Subaru Impreza WRX STi VS. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:28:40 +0000

To say that there’s a rivalry between the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi and the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is a bit of an understatement. But let’s just say they’re not on speaking terms at the moment. As an automotive enthusiast, I think that rivalry is good. It raises the bar and we get bigger and better toys to play with. Take the current incarnations of these two vehicles. A lot of people are saying that they are the best they have ever been. Having driven both vehicles I can honestly say…they’re both pretty fun. But what do you expect from a photographer. I’m not a professional driver, nor am I an automotive editor. I do know my way around a camera however. So I say let’s bring these cars to my home court. Let’s have a little Photo Faceoff. It’s o.k. to be superficial in this situation. Succumb to your “OOoohhh Shiiiiinnnnny” reflex. Check out the rear ends, gawk at the headlights, and when you’re done, cast your vote for the winner of this Photo Faceoff.

Evo VS STi

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

From a 2003 Nissan 350Z to a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:39:56 +0000

I’ve always been into cars. When I purchased my 2003 Nissan 350z 5 years ago, I was ecstatic. I had finally gotten my dream car. The Nissan 350z’s 287 horsepower V6 engine was solid and it handled great. The best part was it had the looks to match. I told myself I wouldn’t modify it but sure enough, a couple of years later, I added a subtle Nismo body kit and gunmetal Enkei rims. When the “mod-bug” bites it doesn’t play around.

Then last year I got married. And instead of the “mod-bug” I got bit by the “baby-bug”. The 350Z was a great car but not exactly the best family car out there. I needed something more practical but at the same time I didn’t want to sacrifice performance. I needed something that was fun to drive.

I looked into getting an Mitsubishi Evolution IX because I figured a sedan would be more practical. Plus, I knew how fun they were to drive thanks to a recent trip to the dealer. Unfortunately, there were only a few left in all of Southern California and the dealers were actually trying to mark them up.

While driving home from the Mitsubishi dealership disappointed, I passed a Mazda dealership. I remembered reading something about how the Mazdaspeed 3 was such a “bang for the buck” car. So I stopped by for a closer examination. I’ve always liked hatchbacks, so that was an immediate plus. But my initial impressions was that it was o.k. but not as sexy as the 350Z. I did however love the fact that it could seat 5. I was also impressed with how much storage space it had with the back seats folded down. Perfect for a family man as well as a photographer with a ton of gear. The front seats felt good and had great bolstering. Ultimately, the thing that would make up my mind was the test drive. The turbocharged 2.3 liter I4 engine had great power. I found out later that it was putting down 263 HP and 280 TQ. It literally pushed me back in my seat when I stepped on the pedal. Responsive steering and crisp handling made for a very nimble vehicle. To top it all off, the loaded Grand Touring model they had on the lot was going for about 26K. It was perfect for me. I ended up driving it home the next night.

As far as modifications, I’ve already added powdercoated Mazdaspeed 6 rims, limo tint, Ipod integration, and an intake system from Cobb Tuning. It may not look as sexy as a 350Z, but it’s not ugly, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Enjoy the photos.

Oliver Bentley Photography - Weddings - Portraits » comparison

Subaru Impreza WRX STi VS. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

From a 2003 Nissan 350Z to a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3