So I am very close to buying an Evolution IX. I have found several cars that fit my criteria, stock, low mileage original.

Now I am clearly aware of the differences between GSR SE vs MR. Most notably the 6 speed trans + Bilstein struts, as performance enhancements. The rest of the body modifications I am not too concerned with. (I am aware the SE and MR have the aluminum hood fenders and roof)

I have also read many automotive reviews regarding the MR, and several MR vs GSR vs RS reviews. All point to say that the MR is the best of the bunch.

If possible, I would like for those who have actually driven a MR and GSR SE and can comment on the everyday advantages / disadvantages of both. I say this because those car reviews do very little for me personally; they are pushing the cars at the race track to their limits (where the MR's stiffer suspension and 6 speed might help) but for me, this evo will be a street driven car mainly, and perhaps a few days at the circuit each year at most.

I guess my question is... is there noticeably a difference between the MR / GSR realistically for everyday driving conditions? Does the 6 speed trump the 5 speed? If so, how? And if that's not the case, why?

Thank you in advance for any input

 

I own a 06 IX MR and really there is no "huge" difference. I chose the MR specifically for the 6-speed, the rest was just a plus. This is not my DD, but very close to it and I do not do any competition.

I can tell you one thing about the 6-speed vs the 5-speed is when your challenging another neck to neck at redline in 5th and they only have a 5-speed, well...too bad for them.

Seriously, there is no difference when it comes to daily driving except for the gear you may be in cruising at 50-70mph. For the suspension you will not really notice unless the roads you are driving on are bumpy, twisting, etc.

 

The 6 speed is a lot weaker then the 5 speed so if you plan to heavy mod it I would go with the SE. But that's just my opinion.

 

If you get the IX gsr be prepared to rev high on the highway....

 

I kind of think its the opposite of what you just mentioned. I believe the MR has a softer suspension, and the extra gear is nicer for highway cruising. I'm not sure what you're reading where it says otherwise but I have an MR have friends with GSRs and RSs. From our comparison, my car is more "friendly"

 

On a IX, it's ~250RPM difference at cruising speed.

 

yeah if you road race the car and beat the living crap out of it

 

 

That's why I said if you heavily mod it...there is a thread talkin about people selling their cars all moded out and trying to say never driven hard.

If your modding it heavy I think its a safe assumption you plan on getting your money outta those mods er go my statement.

 

Reply in bold.

 

LOL, was a joke.

 

appreciate everyone chiming in

So from what I have gathered, it does in fact seem like the GSR SE and the MR is not that far off from each other.

Some of you mentioned the 6 speed is weaker than the 5 speed, I am not in a position to comment on this but I am not too concerned because I will not be doing a whole lot of modifications to this car, because I need to keep it tame as a street driven car.

As of right now I am leaning towards the MR, due to the 6 speed for lower RPM highway cruising (I am coming from a S2000, which despite the 6-speed, I cruise the highway at around 4k RPM at around 115-120KPH (around 75MPH) so I am hoping the 6 spd MR can be lower than that

 

If your not gonna mod it then yeah go with the 6 speed, but don't lie to yourself that your gonna keep it tame for street driving lol.

You can mike the Evo retarded fast and still maintain good driveability.

 

You mean aside from being the same except for the struts and the transmission, and its associated bits?

 

IX GSR 5th Gear versus IX MR 6th Gear?