Originally Posted by Datgumify

That’s my fear and somewhat my big question. Is the lighter 8/9 better at cornering due to it being lighter by 300 pounds or is the evo X with the AYC really that much better even with the 300 pounds. And is that difference something that can be minimized by bigger sway bars/suspension mods on a 8/9 or by removing and stripping a 10? Ideally I would love a JDM evo 9, that would make this decision so easy.

Originally Posted by MinusPrevious

No exact answer for this other than there are many more track examples of the CT9A (7,8,9) platform than the CZ4A (10). Both platforms have been made to perform very well on the track & and more than a few very high level track weapons have been done on both platforms.

Both platforms can be modified, suspension wise to be a very competent track day car. AYC or not, you will not notice a serious difference in handling between the platforms IMHO. The less electronic wizardry the better!

If you want a real raw feeling EvO, drive my EvO9RS.

If you want the more traditional EvO stick w/the CT9A for sure! (4G63T motor)

Originally Posted by Datgumify

I didn't even know there was such thing as an RS model, pretty cool to know now. Also with the days changing and everything heading toward the path of electrification, I sure would like to get something not as electronic. Either way both the 9 and 10 are pretty raw and analog, especially the 9 and under. You mentioned that the AYC compared to the non AYC cars is not much of a difference. Has there ever been a moment where you wished you had the AYC? Also I didn't mention this on the op but when it comes to rallying/offroading is the AYC something to search for?

Originally Posted by Datgumify

Howdy, I'm sure this topic has been beaten to death in the forums by now. I've been thinking about getting myself an evo in the near future, probably around the time summer rolls around. I have been looking at both the X, 9/8. Hear me out, Which car is the better buy today in 2021? As for what I am looking to get out of the car, I would like to get the most power out of it without having to modify the bottom end. I would like to do e85, bolt ons, aiming for high 300s, low 400s. I love the styling of both the X and the 9/8. The power itself isn't really the reason why I'm looking to buy one. I am looking for an evo that is a well rounded car, that handles well, a car that would be a daily for a good while but would eventually become a project.

Now here is what is keeping me from pulling the trigger on either one. I love that the evo10 has the AYC, I love the styling, I love how it is a perfect daily yet it has the potential to be something great, I like how the mivec allows for it to be more responsive than a 8/9 in the lower rpms. As for the 8/9, I like how light it is, I love the styling, I like that it is AWD but hate that it doesn't have the mivec. I like that the evo 8/9 also has the potential to be something amazing. It may not be the best daily but all im interested in a daily is if it can get me from point a to point b and take with me more than 1 person along. I am aware most 8/9 aren't prestine and that they are old cars, I am not looking for a perfect 8/9, however I am looking for a x with less than 60k miles that hasn't really been modded or mistreated, don't mind the mods if any however.

I'm not sure y'all. This is such a headache, should the AYC really be a deal breaker for getting a 8/9? Should the 300+ pounds that the evo x has over the 8/9 be a deal breaker? Will I regret buying a x if the 8/9 appreciates in the future and makes it harder to get? In a perfect universe, I would love to own both but can't at the moment, at least not financially.

Will it be X or 8/9?

Thank y'all for reading

Originally Posted by kaj

Looks like everyone has you covered. The X is going to be the better car. The 8 and 9 are great, but not as comfortable to drive. They are better suited if you want to play "Race Car". Add to that the fact that prices on 8s and 9s are getting ridiculous unless you get a real beater. If you are worried about resale values, then I'd definitely go a different route. These cars I built to be driven and somewhat disposable, though the build quality has been reasonably decent over the past years. Not investment quality.

As for ACD, AYC, MIVEC etc, you will never know the difference unless you are pushing the car really, really hard. Even still, not a deal breaker. No biggie. I wouldn't let that factor into the decision much.

Good luck, dude! The Evo is a great car for someone looking to have a little fun but still be practical.

Originally Posted by Datgumify

Thank you, I appreciate everybody's response to the topic, it has taught me stuff I didn't know. I'm still struggling on which route to go. One thing for certain though, I will own a X and I will own a 9, As for resale value I do not care about that, If I'm buying an evo, I'm keeping the evo. As of right now, the whole 300 pounds, AYC, raw vs modern, and the whole 8/9 appreciation has made this a really tough decision. The race car part in itself is probably the easiest, I'm not the one to care for comfort, more of a functional person. I love both designs, both engines are great when built. I think what it comes down to now is the price, I'm scared that the 8/9 is going to appreciate out of nowhere and make it unachievable for me, whereas I'm scared that by getting the 8/9 I will be missing out on the tech of the X. It's a tough decision, one to decide though. I'll sure update this thread with my decision later on. Thanks everybody for your help, please keep the conversation going, I'm always open to learn more and to read more on evos.

Originally Posted by kaj

Something to consider: the asking prices of 8s and 9s are going up. I've chatted with a few recent, actual sellers and the cars are actually going at half way decent prices. Still higher than a few years ago, but nothing like the outlandish prices we see advertised. Still, I'm sure they will go up some more. Either buy now or be ready to save up a few more $k. Just in case.

Originally Posted by 6UE5T

If you say you don't care much about comfort then maybe you're the type who can cope with the 9 as daily just like myself. Then considering the point about the 9 prices keeps appreciating, then I think for now better you get the 9 first. Then later if you still crave for the X then buy again as the price might be even cheaper.

Just another 2 cents from me.

Originally Posted by Datgumify

This might be the route I'll be going with, still not sure just yet. I just would hate it if the I got a X and then 8/9s got to the 40k, maybe even 50k to the point where it's financially unachievable for me,

Originally Posted by 6UE5T

If that happens, you may regret your decision so that's why better buy the 9 now while you still can. It's surely still going up. Me living in Mal, Evo prices is sky rocketing this last year and a half. I saw in Australia also they're touching AUD50-60k. If later you want the X, you might even sell the 9 at a profit and still get the X with spare cash, hence you get to experience both and in face value not lose money in the process.