STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Vs. 135i

NeoTrunks · 03-25-2008, 09:07 PM

I had a rare day off today and so I went to get several things done at once. I had an appointment at Subaru of Plano for an oil change on my 05 STi and I got to Plano early and went to the nearby Mitsu and Chevy dealers. I am thinking hard of finally having only one car, but I want to test a few of the latest rides before making my final choice.

First the Mitsu EVO X. Its a nice looking car, but the interior is ok at best. The plastic is hard and the gauges are not as nice as my 05. It handles nice, but in just street driving its only a little better than my STi. The car has more mid range and top end power then my DD WRX but no where near a Stage 2 STi, though I am sure they mod well. The strange thing I noted (and this is the second EVO X I have driven) is that the gears seems to grind when shifting between 1-2 and 3-4. I thought this would go away with the car warming up but it did not. At first I thought it may have been the linkage but it also seems to be at the syncros themselves. I am really wondering if the car is going to have tranny issues down the line. Either way I thought the car was nice but the dealer's owner could tell I was not ready to bite....so I went down the street.

Next was the Vette. It is a car all together different and much more expensive, but with all the advertised 8-10K drop in price of some dealers on their Vettes I had to at least take a look. Don't forget a "well-equipped" STi or EVO X go for about $40K, and if the drop in price is true then a base Vette is not that much more expensive. I drove a Black on Black 6-speed with HUD. Very nice car and it sounds and drives the part. I like the HUD, the Carbon look a like pieces for the center counsel, and of course the sound and power of the LS3 V8. I was surprised to find that it is much easier to drive then older Vettes and overall is IMO a very under rated car. I like it so much I even let them appraise my STi to see if they could work out something later, but the salesmen could not give me a ball-park number on the car as I keep reminding him of other Chevy dealers drop in price on the Vettes. He kept changing the subject and I thought I better get going to SoP...I told him I would call him later. Nothing really stands out bad about the car other than price. Really nice overall...I guess we will see.

Lastly I finally drove the 08' STi. I was greeted by Mr. Thomas (owner) and by now he remembers me (as I have been going to his dealers for several years) and I was invented to drive their Red 08' as I waited for my 05 to be serviced. I have to say that Red is not my color, but I have seen them in White and Black and I think the car looks really nice in person. For some reason the car doesn't photo well. I think the interior is nice, but I like the 05's better. I don't think the gauges are as nice but either way its fine. I was sure to put it in S# before driving away. First off...it is not a Stage 2 car but it has more power then the EVO X. For some reason the X felt like it wanted to stall in first, but the STi felt much stronger. I don't remember how my 05 felt when I bought it but I think the reason people think its slower is the fact that the car in much more isolated and "refined" then the late model. The steering is not as heavy as the X's but on the test drive (which was longer then the other 2) felt good to me. I figure that the X's advantage shows up at the track, but on the street it not a huge advantage. I did think it could turn tighter than my car and the X. The rear end feels more planted and the ride is more comfortable. Over all I like the car. I wonder what a Stage 2 set-up would feel like?

Ok, today (3/25) I went to drive the 135i. The local dealer has a Black Sapphire, Auto, Sport's Package, with Red interior. They have only one and its the demo car. The car looks nicer in person. I am not sure what the deal is with all the newer cars, but they all seem nicer in person but photo poorly. Anyway, I have always been turned off by BMWs. I know they make nice cars but at work ever other car is either a BMW or a Benz. I have always liked driving something different, but I had to drive the 135i. The I6 TT has a very nice sound and is very smooth and very strong. Feels just short of my Stage 2 STi in power. The car handles very well. The ride is responsive but well damped. I now know why people like these cars. They are put together very well. So, basically very strong motor, great brakes, great handling, and very nice interior. The outside is nice, but I still think it looks like very one else's BMW. Also, the front air dam is a little low. I did not hit it, but I can see this being an issue. Cons: Mods are going to be expensive, the dealer has none to sell on the lot so you have to wait 2 months to get yours. Also, I have not ever owned a car that could go 15k between oil changes. Overall I think....

So...For me today: Performance- Vette >135i > STi > EVO X

but Overall - 135i > STi > Vette > EVO X.

As much as I like the Vette, I still have family to drive around so as much as I like it I don't think I will go that way....now only if SoP will give me a good deal. Maybe a DGM/BBS/Navi? I just hate the fact they want to low-ball me (below KBB on trade-in value) on my trade-in. One of my brothers may buy my STi from me so that would simplify things. I love cars, but I hate buying them....but I really like the 135i I think I can use it everyday, its really fun to drive, but has small (but useful seats)....I wonder how it would feel with a TBE/Tune?

Have a Good One

Subw00er · 03-25-2008, 09:15 PM

Nice writeup. The c6 is much more car than the sti, really hard to compare them.

If you get the sti, budget another $700 for the accessport. Its so worth it! It totally transforms the car.

***solovus*** · 03-25-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoTrunks

=Overall STi > Vette > EVO X.

blah.blah.blah...oh wait...Overall STi > Vette > EVO X. ...nice writeup

...j/k I just don't think my wife and two daughters would fit in the Vette...

NeoTrunks · 03-25-2008, 09:23 PM

As I said the Vette is a different car than the STi or the EVO X, but I had to give it a try since I see so many 8-10K drop in price for new ones...besides, truth is my Stage 2 05' feels very similar to the Vette on the street. Yes, I know the Vette will walk me on the Highway, but on the street our cars have some nice power on tap.

***solovus*** · 03-25-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoTrunks

As I said the Vette is a different car then the STi or the EVO X, but I had to give it a try since I see so many 8-10K drop in price for new ones...besides, truth is my Stage 2 05' feels very similar to the Vette on the street. Yes, I know the Vette will walk one on the Highway, but on the street our cars have some nice power on tap.

I was being sarcastic...I would love to own a vette, but clearly they are different beasts...althought STis regularly pwn Vettes at the track...

(excluding 1/4 mile)

Subw00er · 03-25-2008, 09:32 PM

Ya I know! I own an '08 STi and an '04 Z06.

The STI would probably take the z06 off the line, but it would be toast after 40mph or so. An STI at stage 2 would have a much better chance, but I still think the z06 would walk on it over 90mph or something. Its basically a 4wd+torque vs HP game. It takes skill to launch the Z06 at max without roasting the tires.

BTW, there are deals to be had on the Vettes. I bought mine new - sticker was $52K, I paid $43k! It was a leftover and I bought it right before winter hit (Here in the NE, the winter weather drives a lot of sales on sports cars).

NeoTrunks · 03-25-2008, 09:36 PM

I also feel that our tranny is one of our cars strong points. I know that EVO's make power, but I really wonder if their tranny is going to hold that power...oh, and the clutch feels weak also. EVO's are nice, but again....

STi > EVO X

at least for today.

They did have an 08' Black ZO6....One Mean Ride, but that's for later

***solovus*** · 03-25-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoTrunks

I also feel that our tranny is one of our cars strong points. I know that EVO's make power, but I really wonder if their tranny is going to hold that power.

I've actually read several places (just do a search) that say the mitsu's new SST gearbox is weak as hell and can't handle much beyond stock. It also said that mitsu has tight control over their ECU's and any detected tampering will void the warranty...f**k that.

***///M Power*** · 03-26-2008, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solovus

I've actually read several places (just do a search) that say the mitsu's new SST gearbox is weak as hell and can't handle much beyond stock. It also said that mitsu has tight control over their ECU's and any detected tampering will void the warranty...f**k that.

SOA is not any better with voiding the warranty with a installed AP.......

***Blip*** · 03-26-2008, 04:28 AM

I look at the Vett and one thing come's to mind how is that in the snow.

Rootus · 03-26-2008, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blip

I look at the Vett and one thing come's to mind how is that in the snow.

If you can afford a Vette, you can afford something that will get you around in the snow... If you're stuck with only one car, then it does limit your choices somewhat.

Pirana · 03-26-2008, 05:43 AM

Neo I am on the same boat...looking at a new car and couldnt agree with you more. First the low-balling, its alright they need to make money on the sale of our old cars too...but come on, they are really going way below.

REgarding the cars, I test drove all the ones forementioned plus some more...Charger SRT8, Caliber SRT4 and the one that impressed me the most...the Pontiac G8 GT. I loved the Pontiac, and find it hard to wait another year before the LS3 powered G8 GXP comes out. You should give it a test drive. And Iam not an American car fanatic. I have owned STi, NSX and a MSP in the past 5 years.

BlueF · 03-26-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoTrunks

I love cars, but I hate buying them.

+12345!!

RUGBY · 03-26-2008, 06:50 AM

Vettes are wonderful performers, I just wish they could shed the gold chain, white haired, nut hugging jeans rep. I enjoyed mine. Bought it when I was 26.

waktasz · 03-26-2008, 06:52 AM

Interesting you like the older interior better. I would never have bought an older STI with the blue interior and big wing.

03-25-2008, 09:07 PM	#1
NeoTrunks Junior STI Driver Car: 04' WRX Fav Mod: Looking for one... Location: DFW Posts: 85 Join Date: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (2)	STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Vs. 135i I had a rare day off today and so I went to get several things done at once. I had an appointment at Subaru of Plano for an oil change on my 05 STi and I got to Plano early and went to the nearby Mitsu and Chevy dealers. I am thinking hard of finally having only one car, but I want to test a few of the latest rides before making my final choice. First the Mitsu EVO X. Its a nice looking car, but the interior is ok at best. The plastic is hard and the gauges are not as nice as my 05. It handles nice, but in just street driving its only a little better than my STi. The car has more mid range and top end power then my DD WRX but no where near a Stage 2 STi, though I am sure they mod well. The strange thing I noted (and this is the second EVO X I have driven) is that the gears seems to grind when shifting between 1-2 and 3-4. I thought this would go away with the car warming up but it did not. At first I thought it may have been the linkage but it also seems to be at the syncros themselves. I am really wondering if the car is going to have tranny issues down the line. Either way I thought the car was nice but the dealer's owner could tell I was not ready to bite....so I went down the street. Next was the Vette. It is a car all together different and much more expensive, but with all the advertised 8-10K drop in price of some dealers on their Vettes I had to at least take a look. Don't forget a "well-equipped" STi or EVO X go for about $40K, and if the drop in price is true then a base Vette is not that much more expensive. I drove a Black on Black 6-speed with HUD. Very nice car and it sounds and drives the part. I like the HUD, the Carbon look a like pieces for the center counsel, and of course the sound and power of the LS3 V8. I was surprised to find that it is much easier to drive then older Vettes and overall is IMO a very under rated car. I like it so much I even let them appraise my STi to see if they could work out something later, but the salesmen could not give me a ball-park number on the car as I keep reminding him of other Chevy dealers drop in price on the Vettes. He kept changing the subject and I thought I better get going to SoP...I told him I would call him later. Nothing really stands out bad about the car other than price. Really nice overall...I guess we will see. Lastly I finally drove the 08' STi. I was greeted by Mr. Thomas (owner) and by now he remembers me (as I have been going to his dealers for several years) and I was invented to drive their Red 08' as I waited for my 05 to be serviced. I have to say that Red is not my color, but I have seen them in White and Black and I think the car looks really nice in person. For some reason the car doesn't photo well. I think the interior is nice, but I like the 05's better. I don't think the gauges are as nice but either way its fine. I was sure to put it in S# before driving away. First off...it is not a Stage 2 car but it has more power then the EVO X. For some reason the X felt like it wanted to stall in first, but the STi felt much stronger. I don't remember how my 05 felt when I bought it but I think the reason people think its slower is the fact that the car in much more isolated and "refined" then the late model. The steering is not as heavy as the X's but on the test drive (which was longer then the other 2) felt good to me. I figure that the X's advantage shows up at the track, but on the street it not a huge advantage. I did think it could turn tighter than my car and the X. The rear end feels more planted and the ride is more comfortable. Over all I like the car. I wonder what a Stage 2 set-up would feel like? Ok, today (3/25) I went to drive the 135i. The local dealer has a Black Sapphire, Auto, Sport's Package, with Red interior. They have only one and its the demo car. The car looks nicer in person. I am not sure what the deal is with all the newer cars, but they all seem nicer in person but photo poorly. Anyway, I have always been turned off by BMWs. I know they make nice cars but at work ever other car is either a BMW or a Benz. I have always liked driving something different, but I had to drive the 135i. The I6 TT has a very nice sound and is very smooth and very strong. Feels just short of my Stage 2 STi in power. The car handles very well. The ride is responsive but well damped. I now know why people like these cars. They are put together very well. So, basically very strong motor, great brakes, great handling, and very nice interior. The outside is nice, but I still think it looks like very one else's BMW. Also, the front air dam is a little low. I did not hit it, but I can see this being an issue. Cons: Mods are going to be expensive, the dealer has none to sell on the lot so you have to wait 2 months to get yours. Also, I have not ever owned a car that could go 15k between oil changes. Overall I think.... So...For me today: Performance- Vette >135i > STi > EVO X but Overall - 135i > STi > Vette > EVO X. As much as I like the Vette, I still have family to drive around so as much as I like it I don't think I will go that way....now only if SoP will give me a good deal. Maybe a DGM/BBS/Navi? I just hate the fact they want to low-ball me (below KBB on trade-in value) on my trade-in. One of my brothers may buy my STi from me so that would simplify things. I love cars, but I hate buying them....but I really like the 135i I think I can use it everyday, its really fun to drive, but has small (but useful seats)....I wonder how it would feel with a TBE/Tune? Have a Good One This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by NeoTrunks : 03-26-2008 at 12:33 PM.

03-25-2008, 09:15 PM	#2
Subw00er STI Driver Car: White/Gold '08 STi Fav Mod: Right foot Location: NY Posts: 274 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Nice writeup. The c6 is much more car than the sti, really hard to compare them. If you get the sti, budget another $700 for the accessport. Its so worth it! It totally transforms the car.

03-25-2008, 09:23 PM	#4
NeoTrunks Junior STI Driver Car: 04' WRX Fav Mod: Looking for one... Location: DFW Posts: 85 Join Date: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette As I said the Vette is a different car than the STi or the EVO X, but I had to give it a try since I see so many 8-10K drop in price for new ones...besides, truth is my Stage 2 05' feels very similar to the Vette on the street. Yes, I know the Vette will walk me on the Highway, but on the street our cars have some nice power on tap. Last edited by NeoTrunks : 03-25-2008 at 09:31 PM.

03-25-2008, 09:32 PM	#6
Subw00er STI Driver Car: White/Gold '08 STi Fav Mod: Right foot Location: NY Posts: 274 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Ya I know! I own an '08 STi and an '04 Z06. The STI would probably take the z06 off the line, but it would be toast after 40mph or so. An STI at stage 2 would have a much better chance, but I still think the z06 would walk on it over 90mph or something. Its basically a 4wd+torque vs HP game. It takes skill to launch the Z06 at max without roasting the tires. BTW, there are deals to be had on the Vettes. I bought mine new - sticker was $52K, I paid $43k! It was a leftover and I bought it right before winter hit (Here in the NE, the winter weather drives a lot of sales on sports cars).

03-25-2008, 09:36 PM	#7
NeoTrunks Junior STI Driver Car: 04' WRX Fav Mod: Looking for one... Location: DFW Posts: 85 Join Date: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette I also feel that our tranny is one of our cars strong points. I know that EVO's make power, but I really wonder if their tranny is going to hold that power...oh, and the clutch feels weak also. EVO's are nice, but again.... STi > EVO X at least for today. They did have an 08' Black ZO6....One Mean Ride, but that's for later

03-26-2008, 04:28 AM	#10
*Blip* Platinum Member Car: LYE DGM BBS/NAV Fav Mod: Debadge, Fast and EZ. Location: Troy MI Posts: 209 Join Date: Jan 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette I look at the Vett and one thing come's to mind how is that in the snow.

03-26-2008, 05:43 AM	#12
Pirana Professional STI Racer Car: 2003 Mazdaspeed Location: Somewhere in Time... Posts: 603 Join Date: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Neo I am on the same boat...looking at a new car and couldnt agree with you more. First the low-balling, its alright they need to make money on the sale of our old cars too...but come on, they are really going way below. REgarding the cars, I test drove all the ones forementioned plus some more...Charger SRT8, Caliber SRT4 and the one that impressed me the most...the Pontiac G8 GT. I loved the Pontiac, and find it hard to wait another year before the LS3 powered G8 GXP comes out. You should give it a test drive. And Iam not an American car fanatic. I have owned STi, NSX and a MSP in the past 5 years.

03-26-2008, 06:50 AM	#14
RUGBY Grassroots STI Racer Car: 05 STi Fav Mod: Not working in the Summers! Location: Highlands Ranch, CO Posts: 584 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Vettes are wonderful performers, I just wish they could shed the gold chain, white haired, nut hugging jeans rep. I enjoyed mine. Bought it when I was 26.

03-26-2008, 06:52 AM	#15
waktasz Professional STI Racer Car: 02 Penis Extender Fav Mod: Autotrader.com Location: Philly Posts: 767 Join Date: Jan 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: STi Vs. EVO Vs. Vette Interesting you like the older interior better. I would never have bought an older STI with the blue interior and big wing. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.