a little cushier than a GSR.

I really feel like you can only compare AWD to AWD, so yeah the Mustang and the 370Z are out.

The G37x is 1000x more comfortable than the Evo, but not as fast. It can be had for about the same price as an MR though.

The S4/S5 and 335xi can run with or better than an Evo performance-wise, and still blow it away in comfort, but do cost a lot more.

In the end, my debate came down to Evo vs G37x and I went with the Evo (I got an SE for the dual clutch, much better performer and more comfortable daily driver than the GSR). Had the SE not been available I still would have gone with an MR.

 

I think people have too much concern about about the ringland issues! In fact, I don't hear much STI owner having this problem when they keep it stock or not abusing it. EVO has it only problem, too.

For Ford, if you are concerning for the winter time, I would never consider a mustang. It is just stupid to drive a RWD on snow or big rain, but I would like to have one to show off in summer time.
What about Focus RS? Fast than EVO~ Rally car

 

I wonder if the US will get the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG? AWD and 354hp standard.

 

Mitlan - I didnt mention, but I'm located in Minnesota, USA. The Focus RS isnt sold here. We have the ST, but it's not in the same performance category as Evo's.

I used to have a RWD 1999 Camaro SS. I drove it through 2 winters with no snow tires. Honestly, it's not that bad as long as you're very careful. It's tolerable because in reality there isnt snow on the roads most of the time - it's plowed. I dont think I'd do it again without snow tires though, if at all. My ideal situation would be a C6 Z06 and a DD beater, but I dont really have the ability to own 2 cars right now.

 

[QUOTE=mitlan;10697351]I think people have too much concern about about the ringland issues! In fact, I don't hear much STI owner having this problem when they keep it stock or not abusing it. EVO has it only problem, too.

Youve got to be kidding...number four issues plague the STI forums. Ive ran into several owners that have had this issue...some stock and others slightly modified. That plus the oil pickup breaking off....the two concerns that should cross your mind at every start up. Reliability isnt the STIs strong suit....

 

look into the golf r

 

The Golf R seems to be a good daily driver however its track performance seems to be sub par. The traction control can be disabled however the stability control cannot limiting its potential for agressive or performance oritiented driving. Its comparison to theX brought into perspective just how good the EVO really is in the performance aspect. Strictly DD...golf R hands down. So its a trade off as to what the OP desires out of a performance sedan. Performance or luxury... your decision

 

Totally agree with you. I did read about the Golf R, and I saw one at a gas station a few months ago. If it had proper LSD's and not open diffs, you could fully defeat the traction/stability control, and was generally better on the track, I would have considered it. It is a better DD and less expensive.

 

Spoken like a true X lover....

 

Haha. Well, really I guess it is down to the MR or GSR then. I went with the GSR because I just love driving a manual, and the thought of paying 10k for a new tranny makes me shudder.. Haha. The SSTs do seem pretty reliable though, and the failures that have happened are always early on and are replaced under warranty- prolly just defective straight from the get go.

I would just think about if you want a manual or the SST. You can make a GSR just as nice interior wise as a MR.. I just wish the GSR had a 6th gear for dd reasons. Honestly, it's not a bad DD at all though. Been doing it for over 4 years now. Still makes me happy everytime I drive it.

 

Had the same decision to make when i bought mine. I was looking at the 370, the G37, the Camaro SS, and the Evo. I knew i wanted the Evo, but still shopped around for the options. The Evo won hands down, AWD, turbo car that can actually seat 4 people is awesome. Plus it responds to mods better then any car on this list. Plus nothing compares to the feeling and sound of a turbo car...

 

[QUOTE=Sunwalker12;10697426]Saw it happen on a brand new STI sedan last week. Dude went for a tune with just a exhaust and intake, 2-3 pull on dyno and she went...

 

are you wanting to stick to an auto-trans like the mr?

 

Yea, I know of a couple people personally who have had ringland failure. One was only running an intake and Cobb AP if i remember correctly.