Cars.comparison: All-Wheel-Drive Rockets
While you may think all-wheel drive is only useful on slippery roads, it can also be beneficial in performance cars. All three of the models listed here are equipped with it, but beyond that the similarities fade somewhat. We have a sedan and two hatchbacks featuring turbo-four-cylinder and six-cylinder power. The question remains: Which is the best all-wheel-drive rocket? Keep reading for the answer.

The Contenders | ||
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR | 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI | 2008 Volkswagen R32 |
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Base MSRP | ||
TBA | $34,995 | $32,990 |
Price as tested | ||
TBA | $35,640 | $35,430 |
Boy racer appeal | ||
![]() | Rad: The STI's wide body styling is reminiscent of some Porsches. The previous-generation sedan's massive rear wing is gone, but there's still a substantial liftgate spoiler and quad exhaust. Its hatchback style and overall design, however, make it less tough — and less appealing — to many. | Sad: While the R32 has a sporty stance, there's no overkill to be found. The wildest element is perhaps its available Deep Blue Metallic paint color. Some say it's not different enough from the Rabbit and GTI. |
Engine and transmission | ||
![]() | The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers strong performance if you're willing to rev it, but Subaru's got a problem on its hands when the less powerful Impreza WRX is a more entertaining daily driver. The STI's short-throw shifter has a mechanical feel. The clutch is easily mastered, but whether the drivetrain adjustments are worthwhile is debatable. | The only six-cylinder in this trio will push you back in your seat if you want it to. Manual transmission fans should look elsewhere, though, as a DSG automatic is the only transmission offered. Apart from a slight delay after pressing the steering-wheel paddle before an upshift occurs, it's a quick-shifting transmission. |
Gas mileage (city/highway, mpg) | ||
17/22 | 17/23 | ![]() |
Ride and handling | ||
![]() | ![]() | The taut suspension communicates road imperfections, for sure, but there isn't any harshness. Body roll is well controlled, and the R32 feels balanced accelerating out of a corner. Steering effort is on the light side. |
Braking performance | ||
![]() | ![]() | Like most German cars, the R32 has trustworthy, fade-resistant brakes, but VW may have given up performance by staying in-house. |
Soundtrack | ||
The exhaust is sporty, but the conventional inline-four-cylinder doesn't distinguish itself like the others do. | The boxer engine's distinctive growl is present, but the cabin itself isn't that isolated, which allows road noise to intrude at highway speeds. | ![]() |
Seat comfort | ||
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Of the three, the Evo's seats are the best for sporty driving, with prominent side bolsters and suede inserts. In terms of comfort, though, they're not the best. The backseat is accommodating, like the R32's, and the rear doors are a bonus. |
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The STI's front sport seats are comfortable enough, and the leather and suede surfaces are common performance car elements, but the side bolsters are rather small. The hatchback's backseat isn't as comfortable as the R32's. |
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Interior quality | ||
Like the Subaru, the new Evo's interior has, well, evolved above the crudity of the earlier generations, but it's no VW. | The materials are decent, but the STI's cabin can't match the R32, which is the overachiever of this trio. | ![]() |
Cargo versatility | ||
Not surprisingly, the sedan body style and conventional trunk make this one the cargo loser with 6.9 cubic feet of space. Due to the added bracing, the backseat doesn't fold down. | ![]() | A low liftover height should make loading luggage into the R32's 9.7 cubic foot cargo area easier, and folding the rear seatbacks increases total capacity to 43.4 cubic feet. |
Editors' choice | ||
![]() | In this matchup, performance is one of the most important factors, and while the new STI puts up big-time power and torque numbers, the seat-of-the-pants experience isn't equally impressive. It has a lot going for it otherwise, but performance can't be overlooked in this comparison. | The R32's reserved looks and elegant cabin make it the elder statesman of this group, even though it's just as new as the Evolution and STI. If you're looking for performance in a grown-up package, this is it. |
Posted on 1/2/08
Next Step?
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
- 2008 Volkswagen R32