There are two very competitive cars in the rally world. Both are very fast on and off the track. These two cars are new to the market and selling rapidly. Keeping the prices well above $30,000 is no match for what people will pay for them. .
On paper, the WRX STi is the hands-down winner. At 14.5 psi of boost, its 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 produces a remarkable 300 bhp at 6000 rpm and 300 lb.-ft of torque at 4000. In addition, there is more to this engine than a displacement increase, some bits and pieces from the WRC car made their way into the street model. Among them are variable valve timing, a larger intercooler (30 percent larger than in the Impreza WRX), a manually operated intercooler water spray, hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves and a new, freer-flowing exhaust system. Also of note is a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox that ends up playing a vital role in the WRX STi's performance data.
Both lightweight racers have an extraordinarily 0-60 time. The Mitsubihi Lancer Evo will do a 4.8, while the Subaru WRX Sti will do it in 4.6 seconds. On the track, the Lancer has a lap time of usually a half to a full second faster than the Sti. Where-as the Sti will get a person around town faster do to the stiffer suspension and faster acceleration. Not to mention curb weight of only 3240 lbs as apposed to 3270 for a Lancer Evo.
As far as the interior goes, it is a no brainer. The WRX has comfortable blue and black suede bucket seats as the Lancer has plain black cloth. Both are designed to fit five comfortable passengers. As far as front legroom goes, the Evo has a large 43.5 in. cabin apposed to 43.4 in. from Subaru. In the rear the Evo wins again with 23.5 in. where-as 23.0 in. for the WRX. .
No matter what the request, both are able to deliver unbelievable performance and styling. Not to mention the hundreds of awards won for the two. Picking between them is the only thing left to think about. .