rai

First, Merry Christmas hope you all have a safe and happy one.

Second, I am not allowed to make a poll b/c I do not pay money to this site ( ) if anone wants to make this into a poll feel free.

These three cars are not out (well the STi may be now) but they have not been tested against each other.

The three are in the ballpark of the same power and weight (I guess probably the EVO will end up being heavier and it is definatly the less powerful).

I'm doing this at work so I will add pictures later when I can

Here is my pros/cons (feel free to disagree or add anything)

135i
pros:
-it's a bimmer (ie. status)
-it's got a super engine out of the box as well as easy to add power to
- it's probably going to be the quickest (stock) judging by the 335i times
- it's got 4 years free service
- can do European Delivery
- RWD (for some)
-coupe body style (for some)
Cons:
-looks (I mean it looks as if it was designed by third graders and not even the top of the class third graders).
- weight not that it's heavy but (IMO) with it shrinking down from the 335i I would have wished for it to weigh even less
- coupe (?) maybe some people prefer, but it is a negative for room and access to the rear seats
-RWD and no LSD some would prefer AWD, which is better for some conditions and should help with power down in low gears.
- some may find it a 'chick' car (with so many young HS girls no doubt getting a 1-series before long (I assume)

Jacques79

135I since I prefer RWD to AWD for driving pleasure.

rai

STi

Pros:
-AWD easy to drive in most conditions
- 5-door Hatch functional and easy to get get in the rear seats
-engine should be good to mod and have lots of aftermarket

Cons:
-Looks (for some) and some don't like hatchbacks
-price (for some) it's expensive for an Impreza and doesn't look like a $35K to $40K car
-status is less than a Bimmer and it's image may be less mature (ie. boy racer)

rai

EVO X

Pros:
-Same as the STi
-Sedan instead of hatchback (some people prefer)
-Can get a trick tranny (DSG)

Cons:
-same as the STi
-Heavier than it should be
-less powerful than the others
-rear wing blocks rear view
-questionable Mitsu reputation as well as if Misu will even be around in the US much longer (especially if the EVO is not a hit)

Onehots2k

Ahh...you cant tell me the 135i is uglier than the STI and EVO. Anyhow thats all subjective. My vote goes to the 135i.

wills2k106

For me it wouldn't be the EVO, I don't like the SST trans in the car. I prefer the DIY shifting, and I would actually take an EVO IX vs. the X. The STi I haven't heard much about in the way of driving impressions. I don't have the stigma about hatchbacks, I find them very practical and the looks don't bother me. If it hasn't lost its edge like the Evo I might go with this. But right now I would pick the 135i. I could have the manual, European Delivery, and when I got it back stateside have Dinan add 50-75 hp under warranty then see about a limited slip diff. The BMW with the upgrades might still be cheaper than the Evo.

rai

I might go with the STi simply because I would like to keep my S2000 as well and so don't mind having AWD + Hatch for practicality and I'd still have the RWD driving for fun.

Chris S

The easy choice is to eliminate the Evo, it's too heavy and seems to have lost the special feel of prior gens.

I actually like the hatchback design of the STi, it would be great to have such a practical yet fast car.

The BMW s/b a great car as well. I'd have to drive both it and the STi to pick a winner if I was in that market.

Jacques79

If the EVO IX was included than I'd pick that car hands down.

seung

new evo and sti doesn't appeal that much to me anymore,
due to the pricing.
"affordable performance" was what it was all about...
when it becomes "expensive performance" you'll have tons more options.