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
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
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
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
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
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
Reliability and overall toughness of the Impreza earns huge praise.
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
It's when you ask PHers to choose between the two that the really interesting comments - borne through experience - come out. But
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
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
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.