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Battle Royale: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Vs. Subaru WRX STI

 
3 1,011 views Dec 2, 2010

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College kids dream of these two cars, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, constantly. They can do everything, like commuting to a brand-new job, lapping the track on the weekend, ice racing or off-road desert runs. They can do all that with room for four and space in the back for skis, snowboards, skateboards, mountainboards or any other board you can think of (except maybe a surfboard). 

Plus, these two are loaded with technology. They both have turbocharged four-cylinder engines that make more than 100-horsepower/liter, electronic chassis settings, and all-wheel drive. They are chock full of rally pedigree, have boy-racer wheels and spoilers and have massive street cred. It's all starting to sound a bit too perfect. 

The question that has been on everyone's minds since the first versions of these two came out is this: which one do I want?


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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Evolution

When it comes to the Evolution's performance, its got more good points than you can shake a stick at. Its got direct steering, 291 horsepower to play with and impressive handling. However, the rest of the car leaves something to be desired. Some crummy interior parts from the base model Lancer make it all the way to the top in the Evolution. Also, the styling just isn't a winner. The more affordable 237-horsepower Ralliart isn't as precise as the Evo, but can still cost as much as $28,000. Plus, who still sells a performance car with a five-speed manual? 

TheCarConnection rating: 7.3 out of 10


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Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

I mentioned earlier that these cars carry a good deal of street cred with them. Well, here is Subaru's cherry on top: the 2011 sedan that set the Nurburgring four-door production car record lap at 7:55. Bragging rights? Check. Add into that a better interior and better safety features, and this car is just starting to look, well.... better. Plus, the cheaper WRX still has 265 horses flying through a six-speed manual. No automatics are available, and that shouldn't be a deduction. It sends a message: real drivers only.

TheCarConnection rating: 7.8 out of 10

So, the Scoob wins this time. However, it is only a matter of time before these two up the ante again. 

[The Car Connection]





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Comments (3)

  1. By BaR0n Posted: 12/13/2010 10:28pm PST

    But when you test how the cars drive (by actaully driving them), the Evo X is nicer. Topgear tested them. They are both nice, but they preferred the Evo X.
    And about the manual vs. automatic thing. There is a reason the Evo X has automatic. It is because it has twin-clutch, and requires precision shifting. Even though it is automatically shifted, you still tell it when to shift.
    Again, they are both nice cars, and they are good competitors. It is really just a matter of opinion.
     
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  2. By Bob Posted: 1/2/2011 11:07pm PST

    "Plus, the cheaper WRX still has 265 horses flying through a six-speed manual"
    Wrong. Only the STI has a six-speed. The cheaper WRX comes with a five speed manual only and the shifter feels like moving a stick around in the mud.
     
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  3. fb_544946884 avatar Stefan Singh Posted: 9/2/2011 9:07pm PDT

    please note that the STI that broke the record was NOT a production car, but a special hybrid prototype model, containing a mix of engine, suspension & body parts that were from other sti special & regular editions, as well as special aerodynamic upgrades to lower drag, and increase downforce... FAR closer to a 1-off purpose-built machine than a production machine.

    i'm also pretty sure it's noteworthy that it was tommi makinen that drove the lap
     
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