Subaru Impreza WRX STI test drive since 2008 sedan

All photos of Subaru Impreza WRX STI since 2008

Test drive in Germany: they used to be admired, today is no longer

Frantic dogs in the guise of hot compact cars are they still biting? Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STI SPORT, rally car simulators were lowered from the chain.
Eternal enmity continues Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution against Subaru Impreza WRX STI. For several generations, rally simulators with rear spoilers participate in a desperate struggle. Only now Subaru dives around Mitsubishi in the guise of a more compact passenger car. Maybe the trick lies in reduced sizes? Less weight for better acceleration, smaller dimensions for increasing maneuverability?
Perhaps Impreza with a large rear door was created in order to shine, violating the established rules? She became shorter than the previous generations of the model, but also heavier. And this is not a too positive trend. And yet, it became more convenient to fold things in the luggage compartment, and with folded rear seats the volume of the luggage compartment increases to 1 216 liters. But Lancer is hardly allowed to catch itself by surprise: it demonstrates a spacious interior and convenient access to the trunk, and in addition, such features of a city car as an improved review, an improved instrument panel and all kinds of safety equipment. Impreza can add only a more convenient driver position, which is achieved thanks to the adjustable steering wheel. And she is quieter, although this itself is ashamed.
Indeed, along with points, this quality brings her many ridicule. Quiet? Mitsubishi, on the contrary, focuses on the emotions of a racing car that makes noise, rattles, whistles. This is how the sound of a street rally car seems. So, back to the main thing, to dynamics. Both models are equipped with powerful boost engines, and recently and the same tires: Dunlop Sp Sport 600. To achieve a power of 295 hp. Lancer is enough two -liter in -line four with a large turbocharger.
Engines with turbochargers
Impreza has a 300-horsepower also 4-cylinder, only an opposite engine with a turbocharger, but the working volume is 2.5 liters, due to which the torque is larger (366 Nm at Lanevo, 407 Nm at the STI). To pass the test for acceleration, the course stability system (ESP), as well as the traction force regulation system (TRC), was disabled.
Now the driving force depends exclusively on all -wheel drive. At the start of Subaru, it is difficult to move; Too much effort and little, too. Only with a repeated attempt on the sand surface, four wheels turn, the engine wakes up and the driver feels a characteristic jerk of the neck back. Acceleration to hundreds in 5.6 seconds will reach, albeit with concessions. The same right to start on slippery coating is granted Mitsubishi. Its in-line motor is more obedient, it skillfully gains momentum, and the car reaches a speed of 100 km/h for one tenth seconds faster ... But then it loses this advantage due to uncomfortable gear rates of its 5-speed transmission. Due to the smaller difference between the gear rates of the 6-speed Subaru box, it accelerates to 200 km/h for a second. But Subaru also loses leadership in the last gear: at low speeds, the sixth gear is suitable only to reduce excessive fuel consumption. (A detailed display of acceleration time is presented in the table.)

Paradise of dynamics
And the flow rate for this class of cars in Impreza is really too high 14.9 liters per 100 km on average according to the test results. Mitsubishi consumption is not at all subject to discussion (16.1 liters). Moreover, on full gas, their appetites increase compared to the minimum flow rate by 14 and 11 liters, respectively. CASCO insurance tariffs for these cars are also too high annual contribution with one fifth part of the cost of the new Lancer. But, by and large, a real fan of these sports karov knows what he spends his savings on the entry into paradise of the dynamics of movement, in which Evo and WRX are forever swearing.
We go to the roadway, right into the world of turns. As usual, Mitsubishi joyfully masters on the road, eagerly bursts into the turn and then ESP intervenes. The dynamics regulation system confidently and competently controls the passage of the climax and only at the exit from the turn stops restraining the engine power. What's this? On previous models, it was generally impossible to feel the restriction seemed to be simply impossible to accelerate before him. But looking at the current situation in the field of dynamics, you can see that VW Golf GTI rides at the same speed, and it is easier to control. But earlier EVO was compared with the Porsche GT3. But those times have sunk into oblivion.
Put in a turn?
Nevertheless, a trip to Subaru can end very dramatically. This car loses to the obedient Lancer in maneuverability, and it is worth releasing the gas pedal on the wet coating, and the car can suddenly turn around 180 degrees. Therefore, with a strong demolition of the stern from the driver, ownership of control is required if he does not want to be on the oncoming lane. In the WRX STI, the ESP system comes to the rescue too late, but then it takes over much, which, along with the tangible influence of the transmission on management, is concerned.
In addition, the braking distance on slippery coating leaves much to be desired, although Impreza stops about 20 meters earlier than Lancer, which breaks outside the measuring area. Such results are disappointed and do not recall the delight of past years. Still, the previous models, passing any turn for one or two, remained relics of the glorious time, which passed until recently, but it seems so far.
In order to return again to date, not enough evolution, both manufacturers must completely reconsider their concepts if they want their cars to be considered worthy rivals of sports cars. In the meantime, the victory of Mitsubishi Lancer Evo cannot be called brilliant

just a little better than Subaru Impreza Sti. Lancer can only be advised to a narrow circle of buyers: rally participants who want to purchase a personal car. Only in this case, and, above all, on the loose coating, the improved differentials of all -wheel drive are able to show their unique capabilities. EVO and WRX used to be admired, today no longer.
The results of the test
According to the test results, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution scored 430 out of 650 points. The advantage was provided to him by confident and obedient management, but too high fuel consumption and absurdly expensive maintenance significantly reduced its assessment.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI received 424 points out of 650. She does not hold the road well when changing the load on steep turns, and after all, the all -wheel drive car should be able to. And in terms of security, she loses to her competitor.

Technical characteristics and test results
general information
Mitsubishi Subaru brand
Model Lancer Evolution X Impreza Wrx STI
Release date 08/2008 02/2008
Basic cost 45 950 euros 48 770 euros
Engine
Type in order horizontal-opposition
Number of cylinders 4 4
Volume 1 998 cubic meters. cm 2 457 cubic meters. cm
Power 295 hp (217 kW) at 6,500 rpm 300 hp (221 kW) at 6,000 rpm
Torque 366 Nm at 3,500 rpm 407 nm at 4,000 rpm
Eco-class Euro-4 Euro-4
Tires
Dunlop SP SPORT 600 Dunlop SP SPORT 600 brand
Tire size 245/40 R18 245/40 R18
The weight
Equipped 1,573 kg 1 515 kg
Maximum load 467 kg 465 kg
dimensions
Full length 4 505 mm 4 415 mm
Full width 1 810 mm 1 795 mm
Full height 1 480 mm 1 475 mm
Wheel base 2 650 mm 2 625 mm
Acceleration
0-80 km/h 3.9 from 3.8 s
0-100 km/h 5.5 s 5.6 s
0-120 km/h 7.6 s 7.6 s
0-130 km/h 8.7 s 9.1 s
0-160 km/h 13.5 s 13.7 s
0-180 km/h 18.5 s 18.5 s
0-200 km/h 25.9 from 24.6 s
0-100 km/h (declared) 5.4 from 5.2 s
Maximum speed 240 km/h 250 km/h/h
60-100 km/h (5th gear) 10.2 s 8.9 s
80-120 km/h (5th gear) 7.9 from 7.1 s
80-120 km/h (6th gear)-12.6 s
Fuel consumption
Fuel type Super Plus Super plus
Minimum 8.5 l per 100 km 8.0 l per 100 km
Maximum 22.8 liters per 100 km 20.6 liters per 100 km
The average of a test of 16.1 liters per 100 km 14.9 liters per 100 km
The cost is in Germany
Basic version 45 950 euros 48 770 euros
CASCO (Max.) 11 213 euros 7 303 euros