by Talon » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:57 pm
This is kind of tough because, even though I’ve driven a fair amount of cars, nothing really in the same class as the Evo… at least extensively.
1) Exterior: 8.5. I’ve always loved the jagged-edged look of the Evo. Being a child of the 80s and crediting the 88 Countach as the car that got me into cars, I think you can see why. I think it’s very aggressive, and I like the FMIC from the factory. The big, red Brembos and BBS wheels don’t hurt either. The exposed carbon fiber on the rear wing is also really cool. To top it all off, the Electric Pearl Blue is the best color ever and the fact this car is that color makes it even more stunning. I think I’ve only ever seen one other EPB Evo 8/9 ever. In 03 & 04, the blue was different called Blue By You. It was lighter and more of a matte. The EPB is darker with the flakes and everything. Love it.
I don’t really like the ass end view of the car. I think it’s pretty plane-Jane. I also hate the white-out tail lights. Wish it came with just regular red lights, but not worth the $$$ to replace them. I used to really dig the wing but as I get older I do wish it were smaller. I am liking the looks of the small ‘trunk-bump’ style more. But, again, the wing does serve a purpose and I am not going to pay to get rid of it. And, again, the exposed carbon fiber center and sides (internally) is cool.
I wouldn't be surprised if 99.9% of the people out there driving, have no idea what an Evo is when they see me on the streets.
2) Interior: 4. Let’s face it, the $30k this car cost went into everything but the interior. The Recaro seats are amazing but that’s pretty much where it ends. Otherwise a very Spartan, utilitarian interior with no cruise control. Thankfully, I don’t give a fuck.
3) Engine: 9.5. The 4G63T needs no praise from me. I do wish it was a little torqueier down low than it is, but that’s the price you pay for having 2.0l and a decent size turbo. I am surprised the Evo X wasn’t a 2.3 or bigger since they redesigned an engine for that car. That being said, I am glad the 8s had the 4G63T. Acceleration in the Evo is also very violent. It goes from Jeckle to Hyde almost instantaneously… and I love it.
4) Gearbox: 9. Gave it a nine because it’s never done me wrong. I do wish it had another gear for freeway use… shorten up 5th a littler and make a taller 6th.
5) Handling: 10. Can’t say enough about this car’s handling. The steering is pin-point and the car just goes where you point it. It’s very confident building. It doesn’t plow like most Subarus and even if you come into a corner way too hot, give it some gas and it’ll pull you right where you want to go. Even when the tail comes loose, a quick counter steer and she’s straight again; you don’t even need to let off the throttle.
One of the biggest impressions this car left on me is when I went to an AutoX and it began to rain. I put the ACD in Gravel (Rain) setting, and was able to drive in the wet just as aggressively as the dry. Other drivers were working like mad to get good laps, whereas the Evo would just go. And that’s the thing about this car: the harder you push it the better it responds. It’s easy to see why Clarkson was able to out-handle a Murcielago in an Evo.
6) Practicality: 9. Even with all the sportiness of the car, it’s also extremely practical. It has four doors, AWD, four cylinder (low 20s mpg, but it could do better) and a decent size trunk. There is plenty of leg room for rear passengers and a baby seat fits in the back much better than my Subaru. My only issue is that the rear seats don’t fold down (but they don’t fold down on my Impreza either).
7) Value: 9.5. You seriously can’t beat this car for price, performance, and practically. Sure, there are cars faster, cheaper, and bigger, but not in the same car. I challenge you to name one, sold in North America, than can do it all better than the Evo (and don’t say WRX, basically the same thing as far as this criteria is concerned).
8) In conclusion, you have to want to drive an Evo to drive an Evo. It’s acceleration is violent, it’s loud, and it’s bumpy. All of these things can be viewed as a negative, which is why I think the STI is/was outselling the Evo: the STI is a more watered down counterpart, that’s got more gizmos inside, a smoother ride, and a smoother power curve. However, to me, all the aforementioned things about the Evo are what make it a real driver’s car.
Last edited by
Talon on Mon Apr 27, 2015 9:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.