Evo review yada..yada..yada...
10-13-2006, 11:46 PM
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Evo review yada..yada..yada...
Well, It's been it's been about 6 months since I sold my Rx-8 and have had my Evo IX, so I figured I'd pop in and give a review for those interested in what the transition has been like going from the 8 to the Evo.
First off, selling the 8 was not by choice, as I was on a car allowance with my company-they finally told me that the my car was not "acceptable" as a 4-door vehicle
(which is required). Anyway..here are my thoughts.
Styling and Appearance Well, no one in their right mind could come close to saying that the Evo is a nicer looking car than the 8 (unless you're a pimple-faced fanboy of the Evo) With that said, the Evo is not as "ugly" as many who pass judgement on it in that light (including me at one time). It does it's best to convey an aggressive and purposeful look, based on a generic sedan designed to race in the most adverse conditions.
Interior One again, an obvious advantage to the 8. Such basic necessitities as crusie control are lacking on the Evo. However, desipte the "spartan" interior, it is not offensive whatsoever. Clad in all black with faux carbon fiber trim, it is a very simple yet clean look. The problem is that for a 30K plus car, one would expect more. Obviously, the Evo crushes the 8 in terms of utility, after all it is a sedan. The Evo is expansive compared to the 8, easily seating 5 adults comfortably. The trunk can hold a full Costco run with room to spare. The Recaro seats in the Evo are significantly better than the the seats in the 8. Simply, they are awesome. Other than that, the 8 is much more refined.
Fit and Finish The Evo is not even in the same league as the 8. I thought I was lucky, as after the first few thousand miles I had no major mystery noises; now there are so many squeaks and rattles I've given up even traking them down.
Safety The Evo fails miserably in this category versus the 8. C'mon Mitsu, SAB's have been around for how many years???? The possible advantage that Evo would have is accident avoidance during inclement weather with AWD and it's ACD.
Ride and Handling This is where it get difficult to compare...The first mod I did to my 8 was to go with the full Racing Beat suspension, so I honestly don't even remember what a stock 8 feels like. If I compare the 8 with the RB set up versus the stock Evo, the 8 wins hands down. However, the first mod I did to the Evo was to have Robert Fuller (Robispec) set the car up with a full suspension upgrade (KW-V 3's, 27mm rear sway, custom alignment, bump stop correction, corner weighting, etc.) With the full suspension upgrade, The Evo is on par, if not slightly better than the 8 on the track (semi-noob driver speaking here, so take it with a grain of salt....a more seasoned driver would be able to make a better assessment). The cavet is that the RB set up is what.....$1000 installed versus having Robi set up you car for ~$3000.
Speed and Quickness Well, obviously, the Evo wins hands down here. A very safe mail-in flash from Works along with a 3" exhaust with testpipe (or HFC for that matter) gets you around 300 whp. The beauty is that the average Mitsu dealer can't even detect the flash unless they are looking for it (which is very unlikely) so your warranty remains in tact if you don't switch out the stock cat. For as little as $1200 you can get 320 whp. The car is very fast.
Intangibles Both cars have great pedigrees and racing heritage. Rotary-4G63. So, what about the "ricer" image and hassles for the PO-lice? Well, it's strange. When I had my 8, EVERYONE tried to race me; from Mustangs to Minivans (seriously). Funny, with the EVO, no one wants to race. I guess that's just the image/perception of the car. The other thing that I was concerned about was unwanted attention from the police. So, Far the only thing I've gotten from the police was a friendly wave by a local cop and a "slow down" hand jesture by an Indiana State Policeman as I was travleiing 75 in a 60 zone. For some reason, pick up trucks don't like Evo's (they love to tailgate and speed by). Other than that, it's been hassle free.
So that's it. An unbiased review by someone that thinks both the Evo and the 8 are great cars. If you switch from an 8 to an Evo, you'll like it just as much, but for different reasons.
The old
The new
First off, selling the 8 was not by choice, as I was on a car allowance with my company-they finally told me that the my car was not "acceptable" as a 4-door vehicle
(which is required). Anyway..here are my thoughts.Styling and Appearance Well, no one in their right mind could come close to saying that the Evo is a nicer looking car than the 8 (unless you're a pimple-faced fanboy of the Evo) With that said, the Evo is not as "ugly" as many who pass judgement on it in that light (including me at one time). It does it's best to convey an aggressive and purposeful look, based on a generic sedan designed to race in the most adverse conditions.
Interior One again, an obvious advantage to the 8. Such basic necessitities as crusie control are lacking on the Evo. However, desipte the "spartan" interior, it is not offensive whatsoever. Clad in all black with faux carbon fiber trim, it is a very simple yet clean look. The problem is that for a 30K plus car, one would expect more. Obviously, the Evo crushes the 8 in terms of utility, after all it is a sedan. The Evo is expansive compared to the 8, easily seating 5 adults comfortably. The trunk can hold a full Costco run with room to spare. The Recaro seats in the Evo are significantly better than the the seats in the 8. Simply, they are awesome. Other than that, the 8 is much more refined.
Fit and Finish The Evo is not even in the same league as the 8. I thought I was lucky, as after the first few thousand miles I had no major mystery noises; now there are so many squeaks and rattles I've given up even traking them down.
Safety The Evo fails miserably in this category versus the 8. C'mon Mitsu, SAB's have been around for how many years???? The possible advantage that Evo would have is accident avoidance during inclement weather with AWD and it's ACD.
Ride and Handling This is where it get difficult to compare...The first mod I did to my 8 was to go with the full Racing Beat suspension, so I honestly don't even remember what a stock 8 feels like. If I compare the 8 with the RB set up versus the stock Evo, the 8 wins hands down. However, the first mod I did to the Evo was to have Robert Fuller (Robispec) set the car up with a full suspension upgrade (KW-V 3's, 27mm rear sway, custom alignment, bump stop correction, corner weighting, etc.) With the full suspension upgrade, The Evo is on par, if not slightly better than the 8 on the track (semi-noob driver speaking here, so take it with a grain of salt....a more seasoned driver would be able to make a better assessment). The cavet is that the RB set up is what.....$1000 installed versus having Robi set up you car for ~$3000.
Speed and Quickness Well, obviously, the Evo wins hands down here. A very safe mail-in flash from Works along with a 3" exhaust with testpipe (or HFC for that matter) gets you around 300 whp. The beauty is that the average Mitsu dealer can't even detect the flash unless they are looking for it (which is very unlikely) so your warranty remains in tact if you don't switch out the stock cat. For as little as $1200 you can get 320 whp. The car is very fast.
Intangibles Both cars have great pedigrees and racing heritage. Rotary-4G63. So, what about the "ricer" image and hassles for the PO-lice? Well, it's strange. When I had my 8, EVERYONE tried to race me; from Mustangs to Minivans (seriously). Funny, with the EVO, no one wants to race. I guess that's just the image/perception of the car. The other thing that I was concerned about was unwanted attention from the police. So, Far the only thing I've gotten from the police was a friendly wave by a local cop and a "slow down" hand jesture by an Indiana State Policeman as I was travleiing 75 in a 60 zone. For some reason, pick up trucks don't like Evo's (they love to tailgate and speed by). Other than that, it's been hassle free.
So that's it. An unbiased review by someone that thinks both the Evo and the 8 are great cars. If you switch from an 8 to an Evo, you'll like it just as much, but for different reasons.
The old
The new
10-14-2006, 12:24 AM
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Nice review.
Just a couple thoughts from me...
Styling I agree. The Evo won't win any beauty contests, but there's something menacing and beautifully simplistic about the Evo's looks. Some people get it, some people don't
Safety... Eh, they would just add more weight. This is coming from someone that's never gotten into a bad accident and only one that wasn't my fault. Hopefully I never see the day where I wish my Evo has side impact airbags.
My Evo is pretty rattle free, I guess it's just luck of the draw.
I'm a little shocked that you think the Evo is about on par with your RX-8, especially since you've been to Robispec. Is this your first AWD car? RWD and AWD cars need to be driven differently. The Evo still amazes me and it's difficult to even push the limits and you really need to push it to where you think its limits are and then go beyond those limits and it'll shock you how it just shrugs and keeps on going.
Intangibles: Yeah, I've found that not many people want to me with my car. The ones that do seem to have no idea what they're dealing with, which can sometimes be fun. I was pulled over in my Evo for going around a turn fast and had expired tags. It was a pretty funny conversation because I just drew and blank and couldn't come up with a good excuse.
Cop: You went around that turn pretty fast back there
Me: Yeah, probably a little faster than I should have. I wasn't speeding was I?
Cop: No, but any reason why you're in such a hurry.
Me: It's a fast car.
Cop: Kinda chuckled and started asking about the car
He ended up letting me go, complimented me on the car, and talked about some of the cars he has owned.
I've got a friend's brother that's a cop and says he tries to let Evo and WRX/STI guys go and focuses on "ricers in Hondas".
Are those Rotas? Sorry for the insult if they're not and are something pricey.
Lastly, pickup trucks are the worst.
Just a couple thoughts from me...
Styling I agree. The Evo won't win any beauty contests, but there's something menacing and beautifully simplistic about the Evo's looks. Some people get it, some people don't
Safety... Eh, they would just add more weight. This is coming from someone that's never gotten into a bad accident and only one that wasn't my fault. Hopefully I never see the day where I wish my Evo has side impact airbags.
My Evo is pretty rattle free, I guess it's just luck of the draw.
I'm a little shocked that you think the Evo is about on par with your RX-8, especially since you've been to Robispec. Is this your first AWD car? RWD and AWD cars need to be driven differently. The Evo still amazes me and it's difficult to even push the limits and you really need to push it to where you think its limits are and then go beyond those limits and it'll shock you how it just shrugs and keeps on going.
Intangibles: Yeah, I've found that not many people want to me with my car. The ones that do seem to have no idea what they're dealing with, which can sometimes be fun. I was pulled over in my Evo for going around a turn fast and had expired tags. It was a pretty funny conversation because I just drew and blank and couldn't come up with a good excuse.
Cop: You went around that turn pretty fast back there
Me: Yeah, probably a little faster than I should have. I wasn't speeding was I?
Cop: No, but any reason why you're in such a hurry.
Me: It's a fast car.
Cop: Kinda chuckled and started asking about the car
He ended up letting me go, complimented me on the car, and talked about some of the cars he has owned.
I've got a friend's brother that's a cop and says he tries to let Evo and WRX/STI guys go and focuses on "ricers in Hondas".
Are those Rotas? Sorry for the insult if they're not and are something pricey.
Lastly, pickup trucks are the worst.
10-14-2006, 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Ike
I'm a little shocked that you think the Evo is about on par with your RX-8, especially since you've been to Robispec. Is this your first AWD car? RWD and AWD cars need to be driven differently.
It's just a matter of getting more experience with the EVO (therefore the noob driver caveat) before I can accurately say that one is "hand's down" better than the other (for me anyway). I can confidently say that getting "Robispec'd" dials out 90% of the problems inherent with making awd 4-door family sedan handle like a race car, which is a feat in itself.
Originally Posted by Ike
Are those Rotas? Sorry for the insult if they're not and are something pricey.
10-14-2006, 10:52 PM
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Let me add my review...
Looks I agree, and I dig em, it kinda grows on you.
The ride is actually pretty dang firm for stock if you get the GSR, not so sure on MR since it has Blistein shocks. But ehn I had suspension work done on my previous 8 so I am ok with it.
I do get that infamous "Tranny noise"(or is it?) where people are arguing over at evo forums...
Currently, I am just distracting myself with stereo lol.
I thought 8 had very very high limits but from my experience, evo wins, by far hands down. It's easier to go hot entering turns, which is RWD's(and NA's) merits. But then when you go out of the turn and WOT, HOLY...AWD & turbo
I haven't gotten there, but I hear notorious things about evo's overall maintenace cost....and I am very aware of this and getting ready, or hey just add better aftermarket parts
And yes I get revved everywhere now...
from ricer boys to older american muscles...I take it differently on different days, as complement and as annoyance.
BTW very nice 8 and evo, very very clean!
Looks I agree, and I dig em, it kinda grows on you.
The ride is actually pretty dang firm for stock if you get the GSR, not so sure on MR since it has Blistein shocks. But ehn I had suspension work done on my previous 8 so I am ok with it.
I do get that infamous "Tranny noise"(or is it?) where people are arguing over at evo forums...
Currently, I am just distracting myself with stereo lol.I thought 8 had very very high limits but from my experience, evo wins, by far hands down. It's easier to go hot entering turns, which is RWD's(and NA's) merits. But then when you go out of the turn and WOT, HOLY...AWD & turbo
I haven't gotten there, but I hear notorious things about evo's overall maintenace cost....and I am very aware of this and getting ready, or hey just add better aftermarket parts
And yes I get revved everywhere now...
from ricer boys to older american muscles...I take it differently on different days, as complement and as annoyance.BTW very nice 8 and evo, very very clean!
10-14-2006, 11:14 PM
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Wow, your 8 was GORGEOUS.
I'd say the effect of people trying to race you in the 8 is not the EVO is that the EVO is well-known for being very quick, and the 8 is pretty unknown in general.
I'd say the effect of people trying to race you in the 8 is not the EVO is that the EVO is well-known for being very quick, and the 8 is pretty unknown in general.
10-15-2006, 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by goforwand
Those are Advan RGII's with RE050A Pole Positions. I got rid of the stock Advans as they are complete garbage in the rain. The RE050A's lose very little in terms of handling vs. the Advans during "spirited" driving, and are excellent in the rain.
10-15-2006, 11:02 PM
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Nice writeup.. I've been mulling over the Evo lately as well. I'm pretty happy with my 8 overall, just wanting a little more power. I test drove the E46 M3 and it felt like crap, very disconnected. The power was nice though, so I'm looking for something with the road feel and communication of the RX with the power of the M3..
How is the Evo in terms of turbo lag? I've had a WRX in the past and the lag just killed the experience for me. Also, how would you rate the gearbox? I consider the RX to have one of the best gearboxes I've ever used and don't want to go back to the dump truck feel of the WRX..
How is the Evo in terms of turbo lag? I've had a WRX in the past and the lag just killed the experience for me. Also, how would you rate the gearbox? I consider the RX to have one of the best gearboxes I've ever used and don't want to go back to the dump truck feel of the WRX..
10-15-2006, 11:23 PM
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I've never been a huge fan of the EVO but its nice to see someone write a good unbiased comparison. Nice cars, both of em. The EVO must be a f*ckin adrenaline rush when you push it.
10-16-2006, 12:04 AM
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Both cars look very clean. Glad you like your Evo. I've been doing a lot of mods lately on mine. It's amazing how cheap more power is, especially on the Evo IX. You don't even need to bother with new cams.
10-16-2006, 03:14 AM
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Originally Posted by nt5k
Nice writeup.. I've been mulling over the Evo lately as well. I'm pretty happy with my 8 overall, just wanting a little more power. I test drove the E46 M3 and it felt like crap, very disconnected. The power was nice though, so I'm looking for something with the road feel and communication of the RX with the power of the M3..
How is the Evo in terms of turbo lag? I've had a WRX in the past and the lag just killed the experience for me. Also, how would you rate the gearbox? I consider the RX to have one of the best gearboxes I've ever used and don't want to go back to the dump truck feel of the WRX..
How is the Evo in terms of turbo lag? I've had a WRX in the past and the lag just killed the experience for me. Also, how would you rate the gearbox? I consider the RX to have one of the best gearboxes I've ever used and don't want to go back to the dump truck feel of the WRX..
The gearbox is much better and smoother than the WRX but not as good as the RX-8. Unlike the WRX it's actually possible to go wot in 1st and shift at redline without feeling like you're some noob manual driver.
10-16-2006, 09:34 AM
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Yeah, I'll just test drive one and see what it's like.. It needs to be able to handle the stop-and-go traffic thing without feeling like a wild horse, so we'll see..
10-16-2006, 12:25 PM
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M3...like crap? Might be the first I've heard say that. I've driven an 02, 04, and 05 more or less stock and have found them to be great. I prefer the softer ride in the 8 as my DD but I found the handling to be quite good as well as steering feedback but then to each their own.
Nice cars both. If the Evo had Side bags and curtain bags I might have thought of it (de-winged for me), clean look and thanks for the review.
Nice cars both. If the Evo had Side bags and curtain bags I might have thought of it (de-winged for me), clean look and thanks for the review.
10-16-2006, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Ike
Styling I agree. The Evo won't win any beauty contests, but there's something menacing and beautifully simplistic about the Evo's looks. Some people get it, some people don't
10-16-2006, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Design1stCode2nd
M3...like crap? Might be the first I've heard say that. I've driven an 02, 04, and 05 more or less stock and have found them to be great. I prefer the softer ride in the 8 as my DD but I found the handling to be quite good as well as steering feedback but then to each their own.
10-16-2006, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Ike
The Evo is pretty laggy since it has a larger turbo. But when the turbo kicks in damn it's fun. The lag actually makes it easier to drive around town IMO and it pulls hard all the way to redline unlike the WRX. The only way you'll really know if it'll bother you is by testdriving one.
The gearbox is much better and smoother than the WRX but not as good as the RX-8. Unlike the WRX it's actually possible to go wot in 1st and shift at redline without feeling like you're some noob manual driver.
The gearbox is much better and smoother than the WRX but not as good as the RX-8. Unlike the WRX it's actually possible to go wot in 1st and shift at redline without feeling like you're some noob manual driver.
P.S. Cobb Accessport and bellmouth downpipe and my car pulls hard to redline as well.
10-16-2006, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Skunk
I own an 05 WRX, and I have to say regarding the 1-2 shift, I have no idea what you're talking about. The gearbox is not in the same league as the 8's, but there's nothing wrong with it.
P.S. Cobb Accessport and bellmouth downpipe and my car pulls hard to redline as well.
P.S. Cobb Accessport and bellmouth downpipe and my car pulls hard to redline as well.
Yes, the Accessport and exhaust mods help but with the small turbo the WRX still falls off compared to an Evo. With the Evo at redline it feels like you could just keep building power. With the WRX (even with mods) once you get to redline you're questioning if maybe you chould have shifted sooner.
10-16-2006, 07:52 PM
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Among the nicest RX8 and Evo's I've seen, red with polished rims always looks good, though it gets more attention than I prefer. You got the ride height perfect on the Evo, I'd love to try one, but they don't sell them in Canada. About racing; most people don't know what a RX8 or Evo can do, rather they want to tempt faster looking cars. My friend has an '85 Testarossa and everybody tries to race him, and I still get challenged on my sportbike.
Thanks for the review. 320 reliable whp from 2.0 sounds too good to be true.
Thanks for the review. 320 reliable whp from 2.0 sounds too good to be true.
