i was just trolling around looking for body kits for the new mazda 3 (which i can't find using the search button) and came across this thread.
anyway, i think you should get the evo, hands down. there's a whole legacy behind this car that's just mind boggling if you sit down and think about it. plus, the evo's numbers are barely behind the STi's in comparison tests (and in some cases it's faster). the steering ratio is much, much shorter than the STi, which gives it that razor-like steering feel. the engine is damn near bullet proof, while the STi is aluminum with a history (albeit short) of pinging. the STi does not come with sunroof or cd player because it's marketed as a more "hardcore driver's car"... yet the general consensus of STi owners is that it's a better daily driver car than the evo. if it's a better daily driver car, why is it supposedly a more "hardcore driver's" car? bad marketing,? no.. i think suby simply did not achieve what it meant to. also remember the STi in america is different from other STis in the world; only in america do we get the 2.5 300 hp /300 tq engine... everywhere else it's the same 2.0 276 hp/xx tq engine. this engine has NOT been tested; there is simply NO way to discern whether or not it will hold up in the long run. admittedly, one would not worry TOO much about it, since subaru has a pretty good history, but the concern will always lurk there.
the power in the evo is astonishing. the STi is presumably more so (haven't driven one, just been in em); however, to the person that wrote
"but they don't have the power for the money"... i really dont' think the difference is to the point where one could say it's not worth the 30k. to say that the evo's power output isnt' enough... uhm... that's kind of ignorant. let's play what if for a sec: the msrp for the STi is like 2k more than the evo (i really dont' get where everyone is getting that the STi is cheaper... and let's not get into "oh my friend got it for this much... cuz it's a bs argument if we go there). put that 2k towards the evo and you have a car that's JUST as powerful (if not more so) and will ALWAYS handle better.
also, since everyone seems to be mag racing, the STi's win/loss record against the evo in mags isn't exactly... "shining"....
the exterior/interior debate is subjective.. though i'd say the STi reminds me a bit of a KIA... i personally prefer the evo's interior... they both are more functional that form-based. the seating position in the STi is more awkward, and the seats don't hold you in as well. i think the evo's much more comfy, and is larger.
true, i wish the evo came with ayc/acd... but it's not something you'll miss because you don't know what it feels like WITH the car, not to mention that the car outhandles the STi hands down anyway.
i prefer 5 speed gearboxes.. less shifting... which has affected the STi's numbers when comparison testing (though i can't remember what magazine i read said numbers in)... to the person that said that you'll get confused in a rush with the evo in regards to the intercooler spray.. most people just set the button on AUTO and not worry about it.
in regards to the evo rs: it's lighter by something like 150 pounds.. but if you get the jungle package (which includes the spoiler and body paint matched door handles and some other stuff i cant remember) then it cuts that weight loss down even more. i think it's just kind of waste of money for 27k. just get the regular evo for 1.5-3 k more... but some people are more into the purity of racing. it's also got a front lsd which the evo doesn't have. i haven't read too many things on the RS magazine wise, since it's not exactly open to the public yet... but you could always wait for it to come out. but from what i HAVE read, there isn't much difference at ALL... in fact, the spoiler-less RS was said to be more unstable at high speed cornering (of course)....
anyway, i don't want to look like i'm ragging on the STi, i think it's a great car... it does have 3 lsds, and more power... more comfort for daily driving... it gets down to personal preference. i personally prefer the Evo...
www.evolutionm.net
www.nasioc.com
these sites may better help you in your comparo.
also, the SRT-4's a good car... it does, after all, have a mitsu turbo

... and is ultra fast, fantastic value... handles well with the front lsd... not great, but well for an american 'muscle' car.