M3 Vs. Subaru Impreza WRX Sti

[Z K]

I'd get an Evo if you are looking for a performance car bang for the buck. Generally the STI are more comfortable and softer but lack the edge you'd want in a sports car. Or it could be what you are looking for if you like a comfortable DD that has a kick without being hardcore. The Evo is much sharper in handling and road feel, easier to modify and more reliable in the long run. For a couple thousand dollars in mods, you can easily get M3 power and speed. The downside is the low-rent interior and lots of noise.

The way I see it, the STI is like softcore porn, it's good at first but eventually you'll want to see more. Then you'll want the hardcore Evo.

[Kartelli]

Originally Posted by 1Sleeper

Funny, I toyed with the idea of finding an XT "Sport" mt. I saw a few JDM STi versions and I loved the idea of something so practical I could mod the hell out of. That boxer with a few bolt ons happens to sound pretty good too. Came close on an STi when I was getting my last P Car. The Porsche dealer had one he took in on trade with almost no miles. One thing I could never get over was the interior. Just felt so cheap. Got a 335 instead and all was good with the world.

my first purchase out of university was an 06 sti with 4000 kms on the clock. When I compared it to the rest of the competition and the harsh winters we have in alberta it was a no brainer. Had a blast with the car for over 3 years and nearly 100k kms without any major problems. Invested 2.5k into it and had it running nearly 100hp/trq over stock. The interior wasnt bad overall, just the seats & the colour of the seats. Alot of people swap them out for aftermarket seats. Its funny cause soo many people swap out the m3 seats for something else, even though they are probably the best seats on the market for comfort/performance. Ironic lol.

The Forester is another beast, I've seen the jdm swaps being done, and for a family man that needs utility, while having some fun with the vehicle, it's definitely a cheaper/reliable option than many of the competitors.

[VenomBMW]

Hey guys! I've been gone for a bit, I might've been blocked lol, but I still haven't made a decision. I've read all the great replies and am leaning away from the Subaru after test driving both. However, I'm reading that the Mitsubishi Evo Mr is like a baby GT-R which really attracts me. It has superb AWD and it looks nice. Its got excellent handling, looks great, and seems useable as a DD. Until now, I've driven the M3 twice and love it, only thing keeping me back is its RWD.

[1Sleeper]

Originally Posted by VenomBMW

Hey guys! I've been gone for a bit, I might've been blocked lol, but I still haven't made a decision. I've read all the great replies and am leaning away from the Subaru after test driving both. However, I'm reading that the Mitsubishi Evo Mr is like a baby GT-R which really attracts me. It has superb AWD and it looks nice. Its got excellent handling, looks great, and seems useable as a DD. Until now, I've driven the M3 twice and love it, only thing keeping me back is its RWD.

Sounds like you arent a "badge whore" so you appreciate a well sorted car regardless of price. Thats a sweet little car for the money and driving around in my M3 I can assure you I would never F with one that I thought was even slightly modded (dont want to be too embarrassed). Add snow tires and its probably a hoot in the white stuff. Doesnt Mitsu have a really long warranty these days?

[bobbyd1961]

i blew some sti punks doors off in central jersey. im sorry but they all look like hoods. and they look at us with such jelousy its laughable.

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by bobbyd1961

i blew some sti punks doors off in central jersey. im sorry but they all look like hoods. and they look at us with such jelousy its laughable.

Yah totally true - all STi drivers are hoods. All M3 drivers are cocks.

[bholloway]

Originally Posted by bobbyd1961

i blew some sti punks doors off in central jersey. im sorry but they all look like hoods. and they look at us with such jelousy its laughable.

You sound like a typical arrogant BMW owner who thinks his M3 is the best car in the world. In reality you're probably just a ignorant, fat, and balding middle aged man who lacks the intelligence to appreciate all types of cars. Your BMW isn't that special and neither are you.

[stefan]

This comparison might be somewhat more worthwhile when the 2012 STi is finally announced. Subaru has mentioned to have "high expectations" for it. Rumors point to a new engine (finally) with a sizable power bump in the 330hp range (citation). If they find a way to increase the fit and finish (which is TERRIBLE in an STi), you might be somewhat better off to compare them. Even so, I personally still would not compare these two cars but it seems to come up enough on this forum.

[Lorde]

I just went out for a drive in my 2007 STI, and oh man, the car is no where close to the M3 in stock form. You really have to wring the crap out of the STI. But as most others have said, it's a blast in the snow and with the right mods, can be pretty damn quick. I can't believe I'm getting rid of it.

[Evooooo]

Evo X all the way over the STI, much better platform to work with too. Handeling is better than both the M3 & the STI throw a decent set of coils & you got yourself one nasty handeling car. Also great thing about the Evo X is you can make dumb power for cheap & walk an M3 or sti. Thats what I did but than I got bored threw a big turbo on n buh bye porsche turbos . Oh another note tho im super excited to get my 2011 335I X Drive

[Kartelli]

^lol the Evo loyalists are just as hardcore as the STi loyalists.

It's the same comparison as the e92 m3 and the c63 amg.

[1Sleeper]

Originally Posted by Evooooo

Evo X all the way over the STI, much better platform to work with too. Handeling is better than both the M3 & the STI throw a decent set of coils & you got yourself one nasty handeling car. Also great thing about the Evo X is you can make dumb power for cheap & walk an M3 or sti. Thats what I did but than I got bored threw a big turbo on n buh bye porsche turbos . Oh another note tho im super excited to get my 2011 335I X Drive

Congrats on the new car. I have one sitting next to the M3 and its a great car. You will want to address the crappy suspension immediately, especially if you are coming from and EVO. Some damn quick EVO's around. As I said in another post, if it even looks slightly modded, stay away . Good luck.

[aberdeen]

M3's are just so classy

[fenderltd]

I just bought a 2011 STI and had it for about 70 days before getting another M. The STI was a fun car, did some auto X in it, just had a great time flying around and not being a little worried of messing something up. Having an E60 M5 before, I just couldn't get the M out of a brain. I'm not back in a 2011 M3 and couldn't be happier

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by bobsmith

I still have my '07 STI and it is the best car I have ever owned. I have put almost 60,000 miles on it as my DD over the last 3.5 years, and it has never given any trouble at all. Doesn't have a single rattle after all those miles, and the (cheap) interior has held up beautifully even with two small kids riding in it for 70+ miles every day. Guess I have been lucky. Its also been an absolute blast to drive. I will really miss it when its gone...

That said, my e90 M3 6MT is on its way, so I am really pumped for what should be be a very nice upgrade

I had an 07 STI as well. Most reliable car i've owned over 73,000 miles. Not a single problem. I will definitely miss it when the snow comes.

[chmura]

I had an STI on order. Waited 3 months for it to arrive. during the first 2.5 months my wife kept on telling me not to get the STI and buy what I really want (M3). Reason I choose the STI because its cheaper and I'm conservative on how much I spend. So I canceled the STI order and ordered an e90 M3. Picking it up in Germany in September!