Looks aside, I like the sound of that! The STI sounds like the winner in driver feedback and performance. In this review it is more the DRIVER's car compared to the Evo.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X vs Subaru Impreza WRX STI
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/213741/mitsubishi_lancer_evo_x_vs_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti.htmlIt’s one of the hardest-fought battles in performance motoring – but for the Evo and Impreza, this is their toughest test yet! In a world exclusive, we have brought the two new models together in an amazing head-to-head.
Going on sale in the UK in March, the Evo X and Impreza WRX STI are new from the ground up. They now pack even more powerful turbocharged engines and hi-tech four-wheel-drive systems, plus the promise of even greater driving excitement.
But they’ve also shifted their focus, moving away from their boy-racer images with more mature looks in an attempt to appeal to a wider range of buyers. So which is the better bet?
Viewed side-by-side, the Evo X is by far the easier on the eye. Its European-influenced shape is light years ahead of its boxy predecessor – we love the sharp lines and neat detail of the angled headlights, big grille and Alfa-esque tail-lamps. By comparison, the bland hatchback looks of the base Impreza have been beefed up with aggressive touches such as bulging wheelarches, a huge bonnet scoop and unappealing spoilers. Muscular it may be, but it’s ugly, too.
Inside, the Evo forges ahead with a totally redesigned cabin that has high-quality plastics. They can’t match the standards set by European makers, but are much better than those in the Impreza, which seems dated already. Seats in both cars are excellent, with good support.
Under the bonnet, the STI wins the power race with a 295bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four cylinder engine, which now features variable valve timing, a bigger intercooler and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
The Evo’s new lightweight 2.0-litre turbo unit isn’t short of power with 276bhp, but it feels less manic than the Impreza’s powerplant on the road, with a smoother, more refined delivery. Indeed, the Subaru is the stronger performer, with more low-down punch and a wave of power all the way to the 8,000rpm red line.
It also boasts a better gearbox too, as its close ratio six-speed transmission is more precise and fun to use than the Evo X’s clunky five-speeder.
However, had our test car been fitted with Mitsubishi’s brilliant new semi-automatic SST gearbox, the story would have been reversed.
As well as their storming straight-line performance, both models are incredible around corners. They have 4WD systems capable of sending torque to the wheels with the most grip. The STI’s steering feels slightly better weighted than the Evo’s, although the Mitsubishi’s overall level of feedback is still superior.
Get the Evo into a rhythm, and it is able to corner more quickly. But at the limit, its Super All-Wheel Control system – which brakes individual wheels automatically to maintain grip – does feel as if it’s taking over some control of the car. That’s in contrast to the Impreza, where the electronics fail to detract from the driving experience.
One thing’s for sure, these two are very closely matched. But there can only be one winner...
These people really like the Evo X. They even went ahead and called the STI ugly. hahahaha
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I wonder why they didn't turn the ASC off?Looks aside, I like the sound of that! The STI sounds like the winner in driver feedback and performance. In this review it is more the DRIVER's car compared to the Evo.
Actually I do not mind those features being on, especially for safety, but I would like to feel the car almost lose it then bring itself back (my MINI kinda felt like that). It sounds like the Evo's systems are so good they keep you in line the whole way and you never feel yourself at the edge or losing it. That is a good thing for safety and keeping you on a fast line. And you can turn it off when you don't want it, so I guess the Evo has the best of both systems! Needs a better transmission, though.
Not looking good for the Evo there, this would be the 1st time ever that an Sti model is better than the Evo !
Hopefully Mitsu address this - maybe we'll see a much improved Evo11....
There's alot of talk about pitting the SST Evo up against the Sti to try and get a better result for the Evo - problem there is Subaru will also eventually have an SST type trans available as well and it might be as good or better than Mitsubishis one ??
Hopefully Mitsu address this - maybe we'll see a much improved Evo11....
There's alot of talk about pitting the SST Evo up against the Sti to try and get a better result for the Evo - problem there is Subaru will also eventually have an SST type trans available as well and it might be as good or better than Mitsubishis one ??
Evo XI has a nice ring to it, too bad it will be over two years away 
Doesn't sound that way to me...Looks aside, I like the sound of that! The STI sounds like the winner in driver feedback and performance. In this review it is more the DRIVER's car compared to the Evo.
They also commented that the evo had better feedback.Both models are fantastic sports cars that offer incredible pace, traction and all-round ability. The Impreza boasts great handling, a characterful engine plus hatchback practicality. It’s more fun, but isn’t the leap we were hoping. On the other hand, the Evo X is a big step forward. It’s more expensive, but it’s a real quality product – and is still amazing to drive. The only fly in the ointment is the five-speed gearbox. Add Mitsubishi’s new SST semi-auto, and the Evo X takes the honours.
Clearly, they preferred the X overall...not sure how you guys are reading otherwise.
Given the GSR versus STI, STI wins, they are giving the prize to the MR. I don't want an MR.
As I quoted from the article:
Anyway, they are both great cars, and belabouring the point before we have both USDM cars here in front of us is just passing time.
As I quoted from the article:
The Evo does more for you, like the SST does the shifting for you, better than you ever could. The Evo AWD systems do more for you, better than you ever could. But these all take away from the driver's feel in the car, the punch of acceleration, the changing of gears and getting the right rev-matching and quick shifting, by your own hands and feet. That is what I meant by the STI being more the DRIVER's car. The driver is more in control, or more responsible, for what happens in the car.Indeed, the Subaru is the stronger performer, with more low-down punch and a wave of power all the way to the 8,000rpm red line.
It also boasts a better gearbox too, as its close ratio six-speed transmission is more precise and fun to use than the Evo X’s clunky five-speeder.
...
Get the Evo into a rhythm, and it is able to corner more quickly. But at the limit, its Super All-Wheel Control system – which brakes individual wheels automatically to maintain grip – does feel as if it’s taking over some control of the car. That’s in contrast to the Impreza, where the electronics fail to detract from the driving experience.
Anyway, they are both great cars, and belabouring the point before we have both USDM cars here in front of us is just passing time.
NZ Wheels did a review of the STI.
On paper, power was a big plus for the STI
I gotta say I liked the STI except for its FUGLY front.
Evo had everything else.. ie options, ride, technology.
THey quoted 4.9 sec 0-100 time for STI and 5.2 0-100 for the Evo.
I prefer the evo, given that performance can be improved with very slight tweaks.
After xmas I'll stick my evo on a dyno and see what the stock figures really are.
On paper, power was a big plus for the STI
I gotta say I liked the STI except for its FUGLY front.
Evo had everything else.. ie options, ride, technology.
THey quoted 4.9 sec 0-100 time for STI and 5.2 0-100 for the Evo.
I prefer the evo, given that performance can be improved with very slight tweaks.
After xmas I'll stick my evo on a dyno and see what the stock figures really are.
But they can be disabled...the ASC has 3 stages...in the most advanced stage, it will allow you to spin out of control and hit a tree if you make a mistake.Given the GSR versus STI, STI wins, they are giving the prize to the MR. I don't want an MR.
As I quoted from the article:
The Evo does more for you, like the SST does the shifting for you, better than you ever could. The Evo AWD systems do more for you, better than you ever could. But these all take away from the driver's feel in the car,
Elsewhere on Evoxforums.com the dyno graphs for the Evo X and STI are posted. The Evo X appeared to have more horsepower and torque earlier than the STI and the STI appeared to show its horsepower drop off earlier than the Evo X. Why then have we seen a number of reviews that promote the STI has having power on earlier and continuing much longer, to 8,000 rpm??? Is there more to the feeling of power than you can read from a dyno chart?NZ Wheels did a review of the STI.
On paper, power was a big plus for the STI
I gotta say I liked the STI except for its FUGLY front.
Evo had everything else.. ie options, ride, technology.
THey quoted 4.9 sec 0-100 time for STI and 5.2 0-100 for the Evo.
I prefer the evo, given that performance can be improved with very slight tweaks.
After xmas I'll stick my evo on a dyno and see what the stock figures really are.
I'm not too sure, but I think there's a bit of confusion between the JDM spec 2.0ltr and O/S export 2.5ltr variants of the Sti....Elsewhere on Evoxforums.com the dyno graphs for the Evo X and STI are posted. The Evo X appeared to have more horsepower and torque earlier than the STI and the STI appeared to show its horsepower drop off earlier than the Evo X. Why then have we seen a number of reviews that promote the STI has having power on earlier and continuing much longer, to 8,000 rpm??? Is there more to the feeling of power than you can read from a dyno chart?
The power/torque curve of the JDM 2.0ltr Sti is different from the export 2.5ltr Sti - the 2.0 is more impressive.
As for alot of power gains with minor tweaks, the boxer is also easily done, here in Aust. there are numerous places you can go to and with minor work, Wrx's and Sti's are transformed into power and torque monsters
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