EVO and S2K..... by evo drivers
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
WOW!!!
Brovo! awesome information here regarding my problem in choosing the right car for myself.
S2000 is indeed a better autoxer, as well as sunday drive with the top down. EVO just screams "SPEEEDDDD!!!!"
both are great cars, I am completely envious of owners that drive these cars daily.
Brovo! awesome information here regarding my problem in choosing the right car for myself.
S2000 is indeed a better autoxer, as well as sunday drive with the top down. EVO just screams "SPEEEDDDD!!!!"
both are great cars, I am completely envious of owners that drive these cars daily.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 846
Likes: 9
From: Stratford
Originally Posted by WestSideBilly,Aug 16 2005, 12:14 PM
Acceleration: Evo, Hands down.
Top End: Draw. Both have lousy aerodynamics.
Braking: Evo, slightly. Both are very good, among the best you can get for reasonable cash.
Low speed (<30) handling: S2000.
Mid speed (30-100) handling: Evo.
High speed (100+) handling: Draw, though the Evo is much more reassuring in this domain.
Combined accel/decel + turning: This is probably the area the Evo excels in most. AWD is nice in certain areas and this is one of them. The S2000, especially stock '00-'03 models, has a few nasty characteristics with trail braking.
Tight track/auto-x: I'd probably favor the S2000 here. The Evo has a large turning radius (a side effect of the AWD system) and does not do tight turns well.
Normal (1-2.5 mile) track: probably a draw. An average driver will be faster in the Evo.
Long track (road america, etc): Evo.
Canyon carving (lots of sweepers and elevation change): Evo is faster but the view from the S2000 is better.
Drag racing: Evo, especially if you mod it.
Rally: No comparison
Inclement weather: The Evo will always be better assuming you equip them similarly. The A046 is a disgustingly grippy (and expensive) summer tire, like the S02, that doesn't work so well in the rain and hardly at all in the snow. Put the right tires on and the benefits of all 4 driving are there. An S2000 on snows will be better than an Evo on Summers or all-seasons, of course.
Modified family sedan vs ground up design: The biggest benefit of the former is that a lot of costs are offset, which can be applied to areas like the engine, tranny, etc. And while the car is a modified Lancer, it's also the 7th evolution of a rally-bred race car.
Top End: Draw. Both have lousy aerodynamics.
Braking: Evo, slightly. Both are very good, among the best you can get for reasonable cash.
Low speed (<30) handling: S2000.
Mid speed (30-100) handling: Evo.
High speed (100+) handling: Draw, though the Evo is much more reassuring in this domain.
Combined accel/decel + turning: This is probably the area the Evo excels in most. AWD is nice in certain areas and this is one of them. The S2000, especially stock '00-'03 models, has a few nasty characteristics with trail braking.
Tight track/auto-x: I'd probably favor the S2000 here. The Evo has a large turning radius (a side effect of the AWD system) and does not do tight turns well.
Normal (1-2.5 mile) track: probably a draw. An average driver will be faster in the Evo.
Long track (road america, etc): Evo.
Canyon carving (lots of sweepers and elevation change): Evo is faster but the view from the S2000 is better.
Drag racing: Evo, especially if you mod it.
Rally: No comparison
Inclement weather: The Evo will always be better assuming you equip them similarly. The A046 is a disgustingly grippy (and expensive) summer tire, like the S02, that doesn't work so well in the rain and hardly at all in the snow. Put the right tires on and the benefits of all 4 driving are there. An S2000 on snows will be better than an Evo on Summers or all-seasons, of course.
Modified family sedan vs ground up design: The biggest benefit of the former is that a lot of costs are offset, which can be applied to areas like the engine, tranny, etc. And while the car is a modified Lancer, it's also the 7th evolution of a rally-bred race car.
I would disagree with the high speed handling characterists of the evo vs. the s2000. I've had both cars over 100 and the evo displays alot more stability.
Just one more point. The fun factor in the s2000 is something that can not be catagorized by pure numbers. The S dominates in this catagory.
Bobby
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
I owned a MY 2000 S2K and really liked the car, but had to trade it for logistical reasons. We had issues that have been mentioned by other posters and include year round drivability and multi passenger comfort.
The next fast car I bought was a MY 2003 EVO. Man what a fun car to drive, fast, turns fast (but not tight) and brakes great. Plus, you can drive it all year if you put the right tires on it. That's the good news, the bad news is I was one of the unlucky ones.... The car was a total piece of junk and Mitsubishi does in fact suck. I had clutch issues (and yes I do know how to drive), the PO300 ECU false code issue, front end clunk and numerous squeaks and rattles. I personally know a couple EVO owners that have had great luck with their cars though, so it's crapshoot imo.
I recently picked up a MY 2004 S2K and I am thoroughly enjoying the car. The 04 rides distinctly better than the 00 yet handles as well, though there is more body lean it seems.
I would totally go with the S2K unless you need the the room or have to drive the car all year. The EVO is more mod friendly but you WILL pay to play, one place or another if you mod either car.
In the research I did before buying the Honda it was obvious that the Honda was keeping it's value far more than the EVO and this is likely because of a combo of Honda quality and the general lack thereof in the EVO. Mitsu is still in dire straits financially too, which may come into play if you keep the EVO a long time.
The comparison that Westsidebilly was dead on I think. I will say that I think a good driver in a S2K will outperform most drivers in an EVO. But, the EVO will make you a better driver than you actually are, as I think it's more forgiving of errors.
The next fast car I bought was a MY 2003 EVO. Man what a fun car to drive, fast, turns fast (but not tight) and brakes great. Plus, you can drive it all year if you put the right tires on it. That's the good news, the bad news is I was one of the unlucky ones.... The car was a total piece of junk and Mitsubishi does in fact suck. I had clutch issues (and yes I do know how to drive), the PO300 ECU false code issue, front end clunk and numerous squeaks and rattles. I personally know a couple EVO owners that have had great luck with their cars though, so it's crapshoot imo.
I recently picked up a MY 2004 S2K and I am thoroughly enjoying the car. The 04 rides distinctly better than the 00 yet handles as well, though there is more body lean it seems.
I would totally go with the S2K unless you need the the room or have to drive the car all year. The EVO is more mod friendly but you WILL pay to play, one place or another if you mod either car.
In the research I did before buying the Honda it was obvious that the Honda was keeping it's value far more than the EVO and this is likely because of a combo of Honda quality and the general lack thereof in the EVO. Mitsu is still in dire straits financially too, which may come into play if you keep the EVO a long time.
The comparison that Westsidebilly was dead on I think. I will say that I think a good driver in a S2K will outperform most drivers in an EVO. But, the EVO will make you a better driver than you actually are, as I think it's more forgiving of errors.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by HwangTKD,Aug 14 2005, 06:23 PM
I currently own both cars. Here is my take:
1) Identify what you need (do you need a 4 season car with a back seat and trunk? Do you have a family? if so get the Evo) (If you get the s2000 you will HATE taking it outduring the winter).
2) Test drive both cars.
3) Recognize that the s2000 will cost much less to maintain.
4) Recognize that the evo can be very reialble but but needs much maintainence and care (I have 83K on my evo).
5) Understand that you will get stares from hot girls in the s2000.
6) Understand that you will get stares from shady looking guys in the evo.
Personally, NOTHING beats carving up some back roads with the top down on a warm summer night. I recently went to the dragon (12 hours drive each way). Guess which car I took? Also, your significant other will appreciate the roadster experience, the S can create some magical nights
But if this is going to be your only car.......I would go with the Evo.
If you are close to CT, i would be more than happy to take you for a back to back ride.
I would honestly try to buy a used 02 (glass rear window/updated banjo bolts/retuned suspension). They are such good values! I got mine for $19,000 with 28K on the clock and an extended honda certified warrentee!
Bobby
1) Identify what you need (do you need a 4 season car with a back seat and trunk? Do you have a family? if so get the Evo) (If you get the s2000 you will HATE taking it outduring the winter).
2) Test drive both cars.
3) Recognize that the s2000 will cost much less to maintain.
4) Recognize that the evo can be very reialble but but needs much maintainence and care (I have 83K on my evo).
5) Understand that you will get stares from hot girls in the s2000.
6) Understand that you will get stares from shady looking guys in the evo.
Personally, NOTHING beats carving up some back roads with the top down on a warm summer night. I recently went to the dragon (12 hours drive each way). Guess which car I took? Also, your significant other will appreciate the roadster experience, the S can create some magical nights
But if this is going to be your only car.......I would go with the Evo.If you are close to CT, i would be more than happy to take you for a back to back ride.
I would honestly try to buy a used 02 (glass rear window/updated banjo bolts/retuned suspension). They are such good values! I got mine for $19,000 with 28K on the clock and an extended honda certified warrentee!
Bobby
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13,115
Likes: 0
From: Devil's Island
I agree high speed no comparison, the Evo is planted, never once have I been scared even at 150+. As for the clutch well as soon as you get it start saving 
They typically only last 12-15K miles mine lasted 24K and I know a few people with 30-40K on the stocker. The tranny does suck, wont be as smooth as the Honda of course but some havent had any issues with theirs. I had mine rebuild by Mitsu (5th gear syncro grind) and soon a after it came back so I said screw it, I had TRE build me a tranny which goes in Thursday, so we shall see.
As for resale, IMO th S isnt much better than the Evo, we sold our S2K for $25K with 28K miles on it and about $7-8K in parts and I have seen numerous for under 25K with very few miles on them (guess the market is too flooded)
Really as most have said it really depends on what you want it for, in the rain the S sux IMO, I was always holding onto the steering wheel with both hands where as in the Evo sometimes I forget its raining
It almost seems to me like your leaning more towards the Evo, seems like you want something that will make good power witha few mods, I could be wrong, but just seems that way. Anyways good luck.
They typically only last 12-15K miles mine lasted 24K and I know a few people with 30-40K on the stocker. The tranny does suck, wont be as smooth as the Honda of course but some havent had any issues with theirs. I had mine rebuild by Mitsu (5th gear syncro grind) and soon a after it came back so I said screw it, I had TRE build me a tranny which goes in Thursday, so we shall see.As for resale, IMO th S isnt much better than the Evo, we sold our S2K for $25K with 28K miles on it and about $7-8K in parts and I have seen numerous for under 25K with very few miles on them (guess the market is too flooded)
Really as most have said it really depends on what you want it for, in the rain the S sux IMO, I was always holding onto the steering wheel with both hands where as in the Evo sometimes I forget its raining
It almost seems to me like your leaning more towards the Evo, seems like you want something that will make good power witha few mods, I could be wrong, but just seems that way. Anyways good luck.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 846
Likes: 9
From: Stratford
Originally Posted by Quik S2K,Aug 16 2005, 11:06 PM
I agree high speed no comparison, the Evo is planted, never once have I been scared even at 150+. As for the clutch well as soon as you get it start saving They typically only last 12-15K miles mine lasted 24K and I know a few people with 30-40K on the stocker. The tranny does suck, wont be as smooth as the Honda of course but some havent had any issues with theirs. I had mine rebuild by Mitsu (5th gear syncro grind) and soon a after it came back so I said screw it, I had TRE build me a tranny which goes in Thursday, so we shall see.
As for resale, IMO th S isnt much better than the Evo, we sold our S2K for $25K with 28K miles on it and about $7-8K in parts and I have seen numerous for under 25K with very few miles on them (guess the market is too flooded)
Really as most have said it really depends on what you want it for, in the rain the S sux IMO, I was always holding onto the steering wheel with both hands where as in the Evo sometimes I forget its raining
It almost seems to me like your leaning more towards the Evo, seems like you want something that will make good power witha few mods, I could be wrong, but just seems that way. Anyways good luck.
They typically only last 12-15K miles mine lasted 24K and I know a few people with 30-40K on the stocker. The tranny does suck, wont be as smooth as the Honda of course but some havent had any issues with theirs. I had mine rebuild by Mitsu (5th gear syncro grind) and soon a after it came back so I said screw it, I had TRE build me a tranny which goes in Thursday, so we shall see.As for resale, IMO th S isnt much better than the Evo, we sold our S2K for $25K with 28K miles on it and about $7-8K in parts and I have seen numerous for under 25K with very few miles on them (guess the market is too flooded)
Really as most have said it really depends on what you want it for, in the rain the S sux IMO, I was always holding onto the steering wheel with both hands where as in the Evo sometimes I forget its raining
It almost seems to me like your leaning more towards the Evo, seems like you want something that will make good power witha few mods, I could be wrong, but just seems that way. Anyways good luck.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 846
Likes: 9
From: Stratford
Originally Posted by 2Blue_2Beautiful,Aug 16 2005, 09:33 PM
hey man...im having a really tough time deciding if I want to get a s2k or evo.....i work at sikorsky....can I ride in both ur cars sometime?
Bobby
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Louisville
My 03' Cobra was better in the snow than my EVO was with the stock Advans on it. Last winter I put a set of Kumho ASX's and the car was a total blast to drive. I spent my Christmas Eve with another EVO owner tearing up some snow covered roads and parking lots. 
With the power my car is making it still got crazy traction. I thought for sure that once I hit full boost I would just spin tires. I did, but for only a brief time.
Whatever tires you put on the EVO will never make it handle like the stock Advans. Ecspecially all seasons. Thing is, the roads are cold and many people tend not to go ripping up the roads like you would in the warmer months.
My buddies S2000 was practially useless in the winter. That is why he has a EVO now.
Best thing to do if you were to get a EVO would be to buy a set of other rims and tires for winter and summer. I use my stock wheels and ASX's for winter and I have a set of Volks with MX's on them for the summer. That way I can rip on the streets no matter what the weather is. I'm always prepared.
With the power my car is making it still got crazy traction. I thought for sure that once I hit full boost I would just spin tires. I did, but for only a brief time.Whatever tires you put on the EVO will never make it handle like the stock Advans. Ecspecially all seasons. Thing is, the roads are cold and many people tend not to go ripping up the roads like you would in the warmer months.
My buddies S2000 was practially useless in the winter. That is why he has a EVO now.
Best thing to do if you were to get a EVO would be to buy a set of other rims and tires for winter and summer. I use my stock wheels and ASX's for winter and I have a set of Volks with MX's on them for the summer. That way I can rip on the streets no matter what the weather is. I'm always prepared.
