[HigH]

Hi all!
Sorry for the n00b question but what is the difference between the european version and the US version of 04' STi?
You know I have to make a tough decision on what car to buy...
I have two options:

1. Almost new (15 000km) EVO VI Tommi Makkinen Edition
2. Copletely new 04' STI ( European version)

Maybe you guys could help me with this decision.... :roll:
Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[CloNeGTS]

The only real differences between the USDM and UK versions of the new STi are the engine.
2.5L (300hp) vs. 2.0L (271?hp)

Other than that, I think the gear ratios are the same....we have DCCD standard but it's an option for them....I think that's it.

I think a good idea for you first would be to compare the EVO 8 to the Tommi first, and then decide STi vs. EVO. I'd have to believe that things have improved in the EVO since the VI as far as suspension and body technology have come.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

I believe the European version also has the option adding something called the "Performance Pack" that brings the 2.0 liter engine to 300HP and 299LB/FT of torque. It is my understanding that this is dealer installed and under warranty. See recent issues of the Brittish magazine "CAR" for details.

Best of luck with your new purchase.

 

[CloNeGTS]

It's a Prodrive package you can have done. Similar to Mopar for Chysler. And yeah, supported by Subaru warranty.

Prodrive USA is also saying we may have just such a package in development here.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

I had heard/read about that possibility as well. I wonder what that would do for our 2.5 liter powerplant? Could we see 350HP? That would be worth the extra few thousand dollars under warranty.

One can only hope... and wiat. I'm getting very good at waiting....

 

[amdmaxx]

Hood Scoop question...

performance package for 2.5 would be HOT..

 

[chawklit]

I'd go for the evo over the uk edition sti.

 

[CloNeGTS]

I'm trying to figure out why you'd say that.......

 

[X-Japan]

Well this is gonna sound weird considering i'm #1 on a list for a USDM STI.
If i had to choose between the weakest STI in the world(uk sti with only 261 hp and 253 torque) or the Tommy evo i would go with the evo hands down. Here are my reasons for saying this: It is 4 model years old so it will cost you ALOT less than the STI. It is just about the baddest evo made. It has an even finer tuned 4G63 engine with a titanium alloy turbo for more power than the STI with a far smoother power delivery than the uk subie 2.0. It is limited edition and LOOKS SOOOO GOOD with or without the exterior graphics. It has an AMAZING RACE INTERIOR made specially for the Makinen edition. This includes special recaro seats, gauges, pedals etc. It has a stiffer, lowered suspension, quicker steering than a normal VI, and optimized roll-center height. It has a specially tuned center-mounted viscous coupling differential. It also has a specially tuned AYC! The car is balls out speed and handling that is mind blowingly somehow street legal. There is more but i can't remember it all. I actually have an english language brochure for the Makinen car but its at work. The only things going against it would be: Only 5 spd gearbox, won't comfortably seat two adults in back seat(who freaking cares), it is used, and it is a mitsu. Now if you get it inspected and trust the seller then the used thing doesn't matter. Especially with only 15,000km(only 9,900 miles) on it. If you are buying this car to haul around 4 people then you are buying the wrong car..so that doesn't matter either. You aren't gonna break any land speed records with the insanely close ratio-ed 5 spd but that isn't the point of this car...so that doesn't really matter either. Mitsubishi isn't #1 for quality...so that is the only real downpoint for this car. But considering it was the crown jewel in their line up and it was a limited production car i don't think you really have much to worry about in that dept. either. So there is my VERY in depth reason to go with the Makinen over the STI. Peace!!

 

[VV]

I have an old Japanese Imports magazine in which they tested an almost stock Makinen edition EVO. It came out so far above 300 hp, that the tester estimated that from the factory, they were tuned to make 300 hp. Plus the fact that they are limited edition cars, that will probably become highly collectable, I don't think I could pass one up. (If it was manufacturer imported - I don't trust grey market cars).

Since it sounds like you are in Europe, go for the Makinen. Then as soon as you get it, start saving for a 2007 or 2008 (?) STi. Rumor has it that Europe will be getting an STi around then that will have a 3.0 L (3.5? I can't remember) with stock 350 hp.

If you start saving now, you may be able to afford both. In which case I can't imagine a single person in this forum not envying you.

 

[chawklit]

Re: warranty on the sti's

I'm trying to figure out why you'd say that.......

X-Japan and VV feel the same way I do, they're just not as lazy as me and type out why they feel like they do! :lol:

 

[X-Japan]

I have an old Japanese Imports magazine in which they tested an almost stock Makinen edition EVO. It came out so far above 300 hp, that the tester estimated that from the factory, they were tuned to make 300 hp.

WORD!! The Evo VII is factory rated at 276-280hp. Pretty much everyone agrees that it is really about 310-315hp. Considering that the Tommy Evo VI has the almost exact same 4G63 engine as the Evo VII, you have to assume it has over 300hp too. Blows away the 261hp STI engine eh? Now all of you may be wondering why do i KNOW so much about Evo's. Simple i have been a huge evo fan over the years. Watching em on videos and always racing em in GT1,2, and 3 aspec made me very interested in them. So i became very knowledgable in the Evo. Why am i not buying a USDM evo? Cause they suck in my opinion! God awfully ugly front end, lame interior, NO ACD or AYC!?!?!?!, 271hp vs. 315 hp, 19 psi and still only 271 hp?, and Mitsu america sucks ballz!! So im getting an STI :lol: So now i have to learn about the STI.