So I'm looking into getting an Evo and I've been eyeballing the IX for many, many years and I really love the looks of it.
But now I'm kinda considering the X since it's newer, pretty much the same kinda money and it would look pretty decent with some mods done to it.

My goal is a street car that I can drive to and from the tracks. Somewhere around 500-600whp will be my ultimate goal with decent drivability.
It's definitely gonna be a manual, no question about it.

So how does the IX stand against the X, engine and drivetrain wise?
What are the pros and cons of them?

I built and raced my old R33 gtr so I'm fully aware of costs and labor building something like that.
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Thanks for your input!

 

Welcome Jan @Jan Glasell
You have full access to search the boards & learn the differences between the 4B11 & the legendary 4G63. The 63 can certainly take a bit more HP thrown at it & if youre looking at a realizable 500-600 Mustang Dyno beast you are looking at a built motor vs a stock bottom end. Both motors have been proven to be able to withstand some mods but there is that fine line between reliable & failing a rod!

Keep us posted on your search & if you have further questions, please search & post up

Cheers, Joe

 

Yeah I have no plans on running a stock bottom end.
If I understand correctly both have variable intake cams?
I know that made a huge difference on getting the turbo to spool at really low rpm on my R33. It was perfect for the streets!

I think I read somewhere that the X 5speed is much stronger than the IX 6speed, a bit disappointing as I'd loved to have the last gear.
How are the differentials? Or rather, how's the center differential in both models?
It's some kind of hydraulic thing isn't it? I believe the IX did have issues with it, am I right?

 

x has variable intake and exhaust, the 4b11 makes more power more easily, to an extent. it will spool faster and will have a better powerband. if you want BIG power, you have to go with the 4g.

X 5 speed and 9 5 speed is stronger than the 6 speed. center diff is an active differential that controls lockup between the front and rear axles. The X has AYC which is great for handling but will not be able to handle 500-600whp if you are racing it. No issues with 9 diffs, aside from the acd it's straight mechanicals. The 9 does not have cruise control.

 

Not sure if you've looked into pricing lately but they're definitely not around the same cost. The ix is generally more desired and is going to cost you much more than the x, in both maintenance since parts are becoming discontinued for the ix and initial purchase. If you're measuring dollar for dollar, any x you get will be in much better condition than the ix. You may have to pay up to double for the ix to be in the same condition as the x in terms of mileage, rust, wear and tear ect..

The ix is just becoming more of a jdm icon, so you'd be getting it for more than just the performance aspect, but also as sort of a collector. If you don't car about having something special and just want a performance car you can beat on, sure. The x will do just fine with those numbers. However if you want reliability, lean towards the ix. The engine is alot stronger, the car is quite abit lighter (especially if you get the rs) and the more raw drive train is more driver orientated (again, especially if you get the rs without abs or ayc, you can even swap out the acd for the '04 rs helical lsd).

 

Has you noticed that the Evo X’s prices have also shot up in recent months?

I’m from the Pacific Northwest and I’ve been searching for an Evo with the SSS package and premium package for quite some time. Preferably in Mercury grey, but it’s been impossible to find the leather Recaro heated seats in GSR trim.

 

It's funny, this is definitely true. And the inventory of the X's that are in good shape are falling as well. Those two are likely related.

I got rid of my X in 2010, and looking back at my post history and where I am in life, I regret it.

Finally found a '10, single-owner GSR that I'm confident in buying, but X prices are definitely going up for a lot of reasons.

 

So true, most of them are high miles and still commanding a high price. Hopefully you’ll be able to get that ‘10.

What’s funny is that a few years ago, the STI was actually worth more. Now their prices have dropped a little, but Evo prices locally have gone up like 25%. Enough for me to consider getting a STI instead... for a second haha. Then I was like I wouldn’t be as happy with one.

 

Just took possession of it on Saturday! Feels good to be back!

 

Nice, congrats! Did you pick up the one you mentioned?

I'm on my search now. Do you mind sharing the price you paid, packages, year, and mileage of the one you bought?

 

IMO if someone asks me whether they should get a IX or the X, I always just tell them to get the X.

 

If you do not plan on tracking the car or doing any sort of performance event with the car, there is nothing wrong with a STI (or many other cars for that matter). I had a 2005 STI before my current Evo 9 and in terms of street driving, you can't go wrong with either. Now, when I drove the cars at the limit that's when you will start seeing differences.

 

I paid $22K for a '10 GSR w/ SS Package and about 20K worth of mods. 83K stock motor, FBO, full suspension. Put down 460whp/360tq. It's very fun.

 

That is a steal! Wow, congrats on the awesome purchase! At 460whp, it sounds like it is running either e85 or a big turbo then.

 

The STI is good choice, but it kind of has a low brow stigma for me. Lol maybe I'm biased since I was a Evo owner and have always been on the Evo side of the rivalry.

Regardless, I would still consider one at a lower price. If I can't find a suitable Evo that's a great deal, I'll just need to look at STIs then.