Comparison: 2007 Mitsubishi Evo IX MR vs 2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited Video
Neither car is easy on the eyes in the traditional sense
Transcript
00:00 The Mitsubishi Evo X and the Subaru WRX STi are two of our most highly anticipated cars
00:07 that will be making their debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show this fall.
00:12 However, before we look ahead to the future, we thought we'd take one last look at the
00:16 best variants of the current models to remind us exactly why we love these cars.
00:23 [Music]
00:30 [Music]
00:38 [Music]
00:45 [Music]
00:54 [Music]
01:05 [Music]
01:12 Representing Subaru is the all-grown-up STi Limited.
01:14 For those that want all the performance of an STi without all the look-at-me styling,
01:18 the STi Limited is the perfect choice.
01:21 Subaru toned down the looks and upgraded the materials, giving the car a handsome appearance.
01:25 Well, as handsome as a Subaru can be.
01:27 The picnic table wing in the rear is gone and replaced with a subtle lip spoiler,
01:31 and it receives a revised front air dam and a standard set of fog lights.
01:35 Although they look familiar, the wheels are new as well and are produced by NK,
01:38 as opposed to the usual BBS wheels.
01:40 Thankfully, everything under the hood remains the same.
01:42 Power comes from a 2.5 liter four-cylinder boxer engine,
01:46 turbocharged to 293 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque.
01:50 The STi Limited will be a limited beast indeed.
01:53 Subaru plans to offer only 800 units.
01:59 Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line Evo offering is the MR.
02:02 Compared to the base Evo, the MR variant has a few additional goodies
02:05 to make it go faster and look good while doing it.
02:08 Lightweight was the primary objective when developing the MR.
02:11 However, unlike the stripped-out RS version,
02:13 Mitsubishi focused on using high-tech materials to save weight
02:16 instead of tossing out comfort items like air conditioning and the radio.
02:19 Some of the functional bling exclusive to the MR are the lightweight 17-inch BBS wheels
02:24 and an aluminum roof with vortex generators that create more downforce at high speeds.
02:29 Under the skin, the MR features upgraded Bilstein shocks for an improved ride
02:33 and a slick six-speed transmission for a more fluid feel between gears
02:36 and more positive engagements.
02:38 Under the hood, the MR receives the same power plant as the rest of the Evo lineup.
02:42 But that's not a bad thing.
02:43 It's a fantastic motor, producing 286 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque
02:48 from a 2 liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
02:51 Fortunately, the MR also has top-of-the-line pricing,
02:54 coming in at five grand over a base Evo 9.
02:57 No other car is easy on the eyes in the traditional sense,
03:00 but spend some time driving these rally rockets around
03:02 and you'll begin to admire the pure function-over-form styling that each possesses.
03:06 Things that you once thought looked silly start to look pretty cool, almost beautiful.
03:10 But let's be realistic here.
03:12 Nobody buys these cars to look at.
03:13 It's all about the performance, and both these cars deliver.
03:16 Acceleration in both cars is brutal once the turbos have a chance to spool up,
03:20 but the STI has the slight advantage of low-end power
03:23 due to the extra half liter of displacement over the Evo.
03:26 Around the bends, both cars have tenacious grip in virtually any conditions
03:29 thanks to advanced four-wheel drive systems.
03:35 Both cars are great, but in the end, it's the Evo MR that wins our hearts.
03:41 It's the more involving of the two machines providing a more engaging drive
03:45 due to a more precise and nimble feeling.
03:47 Although plenty capable, the STI feels a bit heavier and sluggish,
03:50 not providing the same feedback and quickness that the Evo does.
03:54 However, with a new generation of these economic supercars just around the corner,
03:58 we'll see who comes out on top in the next round.
04:00 (music)