Ask the Car People.SM


Comparison - Mitsubishi Evo GSR vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR vs. Subaru WRX STI

19 messages,  Last post on Dec 11, 2010 at 8:16 AM

You are in the Mitsubishi Lancer Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Comparison Test: Mitsubishi Evo GSR vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR vs. Subaru WRX STI - What does this have to do with the 2008 Subaru WRX STI and 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X? Plenty. There has been a shift in priorities in the mission of the all-new Evo (or Evo X, as this is the 10th iteration) and STI. (more)

Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 19 Re: As of today (1/25), I am the proud new papa of a GSR [gijoewildbill] by stevensoriano

Jan 25, 2008 (9:18 pm)

Replying to: gijoewildbill (Jan 25, 2008 7:13 pm)
Okay... Just got back in.
 
120 miles on the clock now. ( I took delivery at 3pm with 8 miles)
 
What a car!!! I got the GSR with the Sight and Sound package. Truth is that I ordered an MR with the Technology Package, but based on gossip and rumour, I think they won't hit the dealers until summer, and I couldn't wait.
 
The other PIO was the aluminum shift knob and the six disk punch radio.
 
$40,000 out the door. I paid full sticker ($36k), plus around $200 in dealer nonsense. Plates and taxes added $4,000.
 
First an confession.... I haven't driven a stick in 20 years. My last stick was an Audi Fox GTi. I am a big, 40yo, 270lb guy who's daily driver is an Escalade ESV! This is quite the change for me.
 
The car is refined. I had no problem re-learning the manual, and this clutch/gear setup is about 1000x cleaner and smoother than I recall the Audi.
 
I didn't do any severe starts, so I can't tell you about launching...But when you are in gear (3rd, 4th, and 5th) the car pulls from 2,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm with no effort. It is like taking off in a 747.
 
The brakes are twitchy to me...but remember, I am comparing to my Escalade.
 
I test drove a VW Eon and was turned off by the tick tick engine sound I attributed to the turbo.....Well, the Evo X GSR has no tick tick sound. It sounds a lot more substantial than I thought a 4 cyl could.
 
I picked the EVO for my midlife crisis car over a Z06, or a Porsche because I have 3 little kids, and whatever void the car is supposed to fill, I am pretty sure I want my kids there.
 
A couple of surprises/disappointments.
  - No boost guage... I guess I buy one later? I don't see how to add it to the A pillar, there is an airbag in there.
  - I have the fastkey deal. No complaints...I just forgot to mention it earlier.
  - The GSR has on or off for the headlights...No Auto sensor...I know that is small potatoes, but I got used to never having to consider the lights from my most recent cars.
  - I haven't a freaken clue about the S-AWS, etc..... There is some kind of visual thing in the middle of the dashboard which shows when the Yaw Control, Center Diff, Front or Rear Diff, or ABS or other gizmo's are working, but you really have to thrash the car to trigger them. The display looks kind of like a circle with a skid pad. Bars cover and uncover parts of the circle real time as the system is "helping" you not kill yourself.
- Oh...by biggest gripe is that I didn't get the bluetooth communication package. That isn't the car's fault....it is mine. Turns out that you really aren't supposed to 1) Drive a stick, 2) Drink a Starbucks and 3) talk on the cellphone at the same time. I stalled in the middle of an intersection on a left turn 'cause my boss called me.
 
Maybe I should have waited for the MR? Nah... I really like the car a lot so far. Kind of a "Grin Therapy."
 
My dealer told me I got Evo #2 in the State.. and that some outfit called Vision bought #1 to do R&D. He refered to me as the first civilian owner of an Evo X around here. Whatever.
 
As for the break in period, the book says 300-600 miles, keep below 5,000. Since I am used to the 6.2l in my Escalade, the idea of going over 3,500 is weird to me. I gotta learn to drive again!
 
No add ons or anything aftermarket.......yet. I have already talked to a guy with an Evo 9, and he said I need to get a turbo timer and a few other things. He did a manifold-back exhaust with a test pipe and an o2 spacer on his. He is really happy with the results. I am not sure that the increased HP from such a mod would make too much difference for me as I am a pretty wimpy driver with it so far.
 
I will probably leave it mechanically stock.
 
The MR I ordered will eventually come in. I ordered a "fully loaded, every option, SST" one...whatever that is. I might trade out when it comes later this year. Lets see where this goes.

#11 of 19 Re: As of today (1/25), I am the proud new papa of a GSR [stevensoriano] by byronwalter

Jan 26, 2008 (8:36 am)

Replying to: stevensoriano (Jan 25, 2008 9:18 pm)
"Maybe I should have waited for the MR? Nah... I really like the car a lot so far. Kind of a "Grin Therapy." "
 
While the TC-SST might be a technical marvel, you may have saved yourself some future grief. If the transmission requires servicing, it has to be pulled and sent to Mitsu NA for "evaluation". Other than seals, oil, and filter, the transmission is "non-serviceable and must be replaced as a unit". Now in fact the transmission may prove to be rock-solid but that's a bet that I wouldn't want to make.
 
Good luck with your Evo. I'm kinda in the market for one but just wish the gas mileage didn't suck so badly. I study energy markets (and use 'em to supplement my income) and the mid term to long term outlook suggests that cars like the Evo are nearing their "evolutionary" end.

#12 of 19 Re: As of today (1/25), I am the proud new papa of a GSR [stevensoriano] by gijoewildbill

Jan 26, 2008 (11:15 am)

Replying to: stevensoriano (Jan 25, 2008 9:18 pm)
You should go over to lancertuners.com some time and talk with us there. A whole bunch of guys into anything from moding to helping fix stock issues is there and we are all pretty cool for the most part.
 
Bill

#13 of 19 more comparisons by merrycynic

Feb 05, 2008 (8:02 am)

Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Road &Track all prefered (and in all cases, not by a small margin) the EVO X over the '08 STI. One magazine even prefered the VW R32! That the STI is the most expensive, leads me to believe that Subaru better get back to the drawing baord and fast! As for me, being the only 5 door in the bunch, the STI is the only one worth considerating anyway, that and being a bit of a Suabru loyalist. Even so, Subaru needs to get cracking.

#14 of 19 Re: more comparisons [merrycynic] by merrycynic

May 19, 2008 (7:58 am)

Replying to: merrycynic (Feb 05, 2008 8:02 am)
Just read another comparison: #1 Mitsubishi
                                              #2 BMW
                                              #3 VW
                                              #4 Subaru
 Another last place finish. I still prefer the STi to the others due to the 5 door practicality.
 Another publication is projecting that the upcoming Lancer Raliart to be superior to the WRX. It appears as though Subaru's plans of diluting the performance of the latest sporty Impreza lines for greater mass appeal has the auto press negatively reversing their previous enthusiasm for the WRX and STi.

#15 of 19 Re: more comparisons [merrycynic] by rsholland

May 19, 2008 (8:05 am)

Replying to: merrycynic (May 19, 2008 7:58 am)
I've heard from a good source that the '09 WRX has been "enhanced" in some critical areas.
 
Bob

#16 of 19 Re: more comparisons [rsholland] by merrycynic

May 19, 2008 (2:36 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (May 19, 2008 8:05 am)
I hope it's enough. Ha, I hope it's more than enough!

#17 of 19 Thread Revive! by kyoochun

Oct 02, 2009 (11:39 pm)

Do the authors of the article read this?
 
I was wondering if there was more to say in regards to these being the first USDM evos to have the famed active yaw control - and more of how the new X's felt in comparison to the IX MR in corners without the ayc.
 
Sidenote, I own a IX GSR and I actually LOVE the current gen hatch STI, though I am slightly disappointed in its lack of rear legroom (33.x) compared to even the X's (36.x)?

#18 of 19 I rode in an Evo X and It was Awesome by evo_enthusiast

Apr 16, 2010 (11:38 am)

You know as I'm posting this I realize that this forum is really old... anyway I did have a comparison video about the two on my site Evo Mitsubishi well I didn't do the video I got it from Top Gear. It's a little different and I think a little better Mitsubishi Mr Evo comparison video

#19 of 19 On comparing the two- by rossthecarguy

Dec 11, 2010 (8:16 am)

The Evo's seats were too narrow for me to fit into comfortably. I'm built like a linebacker and I found the evo to be rather uncomfy. It's interior is dull and not a place I'd want to spend much time. It had a decent throw on the stick and a nice stereo system, but I felt it had too many comprimises for my lifestyle. it has no pass through for skis and the seats don't fold flat, It's bland on the inside, the better models only have the paddle gear box, and it's ugly as sin! It is more cost effective than the subbie.
 
The STI fit me well and was much more comfortable. Maybe the guys who write reviews only care about supreme performance and don't factor in other elements into a car as much such as comfort. The various reviews of the Evo always beating the STI put me off, but the subaru, to me at least, is a better car. It feels faster and is more fun to drive. The interior, while not superb, is also better than the Mitsubishi. The new 2011 models feel much tighter and better balanced than the outgoing 2010's. The wagon offers great versatility and is great for me and all the adventure sports I'm into and gear I have to haul.
 
The Evo is better priced, however it is ugly and uncomfortable.
 
The STI cost more, gives you less, lets you haul more and is much easier to live with.
 
Performance is about the same.
 
I'm saving up for an STI

Messages Page 2 of 2

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement