Well, I just checked JD power and strangely enough, the Mitsu EVO IX got the better ratings over the Suburu STI. They didn't have info on the 04s though for some reason.

 

I would vote for the Evo. However technically these cars are very, very similar. There really isn't a huge difference between the two, if you can, test drive both and make up your own mind.

E.

 

I dont think you can go wrong with either. They both offer alot of performance stock and they both take mods very well if you want to go nuts. Test drive both. Can you part out the turbo kit and other hipo parts before you sell your present car? That's what most of the skittle guys do when they sell their cars.

 

I would go for the STi. I think they look way better then the Evo's. I rode in a Evo a few weeks ago and wasn't that impressed. Even for a short guys I was kind of limited on room. Wasn't much of a porblem ni an STi. Plus STi's are alot cheaper. Well maybe not alot but enough for me to see that for pound for pound the STi is a way better buy.

 

i've driven the Evo and liked it (pre mustang) but i would much rather have the STI

 

I could, but i don't know how much more I would really be able to get out of it rather than selling it all together, plus I need to drive something and I would have to spend a lot more money returning stuff back to stock, i.e new parts, new tune etc.I'm not in a huge hurry to sell it, I'm just looking to the nearer future. I'm gonna try to get 10k out of it. I know it may be a little on the higher side, but I can wait it out since I'm not in a hurry. I'll probably take a little less too.I have another b18b complete shortblock and complete b16 VTEC head and other parts that will go with the car so I think I'd be able to eventually get rid ot it once the right buyer comes along, and on Autotrader 50.00 bucks runs it untill it's sold I think.

 

How are evos set up in the engine bay? Are they easier to work on than subys? I helped a buddy work on his WRX and it was a pain in the ***.

 

i think you gotta do what some others have said, try and test drive both, see what you like better and go from there

 

I'm a little biased

The EVO is a great car though. The overall fit and finish of the STi is much better than the EVO, and the entire drivetrain is much stronger in the STi. From a pure dollar to dollar mod standpoint though, the EVO wins hands down every time. The older EVOs with the 4G63 have a proven, tried and true motor that has a huge aftermarket and years of research. The EJ25 in the STi is a *relatively* new platform and doesn't really hold up as well to heavy modification (ask me how I know).

So if you want a horsepower monster for less money and that can prolong the inevitable broken piston ring, go with the EVO. My friend ran a 12.2 in his MR with like $1800 in parts invested. If you want an all around great car with fantastic fit and finish and good modability with a drivetrain built for the abuse, go for the STi.

Here's some pics of my car to nudge you in the right direction

 

I think WRXtransformed hit it on the head. I really didn't even sense any bias in his imput with the exception of posting some pics of his nice ride (ha-ha-ha).

The STI is much more refined then the Evo. The interior looks and feels 5 times better and is a much better daily driver. If you need a little more comfort and think you may travel at some point, you can't go wrong with the STI. The boxter engine is also a plus. I love the way the exhaust tone sounds. I haven't heard many negatives about the reliability of the STI. In my opinion though, I thinka big part of the reason why things break are due to driver error.

The Evo is not as refined but in my opinion, feels more like a race car. The steering is stiff, the ride is a bit rough and you feel like your glued to the road with the stock Advins. It's not a good car for long trips, I just took it to New York a few weeks ago and my back was killing me. I will say that for short trips or regular daily driving, you can't go wrong with the Recardos. Those seats hug you real nice. I just hope your not a "BIG" guy or they might not be as comfortable. I've sat it both the STI & Evo, the seats are much better in the Evo (IMO).

Without knowing a great deal about the STI reliability, I will give my experience regarding theEvo.Thestock clutch won't last a long time with hard driving. There have also been a lot of folks tearing up their transfer cases too. Again, I think a big reason for this is driver error. I switched my stock clutch out at 37,000 mile only to upgrade to a Exedy Twin Disk. There was nothing wrong with the stock clutch but I just added a lot of power. I've also got no problems with the transfer case - still stock. I've been running 11's consistently for over a year and no problems yet. That's with consistent 1.6 - 1.7 60's. I will say though I don't drive the car hard at all on the road, only at the track.

In regards to modding, WRXtransformed was right on the mark. The Evo responds very well to mods. The 9's are responding even better then the 8's. It might be better if you can get a 9 instead of looking for an 04. Also, the Evo is much easier to work on. I'm not speaking for personal experience, but only from people whohave done all their own work. Me, I'm lazy and had Buschur Racing do all the work for me. I just work too much and have two kids to spend time with when I'm not at the track.. From what I've heard, the Sti/Wrx's are a pain in the butt to work on. It takes much more time to do small things.

In summary, I don't think you can wrong with either car. There bothgreat performance cars for the price tag. Just take a ride in both and see which one you like best and better suits you.. Good luck with your purchase! Oh, just because I gave such an unbiased review, here are a couple of pics to nudge you in the right direction.

[IMG]local://upfiles/43371/086811F5797F4B7C8B9D3A73886F23E3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/43371/54CF9C08555E4DC4A6BCDACD3D51A136.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/43371/85564929863240D28FA48382DE2AED34.jpg[/IMG]