Definitely the STi.

I've got an 07, and it drives like a dream. Not to mention the crazy fun factor.
They both have similar performance, but when it comes down to it just go test drive both and choose the one you like better. Personally, I think the 07's (Hawkeyes) look better than the new EVO's shark-nose look but it's all personal opinion.

The 08 and 09 STIs are hideous, but let's not bash STi because of a couple ugly model years.

See if you can find a good deal on an 07 Limited. I think that park bench spoiler that's found on the STIs that aren't limited is just too showy. I found mine on Autotrader and flew to Ohio to drive it back. Had 1000 miles when I finally got it but they guy who owned it before me absolutely babied it.

Can't say the same for myself.

Here's a picture of an 07 Limited (only comes in Silver and White, 400 made of each). I think it's miles above the EVO's styling.


EDIT: Found another pic:

 

evo = bigger/better/cheaper BIG power potential

but if you want to stay in the low-mid 300whp range it's close, evo's are known for making HUGE power...so is that something you're interested in?

I prefer the STI, I've driven Evo's, they're cool cars for sure but I prefer the motor noise, torque, and interior better on the STI

can't go wrong with either, in the end you need to test drive both

 

I'll admit that in stock form the GR is not the best looking STi, but with a few tweaks it can look great...

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/1804107-post105.html

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/1750764-post2.html

 

All right, beside everything, which one has more fun to drive? I got some comments that Evo X is heavy, more like a german car now and STI should be more fun. What are your opinions?

 

The STI is a perfectly balanced consumer of tarmac. Just go drive one and you'll see what I mean.

 

yes that is the only way to tell which is right for you, test drive each car.

 

Evo's make power with a lot less money... Stock internals are also better... The STI feels more stable though but bang for the buck the Evo is a better car.

 

Oh the never ending argument...

I personally like Subaru, I'm on my 3rd one. The 08 is a huge leap in terms of performance capability and build quality over the GD generation. Evo's make power "cheaper", I mean cams for an STI are a lot (you need 4 vs 2 with the evo, so the cammed stock turbo evo will make more power and the oem evo turbo is slightly bigger than the oem subaru turbo). Once you pass the 500+whp mark or you spend 10k on both cars they are the same. I like them both don't get me wrong, but I prefer Subaru.

My old 04 that I sold and my current wagon & 08 STI.

 

Oh yes, 18x10 rpf1's with 285 tires all around. That's the Topspeed car...I might run the same setup on my 08...

 

 

^^^^^^^

Seen it in person down here in Miami, very nice GR

 

I think this thread need's a little Evo love haha. Here's my X, Ive put about 13,000 miles on it and I love it. Now that I have installed coilover's it is easily the best handling car I have ever owned, it really is amazing how much performance you get for the money with these car's (along with the STI's).

BTW: One of my good friend's has an 08 STI and I've driven his car quite a few times and stock for stock there really isn't a huge difference between the two. I personally like how the Evo handles and feel's more than the STI (but thats why I bought one). Since your not going for HUGE power it really just depends on which one you think look's better and which one you think drives better. The best advice I can give you is to test drive both and then you will have your answer.

 

Love that color, although I still can't get used to the Evo X's tail light layout. Considerable leap in looks over the Evo 9's though.

 

EVO X looks about 60 times cooler, IMO. I have owned one though so I'm biased. We have built a couple 08 STI's though. They are both fun cars to own because performance is so cheap....Great daily drivers.

 

Are you in Diamond Bar Area? I saw a similar car slammed with black rims and having a hard time getting onto the driveway.