Originally Posted by AWDriven

Well I drove an EVO IX at the track today. It was part of the press release for the new Mitsu Truck. Which Sucks!

They also had EVO IX's for the journos to drive on track as well as an autoX area. As one of three driving instructors for the track portion I pretty much had free reign to drive the cars as much as I wanted. We had all 3 EVOs. MR, RS and the GSR (?). So heres my take.

First off I've never driven an VIII, so I have nothing but an STi to compare it to.

I do join the masses that say "buy a EVO if your going to track it quite a bit, buy an STi if its your daily driver". Comparing stock for stock, the EVO is better handling than the STi. Turn in is more precise, understeer, while still present is vastly reduced. Brakes are pretty much the same, but there seems to be a bit more pedal travel than in the STi. Keep in mind I was driving a pre-production unit with original fluid. So I would take that with a grain of salt. The tires I like better than the Bridgestones, they didn't get nearly as greasy under the same conditions. But then again they were new this AM. I don't remember what mine were like when new. IMO the STi has better power delivery. More torque down low, the EVO you need to rev to get the power out. But once it spools, it puts out till redline.

Driving the GSR and MR were pretty much the same on track, with the MR a tad softer. Hopping into the RS was altogether different. First off it felt like there was 25hp more. The lighter weight was very noticable. Much more nimble. I swear it feels like more than 120lbs less. Crisper turn-in, better braking, harder acceleration out of the corners. I was suprised at how different it was. But it was pretty stiff driving around the paddock. I don't think I'd want it on the street every day.

Interior was better than expected. The drivers seats don't get much better. I want them in my STi. Leather bolsters with suede seating. The rears are the same. No more of that crappy cloth. I do like the dash and center console on the STi better. The RS now has A/C standard.

While it may sound like I favor the EVO over the STi, thats not the case. Kind of. IMO they're even. It all comes down to how your gonna use it. Would I get an EVO? Yes, but right now the STi is the better choice for me. Maybe when the EVO X comes out that'll change.

To add to the rear wing discussions, Mitsu now has a downforce package that adds a wickerbill to the rear spoiler and a front airdam to the front. The wickerbill was only about 3/8" tall. The cars we had didn't get the front airdam, but had the wickerbill. It caused enough downforce (or anti-lift) in the back that the cars had a big push at speed. The wickerbill was removed and the push went away. Go figure.

Originally Posted by burningmoney97

those are some good numbers

correct me if i am wrong , but doesnt a stock 05 evo 8 dyno around 230hp / 235t