Evo X vs. Evo VIII and IX
For those of you that think the Evolution X's are not agressive looking, quick or worthy of buying, you must be joking.
I had no choice but to get a new X, since my 2004 SSL Evo VIII was stolen a few months back.
So I went to the dealer and got a X MR.
With the Touring, Premium and Interior packages. Heavy car [ Luxury Liner].
The car has 1600 miles, took it to the track last week. Put it on the scales.
With me in it and 3\4 tank of premium gas, it weighted at 3,800 lbs. The outside temperature was 75 degrees.
The car made 3 runs. 1] 13.37@102.34 2] 13.50@101.98 I manually shifted 1st to 2nd and hit the rev limiter. 3] 13.344@101.73. 60 fts all 1.900's worse 1.94.
By comparison, my Evo VIII was 3,500 lbs. with me in it [SSL package].
On the VIII, first track run back in 2004 it went 14.1, 14.0, 13.9's at 95-97 mph in the 1/4.
The VIII would not trap over 77 mph in the 1/8 stock.
The X at 300 lbs. more, is trapping about 82 mph in the 1/8 stock now.
In my opinion, after owning the VIII for 9 years, driving it 102,000 miles, 2 engine builds, I like my new X as much as the old VIII.
And my VIII made 567 whp and 523 tq. and went 11.1@124 mph. So it was a fun car.
If they both were avaliable at the same time when new, I would choose the X MR. No question about it after owning both models. This car is alot of fun to drive with the twin clutch. And it is sexy.
The X has cruise control, auto on HID's, keyless entry, twin clutch paddle shifters, 800 watt stereo, 15 inch 2 pcs brakes, etc.
The VIII was a joy. The X is proving to be the next Evolution to me.
Here are 2 pictures that show it is agressive, while keeping the Evolution legacy alive and running 1/4 mile times like the good old VIII and IX's with 300 more lbs. of extra luxury equipment and better handling .
I had no choice but to get a new X, since my 2004 SSL Evo VIII was stolen a few months back.
So I went to the dealer and got a X MR.
With the Touring, Premium and Interior packages. Heavy car [ Luxury Liner].
The car has 1600 miles, took it to the track last week. Put it on the scales.
With me in it and 3\4 tank of premium gas, it weighted at 3,800 lbs. The outside temperature was 75 degrees.
The car made 3 runs. 1] 13.37@102.34 2] 13.50@101.98 I manually shifted 1st to 2nd and hit the rev limiter. 3] 13.344@101.73. 60 fts all 1.900's worse 1.94.
By comparison, my Evo VIII was 3,500 lbs. with me in it [SSL package].
On the VIII, first track run back in 2004 it went 14.1, 14.0, 13.9's at 95-97 mph in the 1/4.
The VIII would not trap over 77 mph in the 1/8 stock.
The X at 300 lbs. more, is trapping about 82 mph in the 1/8 stock now.
In my opinion, after owning the VIII for 9 years, driving it 102,000 miles, 2 engine builds, I like my new X as much as the old VIII.
And my VIII made 567 whp and 523 tq. and went 11.1@124 mph. So it was a fun car.
If they both were avaliable at the same time when new, I would choose the X MR. No question about it after owning both models. This car is alot of fun to drive with the twin clutch. And it is sexy.
The X has cruise control, auto on HID's, keyless entry, twin clutch paddle shifters, 800 watt stereo, 15 inch 2 pcs brakes, etc.
The VIII was a joy. The X is proving to be the next Evolution to me.
Here are 2 pictures that show it is agressive, while keeping the Evolution legacy alive and running 1/4 mile times like the good old VIII and IX's with 300 more lbs. of extra luxury equipment and better handling .
By the way, I LOVE that new color mitsu has put on the 10s, thats classy!
I bought an X brand new. In my humble opinion it lost the 'go kart' feeling that the 8/9 have. I put on a few basic mods and put down 335 on a Mustang dyno with it. You know what? It just wasn't that fun for some reason and I ended up never driving it. I sold it after a couple years and haven't missed it since.
Now I'm back with an 8 and I couldn't be happier. THIS is what an Evo is supposed to feel like.
Just my 2c.
Now I'm back with an 8 and I couldn't be happier. THIS is what an Evo is supposed to feel like.
Just my 2c.
Evolved Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 7
This may assist decisions: https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/al...n-species.html Or not ....
This may assist decisions: https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/al...n-species.html Or not ....
ditto i love that gray color
I think time behind the wheel trumps everything when opinions are given on these cars. Nothing bothers me more than some guy that bought a used VIII that has never spent time with an X that comes in here hating.
Anyway, here's mine over the years.
2003 Evo VIII- Tarmac black sunroof GSR
Vishnu v500 with GT3071R turbo, went 11.85@118mph in the quarter on pump map.
I had a few problems with this car, it cracked a piston around 25k miles on the TME turbo, sold my wheels for engine work, got her back up and going. Put an ACT HDSS clutch in it, and it would lock me out beyond 7000rpm on race gas. It also had cams, just not really nice daily drivability after all that. I kept it for around 45k miles all together. This was my least favorite of my Evos.
2006 Evo IX- Electric Blue GSR
Turbo back exhaust
This car I only kept around 10,000 miles to get something else. It developed a grind in reverse, which was super annoying. I had to go to second first, then reverse. For the color rarity and IX resale value, I wish I still had it, but I didn't love it.
This was my first X, an Octane Blue 2008 SSS GSR. I loved the SAYC, but this one had a really funky transmission too, would buzz in second and third gear. It just had an Ecutek tune and a full exhaust. I only had it about 6000 miles, I got a trade deal on a 135i I couldn't refuse, and it was before all the bugs were worked out on the tuning and Ecuflash was ready. I loved the way it drove, but was disappointed with the power. I guess I liked my IX a little better than this.
This was my second X, and I loved it. I sold it out of stupidity. I had 40k on it, and I wanted something that could haul my bike better, so I traded it in on a GTI, which I instantly regretted. It was also an SSS GSR. It had a full host of CBRD upgrades: BBX lite, FMIC, upper IC pipe. It also had ID1000 injectors, full exhaust, RPF1s, and Apexi S1 coilovers. I really didn't like the coilovers. I could never get them set right, which was mostly my fault. This car was a little bit quicker than my VIII pump gas to pump gas. The powerband was much nicer, and the drivability was infinitely better.
This is my current car. It's a Phantom Black 2013 base model GSR. I hope to never sell it or let it go. Many years of Evo ownership and knowledgable friends in the business have helped me learn how to mod these cars the way I like them to be, and for handling, this one blows the others away by a huge margin. It has a high flow mil.spec cat, T1R-76S quiet exhaust, 3 port, custom tune, Ohlins 10k/10k, Perrin RSB & endlinks, Gram Lights 57xtreme, and 265/35/18 Pilot Super Sport tires. I am really happy with it front to back. The only thing I wish it had that it doesn't are HIDs, but I don't drive a ton at night, so its alright for now. It's between this one and my last one for which is my favorite. I love that the 2013 has the better timing chain and differential pins. I miss that BBX lite and the headlights from the 08, though.
This is NOT my car, but I did get to drive it for an Evom article:
It's an Evo 6.5 GSR Tommi Makinen Edition, and I think it's much better than any other Evo I've driven. It was barely 3000 lbs, the transmission shifted wonderfully, and it had early AYC, which was really nice in an older car.
Anyway, I want to go against the grain here, and say I like ALL Evos. I would have one of every iteration in my garage if I could.
I really like the SAYC of the X, the stiff chassis, the seats fit me perfectly, the ability to easily use wider wheels and tires, so it's definitely my favorite USA Evo.
I have looked at getting back into an IX in the past, but they are ridiculously overpriced used, and I don't want to inherit someone else's problems. When you consider what you can get a new X for ($32k with a good deal), the lease options out there, it's a runaway win for the X in my book.
If you have a clean IX that you have taken care of, hold on to it! They are wonderful cars and worth their weight in gold. Heck, if you have any Evo you have taken care of, hold onto it. Evos are hands down my favorite affordable car ever.
Anyway, here's mine over the years.
2003 Evo VIII- Tarmac black sunroof GSR
Vishnu v500 with GT3071R turbo, went 11.85@118mph in the quarter on pump map.
I had a few problems with this car, it cracked a piston around 25k miles on the TME turbo, sold my wheels for engine work, got her back up and going. Put an ACT HDSS clutch in it, and it would lock me out beyond 7000rpm on race gas. It also had cams, just not really nice daily drivability after all that. I kept it for around 45k miles all together. This was my least favorite of my Evos.
2006 Evo IX- Electric Blue GSR
Turbo back exhaust
This car I only kept around 10,000 miles to get something else. It developed a grind in reverse, which was super annoying. I had to go to second first, then reverse. For the color rarity and IX resale value, I wish I still had it, but I didn't love it.
This was my first X, an Octane Blue 2008 SSS GSR. I loved the SAYC, but this one had a really funky transmission too, would buzz in second and third gear. It just had an Ecutek tune and a full exhaust. I only had it about 6000 miles, I got a trade deal on a 135i I couldn't refuse, and it was before all the bugs were worked out on the tuning and Ecuflash was ready. I loved the way it drove, but was disappointed with the power. I guess I liked my IX a little better than this.
This was my second X, and I loved it. I sold it out of stupidity. I had 40k on it, and I wanted something that could haul my bike better, so I traded it in on a GTI, which I instantly regretted. It was also an SSS GSR. It had a full host of CBRD upgrades: BBX lite, FMIC, upper IC pipe. It also had ID1000 injectors, full exhaust, RPF1s, and Apexi S1 coilovers. I really didn't like the coilovers. I could never get them set right, which was mostly my fault. This car was a little bit quicker than my VIII pump gas to pump gas. The powerband was much nicer, and the drivability was infinitely better.
This is my current car. It's a Phantom Black 2013 base model GSR. I hope to never sell it or let it go. Many years of Evo ownership and knowledgable friends in the business have helped me learn how to mod these cars the way I like them to be, and for handling, this one blows the others away by a huge margin. It has a high flow mil.spec cat, T1R-76S quiet exhaust, 3 port, custom tune, Ohlins 10k/10k, Perrin RSB & endlinks, Gram Lights 57xtreme, and 265/35/18 Pilot Super Sport tires. I am really happy with it front to back. The only thing I wish it had that it doesn't are HIDs, but I don't drive a ton at night, so its alright for now. It's between this one and my last one for which is my favorite. I love that the 2013 has the better timing chain and differential pins. I miss that BBX lite and the headlights from the 08, though.
This is NOT my car, but I did get to drive it for an Evom article:
It's an Evo 6.5 GSR Tommi Makinen Edition, and I think it's much better than any other Evo I've driven. It was barely 3000 lbs, the transmission shifted wonderfully, and it had early AYC, which was really nice in an older car.
Anyway, I want to go against the grain here, and say I like ALL Evos. I would have one of every iteration in my garage if I could.
I really like the SAYC of the X, the stiff chassis, the seats fit me perfectly, the ability to easily use wider wheels and tires, so it's definitely my favorite USA Evo.
I have looked at getting back into an IX in the past, but they are ridiculously overpriced used, and I don't want to inherit someone else's problems. When you consider what you can get a new X for ($32k with a good deal), the lease options out there, it's a runaway win for the X in my book.
If you have a clean IX that you have taken care of, hold on to it! They are wonderful cars and worth their weight in gold. Heck, if you have any Evo you have taken care of, hold onto it. Evos are hands down my favorite affordable car ever.
Last edited by Noize; Nov 12, 2013 at 07:55 AM.
Nice collection over the years.
Like I said, I have driven a couple X's and many many IX's
To me the X is meh compared to the VIII/IX. It doesn't have that raw feeling that I want in an AWD sports car. So IMO the X is then least fun of the EVO's Ive driven
I have no hate for the X (I can think of cars I'd rather own) but no hate to speak of.
Like I said I may pick up a used one down the line as I have no interest in buying a NEW X (If I'm buying new it certainly wont be a mitsu) and would be looking at cars with higher dollar signs so..
Like I said, I have driven a couple X's and many many IX's
To me the X is meh compared to the VIII/IX. It doesn't have that raw feeling that I want in an AWD sports car. So IMO the X is then least fun of the EVO's Ive driven
I have no hate for the X (I can think of cars I'd rather own) but no hate to speak of.
Like I said I may pick up a used one down the line as I have no interest in buying a NEW X (If I'm buying new it certainly wont be a mitsu) and would be looking at cars with higher dollar signs so..
Nice collection over the years.
Like I said, I have driven a couple X's and many many IX's
To me the X is meh compared to the VIII/IX. It doesn't have that raw feeling that I want in an AWD sports car. So IMO the X is then least fun of the EVO's Ive driven
I have no hate for the X (I can think of cars I'd rather own) but no hate to speak of.
Like I said I may pick up a used one down the line as I have no interest in buying a NEW X (If I'm buying new it certainly wont be a mitsu) and would be looking at cars with higher dollar signs so..
Like I said, I have driven a couple X's and many many IX's
To me the X is meh compared to the VIII/IX. It doesn't have that raw feeling that I want in an AWD sports car. So IMO the X is then least fun of the EVO's Ive driven
I have no hate for the X (I can think of cars I'd rather own) but no hate to speak of.
Like I said I may pick up a used one down the line as I have no interest in buying a NEW X (If I'm buying new it certainly wont be a mitsu) and would be looking at cars with higher dollar signs so..
You've been here for years and have a lot of posts. It's these 4-5 post guys that drive me nuts.
Different people like different things, so that's cool!
*disclaimer: i've never driven or owned an evo before in my life but i really want one
like that?
Agreed, I really wish I knew someone close with a manual evo X. I would love to drive one. I just didnt care for the auto.
I think an evo X on a nice set of wide wheels and tires, with a set of coilovers and a few bolt on mods making mid to high 300s would be an awesome all around car though, I can only assume lol.
I think an evo X on a nice set of wide wheels and tires, with a set of coilovers and a few bolt on mods making mid to high 300s would be an awesome all around car though, I can only assume lol.
EvoM Community Team Leader
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 6
From: chicago, michigan, arkansas
FWIW, I liked my Evo 9 MR to a point that i did not dream of driving any sports cars/SUV. I owned an IS300 before the Evo and liked it a lot except when it rains since I would spin out to say the least. my Evo was a winner until I overestimated my capabilities and rolled it over x3 and hit a tree. the indestructible wing was shattered to pieces. driving the X GSR brought back memories of my Evo 9 MR and it had a nicer interior to boot. I tried driving several Evos after that trying to convince myself of getting another one. drove the X MR and at first I thought it was just an auto Evo and who would like to buy an auto when Evo is supposed to be manual. I tried driving Porsches from base carrera 911 to carrera S and then the great carrera 911 turbo S. Then it hit me, the turbo S drives and shifts like the Evo X though I'm sure it's more powerful with 500+ hp, this is a beast and since it is also AWD, it has the genes of the X MR. after that, I have much respect for the Evo X MR in a different level. the $170k price tag of the 997 turbo S though doesn't warrant me buying one.
I drove a couple of Aston Martins Vantage and Vantage S and the TCSST trumps all they have to offer. Of course I also drove the Ferrari 612 scaglietti and their auto tranny needs getting used to and after pressing the accelerator, my life flashed in an instant and realized this isn't me. I tried the 360 Modena and I think the tranny feels lighter with the lighter aluminum body. this would be my choice if I get a chance. the F430 would be nice if it wasn't for the price. it is still up there.
To sum up, our evos are special race cars worthy of ownership. the guttural feel of the acceleration, rawness of the GSR and perfection of the TCSST makes it classic race cars comparable exotics 5-6x it's cost. it's a keeper.
I drove a couple of Aston Martins Vantage and Vantage S and the TCSST trumps all they have to offer. Of course I also drove the Ferrari 612 scaglietti and their auto tranny needs getting used to and after pressing the accelerator, my life flashed in an instant and realized this isn't me. I tried the 360 Modena and I think the tranny feels lighter with the lighter aluminum body. this would be my choice if I get a chance. the F430 would be nice if it wasn't for the price. it is still up there.
To sum up, our evos are special race cars worthy of ownership. the guttural feel of the acceleration, rawness of the GSR and perfection of the TCSST makes it classic race cars comparable exotics 5-6x it's cost. it's a keeper.
Last edited by sblvro; Nov 12, 2013 at 11:14 AM.
Evos are special in every way.
It is nice to hear everyone's experiences and history with them.
Very interesting, as each of us have very unique taste, and that is how we view this cars.
Back in 2003, when Car & Driver and Road and Track Magazines where doing first time stories on our Evos, there was one line in an article I will never forget.
They printed "who ever has one of this Mitsubishi's parked in their driveway, he/she is a very lucky person".
Keep the debate going guys,
.
It is nice to hear everyone's experiences and history with them.
Very interesting, as each of us have very unique taste, and that is how we view this cars.
Back in 2003, when Car & Driver and Road and Track Magazines where doing first time stories on our Evos, there was one line in an article I will never forget.
They printed "who ever has one of this Mitsubishi's parked in their driveway, he/she is a very lucky person".
Keep the debate going guys,
.
We had some broken images, but rectified them. I wrote this four years ago, but I think it's still a good read: Evo VI vs. Evo IX vs. Evo X
https://www.evolutionm.net/features/article.php?id=115
https://www.evolutionm.net/features/article.php?id=115