With so many people comparing the EVO to the STi, the latter of which few have actually driven, I thought I'd offer some thoughts about what may be a more relevant comparison for some of us, at least those of us who already own a WRX and are contemplating upgrading to an EVO or an STi. I haven't had the chance to drive an STi yet, but I took the EVO around for a spin today and was a little surprised with how it compared with my WRX.

Me: 02 WRX with BBS wheels, so-so rubber, Turbo XS Stage II kit sans muffler (i.e., turbo back exhaust replacing two cats with one high flow one, 93 octane ECU), & Perrin catless uppipe. No suspension or break mods.

The competition: A brand spankin' new EVO with the "hi!!!" wing.

Many of the differences were to be expected. The EVO handled better than my lowly WRX, and stopped much quicker (those breaks are great, as are the tires). It also felt somehow a little smaller, despite the fact that it is in fact a little bigger. EVERY--and I mean EVERY--road imperfection could be felt in both the steering wheel and pelvic bone. I loved it.

What I didn't expect, however, was how much faster my WRX was. The folks at TurboXS and Perrin might claim I am making about 300 at the crank, but I always assumed the number was much closer to 275. Well, whatever is is, my buttdyno suggested that I had the clear power advantage. That smile on my face I get when the rpm hit 4k at WOT just wasn't there in the EVO.

Another thing I didn't expect was how nice the interior of the EVO was. I was expecting a step down from my WRX, but it was actually comparable, if not a bit nicer (IMHO). The seats and steering wheel were particularly enviable, a strong statement since these were the highlights of the WRX interior. Must be that fake alluminum wrapped around the stereo. Never have quite gotten used to that.

So in the end, my mad rush to try and purchase an STi, which was slowed by the lackluster comparisons with the EVO, has come to a screetching hault now that I realize that the EVO, while nicer than my WRX, is by no means worth plucking down the extra $10k-$15k.

 

The extra 10-15k gets you a car that out handles everything under $210,000 (check the latest MT, too bad the STi wasn't in the round up). Adding extra hp is easy as you've seen with the WRX.

 

I also have a 2002 WRX and I must say that my WRX witch has the Easy Street stage 4 package(suspension and motor mods)will kill the EVO.There is no doubt that the EVO has quicker steering and better brakes(mine are stock)but after driving the EVO,I have to say I was disappointed especially knowing Mitsu dealers are,in some cases ,charging way over sticker.I also know that if you put $$ into the EVO it will fly but a lot of people won't have any $$ to add mods after paying over 40000 for the car.
If anybody is interested in a very nice REX,I'm selling mine because my wife and I are having a child any day now and I could use the extra $$.If anybody is interested check out the "cars for sale forum "here at i-club under REX1.It is in MINT condition with less than 7100 miles.I'm in southern cal so let me know if interested.

 

I wish everyone would quite spreding the lie that the EVO is going for 5k more than MSRP. I bought mine 2k under and I know plenty of people that have bought at MSRP.

 

Well Hawaii's a little different. It's not like you can go to the other Mitsu dealer...because there's only one. I tell you what though...it's a perfect car for Hawaii. My wife and I just got back from Maui and their roads are flawless and twisty. The whole time I was thinking how much fun and EVO would be.

 

2k under MSRP on new EVO?

yeah sure.....

 

No. GT2, GT3

 

Test drove the EVO again yesterday, only this time, I got a chance to really ring it out in some curves. What fun! I bought it immediately.

So...does anyone need a TurboXS unichip?

jkruger@uiuc.edu

 

I have an 02 Rex...about to get it modified. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT DOES THE EVO DYNO AT? As long as I can beat the EVO I will be happy. I don't care about handling or suspension mods since most folks who race here in Texas do it stop light to stop light ... or on the highway.

 

According to the newest edition of Sport Compact Car, the EVO Makes 233 HP / 252 lb-ft torque at the wheels, plus or minus.

 

I live in NY and both Mitsu dealers near me are selling the Evo's for MSRP and no more. The Connecticut dealers I contacted are also selling for MSRP. The story for the STi is totally different. The one dealer right down the road from me is selling for MSRP but all of the others are charging between $5k-10k over MSRP. At $31k the Sti is a good buy but anything over that it is just not a smart buy. Anyone that would pay $42k($10k over MSRP for an STi) should have there head examined.