hmmm...I have a little dilema on my hands here lol

In early spring of 05 I want to get either a STi or EVO

Ive test driven both cars...05 EVO GSR and 05 STi
I like both
however, Im leaning a bit towards an STi

Ive been reading about all the "problems" with the EVO's
mainly clutches...very few TC's and grinding trannies...but thats mainly on the 03's oh and not to mention Mitsu and its great customer service and wonderful warranty...or lack thereof
Im gonna wait until spring and see how the 05 EVO's are doing in regard to the clutch and tranny and then make my decision and then its still not a clear cut decision
like I said..void warranties and financial trouble are some main reasons Im shying away from Mitsu

anyone know anything about the 05 EVO's in regard to the clutch, tranny and TC's?

on the other hand, the STi...havent heard anything bad except for the fact that its a bit harder to extract power from the 2.5L

Reasons for wanting an STi:

Pros:
2.5L
stout 6-spd tranny
300hp(wooptiefreakindoo)
boxer sound
DCCD

Cons:
Seats suck
I need armrest extension
Power Potential

Reasons for wanting EVO:

Pros:
Handling
Power Potential
Seats
Advans
4g63...nuff said

Cons:
Clutch failures
TC Failures
Trannies grinding
Mitsu voiding warranties
Mitsu in financial trouble

so help me figure it all out
and yes I know Im on an EVO board but lets put that aside for now
so VOTE!!!..

TIA

 

I went through this same thing recently. I spent a lot of time driving my brithers STi, its an amazing car and fast as hell. I went with the Evo, trust me, it's an even MORE amazing car. Steering is like a go-cart, the 4G63 is amazing, and the car just keeps me laughing. I find myself driving it for no reason with no where to go, just lots of fun. Get it.

 

I looked at both the STI and the Evo as most of us probably did at some point. I ultimately went with the Evo because the car is much easier to mod and it is much better looking, handling, etc. Go for whatever feels right to you. You can't go wrong with either car, but the Evo gives you a lot more possibilities in the future. If you are going to leave the car stock, then it's really a bit of a toss-up.

 

I have both cars and I understand your dilemma. (that's why I got both) I have evaluated both cars for a year now (04 sti and 03 evo) and overall I think evo is enjoyable to drive. The build quality of mitsu is just as good as the subaru ( I got 18 k on the stock clutch) and not a single problem so far. Alot of the problems you have read about the evo is due to owner abuse although I am sure there are exceptions. I think the decision will depend on how you plan to use the car. If you plan to go track racing the evo is the best choice. If you like to go offroading and drive in the snow alot you are better off with the sti.

 

I was hoping to hear from somone who owns both
but you said if I drive alot in the snow(which I do...I live in the Pocono Mountains of PA ) the STi would be a better car?
the EVO and STi are both AWD and with winter tires I think either would rule with the SUV's out there in the snow...no?

Im a power and handling freak so the EVO would be best for me since it handles and can make gobs of power
but the whole failure thing is making me iffy
but like I said...im not getting either car at the moment cuz well its winter and I dont have money for winter tires right now...well the ones I want anyway lol
so Im gonna keep an eye on the 05's in relation to the clutch and tranny and hopefully in April/May Ill be showing you guys pics of my new car

keep the replies coming
Thanks!

 

My boyfriend had the same problem, but he went with the Evo and he's totally happy he did. I'd say Evo hands down.

 

Braveheart you already know the pros and cons so it wouldnt make much difference asking people on this forum. Most will give you a bias answer on this forum and you test drove both and like the STI more so if it chaps your a$$ then get it. Well you kinda leaned towards the STI so thats fine. If it was me and I couldnt decide because it was so close it would of went down to which one had better looks, I believe that was something you didnt mention. I never liked the way the STI looks, of course thats just my opinion.

 

i have 21k hard driven miles on my 03 evo. no problems yet.
you cant choose wrong between the two cars cause theyre both great. goodluck!

 

A friend is a shock engineer and on the KYB team that developed the shocks on the '05 Evo MR. As part of his job he did tons of side by side performance testing of both cars and the Evo was superior. This was from a perfomance standpoint, he was not commenting either way on use as a daily driver.

If you put snow tires on your Evo, you will rule the road in snow.

 

subarus transmissions go easily also....and they are dicks w/ the warentees too i have heard...

 

I've had problems with my EVo but i'll still prefer an EVO before the STI anyday

 

6 spd sti tranny is very strong. Designed by porsche FYI. And Porsche trannys can handle up to 700whp

 

i think u shouldn't compare STi to Evo VIII. STi is 2.5 and Evo VIII is 2.0.
If a 2.0 can handle better than a 2.5, u do the math.
I was thinking between STi and MR and I did alot of researches myself. I had a WRX wagon before with appx. 280 HP. I decided MR for myself. Try test driving MR and STi back to back. You will find yourself an answer. They are both great cars. Choose either one, you will be happy either way.

 

I've heard the same thing. That the sti transmission is indestructible.

But I have heard subaru is just as bad as mitsubishi with voiding warrantys. It just seems more evo owners take their car in for service (recall, tranny, etc), thats why we have more people with voided warantys.

 

I love my EVO to death, but the STI looks so good on paper.