You stole the words out of my mouth.
Mitsu is less quality than Subaru..period. Anyone can make a fast car..look at the new Dodge SRT-4..would I buy it..no.
Historically the Evo has been more raw compared to the STi, whereas the STi has been more "liveable" with on the streets. Typically the Evos have been a bit lighter weight and more frantic. Past models of the Evo have beaten the STi in handling b/c of the active differentials and electronic gizmos to put it ahead of the mechanical bits on the STi. You can tell your friend that now that the Evo won't have those in the US..the STi is gonna be a better bet ANYDAY!!!
OH yeah..personally the Evo7 versus the STi7..I would take the STi7 anyday. Mitsu was having problems in WRC b/c they made the Evo7 too long, too populace oriented and not extreme enough like past Evos..ie; 5 and 6.