RE: Impreza STI vs Evo V: Foes Reunited

RE: Impreza STI vs Evo V: Foes Reunited

Wednesday 16th April 2014

Impreza STI vs Evo V: Foes Reunited

Rivalries don't come much more intense than this one; PH revisits the fight at its fiercest



This one had been a long time in the making - the latest round in an epic rivalry between two Japanese four-wheel drive homologation specials. In the blue corner - Subaru with its cracking Impreza STI. And in the red corner - the Mitsubishi Evo V. The arms race had been escalating for some time - in 1992, the Evolution I and WRX had been launched in Japan, to face each other off. But by the time Autocar had paired the Evo V and WRX STI in 1998, it was in full swing.

Evo came into the fight all guns blazing
Evo came into the fight all guns blazing
But despite the huge and untapped interest in both of these cars in 1998, neither Subaru nor Mitsubishi would officially sell you one in the UK. Instead, you'd have to the import. Star of this twin test was the Evo V. Recently launched to reflect the latest CP9A Lancer, the sharper-looking Evo boasted an even more extreme bodykit, 17-inch wheels that had been squeezed over new Brembo brake calipers, lightened pistons and strengthened internals for better tuning opportunities. Power remained at 280hp, torque was up to 275lb ft - but as we know, claimed power figures for both were pessimistic, as Autocar's performance figures would clearly demonstrate.

By '98, the WRX had also moved into its fifth evolution, and was now know as the GC8E. Power for the STI version remained at (again claimed, and rather pessimistic) 280hp, but the addition of forged pistons was an important change. As was Prodrive's increasing involvement with the Impreza. It had UK-tuned a few 22Bs that had been shipped into the UK on a semi-official basis. That relationship would flower in subsequent years.

Full fat STIs were an import only job in the 90s
Full fat STIs were an import only job in the 90s
First encounter
Autocar downplayed the encounter, not even flagging up the twin-test on the cover of a particularly busy issue. The magazine had tapped up two independent importers for the cars, and managed to post a full set of figures for both. "It's hard to understand just how fast these two cars are until you drive them," they said.

"In isolation, their peak power outputs of 280hp (the maximum allowed under Japanese regulations) do not sound that extreme. Of course, the extra traction made possible by the four-wheel drive configuration gives these giant-killers an advantage off the line." Both cars posted near-identical times - 0-30mph in 1.7 seconds for the Evo, and 1.5 for the STI. That closed up to 4.7 and and 4.6 for the 0-60 benchmark, with both making 12.3 seconds for the 0-100mph run. Clearly those figures made a mockery of their claimed power outputs, given the 1,275kg kerbweight of the Impreza and Evo's portlier 1,433kg.

In terms of handling, there was a little more between them. Autocar gave the Evo a full five stars, saying, "Despite the four-wheel drive hardware, the active yaw control, and the many driver aids, it's as capable, rewarding and exciting as any car we've driven in the past 10 years. We defy you to test this and come back with any other conclusion. It's a car that is extraordinarily easy to drive quickly, even to drivers of modest ability."

Evo won the Autocar verdict for its sharper edge
Evo won the Autocar verdict for its sharper edge
The STI scored four stars. "The Subaru comes close to emulating the Mitsubishi's talents, but with slightly lower limits and less adjustable chassis. Its natural bias is to understeer unless you throw it into a corner with McRae-style bravado. It's still a hugely talented car, and for what it's worth, has the more forgiving ride, but for driver satisfaction, the Evo V has the edge."

And that's how the verdict played out. Five stars for the Evo and four for the Subaru. "Either would make mincemeat of a BMW M3 down a B-road, not to mention faster, but more unwieldy supercars such as the Diablo, Cerbera or even the 911." But the Evo aced it for being just that little bit more special. "Here is a state-of-the-art Japanese car that uses technology to enhance rather than subdue the driving experience. And in the light of the Evo V, the Impreza's talents do not shine as brightly as they might."

Both cars faster than official figures let on
Both cars faster than official figures let on
Previous experience
The Subaru's brilliance today has been dulled a little by their ubiquity and what can only be described as a low-rent interior. But it's when you fire it up, listen to that flat-four rumble, and take it for a serious back-road strop that it all comes together. It's these intangibles that PHer Bradgate nails so effectively. "I owned one of these fantastic cars for four years and 70K miles, and I loved almost everything about it. The suspension felt like it had been specifically set up for British roads."

But there's more to the Impreza than its back-road performance, as they seem to get under your skin the longer you run them. Bradgate again. "I was devastated on the day I sold it, and I still miss it." LordHaveMurci agrees. "I had an R-reg one back in '99, kept it for four years and loved it to bits. Ate tyres for a pastime, but would love another, but only put off by the chavvy image."

Evo engines tough but need regular care
Evo engines tough but need regular care
Reliability and overall toughness of the Impreza earns huge praise. Gdaybruce couldn't fault his. "When it went, it was just shy of 100,000 miles and the only work required beyond routine servicing was to replace a rear seat belt that the dog chewed - and I can't blame that on Subaru! Both as a driving tool and as an ownership proposition, it's the best car I've ever had."

The heavier and more complex Evo is certainly more unusual. The bodykit is an acquired taste, and it's undoubtedly more showy. But really nail it, and there's just a little more grip and feel than the Impreza. But despite the Evo's reputation for being too hardcore for the road, driving one sensibly comes easily, and there's more than enough refinement to get by with.

Fury RS went the Evo route, but is open to idea of an Impreza, defining the confrontation perfectly. "Having owned an Evo IV, VI and a VII, in my opinion they are superb cars - I just prefer the looks and B-road ability that it gives. In saying that, I have driven a few Scoobys, and must say the later STIs went really well. I have been tempted on more than one occasion to switch over to the Darkside."

Subaru engine brimming with charisma
Subaru engine brimming with charisma
It's when you ask PHers to choose between the two that the really interesting comments - borne through experience - come out. But Baryonyx makes the best observations. "Buying with my heart, I'd be after an Evo, probably a Tommi Makinen in red. Buying with my head, definitely an Impreza STI. Even a UK-spec STI will provide 90 per cent of the fun of an Evo, but is more liveable for everyday use. You only realise how quickly the Evo's 4,500-mile service interval comes around when you're using the car every day! The STI may not have the 'niche appeal' of the Evo, but its success speaks volumes for its quality."

Back to the future
For many owners and enthusiasts, the V and the VI are still considered to be the definitive Evos to go for. The VI was the first Evo to be officially imported into the UK by Mitsubishi, which explains why there are so many of these available to buy in comparison with the V. Finding standard examples is difficult, but they are out there, with prices ranging between £5,000 and £15,000, with the majority of good, usable ones coming in from around £7,000. Tommi Makinen Editions, especially in UK-spec, are the ones everyone wants.

Unmodded Evos can still be found out there
Unmodded Evos can still be found out there
The sheer number of Imprezas means that you're spoiled for choice, with Japanese-spec WRXs starting at a shed money. Nice STIs are definitely worth searching out with our favourite Type-RA weighing in at proper Evo-style money, between £6,000 and £9,000. The market is well aware that the STI is a very different proposition to the more vanilla WRX, but despite that, there are some bargains to be had. Investment-grade Imprezas are also out there - pick up a nice P1 or 22B, squirrel it away, that's our advice. A good market view can be found here.

The Impreza's reliability and toughness are legendary, and as long as it's been properly serviced, on the button, there's no accident damage (or if there is, it's been properly fixed) and rust hasn't taken hold, then you're reasonably assured of reliability - as long as it's not too tired. There are caveats, but we've covered the more general ones in our recent Catch It While You Can story.

We've already covered buying an Evo in great depth here, and although it covers the more popular VI, it's relevant for the V, as well. It's a high-maintenance car, so be prepared for high running costs, and frequent visits to the 'shop. Servicing is needed every 4,500, and the cambelt needs replacing every four years or 40,000 miles. They're strong and reliable, but need lavish care to stay that way.

Original Type RA appeals in PH classifieds
Original Type RA appeals in PH classifieds
Rematch
In 1998, and out of our imported duo, Autocar went for the Mitsubishi, swayed by its incredible handling and lower price. But the market ended up disagreeing, moving massively in favour of the more accessible Subaru - with hot Imprezas literally flooding the UK, sparking a love affair that lived on through various generations for approaching a decade.

But 15 years ago, the bitter rivalry that sprung up between these two cars was really only beginning to take off in the UK, and the verdict was declared without all the pomp and circumstance we'd later come to associate with the pair. And it wasn't really until the arrival of the Evo VI Tommi Makkinen to battle with the Type RA/22B/RB5/P1, that both cars came of age.

When PHers are quizzed on which is the better of the two, the consensus is that the sprint-geared Evo makes the better track day car, and the Impreza is the one to have everywhere else. And that's an opinion we'd struggle to argue with. Factor in that non-special edition Imprezas STIs are cheaper to buy, and it's a clear winner, convincingly turning over Autocar's 1998 verdict.

But deep down, despite the Subaru's all-round brilliance, there's a certain intangible that leaves us thinking that after a particularly brutal B-road thrash, the Evo leaves its driver feeling just a little more special. Over to you...


MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION V GSR
Engine:
1,997cc 4-cyl, turbocharged
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 275@3,000rpm
0-60mph: 4.7 sec
Top speed: 147mph
Weight: 1,433kg
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Price then: £27,995
Price now: £5,000-£10,000
From the classifieds:1998 Mitsubishi Evo V, £7,994
Why you might: Minimal modifications, even on its original wheels, extensive UK history

SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI
Engine:
1,994cc inline four-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 260@4,000rpm
0-60mph: 4.6 sec
Top speed: 150mph
Weight: 1,275kg
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Price then: £32,995
Price now: £2,000-£10,000
From the classifieds:2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type RA, £7,750
Why you might: Limited edition, no modifications, two owners.

Author
Discussion

Gary C

Original Poster:

12,313 posts

178 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Oh yes

Loved my Evo v. Best looking Evo too I think and mine had a lot more than the official bhp. Would destroy many performance cars of the day once the rain came down. Remember catching a hartage and amg merc driving 'spiritedly' near Newtown in Wales. I was late and they could not keep me behind, out of a corner it had so much traction it stormed passed while they fishtailed.

Was quite addictive, I even enjoyed catching up with traffic on my favourite driving road just for the pleasure of using the power and traction. The ayc was programmed spot on. With the Motorsport ECU option, it meant no understeer but it was pricey to service and replace when it eventually wore out.

Glad it had the brembo brake option as they were very powerful but did eat disks. The clutch was compromised, the standard was too soft to make it easier to pull away, but you could destroy it in a could of launches, so it's worth replacing with something better.


Gary C

Original Poster:

12,313 posts

178 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
And why has the Evo v in the advert got an Evo vi front end ?, trip into a hedge ?

Edited by Gary C on Wednesday 16th April 14:25

vtecyo

2,122 posts

128 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Evo 6 is my personal favourite. My dad took me out on a test drive for a brand new one. I must have been about 9 or 10. To this day I've never been in anything that covered ground as quickly as that. It was amazing.

Does anyone regard them as a "sensible" (you know what I mean) buy? I've always wanted one but the hassle finding one that hasn't been thrashed within an inch of its life and not looked after properly puts me off. Or were they purchased by people in the know whereas the Impreza can be found squealing round Appleby horse fair?

Edited by vtecyo on Wednesday 16th April 14:24

Gary C

Original Poster:

12,313 posts

178 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
vtecyo said:
Evo 6 is my personal favourite. My dad took me out on a test drive for a brand new one. I must have been about 9 or 10. To this day I've never been in anything that covered ground as quickly as that. It was amazing.

Does anyone regard them as a sensible buy? I've always wanted one but the hassle finding one that hasn't been thrashed within an inch of its life and not looked after properly puts me off. Or were they purchased by people in the know whereas the Impreza can be found squealing round Appleby horse fair?
They cost a fortune to run when new, mine seemed to eat 1k every service and they came up every 4500 miles. Some parts are really expensive (350 for a starter, exquisitly machined and featherweight though) and the ayc used to be unserviceable (though that might have changed) and would wear (makes a squeak when making minor movements on the wheel).

Surprisingly good on petrol though.

dufunk

182 posts

122 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
God you can't beat the 90's, pity the ST205 GT4 wasnt given another enhancement around 98 a bigger turbo the 3sgte derserved as the handling was definetly up to these too imo.

Gary C

Original Poster:

12,313 posts

178 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
dufunk said:
God you can't beat the 90's, pity the ST205 GT4 wasnt given another enhancement around 98 a bigger turbo the 3sgte derserved as the handling was definetly up to these to imo.
Sort of true. I had a gt4 and an impreza STi at the same time ( oh to be single and children free smile ) and the Toyota handled better in that it was more fun and softer in roll at the rear. But the STi would out grip it.

However the Evo handled much sharper than the gt4, gripped as well as the STi but would drift controllably and never understeered.

RKi

307 posts

129 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
In before boring people who drive Audis call them dinosaurs etc.

VladD

7,853 posts

264 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
I love both of these. I was leaning towards an Evo IV or V until I saw an Impreza Type-R. The two door body did it for me. Love that Impreza burble too. Would love to have the money and space to buy another Type-R and an Evo VI.

Terror Factor

127 posts

169 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
I have an Impreza STI v3 Wagon, I love it, but the fuel consumption is a disaster.
I'd love to see a proper comparison between these and a modern hothatch (m135i/A-class AMG)!

Had a short run with a friend with an m135i, seems that they were about equal on the straight, but I couldn't follow him in the corners. Crappy oem-sized tires vs fancy michelins. And a whole lot of body roll versus not so much body roll.
My car should make a bit more power than normal (fmic/exhaust/intake), but the intercooler hose popped off before we could do a proper test.

mark944gold

125 posts

161 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Absolutely loved my Evo V, owned it for over 5 years with the wife using it as a daily drive. It was such a capable car and could everything from being used to do the weekly supermarket run to competing in a sprint series. Ok it cost a fortune to run and there was always something that could be upgraded on to make it that little bit quicker, but still miss it after nearly 4 years.

Ved

3,825 posts

174 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
The impreza looks lovely but that Evo just raises too many questions. No question the RA is the one that will end up being worth the most.

John Johnson

10 posts

127 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
RKi said:
In before boring people who drive Audis call them dinosaurs etc.
I'd have an evo anytime .... Still look hard as nails . Not a fan of scoobies for their image etc but drove an o4 one last week and was not overly impressed either

rtz62

3,340 posts

154 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Only ever owned a mint low miles 'classic' Impreza Turbo and a mint low miles WR1.
SWMBO had a Mitsusushi RS Sprint (450+bhp from modded engine iirc) that was horrible. Ok I should have taken into account thinner glass and carpets, minimal sound deadening etc, but it drove like the suspension was made of wood, and the acceleration, under pedal to the metal circumstances, made it almost unusable around Derbyshire B roads where we live.
There's a blue X reg Tommi Makinen near me, it's not been on the road for at least 4 years as far as I know, I really must go knock on his door, find out the story and see if he wants to sell it (he has got an Impreza Turbo that seems to get used regularly)...

RudeDog

1,652 posts

173 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
I was fortunate enough to import a brand new Impreza STi IV Type-R Coupe back in 1998 (while I was 21 years old). Of all the cars I've had since then, its still the one my mates remember the most fondly. There was a particularly quick trip back from Sheffield after a night out seeing a mate at university... the car was fully loaded (4 PAX) and I think it went airborne about 4 times along Snake Pass (long before it was littered with GATSOs). Such a quick car, I still miss it.

CO2000

3,177 posts

208 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Was it RA's (lightweight?) that had one electric window and the rest wind up? I seem to remember this on a mates mid 90's one.

goldblum

10,272 posts

166 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Owned both and I ended up buying another...Impreza. Better all round option when you take into account the Evo's frequent servicing, and harsh ride. Loved the Subaru boxer's bubububububububububu.

rossub

4,400 posts

189 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Just to be pedantic, thats an STI version 4, not 5. The v5 had the bigger rear wing.

The STI also had forged pistons before '98 aswell. I think even the original one from '94 had forged pistons, but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
0-100 in around 13sec, from a ~1300kg car with the benefit of 4wd seems pretty much bang on the money to me from just under 300bhp?

Gary C

Original Poster:

12,313 posts

178 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
goldblum said:
Owned both and I ended up buying another...Impreza. Better all round option when you take into account the Evo's frequent servicing, and harsh ride. Loved the Subaru boxer's bubububububububububu.
U
I had the v, then went to a blob STi. The Evo was slightly better. The ride is great, did Milan to lancaster in it, comfort was fine. Every day driver for me. Front diff did weight up the steering a bit in tight slow corners, junctions etc (but far better than my carrera). Great everyday car. Practical (could get my mtb In the boot), fast, economy was not too bad for the time (got about 25 mpg) good looking, and rare when I had it.

Also raw enough to feel like it had competition roots. The turbo installation was characterful, would surge a little but throttle reps sons was good. It's just the cost of maintaining that would put me off now.

grenpayne

1,976 posts

161 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
Interesting article. My wife and I couldn't decide on an Evo VI or a WRX STI until we drove them both back to back. We both agreed the Subaru was very accomplished but the Evo VI was just a bit more special to drive so we bought one smile We thoroughly enjoyed owning it (even if it was ruinous financially!) and I look back on it with extreme fondness.