Well, I was at the Mitsubishi dealer earlier to check out the EVOs. They had 3 2003's left (Silver, Blue and Yellow). Anyways I was just browsing along and the salesman comes up to me and tries to sell my the car. I told em that I was just browsing, then his manager comes out and tells me that he can give me a good deal if I trade in my car since a customer was looking for an S (huh? at mitsubishi?). I told him that I still need to think about it, then the salesman takes out the keys and gives me a test drive. What can I say but, OK...

My opinion,

Before I did anything harsh, I made sure that the engine warmed up then off I go... As far as handling is concerned, it is top notch!!! There was no body roll. It has a 3 point strut tower bar and 3 other reinforcing bars throughout the car. The EVO drove well, it stuck to the ground like glue. The control on the EVO is much more stable than our S. It felt that it can easily correct itself when you lose it on the turns. It just felt more forgiving.

I did not attempt to do any peeling out as a respect for the future buyer. As far as launching the car or anything, the clutch, 5spd tranny and the diffs felt pretty solid to handle such loads at 4wd. The shifter shifted pretty smooth and felt solid for a cable shifter (I think).

As for power, there was adequate torque on the bottom end, but somewhat of a lag below 2000RPM. Its peak point is at around 4000RPM where max torque pushes you back to the seat but it drops off in torque past that point really quick giving me the impression that I am not accelerating that hard anymore. In fact a dyno from one of the magazines, showed the torque almost droped 50% from peak torque to torque at redline. It went from ~250 ft-lbs @4000RPM to 150 ft-lbs @ 7000RPM. Because of this characteristic, it does not give me much exitment coming up to redline since it lacks a flat or rising torque curve. When you shift from 1st to 2nd to 3rd, it will drop back at 5000RPM and above from near redline shifting. At 5000RPM is where all the STEEP decline of torque starts. This EVO, 350Z and the WRX felt the same. Im guessing the Sti would feel similar driving wise, im still waiting to test drive that car. However, if you are just cruising along and see an S on your side and punch it, it goes like hell. The midrange power on this car gives you the passing power you need. But no climactic top end here like the S, BMWs, porsches or Ferraris.

As far as how it looks... Besides showing off its monster intercooler and vented hood, its curves is nothing to brag about. Well lets just say that its the beauty inside that counts.

Summary:

EVO8 - 4Door, 4wd, Recarro/momo, Easy to add more power, handles, strong drivetrain, solid suspension, adjustable HID, so so interior, spacious, not too sexy but nice personality, strong midrange torque, a quicky.

S2000 - 2dr, rwd, Convertible, 9000RPM redline, no seat pinning action, nice tight seats, top notch fit and finish, sexy curves, good top end power, climactic, addicting, a keeper.


After the test drive the dealer offered me an even trade after a few moments of paper work. My used 03 S2k for a NEW EVO8 + tax and regs. I told them I'd think about it. Note about the dealer, push push push, and EVO is better than the S because of... I rather not go into this, but its funny what they said though. Im thinking in my mind, why would they offer even trade for a used one if its that great and high demand. If I had the money I wouldnt mind having both the EVO or STi with the S just to have both worlds. Right now, I much prefer the S2000's personality, see summary above. What do you guys think? Would you trade or no trade?

 

No trade here, then again if I had to use it as my only transportation I would consider it, but only because of our lousy winters here. During the summer, or southern climates, give me the S.

 

You should check out evolutionm.net and see all the users that have had their clutch go out in less than 10,000 mi. Yes, I'm sure some are due to abusive driving, but others "claim" to have driven the car reasonably.....also I hear the Evo IX will be out this september as a MY05.

 

I traded my new evo in for a used s2k....

Things i couldn't stand about the evo:
1) Interior. The only thing separating this from the regular lancer is the ugly ass gauge cluster, the recaro seats, steering wheel, and....wait thats it. For a 30k car, its not something you'd expect.
2) Random rock chips.
3) Squeaky brakes
4) Terrible gas mileage.
5) The feeling of boost gets old and you just want more and more.
6) It has the ugliest power curve and you can feel it.

Things i loved:
1) Razor sharp steering.
2) Recaro Seats
3) Brembos
4) Upgradeability

IF you do trade it in, hope that you don't get a lemon. If you go to www.evolutionm.net , there always seems to be a constant stream of people complaining about mitsubishi and them not covering the warranty on the evo. I like the evo, its a great car. But if you want to own it, i think you should wait for a different model year. At least until they work out all the bugs.

The dealer is offering you a straight trade because they'll do anything to get rid of an evo. They don't sell well at all. Thats why you can find them for near invoice almost anywhere now. Unless you need a convenient car, i would definitely stick with your s2k. Trust me...its a more fun car to drive. Its also nice to know that it won't break down on you when you go to work.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by StinkyTofu
I traded my new evo in for a used s2k....

Things i couldn't stand about the evo:
1) Interior.

 

If you have any doubts at all do not go through with the transaction.

In my past experience, unless you feel pure excitement and or contentment about the purchase of a new vehicle. Do not make the purchase until you are at a point where you wouldnt think twice about making that change.

 

Sounds like an interesting car, but how do you put the top down?

 

Tough call. It would all depend on what you would want or need. If I had a family or was expecting a family >2 and couldn't afford a second car, I'll probably trade my MY02 for a brand new EVO. Make sure it's fully loaded though, moonroof, wing, etc.

But it's nicer weather now, and I love my S and I don't have a family of >2 yet...

I know fully loaded Evos were selling around $27K back in Jan/Feb, so if you're car is worth more than that, then NO, but if it's worth similar then it's a tough call. I think stock MY03 is about $27K used.

Good luck!

 

Not to convince you to trade, but as far as the powerband being dissapointing, thats the ecu. they run 19 psi of boost from factory, however when going to redline it tapers off for fuel economy down to 12-14 psi, thus the feel of powerloss, my friend had his ecu reflashed and now its constant 19, alot less turbo lag and pulls strong all the way.... oh yeah, just my .02 cents

 

i wouldnt if you i were you. when i was shopping for new car. evo was on my list and when i did go test drive it, it wasnt all that seem to be. thats just my 2 cents.

it seems to me there are a lot of EVO on the streets but i see less then hand full s2ks. at least in my area.