I'm curious if anyone has seen any information on the performance gain with the 08 GTS vs. the 08 ES. Tried searching here and on the Net but couldn't find much beyond what's on the official site. From what that say, beyond some differences in interior trim and the aero body kit, the major differences are the sport-tuned suspension, the rear drums instead of disk brakes on the ES, and the paddleshifters on the CVT. The result is that the ES has about a 100 pound advantage on the GTS, while still allowing for manual shifting of the CVT (just not with paddleshifters).

I wonder because there is a price difference, and if there's no subtantial gain in performance than wouldn't it make more sense to get the ES and modify as needed?

Just wanting some feedback as I plan to buy an 08 Lancer in the next few weeks.

 

All the models have the same power. The gts just has a lot more comfort perks and some paddle shifters. All the new 08 lancers use the same engine.

 

But what about the differences in the suspension and the brakes? Does that make any difference in the handling? That's what I really care about, not the straight line power but the ability to take curves and accelerate out of them well. My current ride - a 97 Escort wagon - handles them surprisingly well. The Mazda 3 hatch handles them like the things on rails, the GTS was nearly as good but not quite as tight. I was curious if there was a drop between the ES and the GTS in terms of handling.

 

What's the weight difference in the 3 and the Lancer? I bet the 18s have something to do with it too! Basically, you asking why would some get the MR edition Evo, over the RS... Extra convience stuff and upgraded suspension.

 

Basically the suspension and the comforts like the bluetooth. In my opinion, the suspension upgrades are usually better with aftermarket. The upper front tower bar is flimsy and hollow, WTF!!! Besides isnt it much better when you put your personality in the car? To me thats what "tuning" is all about. Upgrades and your own flavor in your ride. When I bought my ES, there were just one thing I did not like about the GTS, the 5-speed. The dealership I went to had no 5-speed GTS. To each is own but my thinking was, I wanted to create my Lancer the way I wanted to.

 

I personally bought a ES. I was comparing the two and all you're really getting is a convenience package. Body kit, 18's, fogs...etc. Really not worth the extra couple of thousands.
My ES came w/ Disc Brakes all around. It's not a CVT tranny, but it's a pretty nice car.

I quoted what you said above and it would sound like a logical move.

 

GO GTS and build from there! The difference in comforts are worth it.

ROAD/RACE

 

how does the interior match up, is the es seats grey? or are both gts and es black?

 

I would purchase the gts! Sport Tuned Suspension and rims (18's rapped in Dunlop tires)deff make a difference and the brakes are way bigger then what comes on the ES( ES front10.9 back10.3 GTS front11.6 back 11.9) plus the interior is alot better looking. This is why i didnt purchase the ES. Its is nicer to start with the top model and go up then to start with the lower model and I have already started to customize mine to make it unlike any stock model

 

Alright, I've decided. It's the GTS that I'll go with. I still like the idea of the paddleshifters, it gives me the feel of a manual. Now, do I go with electric blue or rally red? That decision I think I can make myself.

Thanks!

 

Eb!!!!

 

No No No Rr!

 

I'd save the money and go GTS. They come with rear disk brakes... The ES come with drums... do u really wanna drive around on a 08 car with 90's brake?

 

My ES has discs all around

 

Mostly all levelss are supposed to have disks. Some Pre production ones you have seen have drums and the first 6 months will all have disks but because of supply issue they will go back to drums on the DE.

ROAD/RACE