[ccakinberk]

Hi everyone,

I currently own a ligtly modded 1998 Eclipse GSX. I am very excited that EVO 7 is coming to USA and now I know that its biggest competition STI is also coming to USA. I just can't wait. I know that they are both excellent cars, and hard to beat for the money.

From all my research, I came up with the fact that both cars will offer similar performance, STI's ride quality will be a little better, but EVO will overall have a better handling and be more suitable for off-road and track use. Also EVO is a little better platform to upgrade from. People recommend STI for everyday usability and its high performance.

Are these conclusions correct? What do you guys think?

I also visited http://www.lancerforums.com/forums/

and of course they are a little biased, so I wanted to hear the both sides of the story...

Thanks,

Cagri

 

[D$]

I am on lancerforums too. There's a little different crowd (younger) there than on say i-Club . . .

That said, there is a lot of british magazine comparisons between the UK spec lancer and STi which is what we'll be getting. I have read that the STi is nicer inside, more suitable for off-road use than the Evo due to slightly higher ride height and different suspension.




I think that the United States crowd just a little younger than me, say 16-22, will go for the Evo over the STi. They just want an aggressive looking wing and to go as fast as possible in a straight line.

 

[tisbe]

From what I've seen on this forum and others, the main differentiating issues are reliability and manufacturer reputation, which seem to point in favor of the STi. In terms of performance and features the cars are pretty much a wash.

 

[wontbslow]

I agree with the above posts. I too am a member of LancerForums and would agree the crowd is much younger and more concerned with drag racing than overall street livability.

When you compare the EVO VII to the STi (European versions) they are a pretty even match. The most noticeable difference is in their suspension setup. Like D$ said, the STi is better suited for off road use and daily driving (its softer setup and higher ride height make it more rally ready than the EVO) and the EVO VII is better suited for the track. It has a very tight and unforgiving suspension that begs to be driven on the track, but suffers badly on off road conditions.

And then there are the looks. When I ask my wife which one she likes better, she says she likes the aggressive side panels and hood scoop of the STi, but prefers the front end of the EVO. So, it's all up to personal preference obviously. But what bugs me more than anything, is that the EVO only comes with a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, vs. a 13.2-gallon tank for the STi.

Then you have the whole reliability issue. From my research, based on reliability alone I'd go with the Subaru. I've heard countless Mitsubishi horror stories.

But, all these comparisons won't mean squat if the U.S. versions of these cars are different than what we've already seen. So if I were you, I'd just wait till both of them reach our shores, drive em' back to back, then make your decision. And if you were smart, you'd wait six months before buying so you don't pay that nasty mark-up the dealers will charge for being the first person on the block with a new EVO or STi.

But I feel your pain man. I've been having the same debate myself for almost a year now. I’m leaning toward the STi though, mainly because I've driven a WRX twice now and can't imagine anything being better than that. So, I have a hard time comprehending having a faster and better handling WRX. My only minor complaint with the WRX is the placement of the Tachometer, but of course Subaru remedies that problem in the Sti.

Either way, you won't be disappointed. Unless you get the EVO and the engine blows up after 20,000 miles that is.

So good luck, and sorry for the long post. :smile:

Here is the best head to head comparison of the two cars I've read to date:

http://www.warrender.co.uk/homepage.htm
(go to “Road Tests” then the story “Mental Oriental”)

-David

 

[D$]

Right on man.

And, any car claiming to be a sports car should have huge tach right in the middle of the dials...

 

[super_bean21]

I think I am drawn by the flat four, low center of gravity, everything in the drivetrain on the centerline. As far as modifying the platforms, I predict neither will be supreme to the other. Both cars will demand support from the aftermarket. I am part of the "younger crowd", and in my experience, the quality of DSM's seems to fade in the details. WRX has just a plush interior. STI will be even more amazing. I just don't like the cheap track record that mitsu has with the all plastic interior in cars like the 3000gt vr-4. you would expect for all that $, you would get quality, but it didn't happen. Another concern for me would be the potential cost to replace the FMIC if (and it's a big if) something should happen to penetrate it. That wouldn't be cheap at all, and would almost completely disable the car.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: super_bean21 on 2002-03-28 19:58 ]</font>

 

[chawklit]

I thought the UK spec Lancer VII hasn't come out yet(thought there were just grey cars), am I mistaken?

 

[ccakinberk]

All of what I have been reading suggests that EVO 7 is totally different in quality and built than other Mitsubishi sports cars(much better)... I have seen the WRX interior and I must say I am impressed, the workmanship was very nice. Next year around this time I am planning to drive both of them back to back and make my decesion then. I am leaning towards STI right now but I like the EVO body style better. It is going to be a tough decision.

 

[super_bean21]

I am leaning towards the STI, but hey, actions speak louder than rumors. We'll all have to wait and see.
Let's just hope we all get to make that tough decision soon!!!

 

[danc]

I was leaning towards the EVO for a while, then I realized I wanted a car with some longevity. Something practical to drive every day, something built to last, but yet compromising nothing on the handling and mod-ability side. And that appears to be the STi. :smile:

 

[wontbslow]

You know, there's also the issue of price. In Europe the EVO is about $2,500 less than the STi. I have a feeling that many people here in the States will opt for the EVO if that happens here as well.

Unfortunately, price might be a major factor for my own decision too. My wife has agreed to let me buy any car I want in a year or so, as long as it meets her strict criteria.

1. It has to have four doors, and seat at least four people.

2. It has to cost $30,000 or under.

So, that leaves the EVO and STi as my best options. I'm hoping the STi will fall under $30K. There are rumors floating around that the EVO might come over in two trims, a bare bones version, and version with more options thus upping the price.

And don't forget about that pesky gas tank! My '95 Ford AssFire has a frickin’ 10-gallon tank, but its excuse is it can get 41 mpg. You're looking at probably 20 mpg in the EVO.

-David

 

[danc]

Actually, I would expect more like 13-17 in the EVO, with the STi slightly better. Depending, of course, on how you drive it.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: danc on 2002-03-29 15:50 ]</font>

 

[wontbslow]

My wife would kill me if I bought a daily driver that got under 15 mpg! Getting the STi seems like it would make my life better on both a performance and personal level. :smile:

-David

 

[TiTaNiuM sAMuRai]

Bullet's STi had been getting 16mpg (US gallons), I believe...

 

[why?]

To me, it will depend on which is better. And price, of course.

 

[M3Driver]

Why such bad gas mileage estimates? My heavily modified DSM running 17-18 psi (with larger 550cc injectors) on the street used to get about 25 MPG combined city / highway driving and almost 30 MPG highway driving. Of course, it all depend on how you drive the car, with lots of hard driving I saw my gas mileage as low as 20 MPG.

 

[91TB78]

DEFINATELY STi. Mitsu has a completely different feel and build quality. I think after a certain mileage you are on borrowed time in their cars. Sorry, I am a little swayed by the quality issues of Mitsu, regardless of possible claims of "better reliability."

I won't buy a Mercedes b/c its just a fancy Chrysler..same with Volvo..its just a fancy Ford! I want genuine. If the STi doesn't come, I may look into the Type-R

 

[super_bean21]

nothin' wrong with ford! I sure wouldn't mind having a new GT-40!!! ...and let's face it, neither would you. (but you're right for the most part)

 

[cshepley]

And by that logic an Aston Martin is just a Ford too, so you wouldn't want one of those either? A Ferrari is just an expensive FIAT, etc.

 

[LVmono]

my vote goes to the STi. i just did some research on both cars since i like the STi and my gf likes the EVO. wat i conclude is dat STi definitely have a better interior(those entertainment units), also way better than the WRX which makes me feel cheap plastic. the only thing i don't like about the interior of the STi is the MOMO 4 spokes wheel, it should be a 3 spokes. but just wat i fink. performance wise, is very similar, 0-60mph, STi=4.6, EVO=around 5, these time vary in different reports. the final drive is a little different. measurement of the car is also similar, except for the length, wheelbase and weight. brakes: EVO has a little bigger front caliper or disc( i forgot). exterior, i fink the EVO is better, but we can always put on some kits. wait till the STi and EVO come to Canada, then i will find out which one is better. for now, i will go for the STi