The best way to get real comparative figures is to run the test vehicles side-by-side on the same dyno under the same conditions.......comparing Shiv's results to someone else's is an apples-to-oranges comparison since the dyno values aren't absolute. Shiv was comparing the Evo VIII output on his dyno to a wide variety of other stock AWD cars he had tested on the same dyno (WRXs, S4s etc.) under the same conditions and by comparison could estimate what the Evo was making relative to his known baseline......which he estimated to be below the factory 271 bhp (on 91 gas, an important consideration).

I also thought that the Pruvenperformance Evo wasn't straight-out-of-the box (I may be wrong).............whilst they hadn't modded it in the true sense of the word, they had tweaked the ECU parameters which had improved the performance over stock.

I'm sure once the Sti becomes available there will be plenty of Evo versus STi dyno comparisons..........

 

I am a few days away from making a decision / buying. Deciding between an Evo or a WRX (NOT an STI).

My main concern with the Evo is ride quality / comfort / interior noise. Current car is a Neon and previous was a 944S2 Cab. So, I am used to rough rides and lots of intererion noise. But I do need something that is comfortable for long road trips,, comfortable enough for my wife to be napping in the passenger seat. Something like my neon is fine. The WRX is plenty quiet / smooth... could handle a little more harshness and noise... but not too much. I drive about 700 miles per week, a lot of it on great mountain roads, (a little gravel and dirt) which are not always the smoothest.

So, how is the ride / noise. In your opinion, is it ok for long rad trips... or would it beat you to death (my 944 would tire me out after about 4 hours). ? HOW DOES IT COMPARE IN RIDE / NOISE TO STOCK WRX?

I'm counting on feedback, because I ready to buy, and my decision is going to be partly based on what you guys have to say. '03 WRX for $21k or '03 EVO for $31k ?

 

STiDreams,
Most of the 4G63 that I have seen fail have been bolt on only engines (Intake, FMIC, boost controller, fuel controller, Exhaust) that ran to ranging from 65000 miles to about 80000. I was at Road Race Engineering a few years back and some kid blew his Eclipse GSX engine with about 55000 clicks and only a Greddy exhaust on the car. Another friend of mine had to do an engine overhaul in a STOCK 94' Talon Turbo that hit 80000 miles on a completely BONE-STOCK car. I can't really say much about a Built 4G63 block, since I haven't seen much first-hand experience, but just those few examples I have come across was enough for me to stay away from that engine, whether it was built, bolt-ons, or stock. I assume a built 4G63 would have a shorter engine life than a stock motor. I have had bad luck around that engine, so I will stay away from it. I'm superstitious enough to the point where if I purchase the Evo., I know I will have bad luck. I have only had good luck with my Subaru experiences, which is why I lean towards the Scooby! My 2 cents, I am no mechanic, I am just basing my opinions on my personal experience. Thats all!

If any boardmember has more experience with this engine, I would appreciate some feedback/input because this is what held me back from buying an Evo. I still like the Evo. for what it is, but that engine makes me skeptical. I still prefer the Subi!

 

Well, I'd say you'll get used to the firmer ride pretty quickly, but I'm not sure about lots of long trips. On the one hand, it does have some nice recaro seats, but OTOH, the ride is firm. The road noise is not bad at all. In all respects the WRX is a little more comfortable, but if you ever drove the EVO after you got the WRX, you are going to kick yourself, specially since you like sports cars. As for the gravel roads.... well, I know these are rally cars and all, but I swear that I would hate to beat them up like that. Either the WRX or the EVO will be fine in grave roads, but like I say, I would not give them thjat kind of abuse. How about some old impreza for the gravel? Keep those fine cars on the tarmac.

 

Got about 500+ miles in the car now...... I took it to a curvy road near work.... WOW this EVO is a fantastic handler...... I bet the STi will be awesome too... There is no comparison with the WRX, even with a lower CG and with upgraded wheels and tires, it was in no way comparable with the EVO.

well, gotta go now, it';s driving time

 

Thanks man, I'm really enjoying the car so far It really rocks, I went back today to my friends at R Speed in Marietta, GA. They are the Miata guys who I've worked with lots of times. I tell you, they went nuts when I go my WRX, they loved it!! But now, they really, are completely won over. It is really nice to get such good feedback from car enthusiasts.... These guys are real car nuts they have modded Miatas, Mini Coopers, BMWs... So they are not easily impressed, they really are totally impressed with the EVO8.
I cant wait to see the STi wwhen it comes out, I only wish I could own both cars But I just don't see where I'm gonna find an extra $35K or where the hell I'm gonna park it Well..... I guess I better just enjoy my EVO while I have it..........

 

My gf just bought an Evo 8. Its an awesome car!!!

 

So what you are saying is upgradeed WRX, regardless of WHAT upgrades is .1 (second? mph? huh?) slower than an upgraded Evo,.....once again, regardless of extent of upgrades??????!!!

I wish it were that simple. That way I would be very happy with a shiny new shift **** on an otherwise stock WRX rather than an Evo with freeflow exhaust, bigger turbo, high flow injectors and fuel pump, larger FMIC, worked head, lighter Recaros, SSR Comp wheels, nitrous, and heavy duty tranny, with the fuel, timing, boost, etc, tuned to perfection. Imagine....all that work just to be .1 (???) faster. God bless them youngsters.

 

The best 1/4 mile I got out of the WRX was a 14.58. I never ran it with the UNICHIP in it at the 1/4 mile track but I did get a 8.4 in the 1/8 mile track.

I have not taken the EVO to the 1/4 mile yet.... I'll see what happens when I do. I sort of suspect that the car can get in the high 13s but I'm not sure..... Seat of pants dyno is not very accurate and also, I have no idea if it will flatten out at the top end like the WRX did before I added the 3" turbo back system... For now all I can say is that the car *feels*like it might be a shade faster than my supercharged GSR That one got me a 14.1 at 99.3 mph with street tires, no limited slip diff and my crappy shifting.... That was one fast car though.....

 

I agree with your post. It's impossible to judge the value of such staements. Just what does "modified" mean? Let me tell you what an EVO VIII in stock condition will do against the modified WRX that I had. I have the time slips of the WRX was modified as follows:

Toyo Proxes T1s on prodrive P1 wheels
K&N filter
3" turbo back exhaust with only one High flow cat

I don't think the WRX is gonna be even close to my EVO. I will go out on a limb and predict at least a .5 second better 1/4 et. I may be wrong, but the car sure feels like it

Sure, if you find somebody's project WRX with everything changed from exhaust to intake and computer, it *might* be faster than an EVO with, say, a "sports muffler kit" and a downpipe, but if you spend the same $$ and effort modding both cars, the EVO will destroy the WRX no questions asked, no doubt about it.