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February 13, 2006
Rivals! Mitsubishi Evo IX MR vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STI
“Looks like we got ourselves a dogfight!”
“Air to mission control, bogie has been spotted, weapons are hot, awaiting confirmation to engage!” The experience of piloting one of these tarmac-tearing, dirt-loving predators down a favorable road can often lead one’s imagination astray. You suddenly feel like an advocate of rude awakenings, with a mission to complete every time you strap into the driver’s seat. That mission: to seek and humiliate expensive sports cars that up to this point thought they owned the roads.
Throwing these two contenders into a ring together is like throwing the Incredible Hulk in with Juggernaut, and then telling them to have at it for a couple of rounds. Not only are they well-matched opponents, but each could also be arguably superior to the other in some way, shape or function. The Evo IX flexes a MIVEC-equipped (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control) turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 now boasting 286 bhp and 289 lb.-ft. of torque. The power improvement comes from a revision of the turbo’s compressor housing and a more aggressive muffler, and the power delivery is kept somewhat more linear through variable intake valve timing/phasing.
The 2.0-liter still feels rather anemic at the low end until muscularity sets in at 3500 rpm, turning it into a rip-roaring, torque-happy beast. We never seem to tire of that feeling that comes from 20 psi of oxygen-rich thrust, but must admit that for many, it tends to get bothersome in around-town stop-and-go traffic. The STI, on the other hand, does not disappoint in that area. Power from the Subaru’s larger 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 comes in early and seems to stay fairly linear where the Evo’s power kicks in abruptly. There have been no power changes to the STI’s aluminum powerplant, which still boasts an impressive 300 bhp at 6000 rpm with 300 lb.-ft. of torque, more than you ever really need on a daily basis anyway.
The Evo’s dynamic characteristics not only make it predictable, but extremely confidence-inspiring, with Bilstein shocks that feel best suited for relatively well-paved roads. Gearing is slightly taller and more realistic than that of the STI, leading to less frequent shifting and certainty of which gear to choose when entering a turn. Braking systems are identical Brembo setups with nearly equally matched Bridgestone Potenza RE070s (STI) and Yokohama Advan A046s (Evo), which work well for both cars. The Evo’s 6-speed manual transmission (MR only) is crisp and precise, making missed shifts rare. Turn-in is still quicker than the STI’s with a new simple and ergonomic titanium-finished steering wheel to handle. Recaro bucket seats, now upholstered in Alcantara to reduce slipperiness, hold you in place under almost all conditions.
The STI’s overall nature, though still great for track and autocross events, seems to favor a dirtier environment. The suspension not only has a longer range of travel, but is better suited for soaking up road irregularities (not to mention landings) than the MR’s setup. The addition of a steering-sensor input communicating intentions to the DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel-drive system adds intelligence to the STI, with a new mechanical limited-slip center differential helping to transfer torque effectively. While it may be a different story off-road, we find ourselves less at ease through long sweepers due to the constant adjustments being made by the STI’s anxious active-center differential. The interior of the Subaru is comfortable and well equipped, making it less industrial-like and more inviting. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a better feel, and the gauges are visually more appealing. The seats provide great lateral support but don’t share the same level of aggressiveness as the Evo’s.
The race to one-up each other comes in the form of add-ons instead of overhauls, mainly because Subaru and Mitsubishi know what outstanding performers they already have. Some of the other facets not mentioned yet for the STI include a brand-new front end (think Tribeca) restyled to reflect the company’s aircraft heritage. There are new slanted bulbous headlights and cleaner taillight clusters too. A roof spoiler said to enhance stability graces the top of the rear window, and the underside of the car receives a new diffuser mounted aft of the rear wheels. Evo MR updates include a tweaked front fascia integrating foglights with minor changes to head- and taillights, a revised hollow-design carbon-fiber rear wing, body-colored vortex generators, lighter Enkei wheels, and aluminum pedals to match the MR’s aluminum roof construction.
A victor in this rivalry is not easily determined. It really depends on what you as a driver want from your car. In my opinion, there is no car that will love you more than an Evo will. As a road warrior, its sharpness, directness, and aggressive yet forgiving nature leave the STI no choice but to step aside. One thing remains a given — compare the capabilities of this pair along with their costs, and there simply is no other competition.
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR | Subaru Impreza WRX STI | |
| List price | $35,189 | $32,995 |
| Price as tested | $36,584 | $33,660 |
| Curb weight | 3290 lb | 3340 lb |
| Engine, transmission | 2.0L turbo I-4, 6-speed manual | 2.5L turbo F-4, 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower, bhp @ rpm | 286 @ 6500 | 300 @ 6000 |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 sec | 5.1 sec |
| 0-100 mph | 12.7 sec | 13.8 sec |
| 0-1320 ft (1/4 mile) | 13.5 sec @ 105.9 mph | 13.6 sec @ 99.6 mph |
| Top speed | est 155 mph | est 155 mph |
| Braking from 60 mph | 116 ft | 120 ft |
| Braking from 80 mph | 204 ft | 216 ft |
| Skidpad | 0.91g | 0.92g |
| Slalom | 69.0 mph | 68.2 mph |
| Fuel mileage | 19.1 mpg | 19.6 mpg |
By Jonathan Elfalan • Photo by Marc Urbano
Source: RoadAndTrack.Com
Technorati Tags: Subaru Impreza WRX STi, MY06, Comparison
- Posted in : Articles, Comparisons, Reviews, Road Tests, STi vs Evo
- Author : admin
awesome cars!! respect for your website dood
i love subaru. but i choose evolution, yeah ;]
if you like suburu and stick to suburu……………dont fuck something else………….you retard
and i choose subaru ;]
and i choosed evo………….so u got any problem wiht that
i also choose subaru impreza. don’t know why (c) top gear
hehe
straigts- evo all the way
off road- sti,but who goes off roads with nice cars
evo mr are way bettrer than any sti
beautiful photo on the top of the article
is there any large one to use as a desktop?
nice!
evo!
yeah, evo!
sti!
evo all the way
If your going to buy a car like this, then the evo wins hands down in terms of performance handling and driving experience.
everyone who knows anything will go for the evo, not least because they’re rarer, but because they outperform the scooby.
Also the underrated looks give it a sense of mystery
evo!!!!!!
mitsi all the way
evo 4tw!
evo for life time
hehe. as i can see almost everyone love evos
as i already said - evo all the way!!!
subby all the way!
scooby aLL DAY it would leave eny evo standing like a cabbage haha
evo..always..!!
only …evo..
evo - light agile - like bird
wrx - heavy dog - like lead
lmao
evo - for boys
scooby - for men
that’s it!
boys are prettier than men! do u rememba the FQ400 in the UK?
if not, then it seems that men also seem to forget!
do you remember the type25 in the UK as? heh..
And the NEW EVOLUTION X FQ 400 ??? jajajajaja!!! EVO RULEZ! SUCK STI!
how can anyone even comment on the evo after that, LOL. Well put.
evo = JUST GOT PWNED!
scooby - for men w/ burberry & bling
driven both. I own an evo ix mr. enough said!
let the scooby power be with you
yoda
I traded in my STi for the Evo MR, I test drove it just to see what all the hype was about, and well…it went home with me instead of the Suby. By the way I’m a 3 time Suby owner (2000 2.5RS, 2003 WRX for the wife, and a 2004 STi) and a member of i-club.com. My friends at the meets have pretty much given up on me, but I’m sure it’s simply out of pure envy. In short, try it, you’ll love it!
When you’re saying good buy to $36K, you better know what you’re getting… Mitsu is junk compared to Subi, i want to see ya all mitsu lovers in a couple of years with 70% down the value and endless repairs. Subi is No.1 reliable ca in the US, Mitsu is worse then Chevy!
So what your saying is that you have’nt owned a subi for more then 5 years, because if you had, then you would have realized that its broke down in your back yard on jacks.
evo will dust any STI
there is only car better then subaru. it’s skyline gtr 34.
evo nuts
r34 is like a toy compare to evo in the track… and sti will be left behind..
an evo would smoke a sti hands down!!
i dont agree on the moter trends desion on the sti beating the gto
with the gto pumping more than 140 hp than the sti. and getting a 0-60 time in 4.6 sec and a top speed of 175.
dude where did that Gto come from? and besides those Gtos arent all that juss over priced for that get the EVO Mr:) but i do have to admit the STI with a short shifter the performace exhaust and a cool air intake raising the red line to 8 enstead of 7rmp can smoke the Evo IX MR no problem
yeah but an evo with just as much shit would smoke that same sti or any stock one
I just smoked a 06 evo with my o7 wrx tr not even a sti pretty sad.
operator error.
if you built the 2 cars nearly identical , Im talking suspension, same weight, same gearing, I have to say the subaru would be much quicker and faster. Just because of the much larger powerband.
no… you would have a tie. That is why there is all the fuss. If you took both cars from the manufacturer, stock… The Evolution would whoop ass.
I’m thinking EVO but I need training to drive it properly, I’m a newb.
Both the Evo and STi are factory riced out pieces of shit.
Yehaww sluts. Stupid ass import ricers….
you will be detroyed corn boy…..ethanol is what you need for your overrated slow dealship bitch slapped V8….bitchslapped when they run…..Buddy with maxed out lightning got walk 5 car lengths to 110 mph last……by an 05 STI….boy!!!
hells yea i have a 69 chevelle with a supercharged 350 puttin out 650awhp beat that u god damn rice burners!!!!! (though in a curvy course STI all the way)
ur head is up ur ass you’ve got big 6lit v8 or what ever the fuck they are if u couldnt get 650hp out of that u might aswell stick ur finger up ur ass over here we can get 550-600bhp out of a 2.5lit with mods ha! and all u can get is 650 he he i’ve got an 07 spec c ra with 360bhp out of a 2lit give me a winding road and say goodbye cos by the time u have selected 2nd gear all you’d see of me would be my tail lights. STI TIL I DIE
what do you drive?
thats what im talkin about! but also i would choose sti because that blue is so fresh.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR, What a piece of shit the Evo was modded that’s cheating the Subaru Impreza WRX STI would smoke a boxy car like the Mitsubishi
I don’t know, both are extremely impressive cars, I have tons of literature on both, because in a few months, i’ll be trading in my 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i for one of the two, but I haven’t decided yet. Everyone I ask is 50/50, I need some hardcore proof, and reasons I should buy one or the other, considering the first thing i’m gonna do is throw like, 5 grand into performance parts. So, any suggestions? STI OR EVO?
BE specific, use valid reasons one is better than the other too…
I want to say hello to all awd fans, i own a blue 2006 sti gold wheels. I love the car.
Evo and Sti are my two favorite cars, When I whent to buy one of the two it was almost like flipping a coin.
I guess what did it for me was the stronger transmition and clutch on sti(tougher would never brake) and the 2.5 litter motor on sti, made the diference for me.
My sti at 13 psi does 13.6 on quarter mile vs evo at 19 psi does 13.5 only one tenth of a second faster, meaning they will be side by side with evo winning by a half car.
I bought a boost controller from a friend 25 dollars, and turned the boost up to almost 17 psi and left evo9 by a hole car. So when i turn the boost up to 20 psi and get arround that factory set fuel cutoff with a simple ecu flash… I will be arround 320 at the wheels meaning almost 400 hp at the motor.
Evo won’t be even close. basicaly what I am trying to say is that, to keep the evo faster than sti you need to always be atleast 5 psi higher, meaning pushing that 2.0 harder than the sti’s 2.5 always.
And don’t let me drop a front mount intercooler on my sti… than there is no competition, you will be talking 7 psi more boost on evo than sti to be side by side.
I can proof every word i said, I have many friends that own evos i drive them, race them, i switch cars with my friends and sometimes they race my sti vs me their evo… but evo will do faster 0-60 off the dealer ship and turns quicker too.
WRX bro!! And get an earlier moddle. They arnt so toned down for a smooth ride. And from another sourse the 2006 STI was quicker then the evo!
WRX all the way! the 10 quickest quater mile times with 4WD cars have WRX dominating!!!!!! firts place: wrx with 8.5s, lancer,wrx,wrx,wrx, hyunday,evo,wrx,wrx,lancer.
Ok i hate to say this but this is to “Impreza2006subie”i just went to test drive both Evo IX not the MR but juss the regular 5 speed and the Subaru’s WRX STI on the same day which is very hard to convince the dealerships to do.but Im a Subie fan i think they look better and they are just a better company but i have to give it to the Evo this time the handling was better and throtle was more responsive and its just super fun to drive but the STI feels heavy comapred to the EVO and is a bit i mean a little bit slower but the interior and comfort is SO MUCH BETTER so it depends on what your looking for a smooth everyday car=STI or a Freaky fast fun car=Evo hope that helps you man.. peace
FUCK ALL YOU EVO IX MR HaTERS!!!!!
I HOPE AN EVO COMES UP TO YOU AND SMOKES YOUR ASS.
I own an EVO IX MR and smoke quite of American cars. IM Mexican but i got to represent my fellow japanesse homies
FUCK WHITE BOYS WITH DIESEL TRUCKS
fuck u fuckin beaner my turbo in my duramax makes ur little evo turbo look like a bitch
i have a diesel truck and a sti that im sell for an mr and i have to tell you that my truck will kick my cars ass for 0-60 and a gto and a supercharged stang but at the end of the day the evo mr is the better car if you want to go fast its that simple ive had all three and people dont get that a truck is a truck and a car is a car sti(everyday driving) evo mr(street racing car)
ok this always happens there is always the people that like the american cars and im not talking shit at all about american cars i like some american cars too but whenever you add exhaust turbo or bovs, they are mostly from japanese brands. Of course an american V8 can beat an evo or an sti, in a straightaway but if you put a shelby gt 500 (V8 supercharged?) with an s2000(4 cylinder vtech) or even an evo or an sti, on a track, the japanese cars would take the shelby.
2005 STi rocks.
Just got back from El Mirage (dry lake) with my friend who drivces Evo 8 (5speed).
We were making donuts and swiched cars, and raced, drifted….
Evo was harder to handle and laks quick power, but STi was eaiser to handle and a Evo daily driver admit too.
Evo is quicker and more responsive by almost tinby bit. Only a professional driver will make difference, but STi was much more easier to handle and durable.
Evo clutch and tirers worn out after 1500miles, and clutch and tires are still good after 38000 miles. I am not a quite driver. I go 150mphs, at least once a day, i push the car to the limit.
Flat 4 engine wich is same as porches is much better.
so Evo Vs STi? of course STi
STi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STiSTi STi
word up to the horizontally opposed 4cyl. beetle engines rule the road! its also the porsche 356 engine.
I hate to say this I was an STI fan too but I juss test drove the the 2006 WRX sti very good car and i thought with 300 hp it was gonna b a monster but then i drove the Evo IX and OMG?! less hp less torque BUT MY GOD the speed and the responsiveness of tat animal is mind blowing handles and turns almost as well and a lightwieght RX8 or lotus and is a bit of a weakling till 3000 rpm and i was like whats this but wen tat turbo lag ended and it kiks in boy pure ecstacy ok the STI is for everyday drivers who need to get to work and back and still have fun but the Evo is a bumpy hard turning turbo kicking beast so i bought one (5speed) becuase i was tired of sharing the Rx8 with my old man so i have a everyday car and a weekend car:) oo those of you with RX8’s good news!!! the PTP turbo is coming out for it which blows the old GREEDY turbo’s ass with a 390 hp and 290 torque which is 90 hp and 120 more Torque (August of 06)
MAN….. EVO 9 vs. WRX STI….who will win? EVO 9 WILL OWN any subaru….. Go EVO!!!!!!!!
bull sh*$ j-c-
wot u mean bull shit go watch top gear and then talk…. everyone knows the evo 9 will own the sti so why bother stickin up for it all uz gona get is jst OWNAGE
evo ix biatch, eazier 2 modify, drive, and kick soobies ass, driven both and evo ix was hands down winner
shelby 4 evr
i just bought an evo IX MR a few weeks ago. One of my buddies has an 05 STI and always bragged about how his subie was better. Once i let him take it for a test drive he decided then and there that he was trading in his STI for an evo IX. He now owns a blue evo IX and never looks back at his STI
I once owned 5 evo IXXL MR-T… and my grandma had recently bought a suby. She was pestering abt how her suby was better than all my 5 evo IXXL MR-T combined. So, i took her car for a test drive and i decided to get a suby there and then. So, i traded in all my 5 evo IXXL MR-T for a bicycle, a dog and some chips.
I now take rides from grandma.
EVO 4EVER BOYS
adi….forta evoo!!! si nu uita asa va fii todeauna ….asta ti-o dedic tie fratelo
I once owned a Subaru STi and then a Mitsubishi Evo MR. O yea that was a nightmare i was having SHELBY 4EVER
Mannnnnn Ok OK STI VS EVO is like Comparing Salma Hayek and Shakria.. Your good edither way. Salma is has the nice body but Shakira would Rock your World.. Ahhh to hell with it, EVO ALL THE WAY BABEEEE WOOO HOOOO !!! I watch like 5 or 6 episodes of those Top Gear shows about these to beasts and I went Evo I like speed. B U T i love the sound of the WRX STi…If you ask me probably would sound like Salma In bed .
A couple of days ago a buddy of mine who owns an `03 Evo (not MR) but very much fixed up…. said that the new MR is gonna be 300HP. Is that what you guys heard as well? I have looked all over the net and nothing. The new Evo MR is 286HP and there is nothing about 300HP.
If he is wrong, sucks, but I think it would be awsome.
I just really don’t like Mitsu’s but really don’t know much about the realibility of a Subi. Although it might technically be more balanced since it pushed less PSI per liter.
no disrespect 2u, but where the fuck do u live?! the rest of the world knows and has drooled over the evo FQ300 (ova 300bhp), FQ340(over 340bhp) and FQ400(ova 400bhp). and they are all factory standard cars! the FQ400 has a 0-62mph time of 3.5secs and a certain tv show showed that it could keep up with a Lambo Murcielago! can somebody lend me an STi? i want it suck my dick!
XENO4EVER
haha, very original comparison! nice!
Vitaliy
i heard nothing about 300hp stock evo mr. maybe your friend heard about any tuned mr?
No, he told me that it was the new stock EVO MR that will be 300HP.
And another guy who is a mechanic and works for some big company in a pit stop I believe, contests to that as well.
I will try to find out, and will get back to you guys.
There’s a difference between posted HP and actual HP. The Evo XI’s definitely make more power than than the 03’s on the butt dyno. Kind of like the 06 WRX Impreza’s (2.5L). They are listed at 230hp but when run on the dyno, seem to make about 250hp stock. I’m guessing Subaru did this because they didn’t want the WRX to list close to their 10k more expensive flagship car. I LOVE the sound and feel of the boxer engine, as well as the interior and refinement. The Subies are hand’s down better there (other than the crappy quality paint). However, the 4G63 EVOs are just plain faster, make more power, and much cheaper to mod than the Subaru. The Mitsu looks rather like a KIA inside but the closer ratio steering, the handling ,etc. and driving experience is just amazing…nothing else like it on the road. The STI stock makes its power with less fuss and its more refined… but slower steering, weaker seats, and more twitchy handling. I honestly don’t think you could go wrong with either one. I’d love to have an MR for the track, and one of those 07 limited STI’s for daily driving.
For the guy that was talking about japanese rice and all that… why don’t you actually drive either car. Vette’s are pretty nice, but other than straight-line power, they really have nothing on an EVO or STI. The handling and control of the 2 cars is something only cars closer to 100k and more can match.
sti all the way!!
STi all the way
Last i herd a AE86 can beat a EVO on the downhill =P
lol HAHAHA sure mate fink uve been watchin 2 much initial D lol….
Whoopie…so the Evo is a tiny bit faster….it’s pushing 20 PSI through the turbo factory, the STI only has 15.5 PSI factory. Wanna see an Evo get left in the dust, just throw a $15 manual boost controller on the STI and crank it to the same 20 PSI….level ground, easy to add boost, hard to add cubes (and yes, the VF39 can handle 20 lbs of boost). Face it Evo guys, run the same boost on both cars, and you get your bumper handed to ya, how fast would an evo be if you only let it have 15.5 PSI…it wouldn