Originally Posted by Balboa
I've been asked this quite a few times.
A Supra is, well, a Supra. Everyone knows MKIV Supras. They are built great, have an awesome engine that can withstand massive amounts of power, are very well known, and are overall a great vehicle. BUT, they're ungodly expensive for how old they are, and most have been beat on and some even abused. You take a risk with every one you buy.
The Subaru or Mitsubishi is new with a warranty and not beat on. Both have good powerplants and strong AWD drivetrains, and strong aftermarket support.
Between the Scooby and Mitsu, I would definitely choose the Scooby (STi over WRX hands-down). The Subaru has more power and torque, better crash test ratings and is, IMO, a better built car. The Evolution has had problems left and right, whereas the STi has had none that I know of. Two of the three things the Evo is better at the STi at (steering, handling, and brakes) have actually been turned against the Evo in C&D's long-term test. They first praised the steering because it was very quick and responsive. After 40,000 miles they say the steering feels nervous and frantic, and is tiresome trying to keep the car steady. C&D also first praised the handling of the Evo because it was firmer, had better rebound and dampening, and felt overall more stable. After 40,000 miles they reversed that and said the suspension was too harsh for regular driving felt far less stable than when they first got the car.
So, the Evo has one thing over the STi (brakes that don't fade as much after 30 miles of rigorous mountain driving - which there are none in this area of Florida). The STi has, like stated above, more power, more torque, it's safer, and is more reliable. That's 4-1 in favor of the Scooby.
Basically, it comes down to what you want, a car that is well-known and can make big power, or a well-balanced all-wheel-drive car that's new and has a warranty.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to own a MKIV Supra. Preferably wingless, gloss black. But, for a daily driver that I'm going to spend most of my money on, I chose the STi. My father owns a WRX. Think I'm biased?