Race-inspired street cars don’t always work. The various NASCAR-themed Monte Carlos staining the road come to mind. Given the strength of the fan base, it’s a little puzzling. Same goes for World Rally Championship (WRC)-derived models. Not everyone in the U.S. is familiar with WRC, but the street-legal versions of Mitsubishi and Subaru’s racers are highly coveted.
If it doesn’t seem like nearly 20 years since the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution debuted, you either have a poor internal body clock or you’re not in Japan. The home market has had the pleasure of the Evo’s company since 1989. After more than a decade of transcontinental lust, our prayers were answered at last with the U.S. debut in 2003. By most accounts, it was worth the wait. 2007 marked a hiatus as Mitsubishi put the finishing touches on the 2008 car, known in some markets and among enthusiasts as the Evolution X (as in the Roman numeral, not the letter) due for release later this year.
Also due for its 2008 model launch soon is the redesigned Subaru Impreza WRX (we’ll have to wait a bit longer for the new STi). Like the Evo -- and with a turbocharger sourced from Mitsubishi -- the WRX delighted drivers overseas for years before Subaru finally smiled on the U.S. market, offering the car to us in 2002. Since day one on our shores, it’s been a worthy adversary and alternative to the Evolution: The Subie is a little softer but also a little more forgiving when its limits are approached. On public roads or the track, that can make all the difference, one way or the other. U.S. models of each have offered sedan and wagon versions, as well as even higher-performance variants to keep us salivating.
So now that each has been on our shores for several years as near-equals, they’ve both approached a proverbial fork in the road. One path is a little rough and full of challenging switchbacks, the other is still entertaining, though a little smoother and a bit less demanding. One car is best suited for each, mirroring their slight parting of ways and missions for 2008. Which car takes each path? Which is better for it?
Though complete testing and figures were not available at the time of writing, we’ve evaluated each as much as possible and scored the results based on a number of fixed criteria, weighted and relative to peer models. Perfection is awarded a 100-point score; read on to learn which reigns as champion.
Subaru Impreza WRX
MSRP (Base, est): $26,000Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 224 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 226 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
MPG (city/highway): 19/24
Performance - 16/20
Compared with the last WRX, the new car represents some tradeoffs. Power and weight are unchanged, but 0 to 60 mph comes later, now at 5.8 seconds instead of 5.3 with the standard five-speed manual (a four-speed automatic is optional). As a consolation, the new car has better midrange passing power and feels smoother doing it. For some, that will be enough to seal the deal; for others, a major turn-off. As before, the all-wheel drive setup delivers well-balanced handling and feedback through the new car’s standard 17-inch wheels.
Exterior design - 8/20
This isn’t quite to the point of being embarrassed to be seen in, but suddenly we take back all the smack we said about previous Subaru’s sky-high wings and gold wheels. In reflection, nudging past the line of tastefulness was better than the slightly larger ‘08’s unappealing blandness.
Interior design - 7/10
Ignore the outside looks and the new WRX interior is a better place to be. Prior cars weren’t just no-nonsense, they were cheap inside. Backseat passengers had little room and a decent sound system meant big bucks. This time around, better quality materials and more room befit the price and dimensions.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Always home to a capable sound system (for a price), the WRX for 2008 now offers an 80-watt 4-speaker system standard. It includes an in-dash, single-CD player with auxiliary jack and speed-sensitive volume adjustment. You still have to cough up extra for the 100-watt, six-disc system (part of the $2,100 Premium Package), but the standard and available options are more in tune with the character and price range.
Bang for the buck - 15/20
A good value in this redesign, if not the steal of the century. It’s obvious Subaru has taken note of complaints surrounding standard equipment and appointments with the new WRX.
Driving experience - 17/20
If you can stand being seen in what some will mistake for a Nissan rental, the experience from the cockpit will probably make up for it. A tick slower off the line, the midrange is still formidable. Subaru also reminds us the engine is as easily tuned as ever, plus they feel the WRX will stand more distinctly from the upcoming STi.
Overall score - 70/100
Like a comic actor trying to appeal to a more grown-up audience, the WRX takes on a more serious role for 2008. The visual makeover is questionable and the laughs are a little more cerebral, but it’s still a crowd-pleaser.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
MSRP (Base, est): $32,000Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower (est): 285 bhp
Torque (est): 265 ft-lbs
MPG (city/highway, est): 20/25
Performance - 17/20
If you thought the old car was hot, this car is outstanding. Mitsubishi has been generous with official photos for some time now, but we’re still waiting for the steak (testing, or at least official stats) to accompany that visual sizzle. Early suggestions at 300-plus horsepower may have been a little optimistic; our educated guess is a still-healthy 285, with 265 ft-lbs of torque, give or take on either figure. A couple highlights we can share are in the handling and transmission details. First, the new Evo will come with multi-mode Super All-Wheel Control. It combines active stability control, an active center differential, active yaw control and antilock brakes. If it sounds like the fun police have won, think again. This all works to deliver superior handling, we’re told, and even hedonistic drifting if so desired. Also, the Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission will come with odd and even gears on separate shafts and clutches, making for faster shifts with reduced power loss compared to a conventional automatic. If you insist on exercising your left foot, a five-speed manual can be had instead.
Exterior design - 18/20
Had we conducted this test a year ago, the Subie would get higher marks and the Evo would be a cellar-dweller. What a difference a year makes. The new Evolution has more of a purposeful look than the last car, which appeared to have been tarted-up in a kid’s garage. This Evo wears a prominent, Eclipse-like snout and shades of Acura and Mazda can be seen in the rear flanks; though the latter doesn’t look too contrived or unappealing.
Interior design - 6/10
The last car was all business inside, a little drab and a bit too purposeful. The new car is still ready to rock, but it does allow a few concessions in the name of ergonomics and creature comfort, short of selling out.
Sound system/goodies - 6/10
A lot of Evo drivers instinctively rip out whatever audio deck came with their cars, but acceptable factory audio can probably be had in the new car without resorting to the aftermarket. We suspect the Evolution will come nicely equipped, based on the 2008 Lancer GTS’ 140-watt system and Bluetooth interface.
Bang for the buck - 15/20
The performance and trueness to character of the new Evolution build upon the last car’s traits. The price follows suit, too. Whereas the 2006 Evo had a base price of $29,149, we suspect the new car to chime in for at least $32,000. Getting a little heady, but the performance we’ve been promised should allow this to represent a solid value.
Driving experience - 18/20
The experience will make you wonder why some guys spend thousands more on performance cars that fall short of the Evo, especially now that it has better looks to back up the bigger bang.
Overall score - 80/100
Mitsubishi execs can finally exhale. The company ship seems to have been righted, the cars are the best they’ve been in recent years and the 2008 Evolution is definitely a highlight.
And the winner is…
Until very recently, comparisons of the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evolution have come down to matters of personal preference; the performance largely a draw and aesthetics subjective. Both cars are still decent overall but their courses no longer run parallel. The now conservatively-styled (and to us, homely) WRX will now court the more adult enthusiast. The redesigned (for the better) Evolution will still cater to those who resist settling down -- maybe wooing a few Subie drivers in the process.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.edmunds.com/
http://www.mitsubishimotors.com/MMNA/jsp/index.do
http://www.caranddriver.com/
http://www.subaru.com/
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