03-04 evos in snow?
Oct 23, 2012, 10:40 AM
#1
03-04 evos in snow?
Hello members Im in the market for a lancer evolution but I have some concerns. First question is 03-04 evos excluding the rs model do not have the front helical lsd, I plan on driving my car during the snow, will 03-04 not be as good in the snow compared to the 05-06 model? I know i must have winter tires which isnt a problem, I just dont want to spend 15k or more on a evo 03-04 if it wont be as affective. Any of you guys with 03-04 evos any input? Just my main question is what year would be best in the snow. I get about 3 to 4 feet during heavy winter snow storms in Big Bear, Californa Thanks
Oct 23, 2012, 11:02 AM
#2
Don't over think this. A 2003/2004 with all season tires is incredible in the snow. SO much fun, SO much control. I personally have a 2004 and I used HRI all seasons and couldn't have been more happy. I actually prefer it in the snow over the old F150. Mine isn't a winter car anymore but I will be taking it out on those really snowy days/nights still, when there's so much falling that they don't bother putting salt down, that's when me and the Evo go play.
Last edited by PatricksEvilEvo; Oct 23, 2012 at 11:08 AM.
Oct 23, 2012, 11:46 AM
#4
Evolved Member
Hello members Im in the market for a lancer evolution but I have some concerns. First question is 03-04 evos excluding the rs model do not have the front helical lsd, I plan on driving my car during the snow, will 03-04 not be as good in the snow compared to the 05-06 model? I know i must have winter tires which isnt a problem, I just dont want to spend 15k or more on a evo 03-04 if it wont be as affective. Any of you guys with 03-04 evos any input? Just my main question is what year would be best in the snow. I get about 3 to 4 feet during heavy winter snow storms in Big Bear, Californa Thanks
I do think that the 2005-2006 Evos will be a bit better (again given the front LSD and the ACD), but it's not likely to be very noticeable in day-to-day driving. Besides, even non-WRX/STI Subaru Imprezas with a relatively simple AWD system handle snow just fine.
I remember when the Evo was first released, people on this forum were *****ing about how it wouldn't have ACD or AYC like the overseas models do (even though I'd bet that less than 1% of EvolutionM at that time had ever driven an Evo), but those who were lucky enough to get a taste of the USDM Evos before it was released said that you won't miss those things since it still handles really well.
Oct 23, 2012, 12:19 PM
#5
Don't over think this. A 2003/2004 with all season tires is incredible in the snow. SO much fun, SO much control. I personally have a 2004 and I used HRI all seasons and couldn't have been more happy. I actually prefer it in the snow over the old F150. Mine isn't a winter car anymore but I will be taking it out on those really snowy days/nights still, when there's so much falling that they don't bother putting salt down, that's when me and the Evo go play.
The difference in how they will deal with snow is likely to be very minimal, unless you are plowing through it in a rally. The front LSD in the 2004 RS and all 2005-2006 Evos definitely helps it turn a little sharper, but again, you'll really only notice the difference when pushing the car closer to its limits. Same thing with the ACD.
I do think that the 2005-2006 Evos will be a bit better (again given the front LSD and the ACD), but it's not likely to be very noticeable in day-to-day driving. Besides, even non-WRX/STI Subaru Imprezas with a relatively simple AWD system handle snow just fine.
I remember when the Evo was first released, people on this forum were *****ing about how it wouldn't have ACD or AYC like the overseas models do (even though I'd bet that less than 1% of EvolutionM at that time had ever driven an Evo), but those who were lucky enough to get a taste of the USDM Evos before it was released said that you won't miss those things since it still handles really well.
I do think that the 2005-2006 Evos will be a bit better (again given the front LSD and the ACD), but it's not likely to be very noticeable in day-to-day driving. Besides, even non-WRX/STI Subaru Imprezas with a relatively simple AWD system handle snow just fine.
I remember when the Evo was first released, people on this forum were *****ing about how it wouldn't have ACD or AYC like the overseas models do (even though I'd bet that less than 1% of EvolutionM at that time had ever driven an Evo), but those who were lucky enough to get a taste of the USDM Evos before it was released said that you won't miss those things since it still handles really well.
well guys thanks for all your input once again, im going to keep my options open hopefully i can find a pretty nice evo 9 but and evo 8 will do just fine.
Oct 23, 2012, 02:08 PM
#6
Evolved Member
Im really suprised you wouldnt choose the f150 over the evo in snow. Thank you much for your input im going to do some research on the HRI all season tires I really dont want to have to switch tires just for winter and summer. Since you have drivin your evo in the snow any clearance issues that i should be worried about in 3 feet of snow? I mainly want to keep my evo stock but some coilovers wouldnt hurt durring winter time.
Thanks bro! I have seen a bunch of subarus handle well in the snow im glad to know the evo is up to par with the imprezas. I was thinking of buying a STI but the price and how there were already so many on the mountain steered me away from them. As far as the 05-06 handling better in corners is a plus but im sure with the right suspension and modifications the 03-04 can match up with the 05-06 equiped with lsd. The only reason im kind of holding back from buying an evo 8 is because i like the evo9 bumper helical lsd acd and mivec!
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Oct 23, 2012, 04:13 PM
#9
Why is it such a surprise? Unless you need to plow through super deep snow or need a ton of ground clearance (which isn't always the case), there isn't much of a benefit. The weight distribution of pickup trucks with empty beds is far from ideal, especially in situations where you really need grip.
If you can afford a IX, you might as well get one and enjoy the differences along with the likely benefits (i.e. lower mileage, "younger" body and components, etc.). But again, that's not to say that there is anything wrong with the VIII.
If you can afford a IX, you might as well get one and enjoy the differences along with the likely benefits (i.e. lower mileage, "younger" body and components, etc.). But again, that's not to say that there is anything wrong with the VIII.
thats true but it doesnt really worry me too much i just hope i dont have an emergency when its snowing a lot this winter. We really dont get snow more than 3 feet anyway in Twin Peaks.
Last edited by LanEvoDreamer; Oct 23, 2012 at 05:11 PM.
Oct 23, 2012, 04:39 PM
#10
Im really suprised you wouldnt choose the f150 over the evo in snow. Thank you much for your input im going to do some research on the HRI all season tires I really dont want to have to switch tires just for winter and summer. Since you have drivin your evo in the snow any clearance issues that i should be worried about in 3 feet of snow? I mainly want to keep my evo stock but some coilovers wouldnt hurt durring winter time.
Fusion discontinued the HRI the last I heard, that was a couple years ago.
AWD turbo Evo>top heavy rwd F150. Yes the truck is amazing with 4wd and clearance but how often does 4wd really get used? It's really only for when it's needed.
Last edited by PatricksEvilEvo; Oct 23, 2012 at 04:43 PM.
Oct 23, 2012, 05:19 PM
#11
During the 2 winters I drove mine I had Tein lowering springs and never once had a clearance problem. Yes sometimes the snow was deeper than my bumper height but it still wasn't a problem. You do not want coilovers in winter they will get destroyed. If anything get Bilstein HD shocks/struts and maybe some GTWorx springs if you want it more aggressive without much drop and a good overall suspension.
Fusion discontinued the HRI the last I heard, that was a couple years ago.
AWD turbo Evo>top heavy rwd F150. Yes the truck is amazing with 4wd and clearance but how often does 4wd really get used? It's really only for when it's needed.
Fusion discontinued the HRI the last I heard, that was a couple years ago.
AWD turbo Evo>top heavy rwd F150. Yes the truck is amazing with 4wd and clearance but how often does 4wd really get used? It's really only for when it's needed.
Oct 30, 2012, 09:40 PM
#12
just a little update fellas i pulled the trigger and bought an 04 evo 8 tramac black ssl package. So far its just stock with a turbo timer. I love the car it handles amazing like no other i hope to get some enkei nt03 since my cheap xxr wheels are ugly and a nice set of coilovers that are dd friendly, I will post up pics later.
Oct 30, 2012, 09:57 PM
#14
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With the appropriate tires, the Evo will go through some nasty ****. I used to drive mine up into the mountains to go snowboarding, around town in snow storms, etc, and have never had an issue.
Congrats on the new car too
Aaron
Congrats on the new car too
Aaron
Oct 30, 2012, 10:21 PM
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I actually prefer an all mechanical, no traction control evo XD. No acd, no problem 
as for snow I live close to tahoe and all I can say is that the evo outhandles pretty much everything with snow tires. When people drive 25 and its snowing like crazy you get to pass them at 45 like its nothing to our cars
Granted I don't push the evo over my comfort zone, but in an evo the comfort zone is pretty dang big.
as for snow I live close to tahoe and all I can say is that the evo outhandles pretty much everything with snow tires. When people drive 25 and its snowing like crazy you get to pass them at 45 like its nothing to our cars
Granted I don't push the evo over my comfort zone, but in an evo the comfort zone is pretty dang big.