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Lancer EVO X Impreza WRX STI : Impreza WRX STi versus Lancer Evolution X: the match-up!

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Impreza WRX STi versus Lancer Evolution X: the match-up!

Tags: SUBARU, MITSUBISHI, WRX, EVOLUTION, STI, LANCER, MASAKI NISHIHARA, GYMKHANA
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Impreza WRX STi versus Lancer Evolution X: the match-up!
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 Impreza 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.


Subaru WRX STI Versus Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Direct Download "Right click, Save as…")

Presentations
Subaru 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.

Posted on 07/12/07 By G-A.G

 
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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 03:41 by carcrazysincebirth, Student, World
Home Page:
Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 03:49 by Undutched, Student, Netherlands
Home Page:
Waited the past 2 days for this...
I can't believe both cars lost touch with what they initially were.
On the other hand I hope both companies get a larger market for the cars.
I am most certain the tuners will do their job and I most certainly will tune either, if I had them.



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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 08:53 by nihauh, artist, Sydney, Australia
Home Page:
Wish there was more video footage between the 2 cult-cars racing on curves/straights, but really can't complain.
Quite good.
Noticed the Subaru was sliding more on corners.
And the Mitsubishi just slightly ahead because it's got less weight to bear.
Still 2 great ( back to rallying-cult ) cars.
Thanks again Nihoncar.



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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 08:59 by Ugh, Canada
Home Page:
Other than the high-quality of the video, this review was incredibly low on substance/content and is pretty much the opposite of every other review out there.

For instance, explain how the excellent braking on the STI is "gone" when they are the same brakes as the previous model year? The tires are 20mm wider and the rotors slightly larger as well. The weight is certainly not 100kg heavier than the "normal" (non Spec-C/RA-R) JDM STI model, so how does it brake worse?

I don't like the new Evo X but it certainly deserved more attention to detail than provided here.

Sorry, I hate to say it, but this isn't much of a review.



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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 09:04 by Kooldino, Automotive performance, USA
Home Page: http://www.evoxforums.com
Yeah, no one is happy about the added weight of the cars, but overall, the X seems like a winner.

And comparing how it takes that sharp turn compared to the STi...it seems to be ahead in the handling department if nothing else.

If there are any evo X addicts out there, check us out at http://www.evoxforums.com for more discussion and information.

PS - That video is very well shot.



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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 09:18 by ogi
Home Page:
The production is great but I was expecting more action in the video. One corner is just not enough.
I must be spoiled by Bestomoring onboard camera action.



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Posted on Fri Dec 07, 10:10 by ehitsucked
Home Page:
the review was a let down. not much info here. where's the data? never mentioned which was faster. seems like another matter of opinion. conclusion sucked



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Posted on Sat Dec 08, 02:17 by rising_end, charlotte
Home Page:
a lap time comparison at a small track would have been nice, or at least a more in depth technical analysis as to how the cars are slower than their previous models, or where they stand as far as performance is concerned. when you say family sedans i think of my mother's ford taurus......i doubt both cars would stoop that low! nice video though.



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Posted on Sat Dec 08, 07:41 by ehitsucked
Home Page:
yes technical analysis with data would have been nice. Video with out those the data adds little value to this "Impreza WRX STi versus Lancer Evolution X: the match-up!" review.



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Posted on Sat Dec 08, 11:52 by mark, student, canada
Home Page:
I want to hear the engine sound so can u put the music a bit lower pl's....thank you.



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Posted on Tue Dec 11, 05:49 by Chris
Home Page:
Impreza has a WAY too small a boot to be considered a family car. So it's lost it on all fronts. Evo for the win by a big margin this time. I'm just going to stick to my Forester Turbo.



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Posted on Mon Dec 17, 05:04 by MikeBowers, Car Sales, UK (usually)
Home Page: http://www.nihoncars.com
Well the video is pretty decent. But seeing as how you are clearly taking some tips from Top Gear, you might also put commentary over the video as well.

But, the posters should also give the guys a break. I got to wonder how far they had to drive out of Tokyo to go find a stretch of road like that in Japan.

Ultimate a test track like Top Gear would do you very well, but I am guessing that you ma not have the budget for that yet.

I think both sides got it right on the review, while it was not bad, it could have had a bit more info.

Everyone is a critic though, so take the criticism constructively keep up the good work.



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Posted on Wed Dec 19, 03:02 by GAG, Tokyo Japan
Home Page: http://www.nihoncar.com
Thank you "MikeBowers" finally someone who realized that Broadcast production like Top Gear has WAY MORE money than us... If we could get 10% of what they have you would ALL have AMAZING stuff from Tsukuba or Motegi !

Anyway we need to improve some stuff and we will so do not worry guys !



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Posted on Mon Dec 24, 02:00 by skylinelovin, Student, Singapore
Home Page:
Does the evox has an improved turbo charger??? than the old one?



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Posted on Mon Dec 24, 04:50 by skylinelovin, Student, Singapore
Home Page:
man why xcan't we download the vidseo



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Posted on Thu Dec 27, 01:27 by JapanCarBlogcom, Toronto, Canada
Home Page: http://japancarblog.com
A suggestion would be to add a voice over to the video. It might look good to see a car in motion, but it serves no purpose without that funky accent we all love. The older videos carried a voice over and did amazing, why change now?

The conclusion was a bit weak (what does Nihon really think about the Mitsu and Scooby?) but the writing sure caught my attention.



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Posted on Fri Jan 04, 10:24 by Horhe, Manager, Romania, Bucharest
Home Page:
Hi all,
I have to start by saying that I own an STI (07) and I am familiar with how evo 9 handles as well. I disagree with the fact that "the fun" is gone in the new versions since I did testdrive the new WRX 08, but some facts are not quite ok in this particular article. One of them is where it's said
"Lancer or Impreza, his first reproach was the important gain of weight on both cars, close to a full 100kg more on certain versions."
My STI weighs over 1600 kg. How can you say that the new version that weighs 1470 has gained close to 100 kg more on certain versions?



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Posted on Thu Jan 10, 02:05 by GAG, Tokyo Japan
Home Page: http://www.nihoncar.com
Well first of all, JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles are always different from Overseas models, so I am not sure for your specific car, but here in Japan they both gain weight and yes, the EVO X is 100kg heavier than the EVO 9 (JDM Data).

And weight increase reduce the fun



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Posted on Sun Jan 13, 02:37 by asas, asas, asas
Home Page:
delete this , just for check. i sent a mesg but it didnt show up



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Posted on Sun Jan 13, 02:40 by scoobydooby, Part time cartoon character, Neverland
Home Page:
hello,

can anyone tell me why japanese cars are limited to 280 HP? government restriction or a deal between manufacturers?
i appreciate if someone esp from japan can give me a detailed explanation. ( i never had chance to talk to a japanese
i find it silly cuz it puts japanese cars back of the competition. is there a hope that this limitation can be removed? for gods sake, if you think speed is dangerous , then put the speed limiter around 200km/h or 100km/h but dont restrict the HP..

THANKS FOR ANSWERS



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Posted on Thu Jan 24, 01:11 by Tiresguy, Tire sales, California
Home Page: http://www.discountpartcenter.com/
As an X owner of an Evo 8 I liked the older gens of both Evo and WRX better but as for these new cars I would go with the WRX.



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Posted on Tue Aug 12, 07:58 by James, New York, New York
Home Page:
TOO F...... HEAVY



 
 
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