Sport Sedan Shootout
November 11, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Sport Sedan Shootout
BMW 135i vs. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution TC-SST vs. Subaru Impreza WRX-STi spec R vs. Volkswagen Golf R32 4MOTION
Models Tested:
- BMW E87 135i coupe 3.0-litre, manual – $72,230
- Mitsubishi CJ Lancer Evolution sedan 2.0-litre, dual-clutch sequential manual – $64,490
- Subaru Impreza WRX STi-R hatch 2.5-litre, manual – $64,990
- Volkswagen Golf R32 4MOTION hatch 3.2-litre, manual – $54,990
- words by Matt Brogan, Rose Harris, Paul Maric & David Twomey
- pics by Paul Maric
You might notice that at the close of each review we offer a suggestion to “Road Test the Rivals”. So we thought, why not do just that and test four of the closest competing sports sedan rivals out there, the BMW 135i, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Volkswagen Golf R32.
Our rationale was simple enough, to see which of the four sports sedans in the sub-$80K category represented not only the best performance and handling dollar-for-dollar, but to also to take in to consideration those factors not often represented by mere facts and figures.
This test aims to combine the performance credentials of each car then to offset them against forgotten factors such as comfort, liveability and practicality. Then we were to translate the findings of our little experiment in to a simple, fun-filled review and accompany it with a video. Sounds like a breeze right?
The simple fact of the matter is, that like each of the cars tested, each of us have our own purpose and personality, and as a consequence we expect different things from our cars. So it goes without saying that things got a little tense around the CarAdvice office last week, and the final result was not without much contretemps. First of all, the cars in full.
Contents:
- Introduction
- BMW 135i Coupe
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution TC-SST
- Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec R
- Volkswagen Golf R32 4MOTION
- She Says
- Conclusion
- Specifications
Good review. Whilst not the fastest, R32 is a great all-arounder. Would have been good to perhaps include teh passat R36 sedan also.
I think the 135i and R32 look classy in the metal. The fact that the 3 x turbomills in this comparison can be upped in power with a freer flowing exhaust will further the difference in performance they offer.
The 135i is the true street machine here, whilst the Evo & Sti are track & wet/offroad weapons. I could imagine myself smoking the rears of the 135i with the kids in the back…
doof
As an owner of a recently purchased 2007 R32 5 door with a DSG gearbox, your report is spot on! A beautifully built and superbly optioned car that is a great day to day drive and simply exhilarating when you give a bit of stick! Just one tip when driving it hard…windows down and radio off!!!… that exhaust note is simply insane!!!
I’m confused CarAdvice!!!! You call this the “Sport Sedan Shootout” When there is only one sedan in the WHOLE bloody test!!!!!!!!!!!!
Duck says:
“I’m confused CarAdvice!!!! You call this the “Sport Sedan Shootout” When there is only one sedan in the WHOLE bloody test!!!!!!!!!!!! ”
My sentiments exactly! The STi and R32 are hatchbacks, the 135 is a coupe leaving the EVO as the only sedan… meaning it should win by default no? lol :)
Call me a traditionalist but isn’t someone who buys a sportscar after something sporty? Comfort and practicality would be a distant second and third for a purist.
A better title for this review would have been Germany v Japan under $75k!
Totally agree Hans!
Did anyone realise that the title says Super Sedan Shootout and two competitors are Hatches!!!