Test Drive Subaru Impreza WRX STI since 2008 Sedan

Mitsubishi Lancer Car Overview, Subaru Impreza WRX

Comprehensive comparison. Confrontation of the two fastest cars in Japan: Subaru Impreza WRX STI against Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
Two cars as a weapon in the competition for the title of the fastest in Japan
Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution) appeared in September 1992. And two months later, in November, it was like in November, the Impreza WRX (Imprem WRX) debuted. Since then, these two types of weapons developed together, sometimes stimulating each other as decent opponents, and sometimes fiercely fighting like enemies.
I called them weapons, but the concept of two these cars is absolutely clear. The goal of them is only one. This is a victory on international rally. That is, it is not sports cars, and not cars with high characteristics. This is a weapon made only to win.
And such an equal struggle is rather not between the two cars, but between the two companies, it becomes even more. In a short time, evolution occurred towards supermasher, about which you can even say: is it really a model for sale in the market?. Such a heat and enthusiasm is fully peculiar to Japan. If you move apart and look at such a struggle, then it looks completely like a fight of children randomly waving their hands. But both of these manufacturers are known in the history of the fact that the Zero fighters (model 0) and Hayabus (model 1) have once produced. If you remember this and much more, this struggle will seem more interesting.
Machines become faster, better turn and stop. The rigidity of the body also underwent a sharp evolution. Along the way, we note that for Mitsubishi and Subaru, such an image of the brand, as high characteristics, was clearly increased, and the sales results were improved, so some poured oil into the fire (sorry, and I, too), and no one cools the total heat with the words: let's show cool . This is how it turns out that cars for sale in the market that do not have precedents in the world and have incredibly high characteristics, can be achieved only for 3 million yen (~ $ 26,000).
If you take a glance on these two cars, then their characteristics have increased so much that it is not easy to reach the limit indicators even a fairly skilled driver, not to mention the newcomer. But in my personal opinion, let such terrible cars also be. For example, it can be said that even in the current situation, when everyone is connected by hand and foot safety requirements in a collision and control of exhaust gases, these two models are strongly brought into compliance with these requirements, striving at the same time to reduce weight and increase the running characteristics. And other manufacturers, no matter how much they want, can no longer say that with enhanced attention to safety have to put up with the deterioration of running qualities.
So, in front of you Lancer Evolution and Impreza WRX. Let's talk frankly about the fact that these two cars are.
 
Character does not accept negligent management
Impreza WRX, debuting in November 1992, was called the GC8 model (on the body of the body), it passed through several partial modernization and was produced nine long years. Then, in October 2000, Impreza entered the new body (GDB brand). However, this caused negative reviews, for example, that the body was sick, round headlights look strange, etc., therefore the popularity of the model did not increase. On journal tests, etc. The car was headed by his opponent Lancer Evolution VIII model, and Subaru released a modification of the WRX STI type C (we already wrote about it), lightweight almost on the edge of the foul. She returned the speed position, but the popularity was still invisible. In this regard, manufacturers conducted a large partial upgrade and introduced the current model. Among the maniacs, it is called the model S.
Development concept is understandable: to defeat Lancer Evolution!. During this small modernization, round headlights received bad reviews were replaced, and made them obliged. The current model began to call eyes in tears, but this is not anger, but rather, a friendly nickname, and the reviews, mostly turned out to be good. Not only to appearance, but also a significant effort was also made to the engine with the running part, and the running qualities clearly increased. After the appearance of the Impreza model with sometimes completely irresponsible statements from Subaru personnel, such as the round headlights looked good. Nevertheless, the body has become more, compared to GC8, and it seems that the common form is good, and the design balance is quite good.
In the interior attractive front seats with pronounced lateral support. They hold the body well and are so successfully fulfilled that they are withstanding sports movement along a closed track. In addition, when the ignition is turned on, a remarkable representation is made: the arrows of the extinguished measuring instruments light up with red, and when they reach the right to the end, the entire dashboard begins.
The fact that the diameter of the steering wheel is somewhat large, and I would like to bring it at least about 37 cm. However, it is not a hindrance to control. In the modification, the weight of the standard body is significantly reduced, and the equipment is also simple. It is not equipped with air conditioning and power steering, not to mention the audio system. It went on sale modification C limited with standard equipment in the form of air conditioner and windows.
As for the management system, the pedals and the steering wheel became somewhat tight and a conservative shade is given. In particular, tight is the clutch, and in traffic jams, to be honest, it is somewhat hard. The brakes cause a feeling of strength, but they cannot be crushed sluggishly - when pressed, the power is required, and it is necessary to constantly press the leg socks on them.
 
Features corresponding to the sensations of drivers
The feature of the feeling from ride on Impreza consists, apparently, in the fact that it is friendly to the driver. It seems to be contrary to the approval on the first page that it is impossible to ride on it. But this is not a contradiction at all. Goodwill to the driver is that the work of the car fully corresponds to the sensations of the driver.
Impreza is relatively easy to enter turns. For example, if at the beginning of the turn begins to vibrate the back and a lateral pitching occurs, then the movement of the machine varies slightly, and you can turn a turn with the so-called zero reverse turn when the transition to the movement is made from the root steering wheel. If you translate manual control of the differential in the free position, then everything is quickly obtained. If you translate into an automatic position, then the side pitching is soothing naturally at the beginning of the turn, and you can even get out of it without a significant steering adjustment. It does not require excessive rotation of the steering wheel in the opposite direction, as in cars with the front of the engine, and however, the sensation from ride somewhat resembles rear-wheel drive cars with such an engine.
The limit characteristics are prohibitively high, but if you walk to such limits, then the car gradually begins to be worse in turns. If we talk more accurately, then with a steep turn, the car is very obedient when the steering movement is started, but at the output of turning the control is worse. There is no feeling that the car is not included in the turn, but the front wheels are already on the verge. At the same time, the car no longer turns the way, and it can cause irritation, but, on the other hand, when moving in turn, a feeling of sustainability and tranquility arises.
In modification C, there is a mechanism for controlling the central differential, called the actuator control differential, which has an automatic mode. This system weakens the action of the central differential, facilitates its turns, increases its blocking effect and goes into a stable position when the accelerator is pressed during the rise on the turn. Therefore, you can easily rotate, if you slow down before turning and quickly turn the steering wheel until the load is moved forward. Then it is better to press the accelerator to be configured with tire clutch. However, the front of the car seems very heavy, unlike the Lancer Evolution model, so sharp movements are not too much.
Engine develops power 280 hp And torque 40.2 kg-M, it is equipped with a double screw turbocharger. The return has also risen. Namely, the significant power of the turbine is manifested at the level of 3,500 rpm, and after 7,500 rpm increases sharply (revolutions limit 8000). In addition, a good return occurs and you can feel the powerful acceleration, if you remove the leg with the gas pedal at one time at 4000 or 5000 rpm, and then press it again. In this case, the reaction delay of the turbine is greatly reduced. The acceleration characteristics are great, although slightly differ from Evolution VIII.
 

 
External and interior decoration creates a bold atmosphere
The Evolution model, debuting in 1992, developed with the compact body of Evolution I, II, III, and in 1995 the Lancer model was fully updated, and the second generation began with Evolution IV. Then there were Evolution V, VI, Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition All this is a second-generation model that can be called massive. The third generation - Evolution VII, which appeared in 2001 can be called elegant. When the Lancer Cedia model appeared, which became the base for him, then she looked unnecessarily like an ordinary sedan, and I was worried about how new evolution becomes. When Evolution VII appeared, it looked in the style of this yes!. As for the impregnancy, it is not so powerful as the evolution of VI, but bold and elegant. However, since the evolution of VII, the causing facial part appeared (so recently called the front panels Mitsubishi, and the front view became unsoloned. Then in 2002, this model changed Evolution VIII, which can be considered an improved version of Evolution VII.
The interior is a somewhat gloomy Lancer. In particular, the spirit of the Lancer Cedia model is felt in the decoration of the central part of the dashboard. Of course, it has restraint, but there is not enough momentum. However, the peculiarity of the lancer is still produced in the fact that the speedometer is designed for 270 km, in the inventive lighting of the dashboard, etc. In addition, the steering wheel has a small diameter and is easy to control, and the side support seats used in the GSR modifications are perfectly held and have outstanding comfort.
The GSR modification was created in order to operate on urban streets and has a luxurious equipment. The rear seats are also well made. However, the titanium turbine, having a high return, is set as an option. On the contrary, the SR modification is designed for the competition, so the comfortable equipment is reduced, you can choose a titanium turbine, 5 or 6 speeds, and moreover, measures are taken to reduce weight, which can then be removed, for example, the body of thin sheets.
 
Overcoming turns with comprehensive electronic control
Handling Lancer can be briefly described as electronic control clock. Impreza is designed so that in no case to deceive the driver's feelings, while Evolution VIII tends to switch to comprehensive electronic control and is based on the desire for impressive turning characteristics and traction effort.
A classic example is differential with an active center (ACD) and an active movement control differential (AYS). ACD tracks the angle of taxiing, the lateral force of the severity and the difference of rotation of the front and rear wheels, and then enhances or weakens the action of the central differential of increased friction. AYS This is, so to speak, an active differential of high friction, which changes its action depending on the lateral force of gravity or level of lying (the strength in the direction of rotation where the rotation should be done). Along the way, ACD and AYS are under joint management and are installed in the direction of the greatest turn.
If, after the sensation of obedient turns impreza, sit in Evolution VIII, then the impression of sharpness of turns is created. And vice versa, if you first get used to Evolution VIII, and then go to Impreza, it feels how the nasal part is heavily. So easily and sharply turns in front of the Lancer. The fact is that even with a minimum clutch with an ACD and AYS road, they actively work, trying to turn the car. For the skillful use of such a system, it is important to know the features of the mechanisms and lead management in accordance with them. And the first step to skillful ride on the Lancer is to master their development.
The most basic thing is that the half of the driving technique is not needed, and if you want to turn the car, it is better to wrap the steering wheel. If possible, wrap not sharply, but smoothly. At the same time, it is better not to think about such complex things as the occurrence of the centripetal force or the level of rucking. In this case, the car will turn immediately. If you want to turn even more, wrap the steering wheel further. And the car turns again from the moment you think that the steering wheel is wrapped too much. If you continue it further, the back part begins to slide gradually. Here much depends on AYS. As a result of the transformation of Evolution VII in Evolution VIII, the AYS mechanism has changed, and it has become possible to use a more significant difference in torque. Like rowing right and left oars, to the opposite wheel of the wheel, that is, a large torque is superimposed on the rear wheel turned inside on the leading shaft and pulls the car in the direction of rotation. Compared to Evolution VII, the magnitude of such torque has increased by 2 times. Naturally, if you turn the steering wheel and click on the gas, the rear side begins to slide. It is interesting that when turning the back is controlled in this way in the direction of the slip, but with a decrease in the lateral strength of gravity and angle of taxiing, the slide begins to hold back and the powerful traction force occurs. It is noteworthy when turning to 360 ° (as in 180 °) is noticeable during auto racing. When controlling Impreza, an impression arises that the rear part goes into the skid, and the drive is smoothly transmitted to the front part, and acceleration occurs. And in the case of Evolution VIII, suddenly turns sharply on the leading shaft and forcibly produces acceleration, completely using the clutch of four tires.
As for the adjustment of the suspension, it seems that the springs are somewhat tough in relation to the softening power of the damper. Especially fast movement occurs when leaving the turn. Because of this, the car is unexpectedly shifted at the moment when the rear with the road occurs after the rear rift, and this movement causes some nervousness. With a normal ride, the difference between engines with titanium and ordinary turbine is almost never felt. But this difference is clearly manifested with an increase in the supervision. In particular, the titanium turbine can react due to its characteristics to the pressure of superior 1.5 kg. I had to go to Lancer with a high supervision, and I can say that the turbine reaction has improved, and the rigging has become much more complete. Thus, it can be said that in normal conditions there is almost no difference in characteristics, but when creating the machine, hidden possibilities manifested in competitions were envisaged.
As for Impreza, the permissible limits of higher charge raising are not as high, but much more efficient is to hold down the progress (phenomenon in which the pressure of the superior decreases), which occurs at high speed. I traveled on such a car, and it really happened quickly. Evolution VIII has a power of 280 hp And the torque is 40.0 kgm, and although the quantitative indicators in the first place is impreza, slightly superior on a torque moment, but still, Lancer has a margin of rotary characteristics that make excellent turns.
 

 
Comprehensive assessment
So, the features of each machine are described separately, however, as indicated at the end of the Lancer section, the difference between them is two small. They are easily replaced depending on skill. Even at Super N1 competitions on endurance, where the alterations are made in the minimum sizes, they fought on equal. The question of which one to choose, is associated with which of the cars it seems closer to you. Below I tried to make my own estimates on a ten-point scale, and I think it will be useful to you.

Impreza WRX STI Lancer Evolution VIII
Sensation from acceleration 10 10
Both cars are really equal forces. It would be inaccurate to call them the same, but the Lancer torque appears on small revolutions, and rotation is performed smoothly. However, Impreza has a powerful acceleration at high speeds, and there are opportunities to increase. The difference in torque is only 0.2 kg-m, but the indicator may be faster or slower, depending on the difference between individual machines. According to the reviews of the drivers who participated in the Super N1 competitions on endurance, on the direct track of Fuji Speedway, Impreza was a little faster.
Steering 9 8
If we talk about the rotation speed, then I think that Lancer is faster. But it is easier for me to ride Impreza, which makes predictable movement under limit indicators. For Lancer, you need to some extent to understand the operation of the mechanisms (AYC and ACD) and manage according to it. It is also interesting, but if we talk about movement along the ordinary road, then it will be better impleza, which does not cause antipathy.
High Speed \u200b\u200bResistance 9 8
At both machines, attention is drawn to the characteristics of the movement on turns, so there is no feeling of unshakable calm. Nevertheless, Impreza inspires calm, because its four-wheel drive gives stability when moving in a straight line. However, in contact with the irregularities of the road, the driving chassis and tires with good clutch are easily exposed to their effects. On the other hand, at the Lancer, the good turning characteristics of the front part also appear at high speeds, and it is inclined to several schyright movements. Stability when moving in a straight line is not bad, however, when the steering is rotated, a quick reaction occurs, therefore stability seems insufficient.
Engine 10 10.
If we talk about why I personally like Impreza more, the fact is that in the process of increasing the revolutions of its engine there is its own charm. The noise decreased or became almost silent, but it is pleasant to feel a somewhat rude sound at high speeds and an increase in power, when the revolutions rise. In turn, the Motor Lancer is smooth and powerful. In particular, there is an attractiveness in a sharp acceleration of the titanium turbine, in an excess of superior, etc.
Quality of the interior 7.5 7
Machines worth just (I think so we can say) 3 million yen have such characteristics, therefore there is no reason for complaints. However, the devices work as in ordinary machines, and a little sorry that there are no such stimuli such as, for example, their inclusion when lowering on the seat. In itself, the feeling of the quality of the interior does not seem to be high-class, but it is made carefully and does not cause disappointment.
Quality of appearance 8 7
Preferences can be different, but personally for me closer impreza, if you do not take into account the various pros and cons. Lancer can take the Evolution VII model, but the eight is too much sophistication, and it may not like. If you get used to it, it may look good. However, Lancer has such functional advantages as fully inserted tires of 245th size and protruding the increasing elements, and it cannot be missed.
 
Total rating 8.9 8.3
This is a simple number of points obtained by the addition and division of the above estimates, and the appearance and interior seems to be not evaluated. I personally attract Impreza more, so she received such points. But it must be said that these two cars have chosen different approaches in order to rise to that high mountain, which is called speed. I think that this is the difference in the features of Mitsubishi and Subaru, and this is interesting. It seems that Lancer has not yet fully mastered the electronic control equipment in the aspect of the sensation of the whole with the driver. On the other hand, for Subaru, there are still opportunities to adjust the revolutions of traction effort. In this sense, it is impossible to say that both cars are on top of the mountain, but if you proceed from the end point, they go to equal. I think that around the world there are no cars with such high characteristics and such a low price, and in this sense, probably both of them can get the highest rating of 10 points.
 

A source: Carview.co.jp.