Unpopular Opinion: Skyline GT-R vs. Lancer Evolution

"Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish" (mrfist) 10/03/2014 at 05:38 • Filed to: Unpopular Opinion, Evo, GT-r

1

58

I personally think that Godzilla gets more love than it deserves, I mean yeah, it's sexy and fast, very fast but I've still got a bone to pick with it.

People are absolutely infatuated with every iteration of the Skyline and it's become sort of this unattainable icon for ( most some of) us Jalops but, there is another option that will provide similar if not better performance! The Lancer Evolution, here I am talking specifically about the Evo X.

Both cars are turbo, all-wheel drive, Japanese, uh.. Well that's about where the similarities end. The GT-R will get an awesome 6-cylinder and in the Evo you only get a puny 4-banger. The GT-R has 280 horses under the hood, the Evo will get you 291. The Evo tips the scales at 3527 while the GT-R weighs 3440. 0-60 times for the Evo range from 3.7 seconds up to 4.7, the R34 in V-spec mode will go in 4.9. So honestly performance wise these cars are pretty similar.

Here is where I explain my reasoning for picking the Evo. First, it's got 4 doors so it's about 84% more practical for daily use. Second, when you buy an Evo you are buying a car, a Skyline GT-r, that's goddamn Godzilla, you're buying the badge and the 'exclusivity' of it, it doesn't perform any better than an Evo or an STI but it's special. Next, when shit goes bad with you Skyline how much is that going to cost you? I can promise you it'll cost more than it would to fix a Evo because there are about 4 R34s in the states and not one of them is a parts car. Lastly, you can get one that actually has useful things like bluetooth, heated seats, navigaytion, and all the other little things that make a car livable day to day.

Maybe I'm dumb but I am completely serious and sure that I would take an Evo X over an R34 Skyline GT-R.

Also, all comments about the Evo are interchangeable with WRX STi (they are pretty much the same car).

EDIT: Alright, everyone has been so kind as to let me know that the Skyline was just advertised at 280hp it actually produced much more.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 05:46

1

I think the main draw of the Skyline isn't how fast it is stock, but how much HP can be had pretty easily out of that engine. I mean, you can make crazy amounts of power with it, so to say that they're similar performance wise is somewhat intellectually dishonest, the GT-R has way more performance potential at least HP wise. That being said I really don't like either car that much so I really could care less.

GhostZ > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 10/03/2014 at 05:50

0

Well, the Evo can be boosted up too, but it doesn't hold up as well and the rest of the chassis and body generally isn't built for 500+ HP.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 10/03/2014 at 05:52

1

The Evo is also very capable when tuned, like 900 hp capable like the 3Dx.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > GhostZ 10/03/2014 at 05:53

1

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 05:55

1

The RB26DETT actually produces a lot more than 280 PS stock. In the R32 it was non-officially estimated at 320 PS and it's only risen from then.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 05:55

1

Yeah but for how long before it blows up, and at what cost?

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 10/03/2014 at 05:58

0

Everything I've found for the R34 GT-R V-Spec says 280, I don't doubt that is underrated but, that's what everything says.

GhostZ > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 10/03/2014 at 05:58

0

Well, given that the RB26 engine weighs the same as a Chevy Big Block and makes more power, you could argue that there's no replacement for the displacement of the block's strength itself.

Seriously though, there is a huge difference between the 300lb buzzy 2.0l Honda engines and the 600lb 2.6l RB engines, they're over-engineered racing motors put into road cars.

The US muscle equivalent is a Chevy 302, or perhaps even a 426 Hemi in that they're oversized racing engines put in road cars designed to rev high without getting too large. Only 302 cubic inches, but made more power than most big blocks of the era because it revved to 9000rpm and was tuned for high efficiency.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 10/03/2014 at 06:00

1

It won't last forever but neither would a 900 hp Skyline.

Also the chances that you're going to put that much work into either car is probably pretty slim, people do it but I never would.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > GhostZ 10/03/2014 at 06:01

1

I meant the RB26 vs the evo motor. But yeah, what you said.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 06:08

2

The thing about the Skyline motor is that it's stock internal can handle way more power, so you can just adjust blow off valves, or change out your turbo and WHAM 500HP. That's harder to do in the 4-cylinder Evo. Also the skyline almost certainly had more than 280HP, at the time of it's manufacture all the Japanese car companies underrated their cars, with none exceeding the gentleman's agreement of 280HP.

I'd take a RX7 over either of them though...

Jobjoris > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 06:09

1

In 1988, JDM cars were limited by voluntary self-restraints among manufacturers to 280 horsepower (PS) (276 hp) and a top speed of 190 km/h (118.1 mph), limits imposed by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) for safety. The horsepower limit was lifted in 2004 but the speed limit of 190 km/h (118.1 mph) remains in effect. Many JDM cars have speedometers that register up to 180 km/h (111.8 mph) (certain Nissans go up to 190 km/h, and the GT-R has a mechanism that removes the speed limiter on a track) but all have speed limiters.

Therefor officially 280.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 06:10

0

Because that is what it was advertised at like all Japanese cars of the day. The Japanese car companies had a gentleman's agreement that they wouldn't advertise any car as having more than 280HP regardless of what it actually had. Saying it actually only had 280 is just flat out wrong though.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 10/03/2014 at 06:17

0

Mmm RX-7..

But to answer for the horsepower, it almost definitely makes more than the 280 however even with the 330-340, whatever you want to call it, the cars are waay over priced for what they are. You CAN make them insane track monsters but chances are that the ones that make it over here will be show cars and garage queens.

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 06:55

3

That's like saying I'd rather have a 911 over a V12 Vantage because the 911 is faster.

I wouldn't.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:00

0

I'm saying that an Evo will give you the same performance for cheaper, will be cheaper to fix, be more comfortable as DD, and it's more practical for everyday use.

And I'd definitely go with the V12 Vantage becaus V12 Vantage..

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:04

0

EXACTLY

Crocket Bernet > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:05

0

I'll never own an EVO X because as good as they are they have a face only a mother could love.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:07

0

I do understand that the GT-R is awesome and they evoke emotion but it'd be silly to buy one when there are newer, quicker, cheaper, and more practical cars available.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Crocket Bernet 10/03/2014 at 07:09

0

That color doesn't really help either.

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:10

0

But that's why I want a Noble!

They're like $350k, and a 911 Turbo and GTR Nismo are faster and cheaper and newer and more practical.

But I still lust after the Noble.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:16

0

The Noble is much more special than any GT-R.

This was more for people like myself who can't afford a $350k car, an Evo or an R34 are both "within reach" in the next few years and I think that the Evo would be a better purchase than an R34 any day but there will always be emotion attached to cars (at least for those lucky enough to experience it) and people want what they want plain and simple.

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:17

0

That's why I'd rather have the R34.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:20

0

And you aren't wrong, I just disagree with your decision. Especially if I could have the FQ-400.

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:23

1

I'd have the new STi over the Evo!

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:25

0

Yes. But please remove the stupid wing first.

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:27

0

ALL OF THESE CARS HAVE STUPID WINGS

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:28

1

TAKE THEM ALL OFF!

SCREW THE EVO WING

SCREW THE STi WING

SCREW THE OTHER WINGS

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:30

0

I only agree with you on the Supra front.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:32

2

But I think I like the Supra wing..

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:32

0

lol. I think we have different opinions.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 07:34

0

But we both love a good FiSTing, don't we?

Brian Silvestro > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 07:34

1

But of course!

*bends over*

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 08:17

0

I'm under the impression an M600 is faster than the Nismo if both cars are on the same tyres and if the M600's boost is in the maximum.

djmt1 > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 08:20

1

1. Evo 7-9

2. R34

3. R35

4. EVO X

5. R32

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > djmt1 10/03/2014 at 08:22

0

I like the X more than the R34 but less than the R35.

Party-vi > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 09:18

2

I wants the GT-R because I can't has it.

Meatcoma > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 10:02

0

I think the GT-R looks better. That's about the only reason.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Party-vi 10/03/2014 at 10:04

0

See you can buy them here in Germany but I still don't feel the need to buy one, I'd rather find a clean Evo.

http://ramstein.bookoo.com/i/49683933

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Meatcoma 10/03/2014 at 10:08

0

And I agree that the GT-R looks better, especially the R33, but I'd rather have the Evo because it makes more sense for me. I'd love to have a GT-R as like a 3rd car but not as a DD.

Meatcoma > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 10:14

1

After sitting/driving them both, I would probably agree. Maybe....

Party-vi > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 10:56

1

I like the Evo, but I lust after the GT-R.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 11:57

0

I think for a lot of people it's the fact that the GT-R is kind of a forbidden fruit. Anybody can walk into a dealer and buy a Lancer Evo. Here in the states, a GT-R is a unicorn. It's extremely hard to get. It's the same reason I'd rather have a Citroen C6 over BMW 5-Series: because I can't.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 11:59

1

There's always newer, quicker, cheaper, and more practical options available. People want the GT-R for emotional reasons, and like with any other car, no amount of reasoning with facts or statistics or logic will convince you it's the car to buy, or anyone who loves it that it's not.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 10/03/2014 at 12:00

1

And I understand that to extent and don't get me wrong, they are cool as shit but there are better options, at least in my opinion.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 12:03

0

I for one, don't love the GT-R, but then again, I don't love the Evo either.

Stef Schrader > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 13:36

1

I love this unpopular opinion. Mostly, because I have it.

We're kind of comparing apples to oranges, though. One's the latest tech wonderboy generation, and the other, the prior. Evo IX vs. R34 is more of a fair comparison. Evo X vs. R35, not even a comparison. Give me the X. The R35's just porky porky, and it's big without lots of really usable space or visibility out to compensate. If we're talking power mod craziness, I'd say it's a debate between IX vs. R34—the IX was stupid reliable with stupid amounts of power. The good ol' iron block vs. the X's aluminum.

I'm rambling, but it's wash the 944 day.

Dr.Kamiya > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 15:40

1

That costs a LOT of money. The RB26 equipped skylines will make 400 just by pulling out a boost restrictor pill.

Dr.Kamiya > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 15:42

0

New STI would look like a Corolla or Hyundai without the wing.

Brian Silvestro > Dr.Kamiya 10/03/2014 at 15:50

0

Seconded!

Mr Ordinary > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 16:37

1

I've always loved the Evo 8 FQ400 for all of its faults. It's a highly compromised car unless your only goal is to drive it hard and that works for me!

I love the way it looks, the sound and performance and I actually like the fact it choose to compromise day to day drive-ability for outright performance, that works for me!

Here is it harassing a lambo around the test track!

Dr.Kamiya > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 17:09

0

Dr.Kamiya > Brian Silvestro 10/03/2014 at 17:10

0

Indeed. Oh Subaru won't you give us back our pillarless doors, and airplane-inspired front end.

Brian Silvestro > Dr.Kamiya 10/03/2014 at 17:13

1

CANNOT UNSEE

aquila121 > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/03/2014 at 19:33

1

My issue is that after 10+ years, the Evo has gained weight to put it in the same territory as a Mk IV Supra, however, the power (torque, mostly) and handling have not risen in kind. The Skyline had unbelievable power and handling capabilities in stock form compared to competitors, and the Mitsubishi has figures that are only now—a decade later, I stress—beginning to better the Nissan. What I'm trying to say is that I appreciate that the R32 and 34 were ahead of their time. Sure, the Evo or STI has parts available, their cheaper outright, and have plenty of tuning potential, but I feel they should have surpassed the Skyline by more than what has transpired with time. The RB26DETT is an iron lump of an engine with an extra turbo worth of weight, yet the Evo as an aluminum block and it weighs more? Pass. If I had a chance to drive Godzilla, that'd feel like I was behind the wheel of something special (to me)—it's also fair to say that "forbidden fruit" is a factor here, too.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Mr Ordinary 10/04/2014 at 08:38

0

This is awesome.

Mr Ordinary > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/04/2014 at 09:22

0

Here is part two that shows some of the major compromises they made to make the car so fast!

aaRRR > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 03/08/2015 at 12:49

1

Well I think you missed some important factors... Maybe the most important factor IMO. Take a look at the skyline GT-R bloodline. It has set records and feats in motorsports on the Evo or any other performance car for that matter can only dream of. 49, 29 official race wins, fastest 4wd record holder, getting banned to compete because of sheer dominance, etc. etc. That's why it was even called "Godzilla" by motoring critics around the world after it destroyed EVERY opposition in the early 90s.

Another thing is the GT-R is more of a real sportscar, having 2 doors, chasis stance, makes it more handsome. The Evo looks nice but hey, its basically a buffed out 4 door lancer still! Funny you said 33 is your fav among the GT-Rs. :D Its actually the most disliked. Considered the blacksheep of the family after it didn't met expectations. Thanks to the GT-R BNR32 for setting a high standard. There has been numerous comparisons already made in Japan from the likes of BMI, several JDM mags, that the GT-R on a particular gen outscored the Evo on that same gen.

And by the way, its A KNOWN FACT in the GTR world that actual output of the RB26 ever since the 32 days is around 320 - 330 hp! ;) All I can say is put a bit more of time to get to know the facts behind the myth, then you'll understand why. Ever wondered why its the most popular sportscar in Japan? In Japan, where all these amazing cars like Evo, Z, Sti, Supra, Silvia are made! Its like their national car there! I know I lived there for 2.5 years mate. I have nothing against the Evo, heck I even own a CT9A and love it to bits!!! But the others are right, its comparing apples to oranges, Gran Tourer to a Rally Car. In my situation the Evo is more of my daily, while the GT-R is the garage queen / weekend warrior.