Subaru WRX vs STI vs EVO
 

It's that time again. I'm considering getting rid of my Jetta for something more powerful. Now what I want is something that has significantly more power than my Jetta, and I don't want a RWD car.

My initial choices were the Lancer EVO, BMW 325XI, WRX, STI, Passat GLX 4-motion and the Audi A4 Quattro.

I ruled out the 325 and the Passat because they were too expensive.

I ruled out the A4 because it's not powerful enough for what you have to pay for it.

The EVO seems to be the midway point between the WRX and the STI in terms of cost and power.

So this is what I'm asking advice on. I drive almost exclusively highway. My Jetta is a 2.0L 115 hp car right now, so that means I almost die each time I merge onto the Garden State Parkway or NJ Turnpike.

Anyways, weighing cost, power, how I drive (~100 miles a day), reliability and any other personal experiences, what would be my best route to go?

Oh no not this one again...... :p

With that kind of drive, you'll want reliability which the EVO does not have.

Honestly, I would get the plain ole' WRX....a bit less power in that 4-banger will mean greater reliability in the long run.

That'll be quite an upgrade from your 115 hp Jetta anyway.

Just my 2 cents...

Get a Beetle Turbo S. I've got a thread in here somewhere about the one I got to drive. It's a blast.

I personally like the evo... I've driven the sti and the evo and the wrx and liked the evo the best. Considerably more power than the wrx, and more civilized/refined than the sti IMHO.

Yeah I've driven one. Fun car, but I just can't buy a car my mom thinks is *cute*. That's just the nail in the coffin.

actually, the STi and the EVO are almost EXACTLY the same performance-wise... it is basically negligible in difference and it's just a matter of preference.

i personally like the looks of the STi and WRX better. and i agree as far as dependability is concerned, maybe just go with the WRX... less complicated = less can go wrong.

STi looks a bunch nicer, but the EVO looks meaner, as more aggressive you know what I mean? Have you driven both for a while?

I've only driven the WRX at a test drive. The STI and EVO I'm going on specs. I couldn't imagine the STI handles much different from the WRX. I've driven a Lancer, which I liked.

get a motorcycle. other than the snow, ice, and most rain, it will just plain old dog the cars you are looking at, and the mileage will too. I'd personally vote for a cruiser, but if you just want to go fast, the yamaha R1 and R6 are insanely great.

I'd say go for the STi -- it's a little lacking on the niceties, but it's got the performance you're looking for, in spades. That or the Evo. Ditch the WRX idea, no use getting that over the STi, unless maybe you really want luxury items the STi doesn't have.

STi or EVO, up to you ... whichever one you prefer.

Hehe, a little lacking? Understatement! It doesn't even come with a stereo!

Personally, the Evo being a misubishi, I'd stay away from it. Reliability is not somthing they excel in, the STi is an awsome car, just no options. WRX I think are available in leather and with sunroof and stuff now, they also have paper trannies, somthing else to be careful if you choose the WRX.

If you want power, go for the STI. It has 300 hp and 300 lbs-ft of torque compared to 227 hp and 217 lbs-ft for the wrx. This car is a bomb! Very responsive handling and tight driving. A bit rough, though, but it targets a portion of the market that doesn't really care that much about comfort.

the evo just won Automobile magazine's automobile of the year...

Not sure weather to laugh or cry. Pretty sad.

Are Mitsubishis really known for unreliability? I haven't heard much of that yet from talking to people who have owned Galants or regular Lancers. I know someone that owned a 3000GT for quite a while and had no major repairs other than having to replace the clutch...

The EVO is a horrible daily driver. The Evo is extremely loud even just crusing on the highway. The Sti is fast but it isn't a great daily driver but its much more liveable than the evo. The WRX still has tons of power and is much more enjoyable on a daily basis. I'd take a WRX, super performance is nice but good performance, reliability, and comfort are also good too.

My Lancer is at 20k, it's a 2002 model. Still not one problem. Literally, not one gitch.

The subaru forester at my last job, a company car for our dept. is on it's 2nd transmission in 3 years. It's also a complete shitbox for the $$. It doesn't even have mirrors in the visors. NO, it's not a stripped out model, it has power this that, the other thing. I think it's a 2000. The forester has completely fallen apart. Given that example I tend to think subies are not all they're cracked up to be.

Drive what you want. Buy what you like. This is easy.

Sti all the way.
other choices..how about the new AWD infiniti G35?

said it before and ill say it again

WRX!!!!! 300 HP STOCK!!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!

besides.. the AWD is a very nice option

EVO... all the magazines that tested sti/evo liked the evo better. I've driven both and can see why

I have a WRX wagon, and it is a comfortable car for driving, but even on long highway trips it gets about 23-24 mpg. Not too good, and I imagine that the STI and EVO are even worse.

what about the ford mustang mach 1? they have a 3000 dollar rebate on it right now so that puts you at about 25000. has a v8 with 32 valve = awesome sound. also live axle and 305 hp. i raced an evo in my cobra and won prety easily from a roll(we didn't try it from a stop) and i know i lost against a mach1 from a roll.
or a neon srt4 for just above 20000 not bad either.

Mustang.... that's RWD isn't it?

I've had bad experiences with Dodges so I tend to stay away from them.

I cannot honestly say I have ever heard anything good about the quality of mitsubishis. They are renowned for poor quality. 98% of all subarus are still on the road = good quality/price value. If teh wrx is too much for you you can get its sibling, the rs 2.5 impreza which is almost as good as teh wrx minus the power.

Yea, Mustangs are RWD.

ops yeah sorry didn't see that you don't want a rwd car.

My gripe with rear wheel drive is, I live in the North east. During the winter, where it snows and ices a lot, a RWD car is the last thing I want to have to deal with. If I had the opportunity to keep my Jetta AND get a new car, then I'd consider a RWD, as my Jetta is FWD and I could use that when it's snowy and icy outside. But that's just too much money to keep two cars.

another vote for the STI

i believe the only reason people think mitsu's are not realiable is b/c of the 2nd gen eclipse and their problem with crankwalk, but i don't think there are any problems with the new mitsu's

i'm not too sure, but i hear that subaru has big problems with thier tranny.

but i would have to pick the sTi, just b/c i 3 of my buddies have the evo and alot of other poeple have them. i haven't seen many other sti on the streets.
on the other hand..ur getting a high "attention-getter" car, and every other ricer is gonna want to race u

I vote WRX. The STi and Evo are basically race cars that are legal for the street. Both very fast and high-strung. They could wear you out as a daily driver, especially if you're not in to the blazing speed they have. The STi doesn't even come with a radio. You might even be happier with something that's not turboed, the 2.5RS. All subis are well-known for their sure-footedness on slick roads. Just look how many are in Colorado if you ever take a trip there.

There is a ton of subarus in colorado. As for a daily driver, I would go for the WRX. Fun as hell to drive and fast enough for commutes. Cheaper than the other two also.

VW GTI. Very reliable, good milage for your long commute, and between an STI and WRX is speed.