Ever since all these magazine reviews came out, I have been battling with an issue of getting an EVO instead of STi. Based on the 5-6 reviews that I have read, the US versions of these two cars appear to be very different from each other, perhaps more than ever before. The EVO handles better, has almost neutral steering, quicker steering ratio, better brakes. It appears to be as close to a track car as a street legal car will get. On the other hand, Subaru's car is much closer to a "muscle car" or a “drag racer” with its larger engine and higher HP rating. It is faster in a straight line, and will probably become even quicker once the tuners get their hands on it and untap the potential of extra 0.5 liter and lower stock boost levels.
Below are some of MY opinions and conclusions that are driving me towards purchasing the EVO.
- I put more value on handling and go-cart type feel instead of pure straight line acceleration.
- EVO feels lighter on its feet and its very predictable.
- No massive hood scoop. The “bird-catcher” in the STi reminds me too much of the "muscle car" look (which I hate).
- The wing, despite its size, actually looks good.
- Overall, the exterior is nicer with its “sharper” lines.
Last week, I test drove ‘04 WRX for the first time so I could get a feel for the Impreza. I wasn’t too impressed to be honest. Hated the steering wheel (too big), I wasn’t thrilled about the seating position as well as the sound of the boxer engine. Hopefully, Sti is different in these areas.
Today I decided to call a few Mitsu dealers to see if I could check out the EVO in person. Found a place that had a black one in stock and sells at MSRP. First, I did a long visual inspection and found the following:
- The exterior qualities mentioned above were confirmed.
- The altezzas look “ok” with black exterior.
- The recaros are just awesome.
- The interior quality, although cheap looking, is not as bad as I thought (I had my wife with me and she was actually ok with it).
- Back seats have more head room than the WRX.
After that I managed to convince the sales manager to let me take it out on a short test drive (few minutes around the block). My initial thoughts were the following:
- The ride is not as harsh as the mags were portraying it. It all depends on what you’re driving now. My current car is pretty stiff and the change wasn’t very noticeable. I can easily live with this car as a daily driver.
- Not much is happening until the turbo spools up and then it’s just “instant rush”. The car just takes off.
- The shifter is very smooth.
- Someone mentioned that they did not like the way the clutch felt. I actually liked it as it was closer to my current car. For me, WRX would take a lot of getting used to.
- And last, the engine sounds great at high rpms. I have always been a fan of the inline four sound. Many people love the boxer sound, but like I said above the WRX just didn’t cut for me.
That’s all I managed to observe before the salesperson got “nervous” and asked me to go back.
Since I am 99% convinced, I will go with the EVO, does anyone want my spot on the Sti waiting list? I am #2 in line in the Northern Virginia area.
Below are some of MY opinions and conclusions that are driving me towards purchasing the EVO.
- I put more value on handling and go-cart type feel instead of pure straight line acceleration.
- EVO feels lighter on its feet and its very predictable.
- No massive hood scoop. The “bird-catcher” in the STi reminds me too much of the "muscle car" look (which I hate).
- The wing, despite its size, actually looks good.
- Overall, the exterior is nicer with its “sharper” lines.
Last week, I test drove ‘04 WRX for the first time so I could get a feel for the Impreza. I wasn’t too impressed to be honest. Hated the steering wheel (too big), I wasn’t thrilled about the seating position as well as the sound of the boxer engine. Hopefully, Sti is different in these areas.
Today I decided to call a few Mitsu dealers to see if I could check out the EVO in person. Found a place that had a black one in stock and sells at MSRP. First, I did a long visual inspection and found the following:
- The exterior qualities mentioned above were confirmed.
- The altezzas look “ok” with black exterior.
- The recaros are just awesome.
- The interior quality, although cheap looking, is not as bad as I thought (I had my wife with me and she was actually ok with it).
- Back seats have more head room than the WRX.
After that I managed to convince the sales manager to let me take it out on a short test drive (few minutes around the block). My initial thoughts were the following:
- The ride is not as harsh as the mags were portraying it. It all depends on what you’re driving now. My current car is pretty stiff and the change wasn’t very noticeable. I can easily live with this car as a daily driver.
- Not much is happening until the turbo spools up and then it’s just “instant rush”. The car just takes off.
- The shifter is very smooth.
- Someone mentioned that they did not like the way the clutch felt. I actually liked it as it was closer to my current car. For me, WRX would take a lot of getting used to.
- And last, the engine sounds great at high rpms. I have always been a fan of the inline four sound. Many people love the boxer sound, but like I said above the WRX just didn’t cut for me.
That’s all I managed to observe before the salesperson got “nervous” and asked me to go back.
Since I am 99% convinced, I will go with the EVO, does anyone want my spot on the Sti waiting list? I am #2 in line in the Northern Virginia area.