Subaru vs Mitsubishi: The Epic 4WD Turbo Battle of Japan’s Greatest Car Rivalry

Subaru and Mitsubishi’s 90s Rally Rivalry: A Legacy of Speed and Innovation

The Early 1990s marked a turning point in the World Rally Championship. Two Japanese automakers, Subaru and Mitsubishi, entered the fray with vastly different approaches to building a winning rally car. The result was a decade-long rivalry that captivated motorsports fans and left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The competition centered around the Subaru Impreza WRX and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, both aiming to dominate the grueling rally stages of Europe and beyond.

The Contrasting Philosophies

Subaru’s Impreza WRX was conceived as a performance-oriented evolution of a practical, everyday car. It combined a agreeable ride with a powerful, horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine and a complex all-wheel-drive system. This approach emphasized usability and accessibility, allowing drivers to quickly adapt and push the car to its limits. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, took a more aggressive route. The Lancer Evolution was engineered as a dedicated performance machine, prioritizing raw speed and precise handling. Its design was laser-focused on conquering rally stages, even at the expense of everyday comfort.

Dominance on the Rally Stage

The 1990s were largely defined by Japanese dominance in the World Rally Championship. Subaru, with the Prodrive team at the helm, secured three consecutive manufacturers’ championships from 1995 to 1997. Drivers like Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg capitalized on the Impreza’s forgiving nature and all-whether capability. Mitsubishi countered with the exceptional talent of Tommi Mäkinen, who clinched four consecutive drivers’ championships (1996-1999) and a manufacturers’ title in 1998. Mäkinen’s relentless aggression and the Evo’s focused engineering proved a formidable combination.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: A Generational Breakdown

The Lancer Evolution underwent a rapid series of iterations throughout the 1990s and 2000s. the original Evo I, launched in 1992, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. Subsequent models – the Evo II through Evo VI – saw continuous improvements in aerodynamics, engine responsiveness, and drivetrain tuning. The Evo VI, particularly the Tommi Mäkinen Edition, stood out with its advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC) system, a precursor to modern torque vectoring. Later Evos, such as the Evo VII, VIII, IX, and X, further refined the chassis, added more powerful engines, and introduced features like MIVEC variable valve timing and optional twin-clutch transmissions, catering to a broader audience.

Subaru Impreza WRX: Evolution of a Legend

The Impreza WRX mirrored Mitsubishi’s iterative approach. The original WRX, debuting in 1992, boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Early STi variants offered enhanced performance and handling. The controversial ‘bug-eyed’ WRX of 2000 introduced a larger 2.5-liter engine in the U.S. market, boosting power and broadening the car’s appeal. Later generations continued to refine the platform, with wider bodies, more aggressive styling, and increased power output. In 2014, the WRX was spun off as a standalone model, maintaining its signature boxer engine and all-wheel-drive configuration.

Feature	Subaru Impreza WRX	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Engine	2.0-liter/2.5-liter boxer Turbo	2.0-liter Turbo I4
Drive System	Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Handling Focus	Composure, Usability	Raw Speed, Precision
ride Comfort	Relatively Comfortable	Stiff, Performance-Oriented

A Direct Comparison

The key difference between the two cars was their approach to driving dynamics. The Lancer Evolution prioritized outright speed and a direct connection to the road. It demanded respect and rewarded skilled drivers with unparalleled control. The Impreza WRX, while still very capable, offered a more forgiving driving experience. Its balanced chassis and comfortable ride made it a more accessible performance car. According to data from Car and Driver magazine in 2004, the Evo VIII consistently posted faster lap times then the Impreza WRX STI, but the Subaru maintained a slight edge in overall driver comfort.

Clarkson’s Outlook

Renowned automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson famously described the Lancer evolution as the choice for setting lap records or terrifying passengers, while the Subaru was the car you’d actually want to drive home in afterward. This encapsulates the fundamental contrast between the two cars: the Evo was a visceral, uncompromising machine, while the Impreza was a more well-rounded and livable performance car.

Both the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have secured their place in automotive history. The Evo remains iconic for its aggressive styling and track-focused performance.The impreza WRX, meanwhile, became synonymous with accessible performance and rally-inspired styling. What aspect of these rally legends intrigued you the most – the raw power of the Evo or the usability of the Impreza?

Would you prefer raw performance or everyday practicality in a rally-inspired car?

The Legacy Continues

Although both models have been discontinued, their influence remains strong. Subaru continues to produce the WRX, now a standalone model, while Mitsubishi has shifted its focus to SUVs and electric vehicles. The spirit of the rally rivalry lives on in the modern performance car landscape, inspiring manufacturers to push the boundaries of speed, handling, and technology. According to recent sales data from Good Car Bad Car, the Subaru WRX continues to be a popular choice among enthusiasts, with over 13,000 units sold in the U.S. in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary difference between the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi lancer Evolution?

The main difference lay in their design philosophies.The Impreza WRX prioritized usability and all-weather capability, while the Lancer Evolution focused on raw speed and precision.

Which car won more championships in the WRC?

Subaru won three manufacturers’ championships (1995-1997), while Mitsubishi won one manufacturers’ championship (1998) and four drivers’ championships with Tommi Mäkinen (1996-1999).

What is Active Yaw Control (AYC)?

AYC is a torque vectoring system developed by Mitsubishi that improves cornering and stability by actively distributing torque to the rear wheels.

Are Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution still in production?

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is no longer in production. Subaru continues to manufacture the WRX as a standalone model.

What made the Impreza WRX popular?

The Impreza WRX became popular becuase of its blend of performance,all-wheel-drive capability,and relative affordability.

Share your thoughts on this legendary rivalry in the comments below!

What are the key philosophical differences in engineering approaches between Subaru and Mitsubishi regarding 4WD vehicle advancement?

the Foundations of a Feud: Engineering Philosophies

For decades, Subaru and Mitsubishi have been locked in a quiet, yet intensely competitive, battle for 4WD and turbocharged performance supremacy. Both Japanese automakers carved their niches by offering robust, reliable vehicles capable of tackling challenging terrain. However,their approaches to achieving this capability differed significantly,fueling a rivalry that resonates with car enthusiasts worldwide.

Mitsubishi, historically, leaned towards a more aggressive, rally-bred approach. Think Dakar rally dominance and the iconic Lancer Evolution. their focus was often on outright performance and cutting-edge technology, sometimes at the expense of everyday usability. Subaru, while also successful in rallying (with the legendary Impreza WRX STI), generally prioritized a more balanced approach – blending performance with practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. This difference in philosophy is key to understanding their respective strengths.

A Deep Dive into 4WD Systems: Symmetrical vs. Super All-Wheel Control

The heart of both Subaru and Mitsubishi’s appeal lies in their All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems.But these aren’t your average AWD setups.They’re refined, electronically controlled systems designed for maximum traction.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

* Core principle: subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is renowned for its balance and stability.It utilizes a horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine, which contributes to a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution.

* How it effectively works: Power is sent to all four wheels through a center differential, constantly adjusting torque distribution based on wheel speed and traction. Modern Subaru systems often incorporate Active Torque Vectoring, further enhancing cornering performance.

* Key Benefits: Extraordinary stability in all conditions, predictable handling, and a reputation for reliability. Ideal for daily driving and adverse weather.

* Models: Found in nearly all Subaru models, including the Outback (as seen in Subaru Specifications), Forester, Impreza, and WRX.

Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)

* Core Principle: mitsubishi’s S-AWC is a more complex system, prioritizing performance and agility. It’s designed to maximize grip and control,particularly in dynamic driving situations.

* How it Works: S-AWC integrates active Center Differential (ACD), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Active Yaw Control (AYC). ACD manages torque split between the front and rear axles, ASC prevents oversteer and understeer, and AYC actively distributes torque between the rear wheels.

* Key Benefits: Superior handling on lose surfaces, enhanced cornering ability, and a more engaging driving experience.

* Models: Primarily featured in the lancer Evolution (discontinued) and outlander PHEV.

Turbocharged Engines: Power Delivery and Performance

Both brands have a long history of utilizing turbocharging to boost performance. However, their approaches to turbo engine design and tuning differ.

Subaru’s Turbocharged Engines

* Characteristics: Subaru’s turbocharged engines (EJ series historically,now FA series) are known for their responsiveness and broad powerband. They often feature intercooling to manage intake temperatures.

* Focus: Delivering usable power across a wide RPM range, making them well-suited for both spirited driving and everyday commutes.

* Examples: WRX, STI (discontinued), and turbocharged Forester variants.

Mitsubishi’s Turbocharged Engines

* Characteristics: Mitsubishi’s turbo engines, particularly those found in the Lancer Evolution, were engineered for maximum power output. They often employed sophisticated turbocharger technology and aggressive tuning.

* Focus: Peak horsepower and torque, prioritizing performance over fuel efficiency.

* Examples: Lancer Evolution’s 4G63 and 4B11 engines.

Rally Heritage: A Defining Chapter

The World Rally Championship (WRC) played a pivotal role in shaping the Subaru vs. Mitsubishi rivalry.

* Subaru’s WRC Success: Subaru’s Impreza WRX dominated the WRC in the late 1990s, securing multiple driver and manufacturer championships with Colin McRae and Richard Burns. This success cemented Subaru’s reputation for building capable and reliable rally cars.

* Mitsubishi’s WRC Campaigns: Mitsubishi also enjoyed periods of success in the WRC, with drivers like Tommi Mäkinen winning four consecutive driver’s championships (1996-1999) in the Lancer evolution.

* Technological Transfer: The technologies developed for rally racing – advanced AWD systems, turbocharged engines, and lightweight materials – were often transferred to production vehicles, benefiting everyday drivers.

Modern Landscape: Where Do They Stand Today?

The rivalry has evolved in recent years. Mitsubishi’s focus has shifted towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) like the Outlander PHEV,leveraging its S-AWC system for enhanced electric all-wheel drive performance. Subaru continues to refine its Symmetrical AWD and turbocharged engines, focusing on safety, reliability, and a balanced driving experience.

* Subaru’s Current Lineup: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, BRZ. Strong emphasis on AWD and EyeSight driver-assist technology.

* **Mitsubishi