...I'd rather own the STi.
You see, there's this place I like to visit from time-to-time called the real world. I know, I know, here in SoCal where there are the same number of plastic surgery doctors as there are canyon roads, "real world" is a bit of a stretch. But bear with me, I swear there's a point somewhere here.
In the real world there are things like potholes and speedbumps and there are times when, believe it or not, I don't want to be in a racecar. The EVO X MR is quick and agile and the accelerator pedal may as well be connected directly to my adrenal gland, milking out every drop of that precious hormone any time my foot goes down. It's that driver interaction that has built the Evo a cult following, and it's that level of work required that would keep me out of the Evo as my daily driver. The Subi is vastly more livable and only a hair less capable. Oh, and the Subi can also fit my snowboard, bike or even suitcase in the hatch. I like hatches.
That said, if the decision was for a second car, it would be the Evolution and the magic SST dual-clutch all the way. Am I right here, or have I just gotten old and soft?
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ 6,035 miles
rsholland says:
09:14 AM, 11/14/08
Right with you there Mike. I'd take the STI any day of the week too, except maybe on Trackday.
In fact, this livability issue and tiny EVO trunk were discussed at some length early on here when you guys first got the STI. Glad to see you concur. :)
It should be mentioned that the Lancer has a much larger trunk. The reason the EVO's truck is so small is that they moved the battery and some other stuff back there to try and get a 50/50 weight distribution. Again, a concession to Trackday duties, but at the expense of Weekday duties.
orangutan says:
09:30 AM, 11/14/08
That's what the Ralliart Sportback is for. Turbo engine, thousands cheaper price, lots more cargo capacity, Evo IX all-wheel drive, and the magical dual-clutch transmission.
subytrojan says:
09:45 AM, 11/14/08
And probably a good bit slower than a 2009 WRX hatchback!
huyracing says:
09:50 AM, 11/14/08
i see the EVO MR still being a better daily driver because of the SST. more involving drive is a good thing for a daily driver because you don't fall asleep. not having to shift in traffic is a great thing as well so that you dont show up to work sore.
if i wanted a fun car that is rarely driven, it'd probably be a manual transmission. in the real world, it gets old quick if you're in traffic twice a day.
boxermike says:
09:54 AM, 11/14/08
"And probably a good bit slower than a 2009 WRX hatchback!"
If the regular ralliart is any indication, the sportback will be a lot slower, especially in the twisties, than the '09 WRX.
"if i wanted a fun car that is rarely driven, it'd probably be a manual transmission. in the real world, it gets old quick if you're in traffic twice a day."
I drive heavy traffic twice a day, have for most of my working life, never really noticed a difference between auto and manual...just a different outlook. No worse, no better.
-mike
atticus22 says:
09:59 AM, 11/14/08
The versatility of the 08 STI is definitely it's ace in the hole. I can have a ton of fun with it when I'm driving by myself, or I can load it up with lots of stuff if needed(and still have fun). I've posted this before but here are some of the seating combos(including myself) that I've had so far:
1.) 5 adults
2.) 2 adults and 2 road bicycles w/ gear
3.) 3 adults and 3 snowboards w/ gear
4.) 2 adults and 1 beagle/cocker spaniel mix in a travel crate
5.) 4 adults and 4 bags of lacrosse equipment
orangutan says:
10:00 AM, 11/14/08
What do you mean "regular ralliart"? It's not out yet in North America, in either sedan or sportback version.
boxermike says:
10:58 AM, 11/14/08
"What do you mean "regular ralliart"? It's not out yet in North America, in either sedan or sportback version."
We've tested a 2009 Lancer Ralliart sedan.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=127586
-mike
subytrojan says:
11:22 AM, 11/14/08
"I drive heavy traffic twice a day, have for most of my working life, never really noticed a difference between auto and manual...just a different outlook. No worse, no better."
Amen, Mike!
jazket says:
11:43 AM, 11/14/08
I don't disagree entirely with your concerns Mike, but down here in the streets of Miami, I'd rather own the MR with TC-SST;
There is a time in life (at lest where I live) when you simply want to get rid of your Clutch Pedal. I know, I've experienced it.
I do not completely dislike Hatchbacks, the mazdaspeed3 is a formidable car which at one point when I was younger I would've love to own.
The Evo looks out of this world, but the STI is not bad looking. It's a totally different thing when you go see it in person. I used to agree it was an ugly hatch, but once I really saw it and was able to seat on it, I can argue with anyone that the STI is the most capable, better looking hatchback out there. That's my humble most sincere opinion; and I've always loved both Mitsu and Subie, though I've only owned Mitsus.
But I'd still go for TC-SST. Also I don't own a snowboard or a bike, maybe those things keep me from measuring both cars fairly.
waevox says:
03:28 PM, 11/14/08
How about a set of golf clubs? No way they fit with the subwoofer in there. I don't care about snowboards and bikes, a roof rack will take care of those.
clarkma5 says:
04:47 PM, 11/14/08
I agree with you about the STi being the better daily driver but I think you're way too soft thinking the Evo MR is a second car.
ibognar says:
06:10 PM, 11/14/08
I'm soft and lazy and the GSR is my daily driver. I have a minivan as a second car when I need the cargo space.
I just like adrenalin.
estreka says:
03:09 AM, 11/15/08
If you're going soft, I'm going with you. I really enjoy my sports car 90% of the time, but that other 10% I'm begging for a cushy ride.