Which would you Choose - Page 3

XRL · 03-30-09, 01:10

Lancer Ralliart Sportback:

The answer to the new WRX and STI. You're probably thinking "he's nuts, it's only got 220hp". You're right, it does. But it also packs the same engine as the Evo with a smaller turbo and slightly different exhaust. It packs the same DSG transmission as the Evo X as well, and packs the AWD out of the Evo IX. It's also a wagon with fold down rear seats. So you swap the turbo out, do some more mods to support it and you've got a crazy fast wagon.

MasterBlaster · 04-21-09, 08:21

I know it's an older thread, but thought I'd add. Did you ever decide?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstar752

What exactly do you wanna do to it? Are you looking for a DD with comfort and some speed? Or a car you can just mod and rip through corners and not have to worry about everyday comfort?

I think this is the biggest part in deciding between the two. The Evo is much more mod friendly. For Subies even some simple bolt-ons require tuning, Evos you don't have to worry about. And if you don't live near a good tuner, it really limits what you can do with a Subaru. Mod wise you can obviously take care of the handling issues of the STi.

If you don't care at all about mods, then the only thing I think the STi has to offer is the hatch. Hauling stuff, like detailing gear, would be easier. Otherwise, stock for stock, I personally would pic the Evo (and that's coming from an '05 STi owner). I can't stand the dash of the new Imprezas, and the handling is bleh even compared to my '05. The new Evo is nicer inside, rides nicer than the old ones, but still handles like mad. Power wise, if you don't plan on modding, they're both really quick and you won't notice that much difference if you chose the Evo over the STi.

Really it may even be better to wait and see what Subaru decides to do with the 2010 STi's. When they updated the '09 WRX, they almost made it too close performance wise to the STi.

MJH_78 · 04-21-09, 10:17

In general, I just really hate Mitsubishi autos, but....I have HEARD in certain circles that the motor in the Mitsu you are referring to is as rock solid as they come.

thesacrifice · 04-23-09, 03:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by MasterBlaster

and the handling is bleh even compared to my '05.

You need to clarify this.

The new STI handles every bit as well as any previous STI and in fact slaloms faster. Now if you said the steering feels more vague and their is more body roll then, yes... true

SCoach · 04-23-09, 03:55

I've had some fun cars. BMW, S2k, WRX.

Honestly, neither the STi nor the Evo do a lot for me. But I'm getting old. The Subie is nice, and will be the better highway car, but honestly, both feel "cheap" inside. This is understandable given that the majority of the budget was spent under the hood, and not on the inside.

If you want a nice daily driver, then the STi is probably your best bet. If you don't take long highway trips, or would take a rental, then the Evo is probably going to be where you want to go.

Those who talk about taking cars to the track in this kind of discussion are tilting at windmills. If you want a track car, buy one. Both of these cars have at least 2 seats too many for track cars.

The M3 is nice(er) but it's HEAVY. My old E30 was a lot more fun even though it was way down on power. People thought my S2K was a bad daily driver but I LOVED it. Just not much room. Now THAT is a fun track/Solo car.

Honestly, in your shoes, I'd probably buy a beater Civic hatch or something for hauling around detailing supplies (or even a wagon), and then buy something fun to drive. Trying to buy one car to do it all really asks too much.

You can get into a decent beater hatchback for $3k. Buy an S2K, Elise, RX7, or something else fun, and you've spent the same money, have a backup car, and will have a hell of a lot more fun.

If you NEED a highway car, then buy a BMW 330 or something. Way less cash than the M3, better ride, and cheaper insurance.

Just my thoughts from an aging motor head who's trying to figure out how to put a 400/400 engine into an AH Frogeye!

Luigi · 04-23-09, 04:52

Realize OP posted a while ago, but I personally like the STi.

I have seen some Evo's around in Dartmouth, NS. A bunch of lancers around too. Also I have a 07 WRX so I am kinda partial to the subie. Plus I find their service at Dexter's Subaru great. Just don't let them wash your car, did it once without me knowing, now I just tell them before hand not to bother with the wash

MasterBlaster · 04-27-09, 08:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesacrifice

You need to clarify this.

The new STI handles every bit as well as any previous STI and in fact slaloms faster. Now if you said the steering feels more vague and their is more body roll then, yes... true

Yeah that's what I ment. I didn't mean it didn't handle great. To me it just didn't feel as "capable", even though it is. I'm sure a lot of that probably has to do with comfort, which is pretty much non-existent on the older cars. In my car I feel everything, in the new one I didn't.

VroooomCrash · 04-27-09, 07:49

You could say the new STI does not handle great...it has terrible under steer.

FJF · 04-28-09, 01:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAKER

Second car did make me go wow, great looks, I had seen lots of pictures, but in person it was very impressive. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, 291 HP from a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder. Seemed very well built and has the reputation as just insane if you push it. I know Mitsubishi has had quality issues in the past, not sure about currently...

FWIW, I've had two Evos, the only non-German cars I've owned in ~30 years behind the wheel. Both cars were/are reliable to a fault - zero issues.