Well today was the day - I decided to go for a test drive of the new Evo X to compare it with the RB...

Firstly the looks:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4253.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4255.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4256.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4257.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4259.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4260.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4261.jpg

So then we went out to play...

I was driving the GSR 300 SST model...

For those who aren't aware this is their 6 speed Auto, paddle shift version, 0-60 in 4.7, list price around £32k so not too far away from the RB...

Internals:

Good level of spec - Combined Sat nav, dvd player, cd player (with HDD to store your CD's - play them once they're always available), Rain sensitive wipers, Turning headlights, fogs, mode change for the auto box (test drive was in sports - there's also a super sports akin to the sports sharpon the STi 08)...

Comparisons with the RB - more internal space, especially for rear passengers, seats offer far more support, overall interior looks a bit plain but no more so than the RB - level of kit wise - I'd say 1-0 to the Evo :o Versus the new STi - comparable space inside, boot might be a touch larger on the new STi

Exterior:

Looks aggressive yet looks a bit more refined than the RB - for example look at the rear spoiler - looks more as part of the car as oppose to bolted on... Front lip looks more aggressive on the RB... Scoop also looks more aggressive on the RB - I'm going to call it a draw :) I'm not going to compare it to the new STi as it's a touch unfair ;)

Driving:

Aah the all important bit - my test drive was a mix of country roads and dual carriageways...

Firstly - The noise - or lack of! No RB growl - A bit like the STi 08 in that there's very little cabin noise although to compare the 2 - The evo sounds like it's built better and keeps the noise out as oppose to the STi 08 not making it in the first place... Rb sounds nicer as you take it down the road...

Suspension - I have to admit the Evo strikes a nice balance of grip and feel without the overall shaking ride... RB feels quicker on the road at the same speed as the Evo - if you move to one from the other watch the speedo because you will be surprised ;) Evo is harder than the new STi and provides a lot more feel - even when you're testing to see if the yaw control works ;)

The gearbox - An Auto gearbox on a performance car - what on earth were Mitsi thinking - that was my initial view... But OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An Auto box that holds revs (3k revs, back off and it doesn't just decide to move up a gear!), slowing down and it gears down and revs the engine to give you some engine braking, abuse it it down a road and it's changes are remarkably quick...
But hang on - it's got paddles - let's play ;) Paddle shift like no other I've tried - The secret here is that it's twin clutch - you're in third and acceleratting - it's already got fourth hooked up and ready to play - go for the change and before you realise it it's already there :o Versus the RB with quick shift - sorry but that can now be christened slow shift :o

Overall drive verdict - slightly different animals - the RB is more focused (not neccesarily quicker down the same road), the Evo is more refined but still with that animal edge - For everyday I'd say the Evo wins, for track the RB - Overall I'd say the Evo edges it :o Versus the new STi it's clearer cut and the Evo is ahead by a mile...

Cost - Well to be honest the Evo is slightly more than I paid for the RB - but spec the RB up to the same level and the Evo's cheaper... Versus the new STi at 25k? Well let's add the Sat Nav/DVD etc, £1.5k?, PPP When it comes out but let's say 1.5k and now we're looking at £28k versus £32k before we start talking about 18" wheels (standard on the Evo) and some of the other toys it comes with... If you're stretching to make the money to get the new STi it's not a competition but if you're speccing one up then they're on a par....

Final verdict:

3 questions:

1. Would I trade in my RB today to get an Evo GSR SST?

2. If I was buying a new RB tomorrow would I get that or an Evo GSR SST?

3. If I was buying a new STi tomorrow would I get that or an Evo GSR SST?

Well the answers are:

Keep the RB...

Get the Evo

Get the Evo

Obviously all IMHO, no speed limits were broken or animals harmed in the making of this rather amateur review ;)

RB320=rip off by Subaru UK.

people must of been stark raving mad to fork out top dollar for this model:(

RB320=rip off by Subaru UK.

people must of been stark raving mad to fork out top dollar for this model:(

I disagree - compare it with an STi (UK), add PPP, 18" wheels and then the suspension - if you were going to buy an STi and keep it standard it's not for you - if you were going to mod then it's an interesting path...

Add in the limited build number and the effect on residuals and it's a valid choice IM biased HO :D

RB320=rip off by Subaru UK.

people must of been stark raving mad to fork out top dollar for this model:(

I agree 100%

Must admit, that Evo is something else :thumb:

My choice i would get a spec c type ra.The evo looks like a weird Volvo

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/darren2006/evo%20test%20drive/IMG_4257.jpg

RB320 wins on looks IMHO, gorgeous car!

TX.

Been ages since I actually read a thread that discussed a subaru or an EVO in any detail. Anyway I read this one and quite enjoyed it. Well done for spending the time doing it

I prefer the looks of the scoob to be honest. The evo looks so tame and everyday! It could blend in with Alfas and volvos! I bet it was a great drive though

its certainly more understated then the evo 9...this however http://www32.homepage.villanova.edu/john.crimmins/evooooo_RA1.jpg
WOW :notworthy
still think your rb is better looking then the evo u tried imo

I prefer the looks of the scoob to be honest. The evo looks so tame and everyday! It could blend in with Alfas and volvos! I bet it was a great drive though

Yes, but throw a few choice bits at it and it will look far from tame.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/varboy/untitledfe.jpg:notworthy:luvlove:

niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice

How similar the evo looks like at the rear to the new lexus is200? Especially despoilered!

Very good read - thaks for sharing Darren :)

Personal opinion, but the Evo looks much more up to date, stylish and aggressive. Yes, it shares some features with other marques, but the Scoob looks lumpen and clumsy in comparison. The rear lights on the Scoob are too big and dominate what is already a big butt. The spoiler doesn't integrate with the overall design and looks plonked on and awkward. The curves and bulges make it look overweight, whereas the Evo has a clinical, razor-sharp look with all its features complimenting. I love Scoobs, but in those pics the Evo just leaves it for dead IMHO. I've not driven an 'X', and my past experience of Evo's has left me disappointed with the electronic driver aids removing feel and enjoyment in favour of quite astonishing speed, leaving me preferring the hands-on involved feeling of Scoobs. I shall definitely drive an 'X' before I consider another Scoob though.

Did you notice the EVO throwing unburnt fuel out of the back? I followed an EVO X 330 today, and every time the driver put his foot down, clouds of unburnt fuel erupted from the exhausts - those unaware of what an EVO is, would have thought it were diesel powered (that's totally serious).

them wheels on the evo look no where near 18's lol, they look about 15

Latest issue of EVO magazine, Evo X get's fairly well beaten by the 08 STI.
Makes for an interesting read and is the first time I can recall a subaru victory over mistubishi in the history of the two models.

16 to 17 MPG and a range of 150 miles per tank in the Evo :eek2:
That should make sales interesting with the current fuel situation.

The Subaru's over a second quicker to 100 and gets to 130 4.5 seconds before the Evo.

With the price difference in the STI's favour the only reason to even consider the Evo is looks and if that was of any importance the potential owner wouldn't even be considering these two brands...

In the Autocar video by Steve Sutcliffe they do a 0-100 in both cars. The EVO posts a terrible 14.9 seconds, the STI 12.7. The EVO is right lardy car, If I was going to by an EVO again I'd stick with a IX.

RB320!

You should not have wasted so much bandwidth in the first place by comparing them!:lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

Well today was the day - I decided to go for a test drive of the new Evo X to compare it with the RB...


The gearbox - An Auto gearbox on a performance car - what on earth were Mitsi thinking - that was my initial view... But OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An Auto box that holds revs (3k revs, back off and it doesn't just decide to move up a gear!), slowing down and it gears down and revs the engine to give you some engine braking, abuse it it down a road and it's changes are remarkably quick...
But hang on - it's got paddles - let's play ;) Paddle shift like no other I've tried - The secret here is that it's twin clutch - you're in third and acceleratting - it's already got fourth hooked up and ready to play - go for the change and before you realise it it's already there :o Versus the RB with quick shift - sorry but that can now be christened slow shift :o


Obviously all IMHO, no speed limits were broken or animals harmed in the making of this rather amateur review ;)

Just to point out that the gearbox is not an auto - as you quite rightly said later in the paragraph - it is a twin-clutch system (autos don't have clutches they have torque converters) so it will stay in whatever gear you keep it in for as long as you want (unless you are doing something foolish that the electronics want to avoid damage)
Nice write up though - EVO mag might give a good write up to the STi but it's down to individual preference at the end of the day.

Went and had a look-see at the 'X' yesterday and confirmed my opinions. Styling-wise it is leagues ahead of the new Impreza, even the fettled STi. I was particularly impressed to see various components which usually reside under the bonnet (battery, washer bottles and pumps, AYC bottle) had migrated to the boot, obviously to spread weight around. I still haven't driven either, and going by what others have said about reviewers comments and some peoples own test-drive or ownership experiences, then if I am to put my hand in my pocket it may well be the Scoob which wins out, but the aggressive, razor-sharp 'X' styling has me smitten for now.

If i had to choose i would much prefer the Rb320 for looks (havent drivin either). The rb320 is one of my favourite impreza's and looks much much better than the evo x imo :).

RB all the way :D

Personal opinion, but the Evo looks much more up to date, stylish and aggressive. Yes, it shares some features with other marques, but the Scoob looks lumpen and clumsy in comparison. The rear lights on the Scoob are too big and dominate what is already a big butt. The spoiler doesn't integrate with the overall design and looks plonked on and awkward. The curves and bulges make it look overweight, whereas the Evo has a clinical, razor-sharp look with all its features complimenting. I love Scoobs, but in those pics the Evo just leaves it for dead IMHO. I've not driven an 'X', and my past experience of Evo's has left me disappointed with the electronic driver aids removing feel and enjoyment in favour of quite astonishing speed, leaving me preferring the hands-on involved feeling of Scoobs. I shall definitely drive an 'X' before I consider another Scoob though.

Good post - totaly sumed up how I feel about the merits of the Evo and Scoob :)

The front of the Evo looks like a Volvo, the rear like an alfa!......the RB320 looks much nicer in my opinion.

Good write-up :thumb: