Hi there
Well I've gone to what EVO owners would consider the dark side today, I've driven a pair of Subaru's, quite possibly the best Impreza's ever designed and my god were they good!
To me they are all just cars, I don't get into the EVO vs Scooby debates, but still its a good laugh.
Anyway onto the cars:-
Subaru Impreza S204
- 360-380BHP (Mapped for UK Fuel) and has Milltek turbo back system.
- VF42 Turbo
- Alacantra interior, special recaro seats
- 8200rpm limit
- Many other modifications over a standard UK STI
First impressions of the S204 is that its got to be the classiest Impreza I've ever seen, to look out it screams elegance, I know can the same word surely be used in the same sentence as an impreza.
Getting into the car, I find my first issue, as stunning as those carbon fibre seats look, my back just does not fit in them, damn the gym, my back and shoulders are too wide, which makes it quite uncomfortable.
Next thing I notice, there is hardly any classic Subaru burble, which is down to the S204 using a 2.0l engine with equal length headers, the extra reliability and power of the 2.0l unit unfortunately does not sound as great as your usual 2.5l everyday Scooby, but it does still sound better than the EVO.
Anyway onto the drive and good stuff.
The steering does have more feel and feels a tad quicker, this is important to me, but at the same time I need to consider my car is now running mushy winter tyres which reduces feel and sharpness of turn in. Still the S204 steering does seem very direct, quick with good feel. Now onto the power delivery, WOW, the car is not laggy at all like normal subaru's boost is coming on nicely at 2500rpm and by 3500rpm the pull from that turbo is ferocious right upto the 8200rpm. So similar powerband to the EVO but when turbo is on full song it seems to pull harder, which I put down to the S204's lighter weight of just circa 1420kg, compared to the EVO's 1550kg.
The brakes are absolutely immense, BUT the car was fitted with alcon 6 pots in the front and 4 pots in the rear, needless to say you could easily stop this car with ease from any speed.
The gearbox, I really liked, its an ever so slightly shorter throw compared to the EVO and its a six speed too.
Still the seats been so uncomfortable as me not fitting into them make this a no no.
Subaru Impreza Spec C (Hawkeye, what Type 25 is based on)
- 320BHP.
- VF37 Turbo
- 8200rpm limit
- Re-inforced strut towers for added steering feel
- Pink STi suspension
- 17" wheels with Bridgestone RE070 tyres
- Many other modifications over a standard UK STI
So I next took out a brand new Hawkeye Spec C, only 500 miles on the clock. First thing I notice is that newness smell, secondly I fit in the seats and they are nice, not quite as supportive as the recaro's in the EVO but still very nice. Infact the interior plastics seem slightly softer than those in the EVO's, so better quality, but the interior in these Subaru's is not as good as the EVO for sure.
I set the DCCD for maximum power to the back wheels and off we set. First thing I notice is this feels a lot more firmer on the road, which is no doubt due to the Pink STI suspension setup and the very stiffed sidewall Bridgestone RE070 tyres.
The steering is also faster, again no doubt down to the stiffer suspension and very stiffed sidewall tyres, the car feels incredibly light on its feet and so so nimble, infact it is at just 1390kg.
Power delivery is good, turbo is spooling again from 2500rpm, seems to come on strong around 4000rpm and holds well, though we did not take this one past 6500rpm due to it only having 500 miles on the clock, but it felt like it would keep pulling strong upto at least 7000rpm. I am sure a remap, exhaust would see this pull hard to the limiter like the S204 or an LM400 conversion.
Handling wise, this car is full of feel, great steering, plenty of communication at all points, centre, turn in, mid corner, corner exit etc. Grip also seems quite incredible but at the same time this car does seem a bit twitchy due to how firm it is, which could hinder progress and make it a bit snappy but at the same time this translates into a more fun experience. Plus I can see this car been awsome on the track.
The brakes are easily as good as the EVO, but they should be, its got the same setup or very similar and this car weighs a good 150kg less.
I think a Spec C could be for me, I suspect one with intake, exhaust, remap would make circa 360-380BHP and pull extremely well and the 2.0l JDM engines are good for 450BHP reliably if you upgrade the turbo.
For comparison sake I then took the EVO on the same stretches of road I drove the Impreza's on, the first thing I notice is softer feel and less confidence inspiring due to the winter tyres, but I think back to how good the EVO felt on its AD08's and how much confidence they inspired due to ultra firm sidewalls.
What I did notice with the EVO is its suspension setup seems to soak the bumps up better and does not get upset, wheras the Spec C I could see getting a bit bumpy. Corner speed wise I can match if not beat everytime in the EVO which is respect to the EVO's abilities.
Though I did get the idea the Spec C would turn tighter, grip more and give a more thrilling drive.
Also I noticed with the Impreza's they seem far more keen to launch, they boost strong in 1st gear wheras the EVO restricts boost and they seem a lot more willing to launch hard wheras the Subuaru's seem keen to launch and their clutches strong.
To Summarise for those interested:-
- EVO has slightly better power band, 2000rpm upwards its boosting and it holds upto redline. The S204 came in about 500ish rpm later but it did feel stronger on full boost, the Spec C was standard so it came on about 1000rpm higher and showed signs of trailing off around 6500rpm ish.
- EVO is better on UK roads, handles imperfections, bumps and cambers better.
- EVO has a more functional interior, full rockford fosgate HDD sound system, satnav, bluetooth, best recaro seats and more room in the back.
- Spec C has best steering feel, quickest steering, razer sharp, more sharper than CSL.
- Spec C firm ride gives more communication/feel, it feels more fun and hugely confidence inspiring, though I feel if you get it wrong not quite as forgiving as the EVO.
- S204 turbo is wonderful, so much grunt, it pushed you back in the seat hard and is relentless, the VF42 is very nice.
Out of the three the EVO is the more grown up car, its more forgiving and probably quicker on a UK country road, but marginally at best. Its interior is not great quality, but its functional and a nice place to be with the seats been a truly fantastic feature.
The S204 for a Subaru is very classy, the Turbo is immense and it handles very similar to the EVO, I'd rate them very evenly and both good on UK roads, just a shame I don't fit in the seats otherwise it could be a firm favourite.
The Spec C feels incredibly light, its so pointy, so adjustable, you can be mid corner at 80mph and just shake the steering wheel and the car just moves around with ease, incredibly direct and quick on the steering. It also takes hardly any steering input to create movement. Its still a damn fast car with just 320BHP, but its not got enough pace to keep the EVO in touch, but am sure with 360ish horses it would. I feel on a track day the Spec C would be supreme, I suspect it would turn tighter and faster.
So do I sell the EVO?
Not right now, I am gonna keep it throughout winter, then put the AD08's back on in Spring, then go try some more Spec C's and then I might make the move to a Subaru, but it will be a Hawkeye Spec C and I shall be modding it for sure. As I feel the Spec C could be made into a stupidly quick car with close to 400BHP in something with 17" wheels and weighing sub 1400kg.
Plus the Spec C looks truly awsome in white with white wheels.
For any Subaru owners who have only driven UK models, might I suggest you try a JDM 2.0l Spec C varient, they really are night and day better over a UK car. A bit like a M3 CSL compared to a normal M3 in a way. The only downfall is the JDM 2.0l don't have that Subaru burble. But the understeer so many complain off with UK Subaru's seems none existent in the JDM Spec C model and its steering is so superior to that of the UK cars.
Any questions just ask as I covered as much as possible but may have missed bits out.
For my oppinion on the Scoob vs EVO argument I'd say UK EVO's are better than UK Scoobies without a doubt.
However when you bring JDM Scoobies into the equation I think the more hardcore Scoobies are easily as good on the road and probably better on track.
Well I've gone to what EVO owners would consider the dark side today, I've driven a pair of Subaru's, quite possibly the best Impreza's ever designed and my god were they good!
To me they are all just cars, I don't get into the EVO vs Scooby debates, but still its a good laugh.
Anyway onto the cars:-
Subaru Impreza S204
- 360-380BHP (Mapped for UK Fuel) and has Milltek turbo back system.
- VF42 Turbo
- Alacantra interior, special recaro seats
- 8200rpm limit
- Many other modifications over a standard UK STI
First impressions of the S204 is that its got to be the classiest Impreza I've ever seen, to look out it screams elegance, I know can the same word surely be used in the same sentence as an impreza.
Getting into the car, I find my first issue, as stunning as those carbon fibre seats look, my back just does not fit in them, damn the gym, my back and shoulders are too wide, which makes it quite uncomfortable.
Next thing I notice, there is hardly any classic Subaru burble, which is down to the S204 using a 2.0l engine with equal length headers, the extra reliability and power of the 2.0l unit unfortunately does not sound as great as your usual 2.5l everyday Scooby, but it does still sound better than the EVO.
Anyway onto the drive and good stuff.
The steering does have more feel and feels a tad quicker, this is important to me, but at the same time I need to consider my car is now running mushy winter tyres which reduces feel and sharpness of turn in. Still the S204 steering does seem very direct, quick with good feel. Now onto the power delivery, WOW, the car is not laggy at all like normal subaru's boost is coming on nicely at 2500rpm and by 3500rpm the pull from that turbo is ferocious right upto the 8200rpm. So similar powerband to the EVO but when turbo is on full song it seems to pull harder, which I put down to the S204's lighter weight of just circa 1420kg, compared to the EVO's 1550kg.
The brakes are absolutely immense, BUT the car was fitted with alcon 6 pots in the front and 4 pots in the rear, needless to say you could easily stop this car with ease from any speed.
The gearbox, I really liked, its an ever so slightly shorter throw compared to the EVO and its a six speed too.
Still the seats been so uncomfortable as me not fitting into them make this a no no.
Subaru Impreza Spec C (Hawkeye, what Type 25 is based on)
- 320BHP.
- VF37 Turbo
- 8200rpm limit
- Re-inforced strut towers for added steering feel
- Pink STi suspension
- 17" wheels with Bridgestone RE070 tyres
- Many other modifications over a standard UK STI
So I next took out a brand new Hawkeye Spec C, only 500 miles on the clock. First thing I notice is that newness smell, secondly I fit in the seats and they are nice, not quite as supportive as the recaro's in the EVO but still very nice. Infact the interior plastics seem slightly softer than those in the EVO's, so better quality, but the interior in these Subaru's is not as good as the EVO for sure.
I set the DCCD for maximum power to the back wheels and off we set. First thing I notice is this feels a lot more firmer on the road, which is no doubt due to the Pink STI suspension setup and the very stiffed sidewall Bridgestone RE070 tyres.
The steering is also faster, again no doubt down to the stiffer suspension and very stiffed sidewall tyres, the car feels incredibly light on its feet and so so nimble, infact it is at just 1390kg.
Power delivery is good, turbo is spooling again from 2500rpm, seems to come on strong around 4000rpm and holds well, though we did not take this one past 6500rpm due to it only having 500 miles on the clock, but it felt like it would keep pulling strong upto at least 7000rpm. I am sure a remap, exhaust would see this pull hard to the limiter like the S204 or an LM400 conversion.
Handling wise, this car is full of feel, great steering, plenty of communication at all points, centre, turn in, mid corner, corner exit etc. Grip also seems quite incredible but at the same time this car does seem a bit twitchy due to how firm it is, which could hinder progress and make it a bit snappy but at the same time this translates into a more fun experience. Plus I can see this car been awsome on the track.
The brakes are easily as good as the EVO, but they should be, its got the same setup or very similar and this car weighs a good 150kg less.
I think a Spec C could be for me, I suspect one with intake, exhaust, remap would make circa 360-380BHP and pull extremely well and the 2.0l JDM engines are good for 450BHP reliably if you upgrade the turbo.
For comparison sake I then took the EVO on the same stretches of road I drove the Impreza's on, the first thing I notice is softer feel and less confidence inspiring due to the winter tyres, but I think back to how good the EVO felt on its AD08's and how much confidence they inspired due to ultra firm sidewalls.
What I did notice with the EVO is its suspension setup seems to soak the bumps up better and does not get upset, wheras the Spec C I could see getting a bit bumpy. Corner speed wise I can match if not beat everytime in the EVO which is respect to the EVO's abilities.
Though I did get the idea the Spec C would turn tighter, grip more and give a more thrilling drive.
Also I noticed with the Impreza's they seem far more keen to launch, they boost strong in 1st gear wheras the EVO restricts boost and they seem a lot more willing to launch hard wheras the Subuaru's seem keen to launch and their clutches strong.
To Summarise for those interested:-
- EVO has slightly better power band, 2000rpm upwards its boosting and it holds upto redline. The S204 came in about 500ish rpm later but it did feel stronger on full boost, the Spec C was standard so it came on about 1000rpm higher and showed signs of trailing off around 6500rpm ish.
- EVO is better on UK roads, handles imperfections, bumps and cambers better.
- EVO has a more functional interior, full rockford fosgate HDD sound system, satnav, bluetooth, best recaro seats and more room in the back.
- Spec C has best steering feel, quickest steering, razer sharp, more sharper than CSL.
- Spec C firm ride gives more communication/feel, it feels more fun and hugely confidence inspiring, though I feel if you get it wrong not quite as forgiving as the EVO.
- S204 turbo is wonderful, so much grunt, it pushed you back in the seat hard and is relentless, the VF42 is very nice.
Out of the three the EVO is the more grown up car, its more forgiving and probably quicker on a UK country road, but marginally at best. Its interior is not great quality, but its functional and a nice place to be with the seats been a truly fantastic feature.
The S204 for a Subaru is very classy, the Turbo is immense and it handles very similar to the EVO, I'd rate them very evenly and both good on UK roads, just a shame I don't fit in the seats otherwise it could be a firm favourite.
The Spec C feels incredibly light, its so pointy, so adjustable, you can be mid corner at 80mph and just shake the steering wheel and the car just moves around with ease, incredibly direct and quick on the steering. It also takes hardly any steering input to create movement. Its still a damn fast car with just 320BHP, but its not got enough pace to keep the EVO in touch, but am sure with 360ish horses it would. I feel on a track day the Spec C would be supreme, I suspect it would turn tighter and faster.
So do I sell the EVO?
Not right now, I am gonna keep it throughout winter, then put the AD08's back on in Spring, then go try some more Spec C's and then I might make the move to a Subaru, but it will be a Hawkeye Spec C and I shall be modding it for sure. As I feel the Spec C could be made into a stupidly quick car with close to 400BHP in something with 17" wheels and weighing sub 1400kg.
Plus the Spec C looks truly awsome in white with white wheels.
For any Subaru owners who have only driven UK models, might I suggest you try a JDM 2.0l Spec C varient, they really are night and day better over a UK car. A bit like a M3 CSL compared to a normal M3 in a way. The only downfall is the JDM 2.0l don't have that Subaru burble. But the understeer so many complain off with UK Subaru's seems none existent in the JDM Spec C model and its steering is so superior to that of the UK cars.
Any questions just ask as I covered as much as possible but may have missed bits out.
For my oppinion on the Scoob vs EVO argument I'd say UK EVO's are better than UK Scoobies without a doubt.
However when you bring JDM Scoobies into the equation I think the more hardcore Scoobies are easily as good on the road and probably better on track.
