Another EVO X vs STI comparison... after 2k miles in my 2011 EVO X MR
Jan 15, 2012, 06:06 PM
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Another EVO X vs STI comparison... after 2k miles in my 2011 EVO X MR
Well I have now put 2,000 miles on my 2011 EVO X MR. I used to own a 2010 STI hatchback with similar mods to the ones on my Evo now. I know this comparison has been done a ton of times but I'll give my driving impressions/comparisons of both based on my experience. The STi was my daily driver and the Evo is currently my daily driver. Both cars make great daily drivers that are really fun to drive in all conditions.
Overall I'm happier with the Evo. I really enjoyed the STi and haven't put too much seat time in the Evo but here are some driving impressions. The steering is more precise and I personally feel the car handles much better (although I have not tracked either). It just feels nimbler and easier to throw around. The STi's steering felt loose and had more body roll (both cars had/have just springs). The ride is harsher in the Evo which is a welcomed trade-off for the better handling. Gas mileage is not great with either car but that's to be expected with a performance car. Looks are subjective but I think both cars look good.
Everyone usually thinks the STi's interior is nicer but that is simply not the case with the newer MR's. My car is equipped with the touring package and the leather seats and I personally think it blows the STi's interior away. The Recaro's are awesome and the new LED center screen looks nice. I especially like the gloss (phantom black) interior pieces. The Sti's seats were comfortable but not supportive at all. However, I do miss the space in the hatchback STi.. you could fit just about anything in there. Both cars have pretty cheap materials but that's to be expected for a performance car in this price range. The rockford stereo is obviously nicer than the STi's stereo but I plan to upgrade it eventually anyways.
Another pleasant surprise was the exhaust note of the Evo after the modifications done in my signature. I loved the boxer rumble and thought I was going to be disappointed but I have come to really like the Evo's exhaust note. The ETS intake really brings the turbo alive which pleases the ricer in me
.
The SST transmission is great. I have seen people on here complain about it being boring but if you put it in "sport" or "super sport" and drive it in manual mode it really brings the car alive. Sometimes I miss having a real manual but most of the time I really enjoy using the SST.
That's all for now, I will post more impressions after I get some more seat time and maybe a track day in the Evo.
Overall I'm happier with the Evo. I really enjoyed the STi and haven't put too much seat time in the Evo but here are some driving impressions. The steering is more precise and I personally feel the car handles much better (although I have not tracked either). It just feels nimbler and easier to throw around. The STi's steering felt loose and had more body roll (both cars had/have just springs). The ride is harsher in the Evo which is a welcomed trade-off for the better handling. Gas mileage is not great with either car but that's to be expected with a performance car. Looks are subjective but I think both cars look good.
Everyone usually thinks the STi's interior is nicer but that is simply not the case with the newer MR's. My car is equipped with the touring package and the leather seats and I personally think it blows the STi's interior away. The Recaro's are awesome and the new LED center screen looks nice. I especially like the gloss (phantom black) interior pieces. The Sti's seats were comfortable but not supportive at all. However, I do miss the space in the hatchback STi.. you could fit just about anything in there. Both cars have pretty cheap materials but that's to be expected for a performance car in this price range. The rockford stereo is obviously nicer than the STi's stereo but I plan to upgrade it eventually anyways.
Another pleasant surprise was the exhaust note of the Evo after the modifications done in my signature. I loved the boxer rumble and thought I was going to be disappointed but I have come to really like the Evo's exhaust note. The ETS intake really brings the turbo alive which pleases the ricer in me
. The SST transmission is great. I have seen people on here complain about it being boring but if you put it in "sport" or "super sport" and drive it in manual mode it really brings the car alive. Sometimes I miss having a real manual but most of the time I really enjoy using the SST.
That's all for now, I will post more impressions after I get some more seat time and maybe a track day in the Evo.
Jan 15, 2012, 07:34 PM
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No comparison IMO the Evo kills the STi. Subaru should never have made the STi a hatch or that ugly and the interior is not nice IMO. The sound is good but that's about it and the larger engine. I don't understand why Mitsubishi refuses to follow Subaru and make a 2.5 engine, there's no replacement for displacement and with 2.5 ltrs and a stroker you can get close to a 3 lr engine. Better spool and more low end torque, what's not to love???
Jan 15, 2012, 08:46 PM
#5
I had owned two Evos and two Subaru. I also had a 2010 SE STI and the suspension is good but I like the sharpness and steering response on the Evo also. What I really want is an Evo MR with manual tranny since i perfer the better ride with as same handling with the Bilsteins. More power is always welcome
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I think there are 3 evo seat design for the evo x? I do not like the cloth since it's too soft. I prefer the leather and altancara versions.
. I think there are 3 evo seat design for the evo x? I do not like the cloth since it's too soft. I prefer the leather and altancara versions.
Jan 15, 2012, 08:56 PM
#6
No comparison IMO the Evo kills the STi. Subaru should never have made the STi a hatch or that ugly and the interior is not nice IMO. The sound is good but that's about it and the larger engine. I don't understand why Mitsubishi refuses to follow Subaru and make a 2.5 engine, there's no replacement for displacement and with 2.5 ltrs and a stroker you can get close to a 3 lr engine. Better spool and more low end torque, what's not to love???
Jan 15, 2012, 09:03 PM
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Yeah you normally lose some money but it's worth it for the new experience IMO. I plan to keep the EVO for a long time as it does a lot of things really well. I actually made out pretty well on the STi... I sold it for a good bit more than I owed but it had a lot of modifications. You can never really expect to get all your mod money back though.
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Jan 15, 2012, 09:06 PM
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The STI has a deeper tone with a lot more rumble... the "boxer" sound is very unique. The Evo is higher pitched and smoother.
Jan 16, 2012, 03:13 AM
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To the OP:
All of that has been my experience too after owning an Evo VIII and AutoXing it with my buddy that owns an STI. We've both driven each other's cars on and off the track and the STI is an AMAZING car. That said, the Evo's almost nonexistent body roll, tight steering ratio and seat side bolsers are what really makes me love the Evo more than the STI. It's a great daily driver even with all that stiffness.
When I was shopping in 2003 for my new car, I was reading car reviews a lot and some quotes always stuck in my head:
"You couldn't get the Evo's chassis/suspension any stiffer even if you gave it a Viagra the size of a hockey puck" "The Evo's steering is telepathic".
and my buddy Vijay: "The Evo is made by thugs, for thugs" Said in a very thick Indian accent
All of that has been my experience too after owning an Evo VIII and AutoXing it with my buddy that owns an STI. We've both driven each other's cars on and off the track and the STI is an AMAZING car. That said, the Evo's almost nonexistent body roll, tight steering ratio and seat side bolsers are what really makes me love the Evo more than the STI. It's a great daily driver even with all that stiffness.
When I was shopping in 2003 for my new car, I was reading car reviews a lot and some quotes always stuck in my head:
"You couldn't get the Evo's chassis/suspension any stiffer even if you gave it a Viagra the size of a hockey puck" "The Evo's steering is telepathic".
and my buddy Vijay: "The Evo is made by thugs, for thugs" Said in a very thick Indian accent
Jan 18, 2012, 10:46 PM
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Mainly has to do with them building the car for Grupe-N standards. Can't be over 2.0 liter. They built the car while they were still someone involved in rally. While mitsubishi doesn't participate in rally any more, many people use the car and are killing overseas. It wouldn't have made sense for mitsubishi to invest all that time and money in the 4B11t then drop it a year or two later so they can up the size.
Jan 19, 2012, 04:04 AM
#12
No comparison IMO the Evo kills the STi. Subaru should never have made the STi a hatch or that ugly and the interior is not nice IMO. The sound is good but that's about it and the larger engine. I don't understand why Mitsubishi refuses to follow Subaru and make a 2.5 engine, there's no replacement for displacement and with 2.5 ltrs and a stroker you can get close to a 3 lr engine. Better spool and more low end torque, what's not to love???
Those guys who know subaru well, they all craving for the real sti engine which is 2.0l....
At least the evo gets the real evo jdm engine
Jan 19, 2012, 04:09 AM
#13
I understand that but they should have just made a 2.0 ltr as a rally spec and made a 2.5 for the road. Most EVOs are on the road and that .5 ltr would really help. I know can stroke it. Haven't seen a 2.5 though but even if you could a 2.5 would then allow you to stroke it even further. It's still better than the STi though
Jan 19, 2012, 05:46 AM
#14
... or just plain dumb
lolCongrats OP! so many stories of STi people giving up their pride
Glad you love the leather Recaros... I love them too, especially when I visit my local dealership and see them in the showroom MR Touring because my GSR has cloth!!! 
Jan 19, 2012, 06:05 AM
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Mainly has to do with them building the car for Grupe-N standards. Can't be over 2.0 liter. They built the car while they were still someone involved in rally. While mitsubishi doesn't participate in rally any more, many people use the car and are killing overseas. It wouldn't have made sense for mitsubishi to invest all that time and money in the 4B11t then drop it a year or two later so they can up the size.