View Poll Results: which would you buy?
Voters: 117. You may not vote on this poll
EVO or STI
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 11
From: Hercules/SF, CA
Originally Posted by fusionchickenleg,May 10 2006, 12:36 PM
it's more like a rumor floating around the boards. it's never been actually proven that the 6spd is more fragile than the 5.
honestly the Evo vs. STi debate is getting pretty old. and nothing anybody say will actually matter to whoever's actually considering either of the cars.
just ask ur friend to drive both until he/she decides on one.
the STi i drove has bolt-on's, making about 320awhp, and compared to my IX (with addition of MIVEC; the VIII's don't have it), the low end torque on the STi isn't that much better anymore. the power delivery in the IX is smoother than the VIII, and i upshift daily at 2500 rpm because that's how much torque there is in the IX.
handling wise the Evo just feels sharper because of its steering.
other than these two things (straightline acceleration feel and handling feel) the cars feel about the same driving wise. it's just down to exterior and interior appearances, as well as which car maker u're more comfy with.
geoff, u're in diamond bar, so am i. ur friend is most likely in SoCal, which has 2 mod friendly Mitsu dealers with good service. Huntington Beach and South Coast. plus South Coast is offering about 1500 under invoice right now for all 3 Evo IX models. just in case u didnt know this info yet...
ur friend will be happy with either one, just ask him/her to drive both cars until he decides.
honestly the Evo vs. STi debate is getting pretty old. and nothing anybody say will actually matter to whoever's actually considering either of the cars.
just ask ur friend to drive both until he/she decides on one.
the STi i drove has bolt-on's, making about 320awhp, and compared to my IX (with addition of MIVEC; the VIII's don't have it), the low end torque on the STi isn't that much better anymore. the power delivery in the IX is smoother than the VIII, and i upshift daily at 2500 rpm because that's how much torque there is in the IX.
handling wise the Evo just feels sharper because of its steering.
other than these two things (straightline acceleration feel and handling feel) the cars feel about the same driving wise. it's just down to exterior and interior appearances, as well as which car maker u're more comfy with.
geoff, u're in diamond bar, so am i. ur friend is most likely in SoCal, which has 2 mod friendly Mitsu dealers with good service. Huntington Beach and South Coast. plus South Coast is offering about 1500 under invoice right now for all 3 Evo IX models. just in case u didnt know this info yet...
ur friend will be happy with either one, just ask him/her to drive both cars until he decides.
EvoM.net thread for SC Mitsu's offer
Mitsu isn't that bad with the quality of the cars. Every manufacturer have quirks. lol
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 0
i've driven both extensively and i have to vote for the evo. while looks are subjective, i prefer the way the evo drives. not to mention how easy it is to make them wicked fast. and as far as quality goes, it is definitely a notch above other mitsu's.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 1
From: The Colony, TX
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, WA USA
Originally Posted by psychoazn,May 10 2006, 07:56 PM
you can feel the turbo lag in both vehicles, but I personally go for the STi; It has a unique sound (unless you replace the header with an even-length piping one), while the evo's engine is 'just another turbo'd 4banger'
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 11
From: Hercules/SF, CA
The 03s had noticeable lag (heard not experienced) but felt strong because of the kick it gave when full boost came in. My IX on the other hand has a smooth transition from off to on boost.
I've yet to drive an STI but hope to try one soon. =\ I really wanna compare it for myself if not for others. lol
I've yet to drive an STI but hope to try one soon. =\ I really wanna compare it for myself if not for others. lol
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,367
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
03 Evo's have the most lag, and have the least power.
05 Evo's get the new 10.5 hotside, which boosts power from the factory. lag is also slightly improved.
the 06 Evo IX's have added MIVEC, thus improving turbo lag (by a pretty significant amount, compared to the 05 i drove); there is no less than 85% crank tq starting at 2500 rpm (@ wot). i upshift at 2500 rpm daily driving the Evo, because that's how much low end torque it has.
the power is also improved from the factory, though this is due to either or both the addition of MIVEC as well as a slightly different turbo (this issue is still debated). the IX stock dynos 15-25 whp more than the previous Evo's, and responds with 15-30whp + gains compared to the VIII's with the same mods.
05 Evo's get the new 10.5 hotside, which boosts power from the factory. lag is also slightly improved.
the 06 Evo IX's have added MIVEC, thus improving turbo lag (by a pretty significant amount, compared to the 05 i drove); there is no less than 85% crank tq starting at 2500 rpm (@ wot). i upshift at 2500 rpm daily driving the Evo, because that's how much low end torque it has.
the power is also improved from the factory, though this is due to either or both the addition of MIVEC as well as a slightly different turbo (this issue is still debated). the IX stock dynos 15-25 whp more than the previous Evo's, and responds with 15-30whp + gains compared to the VIII's with the same mods.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Originally Posted by fusionchickenleg,May 10 2006, 02:36 AM
i chose Evolution, both for the poll and in real life.
the Evo's steering is one of the best among the load of cars i've driven. the STi just "feel" heavier in the corners, whereas the Evo feels more nimble. and in real life, the Evo is the better handling car.
then we move on to how the cars repond to mods, and the Evo completely takes the cake in that category, esp. the IX. exhaust, boost controller and flash can get a IX runnin high to mid 11's with a 110+ trap already.
yea the STi's interior has more gadgets (or basic amenities such as cruise control lol), but if i'm dishing 30k to buy a fast and not-so-pretty saloon, i wanna get as much performance per dollar as i can, and in that perspective the Evo's my choice.
i guess it comes down to this: daily driver/stayin stock = STi. pure performance = Evo.
imho.
the Evo's steering is one of the best among the load of cars i've driven. the STi just "feel" heavier in the corners, whereas the Evo feels more nimble. and in real life, the Evo is the better handling car.
then we move on to how the cars repond to mods, and the Evo completely takes the cake in that category, esp. the IX. exhaust, boost controller and flash can get a IX runnin high to mid 11's with a 110+ trap already.
yea the STi's interior has more gadgets (or basic amenities such as cruise control lol), but if i'm dishing 30k to buy a fast and not-so-pretty saloon, i wanna get as much performance per dollar as i can, and in that perspective the Evo's my choice.
i guess it comes down to this: daily driver/stayin stock = STi. pure performance = Evo.
imho.
As for the performance diff between the STi and EVO...both are extremely close. In fact I think the STi might have an advantage stock vs stock against all EVO models except the MR. Throw in mods and it's anyones race. IMO, you can't beat the rumble of that boxer engine with exhaust and judging by the latest OneLapOfAmerica results, the STi does really well in a track environment. So I think the decision has to come down to looks, admenities, ,manufacturer, and price.
If I had to do it again, I might try the STi. Not that the EVO's been a bad car but more to give the other a go.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 2
From: Troy, Michigan
I choose Evo IX (especially MR).
I was recently at an open track day and got to drive both the Evo and STI for hot laps. This is the best way to make a decision, instead of just reading magazines.
Evo:
1. Feels lighter
2. Rolls less
3. Less linear power curve....it's a stone less than 3000 rpm...then wham....boost until redline.
4. Steering is very alive and transmits much detail.
5. Interior looks like an econobox...would be a definate step down from the S2k.
6. Shifting gears isn't as great as the S2k (what is, really?) but wasn't that notchy.
7. Less understeer even it has 60/40 F/R weight distribution....how the hell did they do it?
8. More grippy seats, much better for track days, would get old for daily driving.
STI:
1. Feels heavier
2. Rolls more
3. More linear power curve...boost hits at approx 2500 rpm. Very smooth delivery. I called it a "japanese mustang" b/c the torque was so apparent.
4. Steering felt more numb.
5. Interior is more representative of a $30k+ car.
6. Shifting gears was very notchy. Big let down.
7. More understeer...can be controlled with right foot
8. Seats are more comfy, but to soft to hold you in corner.
All in all, I like the looks of the STI better, but the Evo just felt better at the track and I could flick it around easier than the STI. Mind you I had never driven either car before.
Regards,
Christopher
I was recently at an open track day and got to drive both the Evo and STI for hot laps. This is the best way to make a decision, instead of just reading magazines.
Evo:
1. Feels lighter
2. Rolls less
3. Less linear power curve....it's a stone less than 3000 rpm...then wham....boost until redline.
4. Steering is very alive and transmits much detail.
5. Interior looks like an econobox...would be a definate step down from the S2k.
6. Shifting gears isn't as great as the S2k (what is, really?) but wasn't that notchy.
7. Less understeer even it has 60/40 F/R weight distribution....how the hell did they do it?
8. More grippy seats, much better for track days, would get old for daily driving.
STI:
1. Feels heavier
2. Rolls more
3. More linear power curve...boost hits at approx 2500 rpm. Very smooth delivery. I called it a "japanese mustang" b/c the torque was so apparent.
4. Steering felt more numb.
5. Interior is more representative of a $30k+ car.
6. Shifting gears was very notchy. Big let down.
7. More understeer...can be controlled with right foot
8. Seats are more comfy, but to soft to hold you in corner.
All in all, I like the looks of the STI better, but the Evo just felt better at the track and I could flick it around easier than the STI. Mind you I had never driven either car before.
Regards,
Christopher