Evo vs STI -You Choose!
Discussion
I'm a longish term Subaru owner with a bog standard WRX hatch currently enjoying pride of place.
Recently a pal had an STI hatch for a year or so and really rated it. Man, it was quick!
These STIs are now on the market for c.£18k for a decent model. Like this one:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
Trade seller. 296 bhp, 19,000 miles.
But then these lurk out there.
I've no real life experience of Evos, but these looks the business:
£19k, 14,000 miles and 290 bhp.
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Has anyone driven both and which do you prefer?
Or just your opinion since this is PH!
I'm not looking for mad 350 bhp+ jobs as the Mrs needs to be ok driving it. The WRX doesn't bite and is great in foul weather.
So which would you go for?
Recently a pal had an STI hatch for a year or so and really rated it. Man, it was quick!
These STIs are now on the market for c.£18k for a decent model. Like this one:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
Trade seller. 296 bhp, 19,000 miles.
But then these lurk out there.
I've no real life experience of Evos, but these looks the business:
£19k, 14,000 miles and 290 bhp.
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Has anyone driven both and which do you prefer?
Or just your opinion since this is PH!
I'm not looking for mad 350 bhp+ jobs as the Mrs needs to be ok driving it. The WRX doesn't bite and is great in foul weather.
So which would you go for?
I've had quite a few scoobies over the years and I'm on my second STI hatch now. I had a red 2010 STI hatch from new and sold it last year for a 911C2PDK(997). After less than 12 months of selling on the STI I missed it so much I ended up buying a low mileage 2008 STI running on lowered springs and 18in wheels - the steering is much better than the stock STI that has very light vague steering. I've had many different performance cars over the years and I reckon the hatch STI is one of the most practical performance cars out there that ticks all the boxes - I only realised how good it was when I sold it for a 911. There's lots of info on the web about ringland failures on the 2.5L but don't let that put you off. However I'd recommend a thorough check up before buying a STI due to potential issues (head gasket is also another common failure). Evo vs. STI is probably down to personal taste but I'd not go for an automatic Evo. Good luck with whichever you go for. 
I haven't driven one of the new Impreza hatches, only my Blobeye Litchfield Type20. I have driven a few EVO Xs though and, at the risk of upsetting people, I find them rather dull and uninspiring. The auto box versions have a rather old school feel to the change - if you have experienced DSG/PDK/S-Tronic etc and expect the same from the X then you will be bitterly disappointed. I was going to buy an EVO X when I bought the Scooby - on paper it looked awesome, but after driving a few I was really disappointed. I've driven 330s in manual and auto, a 300 auto and a 360 manual and none tempted me at all. The noise was enough to put me off - not the volume, but rather that the engine sounds in pain when being revved in a manner that makes you want to get it in 5th as soon as possible to shut it up - not what I want from a car of that type. Yes they go round corners fast and accelerate quickly (though somehow never feel as quick as the figure on paper suggest - the auto in particular never felt quick in the way you'd expect from a 330bhp saloon) but having wanted one for ages I found it to be a case of 'never meet your heroes'. I then drove my mates Scooby which I bought right away. So much more involving and fun, sounds great and I think looks better.
Just my opinions. And I'm anything but an EVO hater - one of the best cars I have ver driven was a well sorted EVO VI and I'd still love a good VI Tommy Makinnen if one ever appeared when I was looking for a car.
Just my opinions. And I'm anything but an EVO hater - one of the best cars I have ver driven was a well sorted EVO VI and I'd still love a good VI Tommy Makinnen if one ever appeared when I was looking for a car.
Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful.
I test drove an FQ300 this week and have to say I liked it. The gear change is more clunky than my Porsche Tiptronic but not unlike the auto on the Outback 3.0Rn. You notice it but, to me, in a sporty way.
The Evo trim is pretty basic, actual very similar to my WRX.
I was surprised by how much throttle was required to get the Evo going on an open road. The upside is the ability to 'tootle' around town without unleashing too many horses!
Just now, having had a WRX, I'm leaning towards the Evo. I'll report back.
If anyone has further opinions, let's hear them.
I test drove an FQ300 this week and have to say I liked it. The gear change is more clunky than my Porsche Tiptronic but not unlike the auto on the Outback 3.0Rn. You notice it but, to me, in a sporty way.
The Evo trim is pretty basic, actual very similar to my WRX.
I was surprised by how much throttle was required to get the Evo going on an open road. The upside is the ability to 'tootle' around town without unleashing too many horses!
Just now, having had a WRX, I'm leaning towards the Evo. I'll report back.
If anyone has further opinions, let's hear them.
Ah, yes, if you are used to a Porsche Tiptronic that makes sense. Having driven Tiptronic and PDK Porsches (Boxter, Cayman and 911) I would put the Mitsu SSC (I think it's called - I forget) above the Tiptronic which is rather slow, though very smooth, but a few steps behind PDK which is fantastic as auto boxes go.
The X is great for round town to be fair. Maybe I'm just old school as I don't think an EVO/WRX STI etc should be comfortable. Horses for courses.
Are you going to try a 330?
The X is great for round town to be fair. Maybe I'm just old school as I don't think an EVO/WRX STI etc should be comfortable. Horses for courses.
Are you going to try a 330?
I've never had an Evo but do like them.
However if I was to get an Evo I wouldn't get the X. Even Massive Evo fans don't usually rate that much. Normally found to be a bit dull - very fast but in a boring, doesn't feel fast kind of way. A lad I know had both at the same time - technically the XIII was his wife's and the X was his. He picked the XIII to drive every time.
Get a Evo XIII or IX instead.
As for the Impreza - can't say I'd ever recommend a 2.5l one. I'd be constantly worried about it going pop after everything I've heard about them. Seems a matter of "when" not "if". Get a 2l JDM one if you what to stick with Impreza's IMO.
However if I was to get an Evo I wouldn't get the X. Even Massive Evo fans don't usually rate that much. Normally found to be a bit dull - very fast but in a boring, doesn't feel fast kind of way. A lad I know had both at the same time - technically the XIII was his wife's and the X was his. He picked the XIII to drive every time.
Get a Evo XIII or IX instead.
As for the Impreza - can't say I'd ever recommend a 2.5l one. I'd be constantly worried about it going pop after everything I've heard about them. Seems a matter of "when" not "if". Get a 2l JDM one if you what to stick with Impreza's IMO.
Edited by mfnick on Thursday 8th May 22:09
There are very few 330s out there and I guess I'm getting a bit less hard core as I get older so 290/300 bhp should feed the inner beast.
The earlier Evos do have their appeal but the X is some sort of compromise between out and out performance and a potter.
We've had a Scooby 2.5L for a while and the Big Bang worry is still there.
The earlier Evos do have their appeal but the X is some sort of compromise between out and out performance and a potter.
We've had a Scooby 2.5L for a while and the Big Bang worry is still there.
PaulD86 said:
What about a JDM Import Impreza? 2.0 engine so no big bang worries.
Not to be discounted.This caught my eye.
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
There is some fantastic spec out there. Much to be had without breaking the bank.
NailedOn said:
This caught my eye.
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
Very special car! In a good way... all the STI s-versions are really. Mate has a very nice s401 Legacy.
NailedOn said:
Not to be discounted.
This caught my eye.
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
There is some fantastic spec out there. Much to be had without breaking the bank.
That's a beauty! I'd have that over an X every day of the week!This caught my eye.
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
There is some fantastic spec out there. Much to be had without breaking the bank.
In the end, common sense prevailed.
I need a runabout and a car that can sit in a queue on the motorway.
I need 25+ mpg and grip in the winter.
I need somewhere to put the shopping and somewhere comfortable to sit for a long ride home after a tough day at work.
I need a car that SWMBO can be happy to drive.
So I bought an little old Evo X FQ300 semi-auto.
Life is full of compromises, but I think this is a good one!
What am I saying?? I LOVE IT!
I need a runabout and a car that can sit in a queue on the motorway.
I need 25+ mpg and grip in the winter.
I need somewhere to put the shopping and somewhere comfortable to sit for a long ride home after a tough day at work.
I need a car that SWMBO can be happy to drive.
So I bought an little old Evo X FQ300 semi-auto.
Life is full of compromises, but I think this is a good one!
What am I saying?? I LOVE IT!
JFReturns said:
Congratulations, sounds like a winner (though have to say I'm team Scooby). Get some pics up 
Took a while to get a photo and edit the plate out.Not sure this does the colour justice but heck, does it shift!
Extras are the carbon-fibre look wheels and roof.
Makes me feel young again.
The TC-SST box in fantastic, especially in Sports mode.
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