Get the STi. I agree with el rev evo.

 

Buy my WRX.

-Matt

 

Every body has good points and we have all been there one or the other I drove both and I have to tell you I did not trade in my nsx for an Evo because it was a bad car. You have to look at the specs if you are purchasing this car and do not plan to modify or race then go with the STI it has power down low but it doesnt give you that push in the back seat up high I drove the sti and it just got old fast not having any top end grunt and then the steering is not as quick, I dont think there is a production car out there that has as quick of steering as the EVO. Now back to the modification portion remember if you need to change spark plugs this is a flat four every thing you buy is now in two and the work is twice as much. two heads if you need cams you need four, it is a very difficult car to work on and more pricey. It has a great interior however it is a little short on space in the back and no one has filled you in on that one. I'm over 6' and I have ridden in the back of my car with comfort I tried the same in the sti and its very cramped you dont have the space.
I know the customer service sucks at mitsubishi but the car is very well built I think the chasis is more solid now I dont have any numbers to prove it the feel is solid. I have owned every thing from ZR1 vettes to NSX to Porsches and this car gives me a smile everytime i drive it and none of them do that. Remember this is only an opinion but your happiness in the end is all that matters

Good luck

 

It REALLY does come down to preference. I can say as an owner of both that the Sti will pull harder and is more reliable as far as warranty and clutch are concerned. The EVO handles WAYYYY better and just sticks to the road, it is lighter so you dont feel as much pull and torque but its a little faster. Plus its 4 door, roomy, comfortable, and more affordable (gsr). Drive em both, u know ur budget, but EVO's got my vote.

 

So many ignorant people here bash STI w/o knowing what they are talking about.. someone mentioned Evo's wheels are wider and has recaro seats which STI doesn't? wrong.. 05 Sti and Evo both have 17x8 wheels and Sti seats are recaros also.. neway.. don't listen to people that say "I had a WRX before.. have Evo now..my WRX blew tranny blah blah" cuz WRX and WRX STI are two completely different machines.. Sti has much stronger tranny, etc..
neway.. you said you don't plan to mod the car, so go w/ the 05 STI. To give one of the reasons, it's more practical (auto climate control, cruise control, warranty, etc). For those of you who say "Evo is faster (which it isn't stock to stock), Evo is a better handler (05 Sti handles as good), if you wanted a better performer.. there're always a faster, better handling car than yours out there.. there are numerous MKIV supras making 1000whp if you wanted a "fast" car, etc..
and for STI owners/subie dealers who bash Evo by saying Mitsu will go out of business.. I doubt it cuz Mitsu's a huge company (mostly electronics) & mitsu motors is just one of their departments. Just cuz mitsu motor fails to make profit doesn't mean it'll go out of business..
Most Evo/Sti owners buy their car out of passion, not simply because they are "fast"..
neway.. the point was get the 05 STI and yes I'm a STI owner

 

This is an EVO board. What do you expect to hear? If you are modding the car for the racetrack, it ain't even close, get the EVO RS. On the street, it's much closer, but I'd go with the MR. I test drove a couple of Sti's. They are pretty fast in a straight line, but the thing just shakes. The big wing and hood scoop just sort of rattle as you accelerate. The EVO is built like a tank. The tub weighs 700 lbs.

 

No, the STi doesn't have Recaro seats. Yes, it's got 17x8 wheels, but still only 225 width tires.

The Evo has a better warranty. Neither Subaru nor Mitsubishi will cover abuse. Luxury features like cruise control and climate control are nice, but they are luxuries. Nothing wrong with that, but if you want the best performer, they probably shouldn't factor into the decision making process.

The STi and Evo look really close on paper. If you're going to "magazine race", go with the STi. But if you're actually going to drive the car, then you might want to listen to what people who have driven them both are saying, and the automotive press gives the Evo the nod time and time again. Sport Compact Car just did a head-to-head comparison of the '05 STi and Evo MR. The MR won.

Mitsubishi is highly unlikely to fold. I wouldn't be too surprised if they pulled out the US in the next couple years if sales don't improve, though.

I'm a former STi owner. I loved the car and wouldn't have any problem recommending it. The MR vs. STi decision depends upon what you're looking for.