The VQ series of engines are great, but they make it sound like it's such an exclusive engine for exclusive cars...but then again, when was a Quest, Altima, Maxima, Murano, and etc exclusive? Not too long ago, Nissan had a major recall on VQ35 powered vehicles as in the G35, Altima, Max and yada yada. The 2JZ-GE is definitely exclusive since it's only found in the GS, IS and not to forget the legendary Supra.

 

Unlike the IS300, which is a well-polished sport sedan, the Evo and STi are essentially serious no-frill rally cars converted for street use. The Evo, especially, has an awful ride on anything but glass-smooth pavement. Mitsubishi also is notorious for engine problems as miles build up. The Evo's turbo cooler, under the front bumper, is in a damage-prone place from road debris. The Sti puts it up under the hood scoop. The STi is somewhat closer to Lexus in build quality ( as are Subarus in general ) , and is a little faster than the Evo in a straight line, with more HP and torque. The Evo, with its ultra-firm suspension, will take the STi in turns. Both cars will sell for full list or more due to limited production and demand. However, Mitsubishi just announced a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty Hyundai-style, which will help with any engine problems.
Unless you have to have AWD capability, for a car that you will have to live with every day, get the IS300.

 

what up mmarshall? I have the IS already. It's just that my lease is coming to an end in a couple of months and I have already started car shopping or browsing. I've ridden in the Evo already and the ride isn't too bad. To tell u the truth, i really need an AWD drive vehicle cuz of the snow we get here in nyc and my IS does not go anywhere in the snow.. makes me wonder why there is a snow button? I'm also aware about the evo's turbo cooler placement but i figure if they didn't have any problems w/ rocks etc.. damaging it in all those comparison test's w/ the sti, i figured they didn't run into any problems..

 

OK, ny176, sorry...perhaps I was unclear about the intent of your post....whether you actually had an IS or just wanted an IS-Evo-STi comparison. Anyhow, since you say you want a good snow machine and already lease a Lexus, you could look at an RX330. If that is too pricey , it's hard to beat the Subarus as good, inexpensive, reliable, simple, all-wheel-drive machines. Lexus, for all its quality, is a relative newcomer to the AWD game. Subaru has done it for decades, and done it well. Outside of the Impreza Sti, WRX, and RS models, Subarus are not particularly sporty but are excellent in foul weather. Many of them also come with special cold-weather packages ( I notice you are from NY ) like large batteries, alternators, heated seats, heated mirrors, etc... The STi and WRX, for a snowy climate, would probably need a set of mounted snow tires for winter....the standard high-performance tires just would not work well in snow despite the AWD. If you don't like any of the Subarus for any reason (they may be too stodgy for you) , you could check out the AWD Volvo S60R or the VW Passat 4-motion....both would give you European sports-sedan-handling and reasonably good traction in snow.
Again, good luck.

 

thanks for the great advice mmarshall.. Yeah, i would definately have to get a set of snow tires for the evo r sti.. my friend had to get a set for his evo.. thanks again