STI...EVO?

[swallace]

Ok, what does everybody think? I am at the point that I could go either way, but I have to decide in the next 48 hours.

[Kurt_W]

You have to decide in the next 48 hours? Interesting...

I have to say STi, but I'm biased.

[ramrod]

the battle ive always heard is it depends on what you want. Sti is more straightl ine evo is more twisty but still they are pretty close in everything. So basically id so go by looks lol.

[Feedman]

Ok, what does everybody think? I am at the point that I could go either way, but I have to decide in the next 48 hours.

Well we have both on here...so I am sure you will hear great experiences.

I personally like and enjoy both. The Evo is prolly the better buy, but I think the Sti has a really nice interior....personal choice...drive them and find out.... 8)

[RobbieNelson]

Go drive them both! Consider the people you already know at the Suby dealership. The Mitsu service department may be a bunch of [insert your choise of derogatory term]s.

Evo:
tighter steering(for now)
stock turbo can support more power
Stiffer suspension
The 4g63 engine has been around for quite some time (loads of aftermarket parts)

STi:
better interior?
better gauge cluster
2.5L (more low end torque)
variable valve timing
Active center diff

Thats just the tip of the ol' STi vs Evo iceberg. I'm sure Davis will chime in.

BTW... I commend you for upgrading. I think you're doing the right thing.

[Kurt_W]

Upon more consideration...

I have driven both Robbie and Davis's cars. I would take either since they are both pretty wicked cars...however I guess I'll just have to wait until oe of them gets bored with their car and sells it to me cheap ;)

Anyway, things that I have noticed about both cars:

EVO:
Feels much nimbler...somehow this car manages to feel light, even though its close to the same weight as the STi. MR solves that closeness problem, assuming we really get it. I did not feel that the EVO was so twitchy that it wouldnt be a reasonable daily driver like some have said. (Of course, compared to my auto-x/daily-drivable CRX, the EVO is a Caddy.)

Overall acceleration doesn't feel all that different from my WRX (i.e. no low-end torque)...Since you have the Cobb 2 kit on your car (or so I was told) I doubt you would notice much difference in acceleration.

I like the shape of the seats in the EVO much better then the STi...but it all depends on your build. I have a narrow upper body so I kinda slop around in 04+ WRX seats. I like the lower portion of the WRX seats better however. Take the top from the EVO seats and combine it with the bottom of the WRX seat and you would have something.

I like how the EVO is available with a sunroof and has adequate headroom even though the seat height is not adjustable.

I like a stiff brake pedal, but the EVO's is kind of like trying to shove a concrete block through a brick wall.


STi:
Love the torque curve. It puts you back in the seat and leaves you there from the bottom to the top of the RPM range.

Spongy factory steering feel; it is a WRX after all. THis can be improved dramatically by sticking the Whiteline steering bushings on.

I like the ride on the STi quite a bit. Its compliant without being overly wallowly and spongy. It's definitely not as nimble as the EVO, but I think the ride is better for daily purposes...depends on your tolerance for ride quality.

Overall I like the appearance of the STi better...but thats a matter of personal taste.

I definitely like the paint colors on the Subarus better; the flattish colors that Mitsu used don't do much for me.

In the end, I think the STi would be the car I would buy (and should have bought) but ultimately the decision is up to you.

Just out of curiousity, are you trading your current WRX in on the STi/EVO or selling it outright?

Kurt

[BLUEVOVIII]

Your prolly going to spend a little more money to get an STi than an EVO...I'm not sure what u should buy...juss drive both and decide...I would suggest getting a EVO MR if there even out yet...ive g2g to class so ill chime in here ina couple of hours :lol:

[narfdanarf]

I'd hold out for one of these! http://www.montrealracing.com/forums/sh ... p?t=144209 (http://www.montrealracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144209) Even though we probably won't be getting them

[Feedman]

I'd hold out for one of these! http://www.montrealracing.com/forums/sh ... p?t=144209 (http://www.montrealracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144209) Even though we probably won't be getting them

I'm in love..... 8)

[swallace]

I was going to trade. The local dealer is not one of the best. I am pushing for a little more than they are willing to give.

It is silver and has almost 40k on it. The upgrades are as follows:

Borla Headers
Stromburg Up-pipe – Catless
Perrin Down-pipe – Catless
Bosal Twin Tip Exhaust
Perrin Ram Intake
Perrin Hoses
Crucial Racing Thermostat
Front and Rear STI Strut Tower Bars
Carbontech Bobcat Break Pads
Stainless Steel Break Lines
03 STI Scoop



Red Line Synthetic Gear Oil in ALL Gear Boxes
Motul RBF-600 Break Fluid


18” Rota Sub-Zero Wheels – With Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S Tires

Almost forgot...Cobb Tuning AccessPort Stage 2 - 93 Oct


The local Mits dealer does not have one in stock. It is a 85 mile hike to the nearest one. I think that the STI is the right car for me, but I am going to have to make the trip to tell.

Man this is the hardest decision I ever had to make.

[Davis Silver Sti]

Oh yes..the EVO vs. STi debate.

Some history....I was a big lobbier on getting thw WRX to the states in the late 90's. It finally got here and A was very close on getting the famous flat 4 turbo that has been available everywhere but the US. Probably due to the success of the WRX, (Subaru of America was a bit overwhelmed) the EVO came out with great performance numbers while still being a good value. I test drove an EVO just after Robbie bought his...(what he didn't know was that I was #1 in line for the EVO at McClinton heheh)
After the test drive I decided to wait a little bit (January 2003 was when the STi was unveiled at the Autoshow) since i heard the STi was coming out. But without a doubt i was going to get one of them..a test drive was going to be the factor.

Anyways...Here's my Pros and Cons list and are based solely on my opinion.

EVO
Pros:
+GREAT handling
+Best steering feel this side of a Porsche.
+You definately feel the boost
+Exterior looks awesome
+Great seats
+overall fast car
+Seats are decent (I'm 6 ft. 230lbs.)
+Great aftermarket parts selection
+ HID xenon headlights

EVO (inital feelings...haven't driven it very much)
Cons:
-Interior dashboard, gauges look mediocre
-Low-end power isn't quite there
-No cruise (at least in Robbie's :wink: )
-Questionable daily driver due to direct yet harsh suspension
-Front seats are not suitable for 220lbs.+ people

Subaru WRX STi (my daily driver with 19,000miles)
Pros:+2.5L has a great streetable torque curve.
+6 spd- puts you in powerband almost 100% of the time
+Handling is streetable, fun and gives good feeback, doesn't beat you up
+Seats are perfect for my size.
+Headroom is very good. Fully adjustable seat including pump up and down. Gives pefrect head clearance even with full face or open face helmet on.
+Exterior looks are great. (I'm a bit biased since I was coming from another yet different body styled Sube)
+ DCCD (driver controlled center differential)- A fun little device with 6 settings that will make your car feel more like a rear wheel drive car (open diff) if you want
+HID xenon headlights
+ exciting performance from the turbo engine, with 300hp and 300 lbs. torque (similar performacne numbers with the EVO)=weeeeeee
+ good overall build quality
+ Sube dealerships are pretty good

Cons:
-price-gas mileage is bad for a 4cyclinder
-steering feel is good/great but not even close to the EVO's
- Handling is good/great but no quite as good as the EVO's
- like the EVO, STi might be suffering from the "voided warranty" issue if your car has mod
- potential expensive repairs after warranty expires ($$ tranny and engine)
- limited aftermarket go-fast parts...but it is getting much better

(obviosuly I have more pros and cons on the Sube since its my daily driver.)

(FYI, there are some changes to the 2005 STi...
+new steering rack which should solve the vague feelin like my car
+ wider wheels and lug pattern...probably more choices for aftermarket
+ revised and better looking interior
-price?


Conclusion, it really depends on personal preference. Even thou that's not a great answer to the debate, its that close. These 2 cars are very similar yet different at the same time. Its not liek we are comparing a Ferrari and a BMW or Porsche and a VW.....its really a much closer battle.

Personally, there were just a small few things that made me get the STi..and I've been very happy with the car since day 1.
Nevertheless, either car is going to be a blast for you to drive. (including Mid-Ohio raceway!) You can't go wrong.

Let us know what you get!!!!!

P.S. I wish I knew you were looking for a EVO or STi at the HPDE weekend..you could've driven mine around the street....oh well, if you get an 05 STi perhaps I can drive yours, heheheh

Davis

[Feedman]

Very good writeup.

I like the Evo Recaro seats alot better than the Sti seats, but I am of a smaller frame than Davis.

A 6pd is a definate +

Bascially again what it boils down to is that you are going to be forced to drive both...

Get a feel for the car and go for it..

Good luck.... 8)

[jrchannell]

if we do get them they will probably be de-tuned several horses before they let any americans drive them. and thanks for nobody filling in any derogatory remarks in robbies message!!! reguarding mitsu service.as far as evo vs. sti , they are really close and the only reason i would pick evo is cause i work here, so i guess i'm biased also.

[RobbieNelson]

if reguarding mitsu service.as far as evo vs. sti , they are really close...

Yeahs... I love my service department. :D

[Feedman]

if we do get them they will probably be de-tuned several horses before they let any americans drive them. and thanks for nobody filling in any derogatory remarks in robbies message!!! reguarding mitsu service.as far as evo vs. sti , they are really close and the only reason i would pick evo is cause i work here, so i guess i'm biased also.

Word gets around that you have treated alot of people right. For that reason alone, I would choose Mitsu over Sube, b/c I feel our Sube STEALERSHIP here is a far cry from where it should be.... 8)

[Kurt_W]

I was going to trade. The local dealer is not one of the best. I am pushing for a little more than they are willing to give.

It is silver and has almost 40k on it. The upgrades are as follows:

Borla Headers
Stromburg Up-pipe – Catless
Perrin Down-pipe – Catless
Bosal Twin Tip Exhaust
Perrin Ram Intake
Perrin Hoses
Crucial Racing Thermostat
Front and Rear STI Strut Tower Bars
Carbontech Bobcat Break Pads
Stainless Steel Break Lines
03 STI Scoop



Red Line Synthetic Gear Oil in ALL Gear Boxes
Motul RBF-600 Break Fluid


18” Rota Sub-Zero Wheels – With Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S Tires

Almost forgot...Cobb Tuning AccessPort Stage 2 - 93 Oct


The local Mits dealer does not have one in stock. It is a 85 mile hike to the nearest one. I think that the STI is the right car for me, but I am going to have to make the trip to tell.

Man this is the hardest decision I ever had to make.

I bet they don't what to give you what you want for it! I've only bought one new car (the WRX) and I traded my bone stock 95 Impreza on it. I'm kind of surprised that the dealer is even willing to take a modified car like that. There again I'm not a dealer either. From the sounds of it you're not going to trade it now?

[Davis Silver Sti]

if we do get them they will probably be de-tuned several horses before they let any americans drive them. and thanks for nobody filling in any derogatory remarks in robbies message!!! reguarding mitsu service.as far as evo vs. sti , they are really close and the only reason i would pick evo is cause i work here, so i guess i'm biased also.

Word gets around that you have treated alot of people right. For that reason alone, I would choose Mitsu over Sube, b/c I feel our Sube STEALERSHIP here is a far cry from where it should be.... 8)

Yea, I've heard mixed reports...I bought my RS and STi for $200 over dealer invoice....It actually came out lower than what many others paid for their STi in other parts of the country.

To be fair..McClinton Mistisb. was fair to me and kept me posted on the "new" EVO with updates before it came out. I would do business with them.

Unfortunately, Sube and Mitisbu. dealers vary in terms of their service dept. It doesn't even seem to be a regional thing...its one city from another.

[swallace]

We are very close on the STI...$750. They are willing to give me 17,250. I told them that I wanted 18k. I know that it is kind of a game of chicken, but I would be willing to make a move if they budged any more. I also will probably have to put the stock exhaust back on, they will need the CATS. If I do that I can sell the parts and make my $750 back in a hurry. Also, I will have 18" Sub-Zero wheels. Easy money...

[Davis Silver Sti]

We are very close on the STI...$750. They are willing to give me 17,250. I told them that I wanted 18k. I know that it is kind of a game of chicken, but I would be willing to make a move if they budged any more. I also will probably have to put the stock exhaust back on, they will need the CATS. If I do that I can sell the parts and make my $750 back in a hurry. Also, I will have 18" Sub-Zero wheels. Easy money...

SWEET! Go Go Go

[Kurt_W]

We are very close on the STI...$750. They are willing to give me 17,250. I told them that I wanted 18k. I know that it is kind of a game of chicken, but I would be willing to make a move if they budged any more. I also will probably have to put the stock exhaust back on, they will need the CATS. If I do that I can sell the parts and make my $750 back in a hurry. Also, I will have 18" Sub-Zero wheels. Easy money...

Lol, yeah...I was thinking that you really wanted to sell me the header, up pipe and downpipe real cheap ;)

I'd definitely pull all the parts off the car prior to trading except maybe the brakes, since they are kind of a pain.

Are you going to use the Rotas on the STi?

Actually, that 18K figure doesn's sound too bad considering the mileage and the age. They won't make much money off it if the take it for that amount since you can get new ones not that far off that price. (+4-5k)

[swallace]

I did it...you all are the first to know that I am the proud owner of a 2005 STI. Black!...I will have xome pics tomorrow in the light.

I will have those pipes and my old accessport up on the block soon.

And my 18" Sub-Zero wheels.


PM me if you are intrested. I will give the first option to you guys. All because Robbie likes you all so much.

[Feedman]

I did it...you all are the first to know that I am the proud owner of a 2005 STI. Black!...I will have xome pics tomorrow in the light.

I will have those pipes and my old accessport up on the block soon.

And my 18" Sub-Zero wheels.


PM me if you are intrested. I will give the first option to you guys. All because Robbie likes you all so much.

Well I will be the first to say Congrats....Look forward to he pics.... 8)

[Davis Silver Sti]

I did it...you all are the first to know that I am the proud owner of a 2005 STI. Black!...I will have xome pics tomorrow in the light.

I will have those pipes and my old accessport up on the block soon.

And my 18" Sub-Zero wheels.


PM me if you are intrested. I will give the first option to you guys. All because Robbie likes you all so much.


WOOT!

Congrats. So happy to hear about the new STi. Ooooo Black too.
Pics are a must! You will be very happy. Cya on the track!

What are going to be your mods if any?

[BLUEVOVIII]

Congrats on the the STi !!! :D well you picked the right color too, ive seen a black STi at the drag strip one day..and they look mean :twisted: Are you going to take it to track events w/the other AWD's on here? We NEED to go to one more autocross and take both evo's and both STi's...that would be awsome! neway congrats!


-->dang davis jumping the gun on asking about mods already!?!?! :lol:

--->he has only had it for a couple of hours :lol: neway elaborate if you do have ne mods in plan :wink:

[Davis Silver Sti]

Congrats on the the STi !!! :D well you picked the right color too, ive seen a black STi at the drag strip one day..and they look mean :twisted: Are you going to take it to track events w/the other AWD's on here? We NEED to go to one more autocross and take both evo's and both STi's...that would be awsome! neway congrats!


-->dang davis jumping the gun on asking about mods already!?!?! :lol:

--->he has only had it for a couple of hours :lol: neway elaborate if you do have ne mods in plan :wink:
Unfortunately he lives pretty far away...about a 6+hr drive to columbus OH. S I doubt that he'll be coming to our local AutoX's....BUT he is of course welcome to and look forward when he comes to town for a visit.

Yes, black looks awesome on the STi. I saw a black EVO this past summer in Marietta (guy was from Cleveland), and it too looked really cool.
Car colors...such a hard choice sometimes.

[swallace]

I wish I was closer! I would love to challenge those EVOs. The closest I will get is running in Charleston, WV on the weekends I am at my parents house. I am still working on that PIC.

[Davis Silver Sti]

I wish I was closer! I would love to challenge those EVOs. The closest I will get is running in Charleston, WV on the weekends I am at my parents house. I am still working on that PIC.

Please let us (Robbie) know when you are coming home so we can meet up at the AutoX's in Charleston/Belle.

Enjoy the STi and be nice in the 1,000 mile break-in 8)

[swallace]

It is hard to stay out of it.

[m pwrd 3]

Very nice, Congrats!!!

[RobbieNelson]

Sexy.... How do you like it compared to your old WRX? Played with the DCCD yet?

[Feedman]

mm...nice.

8)

[Uber_DSM]

Nice car..youll be having a lot of fun with that