And yet the EVO still handles better and is more rewarding to drive nine times out of 10 ;)

His is a Manual. I was in my C5Z with full bolt ons and a tune on 295 NT05R’s. It wasn’t even close from a dig or a roll. But we both had fun. He didn’t realize how quick a C5Z can be with a few mods.

My experience is limited to friends who modified theirs north of 400 to the wheels and the numerous obstacles that they’ve had to overcome. It’s more or less a running joke at this point in regard to what drive-train piece has put their car on jack stands that week.

Yup. I’ve heard the same thing. The MR is pretty cool, but I’ve heard the 6 speed in those are PITA as well.

I’ve replied to too many comments on this post to know which one you are referring to.

That’s just not true. The 5 speed in the WRX cannot stand up to more than 400whp for very long without needing a serious rebuild. I’m not saying this from personal experience. It’s based off of what I’ve seen in person at the track and from talking to friends who are die-hard Subaru people.

Interesting. In the last few years, the 2.0 turbo from VW finally started churning out some impressive numbers in stock and modified form. But to your point, I really don’t want to risk having issues with one their newer models and I’d really prefer to get something made no later than 2014 for financing reasons.

I’m in a similar position. Cars like these are phenomenal, but I just feel out of place behind the wheel of an STI or EVO. As far as the VW goes... don’t want to mess with a German car. I want something reliable and fun, but inconspicuous. So far I’ve been leaning towards an IS350. Not as quick as an STI, but still…

Yup. It’s striking how big the difference is between a W211 and a W213 in terms of handling, and most everything else.

My mistake. It would be a money pit in my hands because I know I wouldn’t be able to keep it stock. Bigger turbo and supportng mods, etc. Which would invariably lead to replacing transmission after transmission after transmission.

Yup. Ford and VW have obviously joined the party but it’s somehow not the same. Can’t put my finger on it. The Subie V EVO rivalry was just classic and perfect somehow. Two tools that accomplished the same task in very different ways.

I mean, I had a GVR4 that made about 400 to the wheels, but that had a 5 speed and the gear spacing was pretty decent. In the STI, you just never stop shifting. If I remember correctly, I had to shift into 3rd before I hit 60mph. That’s kinda crazy in a car that has more than enough torque and displacement to…

True, but the EVO is also head and shoulders above the 2.5 impreza in terms of acceleration, braking, handling, and general driving dynamics. It’s like comparing a 328i to an M3. Nothing wrong with a 328i, but the M3 is just on a different level.

I don’t like the transmission or the general handling of the STI. It feels more front heavy and seemed to like to understeer more than the EVO. That 6 speed killed the experience for me though. Felt like I was constantly shifting.

This guy gets it

I had a 1992 Galant VR4 with plenty of goodies. One of the quickest cars I’ve owned. But it also quickly soured my feelings towards AWD cars with decent power. I went through several transmissions and other drive-train parts. It was a money pit in every definition of the term. But it was a blast to drive.

I was speaking relatively to other cars in its segment. The A6, GS, CTS, and 5 series all have much more rewarding handling. The CTS impressed me the most. The GS has softened up a bit recently and I preferred the one right before the most recent face lift. That car had a superb chassis.

Counterpoint:

I wouldn’t...

You had a first gen then. The stock engine is anemic and it’s set up to be practical and useful, so not much soul.