Wrx or evo: which sports car offers the best performance and value?
What To Know
- The Impreza WRX has a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension, while the Lancer Evo has a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension.
- The Impreza WRX offers a wider range of features and amenities than the Lancer Evo, including a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium audio system.
- While the Lancer Evo may have a slight edge in acceleration and handling, the Impreza WRX is the more practical and well-rounded choice for most drivers.
The Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo are two iconic sports sedans that have dominated the world of rallying for decades. With their powerful turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive systems, and aggressive styling, these cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. But which one is the ultimate performance machine? In this detailed comparison, we’ll pit the Subaru Impreza WRX against the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo to determine which car reigns supreme.
Performance
Engine and Power
Both the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo are powered by turbocharged boxer engines. The Impreza WRX features a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Lancer Evo, on the other hand, has a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that generates 303 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque.
Acceleration and Top Speed
With its higher horsepower and torque, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has a clear advantage in acceleration. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the Subaru Impreza WRX takes 5.2 seconds. The Lancer Evo also has a higher top speed of 155 mph compared to the Impreza WRX’s 145 mph.
Handling
All-Wheel Drive System
Both the Impreza WRX and Lancer Evo feature sophisticated all-wheel drive systems that provide exceptional traction and handling in all conditions. The Impreza WRX’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system uses a viscous center differential to distribute power evenly between the front and rear axles. The Lancer Evo’s Super All-Wheel Control system uses an active center differential that can vary the power distribution depending on the driving conditions.
Suspension and Steering
The Impreza WRX has a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension, while the Lancer Evo has a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Both cars offer excellent handling, but the Lancer Evo has a slightly sharper and more responsive feel.
Interior and Comfort
Design and Materials
The Subaru Impreza WRX has a spacious and well-appointed interior with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has a more spartan interior with a focus on performance over luxury.
Features and Amenities
The Impreza WRX offers a wider range of features and amenities than the Lancer Evo, including a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium audio system. The Lancer Evo, however, comes with a Recaro racing seat and a limited-slip differential, which are not available on the Impreza WRX.
Reliability and Maintenance
Reliability Ratings
The Subaru Impreza WRX has a reputation for being a more reliable car than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. According to Consumer Reports, the Impreza WRX has an average reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the Lancer Evo has a rating of 2 out of 5.
Maintenance Costs
The maintenance costs for the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo are comparable. Both cars require regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements. However, the Lancer Evo may require more frequent repairs due to its more complex all-wheel drive system.
Price and Value
Starting Prices
The Subaru Impreza WRX starts at around $30,000, while the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo starts at around $40,000.
Value Proposition
The Subaru Impreza WRX offers a better value proposition than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. It has a lower starting price, a more reliable reputation, and a wider range of features and amenities.
Which Car is Right for You?
The Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo are both excellent performance cars, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize reliability, value, and a spacious interior, the Subaru Impreza WRX is the better choice. If you crave maximum performance and a more focused driving experience, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo is the car for you.
The Final Verdict
In the battle of the rally legends, the Subaru Impreza WRX emerges as the overall winner. It offers a better balance of performance, reliability, and value than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. While the Lancer Evo may have a slight edge in acceleration and handling, the Impreza WRX is the more practical and well-rounded choice for most drivers.
Popular Questions
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has a more powerful engine with 303 horsepower compared to the Impreza WRX‘s 268 horsepower.
Q: Which car has a better all-wheel drive system?
A: Both cars have sophisticated all-wheel drive systems, but the Lancer Evo‘s Super All-Wheel Control system is slightly more advanced and responsive.
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: The Subaru Impreza WRX has a better reputation for reliability than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Impreza WRX has a more spacious interior with more headroom and legroom than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
Q: Which car is a better value?
A: The Subaru Impreza WRX offers a better value proposition with a lower starting price and a wider range of features and amenities.