This is driving me nuts. For everything I like about one car, I like something else about the other. I know these threads are frowned upon, but I would really like input from those who have driven both for any extended length of time (i.e. longer than a test drive.. especially since my dealer won't let me test the STI).

So far, here's about where I'm at.

STI

Pros:

6-speed manual
More cargo space
Controllable differential
More options for a lower price (i.e. heated seats, heated wipers, HID kit, etc)

Cons:

UNDERSTEER
Fragile pistons
Harder to mod
Seats


Evo X:

Pros:

Looks (IMO)
S-AWC system (which leads to.. oversteer!)
Better seats
Easier to upgrade/make power with
Stronger stock motor

Cons:

Bit pricier w/ the same options
5-speed
Trunk space


I am comparing the 11 Evo X GSR with SS package and the 11 STI Sedan, fyi. Posted the same thing on IWSTI to get a mixed bag of opinions, since most here (and there) will be biased towards what they drive. But I know a lot of posters on both forums probably went through the same things.

And yes, I have pretty much searched everything and everywhere for comparisons (but can't find much with the new '11 STI sedan)

 

Yup, went thru the same thing. Went with EvoX...cuz they let me test drive it and their was much better availability in my area.

 

I have an 03 WRX that is built. Just bought my first Evo a little over a month ago. When it comes to mods my expierence has been joyful and painful with my WRX. It's the little brother to the STi and the STi can handle mods better. The tranny isn't weak and can handle up to 440 crank horse power before doing any damange (depending on how you drive). If you want big horse power you will be pulling the motor to replace rods and pistons and you have twice the moving parts in the heads.

I love my WRX but when driving my Evo I forget that I still own it.

It comes down to what your end goal is for the car as well.

 

I was in the same possition a month ago. Unfortunately for me my dealer didnt have an sti sedan yet because I think it would have been closer. I was a Subaru guy, but the EVO x impressed me so much I have moved over to the dark side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4CfWdoSOTk

I would have to agree with the top gear test above. The EVO is the better driving machine. The sti sedan may be closer but its not going to be as good. The gap was created over the last couple years is too much to bridge in one model year.

If you went and picked up a 2006 sti the gap would be closer.

 

http://www.insideline.com/subaru/imp...and-video.html

If driving experience is a priority, this might be interesting. I drove both in 08 and while the Subie was ok, the Evo had faster reflexes. Doesn't sound like much has changed in the 11 according to this article. Some people just like how the STI drives better than the Evo. I don't.

 

evo hand down

 

The EVO X MR Touring is only slightly more expensive than a fully loaded STI and has a **** load more features. Plus like you said... easier to mod, less expensive to mod and a lot more durable. More power per mod.

 

Another thing I noticed about the 5-speed (coming from a 6 speed) is that the 5th gear is more of an overdrive gear than anything else.

I have driven a close ratio 5 speed in other cars which is anoying on the hiway. The EVO however is geared really well.

Basicly what im saying is that the 5 speed to 6 speed thing is a non issue.

 

What sold me between the two was the steering feel. Evo's tighter steering is very close to how my S2000's felt...not quite as tight though. I feel one with the road as the steering translates everything in front of me. The STi on the other hand had commuter car sorta feel to it through it's steering wheel. I don't know about the new 2011 STi, but I'm hoping they remedied this problem. Bang for buck mods...Evo wins hands down. Subjectively, I find the X more attractive than the new STi.

 

I'm not seeing this. But I also haven't dealt with the dealerships or negotiated at all yet.

Like I said, I'm looking at the GSR, with the sight and sound, and maybe sunroof and leather (just for the leather recaros). Priced on mitsu's website comes to about 39k.

Pricing the STI sedan with similar options comes to about 35k.

Not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless.

 

Im an ex wrx driver. Ended up switching to Mitsubishi Evo IX ultimately.
For the STI, its harder to mod and you'd have to spend much much more to get hp comparable to the X. If your talking about the 11 STI, I'd doubt you have much parts to change or available to u in the market. For the Evo's the handling/power has always been there and not much stuff would needed to be done
No regrets about the switch
I hope this bit of information helps you on ur decision

 

it boils down on what you want. you might get a better platform with the X but if it is the STi you want you will still wish that you got it instead.

 

i would rather go with the 2011 sti over the evo x if it were going to stay close to stock.

 

Just some food for thought, but when edmunds inside line did testing on the 2011 sti it did not fair much better then the 2011 wrx for the extra money. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the results.
http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...sti-sedan.html

 

evo 9!!!

sorry, I had to. Drive them all, love them all, and try to pick your favorite. Such a fine predicament to find one self in!