Video - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Since the dawn of the stoplight, drivers have been challenging one another for automotive bragging rights. Just as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang have been pitted against one another since the mid-1960s, the last decade has given rise to more international rivalries, due in some part to the advent of PlayStation and the Gran Turismo video game franchise. These games are heavily credited for inspiring Mitsubishi and Subaru to bring over their World Rally Championship-focused Lancer Evolution and WRX turbocharged, all-wheel-drive cars to the United States. The wild-winged, previous-generation cars took the video game competition to the street bragging rights, creating a legion of loyal enthusiasts. When the redesigned models were introduced, we had to stage our own showdown.

In the October issue, we rounded up several sporty cars, ranging from the affordable Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V to the premium BMW 135i. In the mix were the Evolution and WRX STi. We have treated them all to traditional standalone road tests (available to online subscribers) and videos, though we couldn’t resist pitting the rally twins against each other in this bonus video.

Resident hot-shoe and expert race driver, Senior Auto Engineer Jake Fisher puts the pair to the ultimate shoot-out around our test track, offering running commentary. The lap times and even the footage compare their speed around the track. Watch our video to see which car wins, or click over to "300-hp Club Shootout: BMW 135i vs. Mitsubishi Evolution vs. Subaru WRX STi" for a spoiler.

—Jeff Bartlett

Comments

[Steve Bier]

Now, THAT was awesome!!!!!!!!

[david]

Cool video. Love to see more of this type in the future.

[melville248]

That was fun. I want Jake's job.

[Don]

I have a regular 2008 Subaru WRX 5-door with nav, not the STI and boy am I embarrassed for Subaru! I mean the last WRX lost to the Evo, now the new one too. Does Subaru want any market share? Not only do they not have a dual clutch gearbox but there regular manual is notchy and there clutch is like a leg press machine. I am 245 pound ex-college football player! Please Subaru realize you are at a major competitive disadvantage and retune the chassis, buy a gearbox from the upcoming Audi S4's supplier and add an active rear differential. Even if you have to charge a few grand more, if you build they will come and buy it. One more thing get rid of the headliner that has worse quality then my old BMW's trunk carpet.

[Sam]

if you thought that was cool go download a episode of Top Gear, That will knock your socks off!