For those who have owned or driven both extensively, what are some of the pros/cons for each (aside from just the obvious raw power difference)? Thanks...

 

Well, for one thing, the EVO is way past 3000lbs.

 

another thing, EVOs have almost twice the torque of S2ks and they're AWD

 

I own an Evo IX and an S2000.

The S2000 is more fun and rewarding to drive. Chicks dig it.

The Evo is faster and more practical. Chicks hate it.

Andrew

 

I actually went and test drove an evo IV and an 04 and 06 STI. Overall I liked the STI's feel better than the evo's and it seemed quicker to me, but I did like the quick steering on the evo.. it felt much like an S2000. The power and torque were nice on both cars but they were not nearly as fun as my S2000. If I lived somewhere it snowed or rained a lot I'd get an Sti. If your looking for a more powerful car go FI on the s2000.. it makes the car totally different.

 

evo has stouter drivetrain parts that will handle power. S2k rear end won't like too much torque. 4G63 is one stout motherfooker too.

s2 is nice and cheap to maintain

evo is really expensive to maintain

if you like raw all conquering power and handling rolled up into a car that does it all, EVO

if you want to attract women with a nice car that you can drop the top and slide a round a bit, S2K

 

I'm not sold on the EVOs long term durability. Ever since mitsubishi took over the engine building from dsm they've had that crankwalk problem, and there are some reports that the evos are getting it too, but won't know until we have a lot of them going over 100K since that's when it typically happens.
I will, however, defend it from anyone who takes issue with the transmissions, if you got full time awd with that kind of power with a driver with those kinds of intentions, stuff will happen. The 4g63 gained alot of support from the US folk mostly becaues it was left uncontested. The 3sgte onyl came in the celica all tracs (which are highly sought after) and the mr2 turbos (which hold their value exceptionally well in comparison to the dsms despite being a pain in the ass to work on) and were both relatively expensive cars when they were new, nissan never brought the sr20det stateside. That's not to say the EVOs weren't popular in Japan, but a lot of folks were drawn to the STIs as well who seem to have a more loyal following.
And no bias here, I owned and absolutely loved my 95 talon tsi awd, and I also had a 240sx with an sr20det that was nothing but headaches, yet I would have more long term faith in the 240.
For folks that are so skeptical about the durability of domestics, I'd think they;d be more concerned with EVOs given the 4g63's track record in the states.
But what do you care, you have an almighty fd!

 

Appreciate the input

 

TheDon has it backwards. The Evos don't have the crankwalk problem, IV gen and up. The DSMs were the ones with crankwalk problems. If you had a DSM then you should have known that the 6 bolt 90-91 motors were the one's to have. The Evo IV was the first 4G63 with the tranny and timing belt positions switched.

btw, my Evo has 124k miles, and I run 22psi of boost daily. It's been this way for a year and a half now.

Evos get bad raps because people think that you can rev the motor to 7k and drop the clutch. Little rich kids would buy Evos brand new, break them, then talk shit on the internet.

I've owned mine for 3 years now, and the only drivetrain piece I have replaced is the clutch.

I have friends who are making 400 wheel and 320lbs of torque on the stock engine, headgasket, bottom end, and stock drivetrain with only an upgraded clutch.

Coincidentally, one of my friends likes to drag race his S2K. He is on his third rear diff.

 

^thats how youre supposed to launch the evo though, right?

rev up like hell, hope the clutch holds cuz the drivetrains pretty much not gonna slip.


thats how my friend used to launch his STi...


Evo for practicality, power
s2k for looks, fun.