WW_EVO_X, you can't expect people on these forums to be objective about something they spent so much money in. Honestly guys, it's pretty fucking hard to argue that the Evo X is superior to the IX in performance or bang for the buck.
Sure the X better in the looks department, it's better for stancers and people to drive it to look cool, yeah it's got cruise control and AYC, bluetooth, and a cushier suspension, but it's not faster than the IX for the money. It's not faster than the IX overall, and it's not faster than the IX in pretty much any way. The 4g63 is a cheaper engine to build, it is reliable as hell, makes more power easier, holds more torque, and there are people running 10's on the stock internals. The IX doesn't fuel starve at 3/4 of a tank, and the IX weighs less.
Perhaps the best thing the X has going for it in the performance world is that it's related to the IX or VIII.
Yes, the X has a stiffer chassis, it's greatest attribute probably. It's got a better TC and a better transmission than the IX. I'll give it that as well.
Yeah, you all know I'm bitter, but thats because I'm out there racing this car, riding in and driving other people's cars of all types (on tracks or autox none the less). I love the X, it's a great car and a great platform, but at some point you got to be honest with yourself. Until someone proves the X can compete with previous versions of the Evo, I'll keep my opinion as is.
To be honest, most of the people on these forums who I see lauding the X as the greatest car ever for the money, are those with 0 race track experience. Who have done nothing but watch reviews online or saw the Top gear STI vs Evo episode. Maybe they roll raced a few people or went on the drag strip. I don't know, but sorry folks, that doesn't mean shit to me.
The X is a fucking awesome car. It's insanely fast, it's got tons of tech, but lets be honest, it can't be best at EVERYTHING. Being a 4 door sedan makes it inherently disadvantaged vs coupes. Being AWD low displacement makes it disadvantaged vs RWD or AWD higher displacement cars. Being expensive makes it disadvantaged vs cars like S2k's and Miatas which can be raced for WAYYY cheaper and can still be damn fast. It's all about managing tradeoffs.