Seriously, they are both fabulous cars so you can't go wrong with either one. Choose whatever car suits your driving style better, for me that was Evo, but I have nothing but respect for those that choose STi.

 

I totally agree with Neil. My choice of the Evo was honestly splitting hairs, and I got a great deal on a leftover '03.

btw, dj missed something: '05 STi has new hubs with 5x114 bolt circle. same as the long gone SVX, but every other Subaru on the planet uses 5x100. could definitely make sourcing wheels a bit difficult, unless of course Evo backspacing is the same.

 

First, having just driven the 05 STi back to back with a lightly modded (pipes) 04 STi at Mastro in Tampa, I can say that the suspension is noticably better on the 05. The struts are revalved on the 05 also, btw. Previous coilovers/struts won't fit the new larger knuckles/hubs, so 05-specific pieces will be needed. Also, the new tires are 235's, not 225's like the 04's (and previously suggested as being on the 05's). The trunk lid is also now aluminum.

Second, regarding that scoop, well, hey...go FMIC and get a carbon hood or RS hood. That's pretty simple. Anyone planning on making real power on either platform will be upgrading the IC anyway...big whoop.

Third, regarding the rack speed, you can readily purchase aftermarket racks for the STi that will take the ratio down to something as low as 10.5:1. Yeah, that's 1.5 turns lock to lock.

Fourth, some of you people act like the difference between the STi and the Evo MR is like the difference between an Accord and a Viper. Are you even for real? The reality is that these two cars are so closely matched it's not even funny. Both of them will outdrive 90% of the people on both these boards (need we read another story about some boob putting his STi/Evo in a curb?). Sack up.

Finally, I love the possibility of the MR, and what it _should_ offer, but we all know the US version is not the same as the foreign version (can you say no SAYC?). I think some of this **** talking better cease until they hit our showrooms. Personally, I flip flop each day about the two...and I feel darned blessed to be cursed with that kind of decision . In the end, it's probably going to come down to drivetrain strength (and that includes the trans!). Right now, the Evo has the engine edge, and the STi has certainly got the trans edge. I hope the MR's six speed is an improvement over the five speed and not just a marketing move.

 

Is anyone considering resale value here? something makes me think the STi is holding value more than the Evo.

 

I saw a 2005 sti today and although they have 17x8 inch wheels, the tires are indeed 225/45/17's (same spec as the USDM 04's). In Japan, however, they come with 235/17's. Not sure if the aspect ratio's are 40 or 45 though.

 

Everyone yells at the guy for posting on an Evo forum. My bet: he's also posting the same question on a suby forum and reading both. So the answer has to be incredibly clear, now that all the suby fans have also told him the plain truth...that they wish they could trade their STis for an MR

Seriously...you buy these cars for the incredible performance. I could have gotten an Audi S4 or a BMW M3 if I really had to have the super nice, plush interior and all the climate-control ammenities. But then these poor saps who do this and go to tune their rides (I have a friend with an S4) spend ungodly amounts of cash for every part and mod. Then, if they take it to the track, some Evo or STi goes and makes them look like what they are...a cushy sedan, not a race car. I really do wish the Evo had a nicer interior, and that would definitely NOT have to detract at all from the performance...but for me it comes down to wanting the best performance, and the Evo MR isn't in question on that issue. If I were to go for the STi for the cruise, climate control, nicer interior, etc...I'd just have to bite the bullet and buy an S4 or an M3 and realize I was too old to race any more. Personally, I want to get into some of the amateur track racing, autocross, etc when my ride is finished...and be proud to drive a full-blown race car around on the streets easily.

So MR all the way if you want performance...otherwise Subie if you're getting a bit soft

 

Just accept that there hasn't been a comparison of the totally suspension redone 05 STi or the MR, and leave it at that. There was more room for improvement in the Subaru and the changes are absolutely extensive. I just can't believe they didn't change the actual quality of the seat. Jesus.

 

clowns

 

Yes, there has been a comparison, it's just not out yet. October issue of Motor Trend has '05 Evo MR agains the improved '05 STi. On sale date for that issue is around the first week of September. Lots of testing, at the race track, at the dyno, standard instrumented testing. It's the most extensive test on these two cars you are likely to see.

 

Can't wait! That should be great

 

How did Motor Trend Get ahold of an 05 Evo? I hope they throw in some details on the 05 RS as well.

 

Best issue ever

 

How do you get details on articles for magazines that are not out yet?

 

If you have a subscription, then post some details man! Holy cow Don't hold out on us

 

They always get cars ahead of release. Here in OC we see many cars on the streets being tested or shot for ads long before release.

Erik