I just purchased a new 2009 GTS and have owned a 2004 ralliart. Both are 2.4L engines, but one is SOHC and the other is DOHC. When driving my GTS, it doesn't seem as fast as the 2004 Ralliarts for some reason, but their power is almost identical.

So, I'm just wondering what the big differences between the two engines. Does the 4b12 have forged rods like the 4g69?

 

I'm guessing you're not comparing your stock GTS to your turbo'd RA, but even still if the last memories you have of your old car were when it was turbo'd then of course the new car will seem slower.

That said, where to begin, the 4B12 is a new design and there are a lot of differences between it and the 4G69. There's probably very little they do have an common past displacement and number of cylinders. They may both be MIVEC but the MIVEC system on the newer engines is more complex then it was on the older ones. Plus, the new Lancer is a bit heavier then the old one so, even if they had similar power, the new car would seem more sluggish. Peak power isn't the only thing to consider, but the power curve of both. If we had stock dynos of both engines I think you would see that the 4B12 has more power under the curve, but I don't know that for sure.

 

of course I wouldn't consider the turbo version. =)

There isn't much info the the 4b12 yet which kind of sucks. I remember the ralliart having quicker pickup then the GTS, but it's been a long time.

 

The 2004 Ralliart has a curb weight of 2843 lbs vs 3043/3120 for the 2009 GTS. That's a 200 lb weight difference when the cars have roughly the same HP rating.