BMW 135i vs Subaru STi vs Mitsubishi Evo X

By Bruno Bouchard

3rd place: Subaru WRX STi

Benjamin

Personally, I find the new STi quite fetching. It resembles a rally car with the wing openings and the embellishment touches. In addition, the new civilized look matches the comfort for everyday driving. However, know the STi is a real guzzler. This huge thirst never wanes, even at a constant highway speed. On the track, regardless of the powerful engine managing impressive acceleration, this Subaru has to contend with a rattling suspension. I expected predictable and even neutral handling. The car was often over steering in tight turns no matter how I adjusted the torque spread with the electronic differential. I believe a firmer suspension and more responsive steering would have allowed the Subaru to keep up with the Lancer Evo.
In spite of an impressive technical array (brakes, engine, and electronic differential) and being relatively lightweight, the STi does not provide the driving pleasure of the Mitsubishi or even the BMW; it also seems heavier than 1540 kg.

René:

As for me, the STi left me wanting more. I drove the older version in the past so I expected something more edgy. Evidently, it bares little resemblance to a Toyota but can I honestly say it deserves its reputation? Of this, I am sceptical. On the track, I found it difficult to adapt to an engine that races quickly to the rev limiter which activates a cut-off devoided of finesse. Not to mention the Subaru's hard to master stiletto point. I also found it tricky to modulate the transmission correctly. I was happy to try other vehicles that day because I was starting to question my driving skills.

It remains, however, an exciting experience on the track especially a car with such stable braking. The suspension, though, could be firmer and fuel consumption might dissuade more than a few.

The new generation Subaru STi, in my opinion, wants to widen the client base with its comfortable cab, the practical configuration and much lower noise level. The question is will it still please the six star STi crowd? I wouldn't bet my shirt on it.

Bruno

Before tackling the STi's handling on the track, I want to dispel the possible notion of my being the fastest; some will say I let others pass due to my generous nature, others will think I'm fearful. I prefer to attribute this to my well developed sense of self preservation. Now, I'm ready to share my experiences of that day.

At Calabogie, the succession of turns 10, 11, 12,( 12a and 12b ) and 13, also called Crown, Brow, Beak, and Throat east are, in my opinion, the ones that brings out the handling characteristics; the turns are negotiated at medium speed with Crown and Brow combining into a two apex turn where acceleration is quite gradual. One must, then, brake to negotiate the exit in two steps. Speed is not foremost on this technical stretch but holding the line keeps the car stable and fast.

The new generation Impreza STi sports a smarter look and a couple of turns will convince you of its all around maturity. I amused myself by giving whiplashes to passengers who boarded the prior version; the acceleration was truly breathtaking. The lunges were even as powerful when going into second and third gears. The conflicting emotions on the passenger's faces said it all; their wide open stares meant surprise and certain awe at the brutal acceleration but their grimaces, the shoulder taps and the blows signalled fear which boosted my expectations of this speedster.

During the trip to Calabogie Motorsports, it became obvious that the car was more comfortable than the previous generation; it took the bumps in stride and handled the numerous cracks and potholes. The steering seemed to have softened as well; still driver sensitive, it has lost the annoying incisiveness to the delight of city drivers. The transmission has softened in this new version; the friction limit glides in making for a smooth getaway. It simply does not want to be pushed. Luckily, Benjamin brought me back to reality. For a moment, I thought the STi had taken on bourgeois traits but shooting up to 3500 revs/pm, dropping the clutch and putting the pedal to the metal shook me out of my reverie. The STi remains sporty… its performance are still serious. The thrust is linear, therefore less extreme performance, yet the results are undeniable. The four tires bite, the rev limiter is reached at a blinding pace, top power in less than in takes to read this and the 135i is kept at bay. The STi would not tolerate it and so it should be. Benjamin is hailing me; he's as happy about the results as I am. We feel the ingredients are there for an excellent showdown. The initial surge surprises no one; there's very little difference among the STi, the Evo and the 135i. From the first turns, confidence in my vehicle ebbed more than it flowed. Although the STi offers a high level of stability, there's under steering, the softer suspension lags to communicating with the driver the reactions of the vehicle needing to be harnessed. The STi handles Crown but Brow complicates matters. In fact, my first pass was a wash-out. The STi did not embolden me enough to find the Brow's groove. You need to practice in order to master this car.

In conclusion, the quick STi has flaws. One should be a confidant pilot to handle the under steering and vigilant because the rev limiter cuts in rapidly and brutally.