If all factors are equal (condition, mileage, etc.), then it's really a toss-up, but a little in favor of the MR, with that small of a price difference.

The 6-speed isn't really weak, as either transmission can have failures when abused, but in the 6-speed when used in a way that sees continuous track use tends to be more susceptible to potential damage (particularly to fourth gear) due to the gears being smaller, since six need to fit where five normally are.

I don't have an MR but this is pretty much what I have read, so anyone with personal experience with both transmissions can chime in with more accurate statements.

 

you live in vegas? come drive me around man So I can finally feel the greatness of an evo

On Topic: I would go with the IX or the SE most likely and fix it up

 

It was tough for me, although my choices were limited to a Black SE or a GG MR both new. I wanted WW but sadley I could find none that were new and not on the other side of the country. I went with the SE cause of the options. I did not feel the need for 6spd, sold my 06 SI that was 6 spd (nothing in comparision to the MR but just felt for the application I wanted for it, I did not need it) the package gauge I would be replacing with the Gruppe-S package anyway. The Blistiens would have been nice but I dont think it was worht if for the extra $$$$ I was going to shell out for the MR in a color I was not fond of. I ended up with the Black SE and love it, especially the front lip lol!

 

ive had a ix se and a ix mr this year.. the ix se got totaled... now i got the mr... something about the mr that i just like better.. i mean .. same little mods to each car.. but the mr feels stronger.. but its gotta be my dd until at least after school when i decide to really mod. then i'll buy a tranny .. if i even need it. i still dont know what i wanna do thou.. thinkn 500-700 hp... want to run just a little below 10. but i was it to be a rr car. sorry off topic... but i like the mr better

 

my vote goes for the mr. the car just drives show much better. i agree that it feels more powerfull. i had both the 9 se and 9mr se and i coudlnt be any more happier i spent the extra money. i even get better gas miliage. as for the the mr not holding alot of power i disagree i have the same mods on my mr and the reason i traded the se in was cuz my xfer case was going and 2ng gear was grinding. i drive my mr twice as hard and still not a single problem. theres plenty of guys on here talking about how there 5spd is ****ting on them. both are gonna break if u drive it hard enough. i think people break there **** cuz of there driving and maintenance. mr or not its still a evo. theres a guy on here running 10.8 on a 6 spd tranny. so obviously it can hold quite a bit of power.

 

Ok, how about this... A WW 06 IX RS or a GG 05 VIII MR

 

Yea, I do wish my Evo has some of the options of a MR. But I guess if I really have to, those mods can be done easily enough.

 

Very happy with MR as a daily driver, it seems the transmission concerns can be mitigated with a tranny cooler, the Bilsteins are great.
That said if you plan to be running 500+ hp then get the 5 speed.

 

^ OR if you want to save a couple grand for nearly identical performance (except in acceleration beyond 100 mph), just get the 5-speed.

 

I have a MR, the 6-speed is better suited for the street.

 

i have to say i am not dissapointed for shelling out more money on the MR....
the transmission feels great with a good set of bushings and i;ve had no problems with it....
besides my friend bought a black IX at the same time and has had a grinding issue with the 5 speed.. MR still going strong!

 

i like the 5spd as well

 

I own a EVO IX MR and I am very happy with it so far. If I decided that I did want to do a 5 speed swap to go the track route where would I find a 5 speed Evo IX tranny? If I got my hands on one I could build it up while the 6 speed is on the Evo. Thanks guys

 

you could always buy a used one im sure you could find great deals by looking around on here. if not lancer shop.com sells them and im sure any of the big name shops could find you one but id just get my six speed beefy