STi8 PPP To EVO VIII-Help Needed
08 May 2004, 10:32 PM
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STi8 PPP To EVO VIII-Help Needed
Went and tested EVO VIII FQ330 today with a view to changing my STi8 for the MR340. Very different car to the STi, better???, I'm not sure.
Discussed a fiqure to change with the sales guy(nice chap) and I am quite tempted.
I would be interested in the views of any body who has made a similar change to an EVO VIII. In fact any views would be much appreciated.
Discussed a fiqure to change with the sales guy(nice chap) and I am quite tempted.
I would be interested in the views of any body who has made a similar change to an EVO VIII. In fact any views would be much appreciated.
08 May 2004, 10:38 PM
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Don't want to know yer business, but have you been offered a 'satisfactory' figure on your STi ????
Just that most people seem to have really struggled with Subaru trade in when looking at Mitsubishi.
Just that most people seem to have really struggled with Subaru trade in when looking at Mitsubishi.
08 May 2004, 10:51 PM
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Done the deal today sti8 ppp to mr 340, thought the drive was alot better, when i test drove the 330 it was pouring with rain and i floored it out of a roundabout and it was so stable i could'nt believe it you could just point it and it would just go. Seats were a lot better i thought, and none of that bouncing, my wife thought it was a lot more comfortable aswell and when you good look at the trim finish i think it is better. I like the front and back more, my sti8 ppp with wheels flaps has cost me nearly £30,000 but for £3,000 more it cant touch the mr340, dont get me wrong i love my car and i will miss it but i cant wait for my new one.
09 May 2004, 07:26 AM
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Originally Posted by gnome
when i test drove the 330 it was pouring with rain and i floored it out of a roundabout and it was so stable i could'nt believe it you could just point it and it would just go.
Very, very controllable when it goes, makes you feel like you're Tommi M.
Buy one.
NOW
09 May 2004, 08:11 AM
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The only thing that puts *most* people off going down the Evo route is the higher running costs, ie: servicing every 4,500 miles.
If you can afford the insurance, fuel, and the running costs then go for it. Most people never go back to Subaru ownership once they have had a Evo.
If you can afford the insurance, fuel, and the running costs then go for it. Most people never go back to Subaru ownership once they have had a Evo.
09 May 2004, 08:23 AM
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I'm frankly surprised at the number of people on here that seem to happily replace their brand new cars every 20 minutes! Having said that,
You don't seem that convinced yourself that it was a better drive for you, and switching a brand new expensive car to another brand new expensive car, you need to be bl00dy certain that its the car for you.
IMO, you can ask advice on a forum to guide you in the direction of a good car, and get points to check out, but don't use it for the final push. After all, its your money, and you'll have to live with it.
You don't seem that convinced yourself that it was a better drive for you, and switching a brand new expensive car to another brand new expensive car, you need to be bl00dy certain that its the car for you.
IMO, you can ask advice on a forum to guide you in the direction of a good car, and get points to check out, but don't use it for the final push. After all, its your money, and you'll have to live with it.
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09 May 2004, 08:39 AM
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I can't say I've experience of the Evo, I would however disagree with Danny B.
Of the 3 people I've known go from Subarus to Evos, all 3 have returned to Subaru ownership within 12-18 months. Although the reasons have been somewhat varied, the slightly more uncompromising nature of the Evos seems to have been a major factor.
To be fair, they went to Evo 6 and 7s, so their reasoning may not be valid on the 8. No doubt the Evos are superb cars, but ultimately it has to be your choice, and what you feel most comfortable with.
If in doubt, go back for another play, and do a back to back test with your car on the same roads.
Josh L
Of the 3 people I've known go from Subarus to Evos, all 3 have returned to Subaru ownership within 12-18 months. Although the reasons have been somewhat varied, the slightly more uncompromising nature of the Evos seems to have been a major factor.
To be fair, they went to Evo 6 and 7s, so their reasoning may not be valid on the 8. No doubt the Evos are superb cars, but ultimately it has to be your choice, and what you feel most comfortable with.
If in doubt, go back for another play, and do a back to back test with your car on the same roads.
Josh L
09 May 2004, 11:45 AM
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What Mrklaw said, if you ask this same question on the MLR you will get a lot of ex Impreza owners who will tell you what a marvellous transition it was and how they have never looked back since owning their Evo.
Then you come here and ask current Impreza drivers who have never set foot inside a Mitsubishi before and they will tell you that it has a harsh ride, service intervals are crap, higher insurance, worse fuel economy etc etc...
You need to decide for yourself, or watch this http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albu...h_Evo_VIII.avi
I think basically what Clarkson is saying is that the Impreza is a more of a day to day car that you drive to work and back in, whereas the Evo is a more of a weekend car / Track car that demands a lot from the driver.
Then you come here and ask current Impreza drivers who have never set foot inside a Mitsubishi before and they will tell you that it has a harsh ride, service intervals are crap, higher insurance, worse fuel economy etc etc...
You need to decide for yourself, or watch this
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albu...h_Evo_VIII.aviI think basically what Clarkson is saying is that the Impreza is a more of a day to day car that you drive to work and back in, whereas the Evo is a more of a weekend car / Track car that demands a lot from the driver.
09 May 2004, 12:50 PM
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Now it's a more reasonable hour I'll post my opinion.
I recently traded my 6 month old Sti My03 PPP and bought an Fq330.
Remember Sti PPP is 300bhp and the Evo is 330 supposedly
so any comparisons about performance need to be weighted in this regard.
I'd had 3 new shape imprezas in the last 3 years, two of which were sti's so i'd got a little bored with the car. I also want something different, there are loads of imprezas round here, but hardly any Evos and certainly no 8's.
When I changed my MY02 sti to the MY03 last September I considered the Evo, but discounted it on the basis of all the reasons you see on here, mpg, servicing etc etc.
The reality is somewhat different. The 330bhp Evo is returning 19mpg round town, a figure not dissimilar to the Sti. Granted the service intervals are 4500 miles, but we're talking an extra £220 per annum in service costs, harly amssive especially as most enthusiast scoob drivers change their oil at 5k anyway.
For those that don't know the Fq330 comes with HID lights, leather\suede, folding mirrors, climate, and smartnav(and tracker) as standard, but no stereo or speakers. I've added the standard mitsi offerings which are Kenwood and are pretty damn fine. The car is a little bigger than the Impreza, a big plus point for me with wife and kids, although there is no ski hatch in the rear seats. The ride is slightly firmer, but the car feels more solid, no pings or creaks from the suspension over bumpy roads, and no bounce!!!.
The seats are much better on the Evo. I always found the sti seats made me hunch over the wheel. The support in the lower back area is poor in the scoob, the Evo seats are more supportive.
As far as driveability is concerned, IMO the Evo wins. The massive torque means you can trundle round town in 3rd or 4th gear with minimum changes, whereas in the sti I found I had to drop a cog to 2nd to pull away. On the open road the SAYC is bloody fantastic, and feels much more natural than the suretrac diffs on the scoob.
The Evo IS quicker and noticeably so when driving it, in the real world up to motorway speeds(legal) it's obviously not going to be pulling 100's of yards away.
On the downside, the cabin in the Scoob is cosier. The dial layout is far better also. The Evo has a pig of a speedo and I generally rely on my road angel to tell me my speed round town. The steering wheel boss is metal which reminds me of the old mk1 golf Gti. In this day and age you expect plastic!!! lol Of course i also miss the rumble of the scoob, the Evo does have an HKS exhaust which sounds great on full howl but is a little quiet round town.
Finally, the Evo doesn't turn as many heads as the Sti, I imagine that less people know what it is, but that's something I prefer.
For the record, this is my pinnacle, for me everything is downhill from here. Cars that are considered better are simply too expensive or have too many compromises. This is the only car in the last few years I have felt at one with, a car that I can see parked on my drive in 3 years. I'd never write off coming back to Subaru but they need to up their game. The WR1 did nothing for me.
Flamesuit at the ready.
I recently traded my 6 month old Sti My03 PPP and bought an Fq330.
Remember Sti PPP is 300bhp and the Evo is 330 supposedly
so any comparisons about performance need to be weighted in this regard.I'd had 3 new shape imprezas in the last 3 years, two of which were sti's so i'd got a little bored with the car. I also want something different, there are loads of imprezas round here, but hardly any Evos and certainly no 8's.
When I changed my MY02 sti to the MY03 last September I considered the Evo, but discounted it on the basis of all the reasons you see on here, mpg, servicing etc etc.
The reality is somewhat different. The 330bhp Evo is returning 19mpg round town, a figure not dissimilar to the Sti. Granted the service intervals are 4500 miles, but we're talking an extra £220 per annum in service costs, harly amssive especially as most enthusiast scoob drivers change their oil at 5k anyway.
For those that don't know the Fq330 comes with HID lights, leather\suede, folding mirrors, climate, and smartnav(and tracker) as standard, but no stereo or speakers. I've added the standard mitsi offerings which are Kenwood and are pretty damn fine. The car is a little bigger than the Impreza, a big plus point for me with wife and kids, although there is no ski hatch in the rear seats. The ride is slightly firmer, but the car feels more solid, no pings or creaks from the suspension over bumpy roads, and no bounce!!!.
The seats are much better on the Evo. I always found the sti seats made me hunch over the wheel. The support in the lower back area is poor in the scoob, the Evo seats are more supportive.
As far as driveability is concerned, IMO the Evo wins. The massive torque means you can trundle round town in 3rd or 4th gear with minimum changes, whereas in the sti I found I had to drop a cog to 2nd to pull away. On the open road the SAYC is bloody fantastic, and feels much more natural than the suretrac diffs on the scoob.
The Evo IS quicker and noticeably so when driving it, in the real world up to motorway speeds(legal) it's obviously not going to be pulling 100's of yards away.
On the downside, the cabin in the Scoob is cosier. The dial layout is far better also. The Evo has a pig of a speedo and I generally rely on my road angel to tell me my speed round town. The steering wheel boss is metal which reminds me of the old mk1 golf Gti. In this day and age you expect plastic!!! lol Of course i also miss the rumble of the scoob, the Evo does have an HKS exhaust which sounds great on full howl but is a little quiet round town.
Finally, the Evo doesn't turn as many heads as the Sti, I imagine that less people know what it is, but that's something I prefer.
For the record, this is my pinnacle, for me everything is downhill from here. Cars that are considered better are simply too expensive or have too many compromises. This is the only car in the last few years I have felt at one with, a car that I can see parked on my drive in 3 years. I'd never write off coming back to Subaru but they need to up their game. The WR1 did nothing for me.
Flamesuit at the ready.
Last edited by MattW; 09 May 2004 at 12:58 PM.
09 May 2004, 12:55 PM
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ok i just made the change from jdmsti2003 which is without a doubt the best ever impreza, to what is not the best evo, but a brand new evo8gsr import.
what i can say is first few thousand miles, its still totally standard and probably about 280bhp, not as fast or as much torque as the scoob, but no doubt not much different from a uk scoob, im comparing to a jdm scoob.
The steering is better, the ayc is weird to get used to, more like getting back into a rwd car, cos the back end will step out at alot of opportunities, you got to get used to it.
The power delivery is different, and as i just learned, the torque on a straight4 will never be as high as that of a flat4 like the scoob, so you just dont get the kick in the back.
There are potential for mods, but all somewhat expensive as with an 8 no one is doing the ecu like ecutek for the subaru, so u need an aftermarket ecu if u want fully programmable, but im sure buying a uk car ur not gonna be looking at that as part of ur decision to buy.
I find the build quality alot better, more solid, quieter inside, brakes are just the same possibly not as good for some reason, i dont know, maybe the disks but the calipers are the same brembos.
Overall i think the evo has potential, the servicing is no more expensive if you use a specialist really, thats just a myth, i have looked closely into the costs. The fuel consumption is better on my evo so far than on my scoob, and its not even done 3k miles yet, so im sure it can improve some more, and also with ecu should get even better, but dont think it will change that much.
I think the scoob was faster in a straight line but it would be 330bhp/ lb/ft to 280bhp once the evo is up on power, will know more
hope that helps
Jason
what i can say is first few thousand miles, its still totally standard and probably about 280bhp, not as fast or as much torque as the scoob, but no doubt not much different from a uk scoob, im comparing to a jdm scoob.
The steering is better, the ayc is weird to get used to, more like getting back into a rwd car, cos the back end will step out at alot of opportunities, you got to get used to it.
The power delivery is different, and as i just learned, the torque on a straight4 will never be as high as that of a flat4 like the scoob, so you just dont get the kick in the back.
There are potential for mods, but all somewhat expensive as with an 8 no one is doing the ecu like ecutek for the subaru, so u need an aftermarket ecu if u want fully programmable, but im sure buying a uk car ur not gonna be looking at that as part of ur decision to buy.
I find the build quality alot better, more solid, quieter inside, brakes are just the same possibly not as good for some reason, i dont know, maybe the disks but the calipers are the same brembos.
Overall i think the evo has potential, the servicing is no more expensive if you use a specialist really, thats just a myth, i have looked closely into the costs. The fuel consumption is better on my evo so far than on my scoob, and its not even done 3k miles yet, so im sure it can improve some more, and also with ecu should get even better, but dont think it will change that much.
I think the scoob was faster in a straight line but it would be 330bhp/ lb/ft to 280bhp once the evo is up on power, will know more
hope that helps
Jason
09 May 2004, 01:53 PM
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I'll add my 2 peneth cos I've owned an Evo VII and an Evo VIII having had a P1 before both and now my SpecC after them.
In terms of handling, the SpecC is every bit as "goes where you point it" as the Evo, I found that both my Evo's had a harsher ride than my current Scoob and didn't corner any better for it (although there was a noticeable difference over my P1).
In power terms, my SpecC has more torque and similar power to the FQ-330, feels a lot more together on the road and is IMO a better car for your daily A-B's.
The clincher for me is the running costs though. I do about 30K a year in my main car and about 17K in my second car (currently a Seat), it should be the other way round, but you know how it gets when you like driving something. Well the 4.5K services on the Evo, coupled with the insurance proved to be the difference of 4K out of my pocket each year between the 2 cars maintenance (the insurance was almost £800 dearer adn the services were exactly double, with them occuring twice as many times in the year), that takes in to account me having an oil change service every 4-5K as well as the 10K main service.
If your after a car you can mod more, I'd have to side with the Evo if you have the cash. My Evo VII had more power than my current Scoob (although having spent around 20K on aftermarket things I'd hope it would be), but the power was more frantic and not as flexible as my current car.
At the end of the day though - everyone likes something different and you've gotta go with what your more comfortable with (don't make the decision on "what's rare on the road" or "800bhp+ Evo's" though, go with what you like to drive and feel better behind the wheel of) - sounds like you like the Evo better, but have a look around the Jap imports and the Type25 before handing that cash over).
War & Peace Vol2 sorted there then
In terms of handling, the SpecC is every bit as "goes where you point it" as the Evo, I found that both my Evo's had a harsher ride than my current Scoob and didn't corner any better for it (although there was a noticeable difference over my P1).
In power terms, my SpecC has more torque and similar power to the FQ-330, feels a lot more together on the road and is IMO a better car for your daily A-B's.
The clincher for me is the running costs though. I do about 30K a year in my main car and about 17K in my second car (currently a Seat), it should be the other way round, but you know how it gets when you like driving something. Well the 4.5K services on the Evo, coupled with the insurance proved to be the difference of 4K out of my pocket each year between the 2 cars maintenance (the insurance was almost £800 dearer adn the services were exactly double, with them occuring twice as many times in the year), that takes in to account me having an oil change service every 4-5K as well as the 10K main service.
If your after a car you can mod more, I'd have to side with the Evo if you have the cash. My Evo VII had more power than my current Scoob (although having spent around 20K on aftermarket things I'd hope it would be), but the power was more frantic and not as flexible as my current car.
At the end of the day though - everyone likes something different and you've gotta go with what your more comfortable with (don't make the decision on "what's rare on the road" or "800bhp+ Evo's" though, go with what you like to drive and feel better behind the wheel of) - sounds like you like the Evo better, but have a look around the Jap imports and the Type25 before handing that cash over).
War & Peace Vol2 sorted there then
09 May 2004, 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Sticky Stuff
So the ACD was in 'Gravel' or "Snow' mode then, (or you didn't floor it enough) 'cos in 'Tarmac' mode in the wet it's **** out time when you floor it
Very, very controllable when it goes, makes you feel like you're Tommi M.
Buy one.
NOW
Very, very controllable when it goes, makes you feel like you're Tommi M.
Buy one.
NOW
09 May 2004, 08:36 PM
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Well the 4.5K services on the Evo, coupled with the insurance proved to be the difference of 4K out of my pocket each year
09 May 2004, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Pliers
Went and tested EVO VIII FQ330 today with a view to changing my STi8 for the MR340. Very different car to the STi, better???, I'm not sure.
Discussed a fiqure to change with the sales guy(nice chap) and I am quite tempted.
I would be interested in the views of any body who has made a similar change to an EVO VIII. In fact any views would be much appreciated.
Discussed a fiqure to change with the sales guy(nice chap) and I am quite tempted.
I would be interested in the views of any body who has made a similar change to an EVO VIII. In fact any views would be much appreciated.
09 May 2004, 08:44 PM
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ok maybe not the best ever, but for standard editions ie not a spec c, type 25 which i would say are the only 2 that are better, maybe an s202 which i dont know much about. Yes i would say subaru got alot of things right on this model and the standard package goes a long way, further than any others
09 May 2004, 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by jason4656
can you list why it costs 4k a year? insurance was same as my scoob, in fact i tell a lie, it was 30quid a year more, and there is no way servicing adds up to that much, for the first 2 services 4.5 and 9k im gonna have this year, inc ayc fluid change, its gonna cost me not much more than 200quid, yes it will be probably double that in the 2nd year, so 400 quid. Still thats not much different to a scoob and doesnt come anywhere near 4k, so unless ur insurance company are having you over, then something is not adding up for me?
£1900+ to insure (my SpecC is just over 1K, so it was almost £900 more), I wasn't getting ripped off as I do a lot of business mileage and had to be properly covered with it.
6 services during the year (almost 7 - as I did 29K in the year), the Scoob's had 2 services and 2 oil changed in that time (they cost about £450 as opposed to over £1500 in the Evo)
Two sets of tyres in the Evo they went every 13K, the Scoobs just had one new set now after 22K and the tyres were cheaper.
New clutch & flywheel (standard clutch went after just 12K) - I can't tell when the Scoob's will go, but I've had a price for half what the Evo's cost to replace.
New set of brake pads & a new set of discs (they'd warped) and I went through another set of discs the year after as well so it was a yearly thing - the Scoob's pads have still got 50% left after 22K (I am going to replace them now, but don't need to and the discs haven't hinted on warping).
£10-15(ish) extra on petrol each week - the Evo wasn't as economical on petrol as my Scoob was and we're taking about 22bhp between them.
All that added up very quickly over time, (I've driven both cars equally the same). Now this may not be the typical example, but the servicing on my VIII was even more expensive than the VII's when it first started out and in just 7K I'd already managed to warp another set of Brembo discs (which the warranty thankfully covered that time).
So in my case (the high mileage each year) the Evo proved to be a lot more expensive.
09 May 2004, 11:27 PM
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sounds like an extreme case mate, but i cant argue with all ur points cos ive yet to run the evo for a long time yet...however all the times u state about scoob mine was way behind, like brake pads 10k miles, never mind 22k, clutch i dont know about. Evo is better on petrol for me so far..tyres would have needed changin at 10k on the scoob... thats all i can comment on, hope my evo doesnt work out that bad
thanks
thanks
10 May 2004, 01:06 AM
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Ha ha - hope my Scoob doesn't deteriorate
Pliers - happy hunting and I hope your gonna let us all know what you get, with the aid of full motion video, pics and a massive narative storyline of the whole decision and buying process after this thread now
Pliers - happy hunting and I hope your gonna let us all know what you get, with the aid of full motion video, pics and a massive narative storyline of the whole decision and buying process after this thread now
10 May 2004, 02:02 AM
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@ MAtt W
no need for a flame retardant suit m8. nice to see an ex subaru owner go over to "the dark side" and come back with a contructive an well written account of why they changed. All valid points set out in a logical and contructive manner. you see admin and mods we can have a contructive debate about the ins and outs of respective cars without the need for the usual "my dick is bigger than your dick". matt W kudos m8 well done.
cheers
big sinky
no need for a flame retardant suit m8. nice to see an ex subaru owner go over to "the dark side" and come back with a contructive an well written account of why they changed. All valid points set out in a logical and contructive manner. you see admin and mods we can have a contructive debate about the ins and outs of respective cars without the need for the usual "my dick is bigger than your dick". matt W kudos m8 well done.
cheers
big sinky
10 May 2004, 11:33 AM
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Pliers
Originally Posted by Pliers
Went and tested EVO VIII FQ330 today with a view to changing my STi8 for the MR340. Very different car to the STi, better???, I'm not sure.
Discussed a fiqure to change with the sales guy(nice chap) and I am quite tempted.
I would be interested in the views of any body who has made a similar change to an EVO VIII. In fact any views would be much appreciated.
Discussed a fiqure to change with the sales guy(nice chap) and I am quite tempted.
I would be interested in the views of any body who has made a similar change to an EVO VIII. In fact any views would be much appreciated.
So, depends on your preference but also your mileage on what sort of roads. If you are doing big miles on A roads stick with a Scoob. If you are doing big miles on smooth roads and want a good blast every now and then then the Evo will be more satisfying.
The Evo is definitely better built in terms of materials though - thicker metal and better plastics. Try and get them to change the stereo though as that Kenwood thing is utterly for show and has the worst ergonomics of any unit I have ever seen. Sounds ain't that great either but I suspect that is the 1p piece speakers!
As for running costs - I had a quote of £1600 from Direct Line and £600 from Elephant for the EVO - I am 35 with one write-off worth £21k to my name 21 months ago (aquaplaned on A1 - tyres a tad low tread on the back insides and the puddle was deeper than it looked - slowed to 70 but round and round we went....ouch!). So I was impressed with how cheap it was to insure! The servicing is not that pricey and you can lower it by buying your own oil (£25 vs the garage charge of £60).
Best of luck - they are both great and fast cars so you cannot lose really!
10 May 2004, 11:40 AM
#24
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McRash - I have been told that the 260 is not 260BHP more 280.... as you have now got 1 can you confirm?
I have a scooby but not sure if im going to go down the evo 260 route? any advise/pics?
I have a scooby but not sure if im going to go down the evo 260 route? any advise/pics?
10 May 2004, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by MattW
Now it's a more reasonable hour I'll post my opinion.
I recently traded my 6 month old Sti My03 PPP and bought an Fq330.
Remember Sti PPP is 300bhp and the Evo is 330 supposedly so any comparisons about performance need to be weighted in this regard.
I'd had 3 new shape imprezas in the last 3 years, two of which were sti's so i'd got a little bored with the car. I also want something different, there are loads of imprezas round here, but hardly any Evos and certainly no 8's.
When I changed my MY02 sti to the MY03 last September I considered the Evo, but discounted it on the basis of all the reasons you see on here, mpg, servicing etc etc.
The reality is somewhat different. The 330bhp Evo is returning 19mpg round town, a figure not dissimilar to the Sti. Granted the service intervals are 4500 miles, but we're talking an extra £220 per annum in service costs, harly amssive especially as most enthusiast scoob drivers change their oil at 5k anyway.
For those that don't know the Fq330 comes with HID lights, leather\suede, folding mirrors, climate, and smartnav(and tracker) as standard, but no stereo or speakers. I've added the standard mitsi offerings which are Kenwood and are pretty damn fine. The car is a little bigger than the Impreza, a big plus point for me with wife and kids, although there is no ski hatch in the rear seats. The ride is slightly firmer, but the car feels more solid, no pings or creaks from the suspension over bumpy roads, and no bounce!!!.
The seats are much better on the Evo. I always found the sti seats made me hunch over the wheel. The support in the lower back area is poor in the scoob, the Evo seats are more supportive.
As far as driveability is concerned, IMO the Evo wins. The massive torque means you can trundle round town in 3rd or 4th gear with minimum changes, whereas in the sti I found I had to drop a cog to 2nd to pull away. On the open road the SAYC is bloody fantastic, and feels much more natural than the suretrac diffs on the scoob.
The Evo IS quicker and noticeably so when driving it, in the real world up to motorway speeds(legal) it's obviously not going to be pulling 100's of yards away.
On the downside, the cabin in the Scoob is cosier. The dial layout is far better also. The Evo has a pig of a speedo and I generally rely on my road angel to tell me my speed round town. The steering wheel boss is metal which reminds me of the old mk1 golf Gti. In this day and age you expect plastic!!! lol Of course i also miss the rumble of the scoob, the Evo does have an HKS exhaust which sounds great on full howl but is a little quiet round town.
Finally, the Evo doesn't turn as many heads as the Sti, I imagine that less people know what it is, but that's something I prefer.
For the record, this is my pinnacle, for me everything is downhill from here. Cars that are considered better are simply too expensive or have too many compromises. This is the only car in the last few years I have felt at one with, a car that I can see parked on my drive in 3 years. I'd never write off coming back to Subaru but they need to up their game. The WR1 did nothing for me.
Flamesuit at the ready.
I recently traded my 6 month old Sti My03 PPP and bought an Fq330.
Remember Sti PPP is 300bhp and the Evo is 330 supposedly
so any comparisons about performance need to be weighted in this regard.I'd had 3 new shape imprezas in the last 3 years, two of which were sti's so i'd got a little bored with the car. I also want something different, there are loads of imprezas round here, but hardly any Evos and certainly no 8's.
When I changed my MY02 sti to the MY03 last September I considered the Evo, but discounted it on the basis of all the reasons you see on here, mpg, servicing etc etc.
The reality is somewhat different. The 330bhp Evo is returning 19mpg round town, a figure not dissimilar to the Sti. Granted the service intervals are 4500 miles, but we're talking an extra £220 per annum in service costs, harly amssive especially as most enthusiast scoob drivers change their oil at 5k anyway.
For those that don't know the Fq330 comes with HID lights, leather\suede, folding mirrors, climate, and smartnav(and tracker) as standard, but no stereo or speakers. I've added the standard mitsi offerings which are Kenwood and are pretty damn fine. The car is a little bigger than the Impreza, a big plus point for me with wife and kids, although there is no ski hatch in the rear seats. The ride is slightly firmer, but the car feels more solid, no pings or creaks from the suspension over bumpy roads, and no bounce!!!.
The seats are much better on the Evo. I always found the sti seats made me hunch over the wheel. The support in the lower back area is poor in the scoob, the Evo seats are more supportive.
As far as driveability is concerned, IMO the Evo wins. The massive torque means you can trundle round town in 3rd or 4th gear with minimum changes, whereas in the sti I found I had to drop a cog to 2nd to pull away. On the open road the SAYC is bloody fantastic, and feels much more natural than the suretrac diffs on the scoob.
The Evo IS quicker and noticeably so when driving it, in the real world up to motorway speeds(legal) it's obviously not going to be pulling 100's of yards away.
On the downside, the cabin in the Scoob is cosier. The dial layout is far better also. The Evo has a pig of a speedo and I generally rely on my road angel to tell me my speed round town. The steering wheel boss is metal which reminds me of the old mk1 golf Gti. In this day and age you expect plastic!!! lol Of course i also miss the rumble of the scoob, the Evo does have an HKS exhaust which sounds great on full howl but is a little quiet round town.
Finally, the Evo doesn't turn as many heads as the Sti, I imagine that less people know what it is, but that's something I prefer.
For the record, this is my pinnacle, for me everything is downhill from here. Cars that are considered better are simply too expensive or have too many compromises. This is the only car in the last few years I have felt at one with, a car that I can see parked on my drive in 3 years. I'd never write off coming back to Subaru but they need to up their game. The WR1 did nothing for me.
Flamesuit at the ready.
Anyhow as for the debate... the missuse likes the look of the scoob and that's it... may migrate to the dark side but not as yet still luv my STI looks and sounds ace... the FQ330 i went in didn't feel any quicker thn mine and my buddies FQ300 is identicle... on the road leave the lights and its neck and neck...
Dazza
10 May 2004, 01:19 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by nellie
just like mine!!! you went for the turinis as well then?
10 May 2004, 01:39 PM
#30
Scooby Regular
Perhaps the view of a complete novice to both cars is more/less objective, you decide.
I have recently test driven STi8 plus spec C and Evo V111 plus MR in Japan.
STI has more visual impact from distance, some might say a minus point.
Some in this debate seem to be saying that the EVO has better build quality, personally I thought the Evo plastics looked vast in their expanse and when closing the doors Evo sounded a bit tinny.
I know that it's probably a mute point but IMO STi looks better under the bonnet.
The seats in the STi R much nicer to look at, can't comment on their long term comfort/support
I don't know about the UK but here in Japan the EVO is seen as a younger guys car, (So I have been told by more than one dealer), not a bad thing I might add.
On first drive the STi felt much more involving, I felt a little detached when driving the Evo. The second drive firmed this opinion.
Evo V111 is without a doubt an awesome vehicle but my money went STi way.
I think I would be very pleased to have either on my driveway, but maybe slightly more pleased to see the Scoob. Or perhaps I'm trying to justify my decision. Time will be the judge.
MattW very nice indeed
Regards to all.
I have recently test driven STi8 plus spec C and Evo V111 plus MR in Japan.
STI has more visual impact from distance, some might say a minus point.
Some in this debate seem to be saying that the EVO has better build quality, personally I thought the Evo plastics looked vast in their expanse and when closing the doors Evo sounded a bit tinny.
I know that it's probably a mute point but IMO STi looks better under the bonnet.
The seats in the STi R much nicer to look at, can't comment on their long term comfort/support
I don't know about the UK but here in Japan the EVO is seen as a younger guys car, (So I have been told by more than one dealer), not a bad thing I might add.
On first drive the STi felt much more involving, I felt a little detached when driving the Evo. The second drive firmed this opinion.
Evo V111 is without a doubt an awesome vehicle but my money went STi way.
I think I would be very pleased to have either on my driveway, but maybe slightly more pleased to see the Scoob. Or perhaps I'm trying to justify my decision. Time will be the judge.
MattW very nice indeed
Regards to all.
Last edited by coolangatta; 10 May 2004 at 02:00 PM.