Fridae

The rivalry between these two Japanese cars has been intense and fascinating for the last 16 years. Conceptually both could not have been closer in execution and in form. In essence, both are highly factory-tuned performance of their bread and butter models which offer EXTRA power and sublime handling abilities at prices that are true to their blue collar origins.

While their endless battles continue at World Rally Championships and at car showrooms, Fridae Auto Club takes both cars out for a spin, and a very speedy Gonzalez one I must add.

Design
Subaru is clearly taking aim at Euro hatches, while Mitsubitshi continues its traditional three-box saloon form with Alfa Romeo details applied generously for style. Both test models came in red. The Scooby in feisty chilli red while the EVO, a rather mature hue. We had been through this many times before with regards to the Subaru's looks; bland as boiled cabbage in its bread and butter form but in its STi incarnation, it certainly looks purposeful. In comparison, the EVO X looks too close to its lesser siblings. In their run of the mill forms, the Mitsubitshi Lancer looks better than the Subaru Impreza, however in their top dog form, the STi noses ahead, being the less ugly car.

Performance
The famed Boxer flat four turbocharged engine here sounds throaty and lusty when pressed. On the other hand, the EVO X's turbocharged 4-line sounds like my mother's favourite kitchen appliance. Well, the performance of both cars are similar; the Scooby being the slightly faster car with a impressive 4.8 secs over the EVO X's 5.1 secs. Initial driving impressions had me tilting towards the meat mincing sounding EVO X. The EVO X's five-speed gearbox is by far the easier to engage, as each gear change takes place with minimal fuss and jerkiness. (Don't you start assuming it's my poor driving skills here!) Yet, it's the STi that wins my heart at the end of the day. It's extra cubic capacity over the EVO X and unique boxer configuration proves to the winning combination here. The additional sixth gear in the Subaru triumphs the EVO X for highway refinement. Also, urban driving is less of a chore with STi as the forth gear can mitigate the need to more manual labour compared with the REV hungry and shorter geared EVO X. The STi is certainly more suited for everyday abuse while the EVO X can be more enjoyable should you yearn for MAD Mario Kart driving style everyday.

Ride
The bone jarring riding characteristics of the EVO X appears to be the default choice once again for the purist at heart. My personal liking is for cars to have an absorbent ride in order for me to feel confident enough to take the car to its limits. Yet if a car is too soft riding it does translate to perceived lesser road handing ability. In the Subaru, one can sense the chassis is a rigid one despite the higher levels of body roll and understeer. Again, the STi takes the GONG for its comfortable and well damped suspension.

Handling
This is time where the EVO X takes a halt in the STi's winning streak. STOP! The EVO X's stiffer ride certainly does take corners both long and short corners with aplomb. Steering is quick and alert, very much like a DJ turntable. The STi suffers for its dead steering feel on its center. The EVO X will be the better bet for inducing that wicked grin on windy roads. Tyre wear rate on these cars should be a factor to consider prior to purchase as they prescribe strictly to premium priced rubber. To check for wear on the tyres of these cars, you would need to turn the wheels to a side, as the wear starts in the middle of the tyre.

Interior
Both cars are depressing to look at inside. As a matter of fact, it feels all 1990s inside the two cars. The EVO X outdepresses the STi here with its style-free flat dashboard. My suggestion here is to purchase a huge tub of Molten Brown hand moisturiser for your hands if you have to get either of these two cars here. The Subaru wins by a whisker for providing satellite audio switches and a factory fitted sound system, items that are more in tune for nowadays motoring must haves. It has to be mentioned that the EVO X's imitation of Alfa Romeo's works has done it little favours, tasteless imitation of sexy Italian products is too poor. Very importantly, both cars should be avoided by golfers as boot space in these 4WD monsters are heavily compromised by their complex drivetrain and independent suspension components.

Hence...
Both cars will certainly have its fair share of followers. Like the men's singles final at this year's Wimbledon, it's a close call in a struggle of the titans. In my mind, the Mitsubishi EVO X should be Roger Federer; effortlessly effective and the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti being Rafael Nadal, queer (in playing style) and irresistible. Mr Nadal takes this contest by a whisker by having a unique power plant and putting in a more complete effort. Incidentally, the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti has a lower price tag, more power to the Scooby!

Make	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Model	Lancer Evolution X	Impreza WRX STi
Engine	Inline 4-Cylinder 16 valve DOHC MIVEC with Intercooler-turbocharger	Horizontally-Opposed, 4 Cylinder, 4-stroke, High boost Turbocharged
Transmission	5-speed Manual	6-speed Manual
Max. Power	280hp@6,500rpm	300hp@ 6,000rpm
Max. Torque	422@3,400rpm	415nm@4,000rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	5.1 secs	4.8 secs
Top speed	250 km/h	250 km/h
Fuel Economy	11.0 L/100km (combined cycle)	14.0 L/100km (combined cycle)
Dimensions (L x W x H)/ Kerb Weight	4,495x1,810x1,480/ 1,520 kg	4,415x1,795x1,475/ 1,505 kg
Price with COE*	$134,988*	$111,000*

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.