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This is a simple subjective review and comparison from an owner's perspective only. I won't bore you with detailed consumer data that you can find anywhere on these cars, but a personal, real world comparison from the drivers seat.
CARS: 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII (purchased used) daily driven by me. VS 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX GSR (purchased new) daily driven by my wife.
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| CarForums.net - Mitsubishi Evolution VIII vs. Mitsubishi Evolution IX Review |
Exterior
Lets start with the exterior differences. Not much really. The IX has a new design on the front bumper that consists of two ports (holes) on either side of the FMIC that are reported to actually be functional by allowing ambiant air to cool the intercooler pipes both before and after the FMIC. In theory this would work, however the temperature decrease by the time the air gets into the throttle body is marginal at best. Tail lights on the IX have a black background and the VIII's are chrome. Some like the new design, some don't. The biggest visual difference is the new style Rims. This is were pics would be handy, maybe our moderater will hook this writeup with pics of both models. Same brand/close in weight to the VIII, but a new design. The Advan tires are the same, and although they might not last more than 12k of hard driving, they do stick very well. Frequent rotation (every 2nd oil change) can double the life.
Interior
On the VIII you have the recaro seats with silver trim around the stereo and on the dash. This was the biggest complaint of those who decided on a STI over a Evo. It is rather plain, but I love the seats as far as comfort goes.
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On the IX, the seats remain Recaro brand, but rather then black/blue cloth, its a nicer black imitation leather. Adds a little bling to the interior and is the first thing you will notice getting into a IX after coming out of a VIII. Other suttle changes are CF trim instead of the silver, a sunglasses flip down holder up above next to the map lights. Also the Momo stering wheel is now black/dark grey metal instead of the VIII's black with silver metal. I feel the interior is the best improvement next to the engine/driveline. Ofcourse there was an option for leather in the VIII, but I'll stick to the basic models that I own. As far as interior standard options. On the 2003 VIII, most were standard with sunroof, intercooler sprayer button, and HID's. But for the IX, those are optional (no option for IC sprayer)and come with the SSL (sunroof, sound, leather) package or with the MR trim. Also standard in the VIII are foglights and again are optional in the IX. This I read was to keep down the base price.
Performance
Both Evo's use the Mitsubishi 4G63 4cylinder turbo charged engine. The biggest improvement on the IX from the VIII, is the MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) and larger turbo. Off the showroom floor this only equates to an additional 16hp. However, I have personally seen the IX make near 350whp on a mustang dyno with only a boost controler, turbo back exhaust and a custom tune. To get that power out of an VIII, additional mods are needed such as cams, 02 housing, Fuel pump, Intercooler piping, turbo(larger hotside) and intake to name a few. From the driver seat (stock to stock) you can feel a difference, and the IX seems quicker than 16bhp. It just seems the power comes on faster and holds longer.
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Driveline: New for the IX is the from the first VIII's is a limited slip front diff for better traction and different gearing in the tranny. During a launch/run down the tarmac this can be noticed. The IX feels more symetricly stable with all four wheels pulling equal. In the VIII on occasion you can feel opposing pull from the front wheels.
In a nutshell, the IX is definately an improvement from the original VIII. Every year there was some improvements. However the most changes were with the release of the IX. And that will have to keep the Evolution crowd at bay until the X is released some time in 2008 with a total make over from the inside and out.
One thing I can say for certain is either of these cars are fun to drive and hold their value very well. They are no longer being produced since 8-06. Both my VIII and IX have a KBB value more than what I paid originally 6 months ago.
Evo VIII EPA Observed Fuel Economy (miles per gallon): 18 city 26 highway
Evo IX EPA Observed Fuel Economy (miles per gallon): 19 city 25 highway
Evo IX Overall Score: 10 out of a possible 10
Evo VIII Overall Score: 9 out of a possible 10
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Vehicle Specs
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Specifications
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Specifications
Acknowledgements
Thanks to CF.net Member Boostin for contributing this review.
Talk about the Mitsubishi Evolution on the Forum!
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