Piloting our 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI this weekend and having just driven our new Evo recently, I find it hard to believe that these two are considered competitors. Really?
Our Evo is soo much nicer and easier to drive. It's more fun and has a lighter, more precise steering feel. It accelerates smoothly and quickly. I want to run errands in it, I want to visit distant relatives, I want to take on twisties.
The Subaru, on the other hand, feels clunky when it shifts, even in Sport Sharp mode. It's quick to get up to speed but not so smooth in the getting there. Its steering is comparatively heavy. Even when driving the Subie on a fairly open 405 freeway with a smattering of traffic, I found myself sticking to one lane and trailing slow drivers. I just wasn't inspired to have fun...IF you know what I mean.
Our Evo costs a mere $2,117 more than our WRX, a pittance when you consider that you're paying the difference between having a ride and having a ride that you love.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 8,681 miles
huyracing says:
08:46 PM, 09/ 2/08
On paper it is... and on a track they are close... but the driving experience is no match. EVO has always been the drivers car. STI is... I dunno... not really worth buying.
arumage says:
05:08 AM, 09/ 3/08
The previous gen EVO was a penalty box. It had a harsher than harsh ride, and it's interior materials could be bested by mid-90's Geo Metro (aside from the seats)... but Mitsubishi did what Subaru could not. They learned from their mistakes and actually produced a car that was in every way better, albeit a tiny bit slower from what I've heard.
dougtheeng says:
05:54 AM, 09/ 3/08
I'm a big fan of the new EVO, so this post is a welcome one. That being said, I'd take either if you tossed me the keys.
sabastian says:
07:13 AM, 09/ 3/08
I'm still waiting from the EVO, STI, 135i comparo...
coletrickle says:
07:38 AM, 09/ 3/08
I had the first generation WRX (bugeye). That was great car for $24,500. Subaru has since lost it's way with the WRX brand - the base WRX's are ugly as sin plus they look and feel cheap on inside. The STI which looks better costs $10,000 more for marginal improvement. For $35K to $40K there are far better options. It's a shame.
subytrojan says:
07:46 AM, 09/ 3/08
Nice username, coletrickle! I want you to hit the pace car. :o)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j121/USCTrojan4JC/pace_car_perfect.jpg
felonious says:
08:27 AM, 09/ 3/08
I think all generations of STI previous to current were direct competitors to the Evo. However, the current Evo and STI aren't really direct competitors in the sense that it seems they're going for different markets. Like huyracing said, on paper they're competitors - price, AWD, turbo-4, seating arrangement. But the STI is heading in a more Grand Touring direction while the Evo is remaining true to it's racing roots, while still improving comfort.
I'm a big Subie fan (had an 04 STi), but I would pick the current Evo over the current STI without hesitation. (In reality, I'm not sure I would purchase any Mitsubishi, with the company's future so tenous.)
felonious says:
08:45 AM, 09/ 3/08
Okay, I did some research and it appears I'm living in 2004. Mitsu's future is no longer tenuous, though their history is still spotty at best.
joefrompa says:
08:49 AM, 09/ 3/08
Just a comment - Name a manual transmission AWD car that is smooth to drive.
You specify that the STI is "clunky" to shift, and I have to say I have not yet experienced a manual-transsed AWD car that was smooth to shift and drive.
Can anyone comment on the manual transmission'd EVO?
For me, a 3rd pedal is a must.
Joe
vvk says:
10:13 AM, 09/ 3/08
joefrompa,
There have been numerous manual transmission AWD cars that are superbly smooth to drive. My 1995 Subaru Legacy sedan was very smooth. BMW 3??ix/5??ix, Audi 80/90/100/200/A4/A6/S4/S6/AllRoad, Volvo S40/V50/S60R/V70R, Porsche 911T/Carrera4, VW R32. 2008 Subaru Impreza (base model) I test drove was very smooth. Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 I drove 15 years ago was very difficult to drive smoothly because that engine had to be revved above 2500 to avoid stalling at take off.
Every "on-demand" 4WD Subaru I have driven (Justy, DL/GL, Loyale) has been very smooth. I still dream about buying one of those some day -- there is something magically pleasant about driving them that appeals to me tremendously.
Josh Sadlier says:
10:36 AM, 09/ 3/08
Joe,
Actually the regular WRX ('08 model) is a cinch to shift smoothly, in my experience. Conversely, our STI has one of the least friendly clutches I've ever depressed.
-Sadlier
subytrojan says:
11:03 AM, 09/ 3/08
In case nobody caught on to my movie reference...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-RNlgMLCuA
blueguydotcom says:
11:45 AM, 09/ 3/08
Manual BMWs with xdrive are smooth? Wow, it drives me nuts feeling the system shift the torque around in corners. I hate the system with a passion. Utter garbage.
dougtheeng says:
11:47 AM, 09/ 3/08
The base Lancer (GTS) is a dream to shift.....easily the best shifting vehicle I have ever drive.
subytrojan says:
12:01 PM, 09/ 3/08
The Lancer GTS' shift lever's throws are soooo long, dougtheeng. Long shift throws = slow shifts = less fun for me. YMMV (your mileage may vary)
Did you by any chance mean "notchy," Caroline? Subaru manual transmissions are pretty notchy, especially mine with its OEM STI short-throw shifter. Also, Scoobies have a tendency to "bog" a little bit because of their full-time all-wheel drive, especially when the clutch is engaged too quickly and/or there aren't enough revs when moving from a standstill. But I'm sure you already knew that. Not everyone else here may know it, though.
joefrompa says:
12:53 PM, 09/ 3/08
Haven't driven an 08 WRX, but my 05 Saab 9-2x Aero was not smooth and neither is my 08 Legacy GT (though it is getting smoother with break-in, a short shifter, and hopefully need trans and diff fluids).
You did remind me that my test drive of a 2004 r32 was incredibly smooth.
Joe
dougtheeng says:
05:44 AM, 09/ 4/08
"The Lancer GTS' shift lever's throws are soooo long, dougtheeng. Long shift throws = slow shifts = less fun for me. YMMV (your mileage may vary)"
I was more commenting on how forgiving the car is. Its difficult to make a mistake.
That being said, I didn't find them particularly long. Maybe I just haven't driven a truly short shifting car for comparison.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
08:37 AM, 09/ 4/08
Based on how many bad reviews Subaru has gotten on the '08 STI ("lost its way", "too soft", "a rally car on the track", "going for the masses now"), I would not be surprised that for 2009, Subaru makes some major changes to the STI, as they did the '09 WRX with its bigger motor and firmed up suspension.
Then again, keep in mind real world roads are not the smooth tracks that show the EVO off so well.
jazket says:
09:52 AM, 09/ 4/08
Another reason for our Subie fanboys to shush! shulululush! hehe.
Thankfully we're all civilized here. Don't try posting something like this on YouTube though.
Mitsu has shown us that for once, they can grab a real good car and still make it so much better. I'm really hoping they can come up with something for '09... maybe a bit more horses and better interior material, cuz I'm about to sign for an MR.... I... must... wait!