October 31, 2007 New Rally Battle: 2008 Subaru WRX STI vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X

11:45am by Cheechoo (Cars)

The newest episode of the Japanese Rally-battle consists of the new versions of the popular STI and Evo.

Some preliminary specs: EVO X: 300hp / 325 lb-ft 3500 lbs 4.5 sec 0-60, 12.5 sec 1/4 mile

STI: 320hp / 320 lb-ft 3300 lbs 4.5 sec 0-60, 12.5 sec 1/4 mile

Not surprisingly, the stats make this look like a mirror-match. Personally, I’m disappointed in both.

Firstly, I’ve always been a big fan of the Evo and its superior handling. But 3500 lbs? Why have they made this car so fat? Its only strong point is its aggressive looks. People will buy this car solely for the looks, despite its inferior potential in the form of “I’m too fat”.

The STI technical specs look fine. No game-stoppers here. Except for its looks. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not ugly. But it’s supposed to be a rally-inspired, pocket-rocket, boy-racer! It’s starting to look like more of a family car, like the Legacy. But, if they have a Legacy, why make the Impreza line look like one? They’re almost doing an in-house competition: Impreza vs. Legacy: The family car competition! It’s almost like Toyota’s entry-level econobox melee: Yaris vs. xA vs. xB vs. xD.

It seems like STI buyers are going to need either a facelift, or a strong aftermarket geared towards aesthetics; and EVO buyers are going to need a strong carbon fiber-oriented aftermarket or a penchant for tow-trucks in the form of lack-of-spare-tires.