http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=123886#3

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/driving/evo.x.vs.wrx.sti/07.sti.vs.evo.grp.fuji.500.jpghttp://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/driving/evo.x.vs.wrx.sti/07.sti.vs.evo.grp.act.2.500.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/driving/evo.x.vs.wrx.sti/07.sti.vs.evo.evo.bdg.500.jpghttp://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/driving/evo.x.vs.wrx.sti/07.sti.vs.evo.sti.bdg.500.jpg
At almost the same moment, Mitsubishi and Subaru have slammed the door on the past. The flame-spouting, wheel-churning rally-specification sedans of recent years have been tossed onto the ash heap, and in their place we find the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X (http://www.edmunds.com/il/mitsubishi/evox/index.html) and 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=123768) — two cars that are about sophistication as well as speed.

But some things never change. The Evo and STI are still trying to seize the same bit of turf, caught up in a sparring match that's been going on nonstop for more than 13 years. The Evo and STI are like high school bullies that can't resist a punch-up, and they're now matching up ever-tricker all-wheel-drive systems, more turbocharged engine power and levels of cornering grip that defy the laws of physics.

So we put the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X and the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI together on the road in Japan for their first meeting, a title fight in the shadow of Mt. Fuji.

still too early for a "decent" comparison test

wow...first time ive heard this about the evo:

This turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 produces 276 hp at 6,500 rpm (the U.S. version is expected to produce 295 hp), and it makes 300 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

I always thought it was 280 as well.

It's not an easy choice. Who would you pick as your bodyguard: Jean-Claude Van Damme or Jet Li?

I'd pick Jet Li, but which car is it? I think they meant to say he's got an ugly mug but he can kick ass, so that must be the STI :)

I think this is a balanced assesment, although it seemed they were getting a bit mixed up in their opinions from time to time.

Either way you go, you are getting an improved driving experience in either car, a fast car, an excellent handling car.

In the end, forget these Japanese comparo's, we need real USDM comparo's with our spec cars, on our tracks/roads, with the SST and the 2.5l.

It sounds like there continue to be issues with the SST. Mitsu should just dump the MR on the market with a manual. And we will continue to await a proper comparo with the USDM spec'd cars and actual track numbers.

It sounds like there continue to be issues with the SST. Mitsu should just dump the MR on the market with a manual. And we will continue to await a proper comparo with the USDM spec'd cars and actual track numbers.

Id buy a manual MR. If you guys get a petition together, I will carry it to the mouth of the Volcano and deliver it to the Mitsu gods.

I ll buy manual MR...

I just hope Mitsubishi perfects the SST before releasing it, I rather wait then get a crapastic gear box.

I ll buy manual MR...

I just hope Mitsubishi perfects the SST before releasing it, I rather wait then get a crapastic gear box.

Im gonna skip the craptastic gear box option altogether. I plan on modding the car and dont want the hassle of an unproven transmission. I might end up with the MR after a year or two.

Hey all, this is my first post here but I've been hanging around for a while now. I have a down payment on a silver GSR w/ SSS. I agree with you, wickedchimp, I want two things on my evo x: MT and the suspension upgrade. I could do without all the other options. It's disappointing that the Japanese get to order the car with whatever options they want and we get stuck with a gimped GSR and a bloated (only automatic!!) MR.

Welcome to the forums EVOXADDICT!

Yeah its pretty funny to me that they put ADDITIONAL ACOUSTIC MATERIAL on the MR... WTH? shouldnt the MR be a lighter/faster version?

It sounds like there continue to be issues with the SST. Mitsu should just dump the MR on the market with a manual. And we will continue to await a proper comparo with the USDM spec'd cars and actual track numbers.
The MR is Mitsubishi's only chance to have that competitive edge against the STI they said it in the article that the STI is better in some ways but that the MR will probably take it to another level past that the STI cant give u.

The MR is Mitsubishi's only chance to have that competitive edge against the STI they said it in the article that the STI is better in some ways but that the MR will probably take it to another level past that the STI cant give u.

It is nice that the X still has a better steering response when compared to the STI.

And yes, MR with the upgraded suspension should be thing that maybe they will give it the edge over the STI?

nice article!

There hasn't been a true 'global' MR since 2005. I, too, find it sad that the original meaning of the MR badge was 'Mitsubishi Racing' and now it's nothing more than a 'hook'. As a dealer, I would coin the phrase 'More Refined' to really define the MR. The MR is not going to be targetting a market that wants raw performance and true driver control. They are going after that market they originally went after with the Evo VII GT-A. The market that couldn't drive the Evo due to lack of knowing how to drive a manual transmission car or not wanting to deal with the headaches of a manual transmission car in stop and go traffic. While I find it difficult to defend the MR as a more performance oriented vehicle, I will go as far to say that it is a much more complacent vehicle for those seeking a daily driver and that is one of the only reasons I'm opting for an MR rather than a GSR. But I have been tempted to switch every now and then.

At least the MR has the better suspension setup and lighter rotors. I feel like they're throwing us a bone with that.

At least the MR has the better suspension setup and lighter rotors...

...and a heavy transmission.

Id buy a manual MR. If you guys get a petition together, I will carry it to the mouth of the Volcano and deliver it to the Mitsu gods.

Do it...

http://www.petitiononline.com/