I'm in a position to buy a new car right now and am torn between 2 I've loved for years. Yes, I know this is an Evo board but before you flame, I'm gonna throw this out. I've been following this and the STi forums for a while and keeping up with what goes on. I've seen people whining about mitsu, clutches, etc etc. But what I'm looking for is a set of observations (and objective ones at that) on the the Evo from Evo owners.. Likes/Dislikes, and how you would rate you car overall. ie.. handling, power, build quality, reliability, modability, views of etc etc.. Not, "buy the evo, sti's are gay" or "wrx owners are geeks" (I've heard this a lot) or whatever, just observations and honest opinions on the Evo. Any help would be greatly appreciated as this 30k is really burning a hole in my pocket..

 

This is the Evo forum after all. No one here is going to do anything but recommend you get an Evo or sing anything but praise over it's handling and power....etc.

That being said, most of your questions have been answered very recently.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...likes+dislikes

 

They are both great cars, despite what some on this board would say, so buy whatever car better fits your driving style. They do drive totally different and either way you can't go wrong. But if you can wait for the '05 models of each as they are much better than even the '04's.

 

Get what you feel (after you take them both for a ride) is best for you. I drove both and liked the evo better. I have 16+k on it and it has been a great car thus far. My previous car was an RSX types. After all you have to live with your choice not us here on the boards.(either board)

Just remember if you beat your car (either one) stuff will break, be smart about how you drive and take care of issues quickly and you should be fine.

I personally liked the evo better, why it just felt better to me and I feel it looks better. Just opinions.I am still really happy I got the evo, an sti owner may say the same thing.
They are both nice cars, good luck and get the evo JK!

 

i agree with neil, ive had my evo for 15k miles and have had no problems at all, clutch is still strong, no rattles, nothing to complain about i love my car!! i also looked at both evo and sti and i came to the conclusion that it is far more affordable to make power than it is to enhance handiling. so with that said the evo totally out handles the sti and with one mod its faster so the choice is easy. the evo all the way!!! if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

You can't lose with either car. I think one of the biggest variables you have to answer is what kind of power are you looking for? If you want a daily driver and no more than 350whp then the STI is a sweet deal. It's not as sharp as the Evo handling-wise but it is almost universally praised as a better daily driver.

The Evo is not a bad daily driver at all, and this coming from someone who drives an RS Also...the motor is time tested and you can go through any number of tuners on this board and write a check to get to almost 400whp on the stock turbo reliably...need more? Write a bigger check and get close to 500...need more? Write a bigger check

With the STI you are going to have to get into the motor sooner than the EVO if you want to get some silly power. I love both of these cars and think it's really a wash...

 

.. you couldn't have been cruising this board for too long.. cause i can't remember the last post i read where people said anything like "sti's are gay". Most people will agree that both cars are nice.

I've had my evo since march, and didn't buy the sti because i liked the way the evo drove better than the sti. Just my preference.

Go drive them both so you can compare them for yourself.

good luck

 

for a daily driver STI is far better car, I think. It handles small roads better and it's more stable that way.

I just got pulled over again. I would recommend getting a different color than RED or YELLOW. ... another $120 down the drain with insurance point going way up!

That 6 speed on STI is sure nice. It's got more comfortable seats (like a volvo or something) and you have more headroom in STI.

Also on STI you wont get that turbo jolt as much as EVO, it's more gradual thing. Not much Lag on STI because of its Variable Valve engine and 2.5liter bigger engine.

Overall, the performance between car is the same, it's just not for the same purpose.

You get some fancy crap like variable road adjustment (it's dddc or something like JDM Evo's AYC). So you get more choice with an STI.

However, Evo has almost that Vtech kick, but far more faster.

I can't stand the lag on Evo but you get used to it. If you want, test drive a Forrester XT. Same engine, smaller turbo (different internal of course on the engine and different boost),
but when you drive a Forrester XT, you wont feel a lag at all. I'm thinking STI is the same that way.

But I like the roughness of Evo. I bought it because the tracks wider on Evo, more room on the backseat (I could clear my legs and don't feel cramped), bigger trunk space and it's not as higher (the roof and the stands) than STI.

As far as handling goes, I think Evo is far superior than the STI. I'm saying this without the aide of AYC on Evo vs USDM STI with the variable track selection.

So, if you're not going to race, you want to cruise around town (like most STI owners do around here) and you want to take a long trips without feeling ill or you simply want something that's comfortable and fast with compromise on handling a little, STI is your choice.

But if you want something Raw that you could throw around on the AUTO X or on a long winding mountain road, take the EVO.

My opinion.

 

I had the WRX for about 2 years, it was “done up” with the new JDM STI version 8 suspension (top hats, springs and struts), with aluminum control arms, steering rack bushings, Vf 30 turbo upgrade, injectors, UTEC, up-pipe, turbo back, performance wheels/tires (17”), end link bushings in the front and rear. It handled well, very well in fact, compared to the regular wrx. On of my friends with an STI said it handled just like his STI but without the six speed and turbo lag. In the end I sold the parts off of the ‘rex’ and traded it in for an EVO. With all the mods I had done to the wrx, it still felt disconnected with the road; something was missing (when compared with the evo).

The fit and finish of the Evo is good, in some places maybe better than the wrx/sti. They all use cheap interior material though. However, the 05’s have a really nice interior. The gaps in the trim are reduced a great deal and the overall quality shines! It all boils down to your preference though. I have driven the 04 sti, as well as the 05 and although the power is there (lots of it) the “connected to the road” feel is still missing. It still feels a bit disconnected with the road (very much unlike the evo). The seats in the Evo are better however they cannot be adjusted up and down. I kinda miss that in the rex. (The above is all based on my opinion).

 

I appreciate all the comments. I've driven both and understand they drive differently and such.. But the daily driver is what really gets me. I will be doing some daily driving with it and more importantly, I'm a father of 2. So, if some sacrifice in outright handling ups the comfort level, I'm cool with that. I'm gonna go drive them again both, and see who's willing to give me a better deal. For the options I want on the Evo, MSRP is very close to that of and Sti, so sticker price is not the deciding factor, ultimately which dealer wants to work with me the most. And sad to say, which one the wife digs the most (don't get married if you haven't already!!!) Anyway, I'll keep checking and see what people have to say.

 

The most honest assement I can give is this, its by no means a perfect product. The paint is subpar compared to German cars, the dash layout is by no means the prettiest to look at and the car goes through tires, brakes, and for some stock clutches relatively quickly. As many have said before the car is razor sharp and its built where it counts, an engine and drivetrain combo which is as strong if not stronger then almost any other production car out. The motor is far superior to the EJ25 in potential reliability IMHO. The car is simpler then the STI in a lot of ways but far more honed and as a total package its feel is second to none. Having driven every car in the price range including the STI I'd honestly say the EVO is your best bet if you're into the driving experience.

 

I really like the 05 STi myself. When I was looking at buying either the STi or the EVO I found it much more difficult for the Subaru dealerships to come off the price versus a Mitsubishi dealership.

After driving both cars quite a bit I like the EVO a little more. The EVO feels more quick and nimble compared to the STI. The STi feels much bigger due to its slower steering and a little mushier suspension.

 

I chose the STI because

1. Wide power band (take a look at the 5-60 times for both cars)
2. 6 speed (not as smooth as the EVO's gearbox, but shorter shift)
3. I like the way the gauges and their light up sequence.
4. Better interioir quality
5. Forged BBS wheels
6. DCCD (can't say I've used it yet though)
7. Deep rumble of the boxer engine
8. No Altezza tail lights
9. Better daily driver
10. Subaru's better reliability record

EVO does have:
1. Better steering wheel.
2. Better steering feel and easier car to drive fast (although I really question whether it is a better handler)
3. Recaros
4. Carbon fiber rear wing

 

Ah, the old "Evo or STi" discussion again...



Look at, compare and DRIVE them both and make your decision. Lately, I've been thinking the STi would be cool to screw around with for awhile..

OMG..Did I just SAy that??!!

 

Mine is a daily drive with the child seat in the back. I drive about 50 miles a day to and from work. My wife actually digs the Evo more than the Sti/wrx and on the day i traded, my 3 year old told me to leave my wrx at the dealer and take the "other car!" I asked why, and she said, "I like that blue one (evo) better than the other one (wrx)"...haha.