Here it is, finally and exclusively on NihonCar.com, one of or probably THE most anticipated Japanese sportscars matchup of the year: the everlasting battle between two kings of rally stages over the last decades; the Subaru Impreza WRX STi versus the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
X!
Over the past few years we had the privilege to test drive some pretty amazing and exclusive cars by each of those two manufacturers, for example the Imprezza with the longest name ever: the Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C Type RA-R produced at only 300 units and the excellent Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Wagon, only produced at 2000 units.
Evos and WRXs always had their very own feel and character, making each one very easy to identify once behind the wheel, but we also always struggled to designate a CLEAR winner in all those confrontations... the first thing you need to know here is that, once again, we had a hard time choosing which one was the winning machine. The second thing is: do these cars still deserve to be called "sportscars"? Don't worry, here come the explanations.
Presentations
Impreza WRX STI vs Lancer Evolution XSubaru Impreza WRX STI.
The new Impreza has had a lot of people talking about it, but not the way most would have imagined...the "questionable" design was highly criticized, but most were hoping for a better tomorrow thanks to the STi version, which usually tops the sports range of the manufacturer. To "deserve" the STi designation, the new Impreza was fitted with a new aero bodykit including the usual front/rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and new exhaust. Under the bonnet lies a 2 liter Boxer 4 cylinders turbocharged motor, producing something around 310HP (almost impossible to get the real figures without using a dyno) and 422Nm of torque.
Lancer Evolution X.
On the other hand, the "Beast" Evo X, was instantly acclaimed for its incredibly mean and aggressive style, and the amount of new and impressive technology which it was carrying mechanically.
Unlike its "enemy", the Evo X receives a sporty treatment in the form of a raging bodykit including an enormous rear spoiler which fits right in. The interior got us pretty disappointed as Mitsubishi didn't prepare anything original; of course you're reminded here and there that you're inside an Evo, but the whole layout and equipment are coming straight from a "standard" Lancer/Galant... we would have appreciated bigger ways to differentiate the beauty from the beast...
Specifications Subaru Impreza WRX STI:- 4WD
- 308 PS
- 422 Nm (torque)
- 1470 kg.
Lancer Evolution X- 4WD
- 280 PS
- 422 Nm (torque)
- 1420 kg (RS)
WRX STI Versus EVO X, a match-up between two sporty family sedans.Such a title is probably having you wondering if you clicked on the right review, but the facts are here, you cannot honestly consider those 2 vehicules as "sportscars" anymore, but rather some "Sports Family Sedans".
Technically speaking, both cars are faster than their own predecessor, but most of what made each so famous seems to be gone... the kick in the *ss effect when you hit the throttle? Gone. The mind-blowing braking abilities? Gone. The raging noise of the engine? Gone. The fun? Gone, The sensations? Gone.
In order to give you the best, most fair and neutral point of view possible on both cars, we got our friend and pro race driver Nishihara-san to push these machines further than I ever could. Masaki is a 5 times All Japan Gymkhana champion and uses an Evo 9, but in a recent past, he worked with a WRX STI, so he knows very well how to judge these cars. Here's a recap of what he had to say:
Lancer or Impreza, his first reproach was the important gain of weight on both cars, close to a full 100kg more on certain versions. Second issue: the gearbox, it is the main reason why the cars fail to provide the thrilling acceleration it became famous for... on the Impreza the ratios are simply way too long, while on the Evo the grid is too wide.
His words on the Impreza now:
Apparently, the Double Wishbone suspension wasn't well tuned and the car isn't balanced the way you'd ideally like, and as a result, it can be tricky to drive. Oversteer on one hand and understeer on the other, that's what you'll get with the stock suspensions if you feel like going for a "dynamic ride". Another problem with the suspensions is the lack of comfort, but that's something that potential buyers know and are ready to deal with.
Below 4000rpm, the WRX STi feels just like your average Impreza and when you cross that limit, even though you can climb up to almost 8000rpm, you always feel that this is a 1470kg car (3234 lbs).
About the Evo:
We agree to say that the Evo looks better, but the whole picture is far from perfect here as well.
The weight is, again, a problem. 100kg more than the previous Evo, 1420kg and a 4 cylinders 2 liter turborcharged engine to move this big baby.
Behind the wheel, the Evo is more fun to drive, the boost kicks in at 2000rpm and the precision of the steering and the AWD system makes the ride much more enjoyable; as a result the driver feels more confident and can keep on pushing.
Conclusion:Do you remember the VW Golf GTI which, generation after generation was trading performance for comfort (until things changed for good recently again)? Well it now seems that our 2 beloved Japanese car manufacturers are hit with the same disease. The best example has to be the "ECO" mode on the Impreza Wrx
STi; it has the ability to turn what is commonly known as a sportscar into a snail.
We, at NihonCar, are huge fans of the Evo 9 and Impreza RA-R, and this is why we have been very disappointed by those two new generations which seem to slip down the hill to feel more and more like a Lexus minus the real interior comfort.
If we had to choose, we'd pick the Evo X because the handling and style are better.
I could only recommend the fans to stick to their Evo 9 or WRX STi 2006 until Ralliart or Subaru prepares something really worth it (2008 RA-R??). Maybe the major tuners (Mine's, Top Secret, HKS...) will show them the way, but don't get us wrong, those are good family cars offering sweet sensations... just not what we expected really.
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Stage6 · Impreza WRX STI vs Lancer Evolution X - Video and Download · NihonCar(DivX 6 HD 720p, Hosted by Stage6)
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Subaru Impreza WRX STI Versus Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X... IT'S ON !
