It’s hard to see in this photo, but the front and rear fenders oft Evo (bottom photo) are bulged out to cover its wider performance tires. Note the difference in fuel-filler doors also: The GT’s is round, while the Evo’s is more squared off. The Evolution MR’s 18-inch BBS-brand wheels are some of the best-looking original-equipment rollers around.
Occasionally, the ebb and flow of our Consumer Guide test-car fleet provides us with some interesting opportunities for side-by-side comparisons. Such was the case a couple weeks ago, when we had a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GT and its hot-rod sibling, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, in for testing at the same time.
Few cars that share the same basic platform are as different as these two. The Lancer GT is a mainstream sporty compact car that, frankly, is a bit of an also-ran among stellar competitors such as the Ford Focus and Mazda 3. The Evolution MR is a highly specialized, uncompromising rally car for the street that boasts one of the most sophisticated high-performance all-wheel-drive systems on the market. Evolutions have a cult-like following of hardcore enthusiasts who are willing to forgo comfort and refinement for all-out, all-weather driving thrills.
The mission differences show up in the prices, too: The Evolution MR’s base price is $37,895; our test car stickered at $38,960 with destination. The Lancer GT’s base price is $20,995; our tester was loaded up with the optional GT Touring Package ($3,550) and navigation system ($2,000), so it checked in at an eye-opening $27,340 with destination.
From the front, the Evolution’s hood scoop, hood vents, and slightly meaner-looking fascia set it apart from the GT.The Evolution’s aggressive rear diffuser and dual exhaust tips give it a wider, more-aggressive look. Evo MRs share the mainstream Lancer’s subdued rear spoiler. The Evo GSR model (not shown) wears a much larger rear wing. Note that the Lancer GT is equipped with a rearview camera.The Lancer GT is powered by a 168-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that delivers middling acceleration. The Evo MR has a rollicking 291-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four that provides truly invigorating go once the turbo spools up. MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) is the name of Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing system.
Dashboards are nearly identical, of course. Though it doesn’t really look it here, the Evo’s steering wheel is significantly smaller than its mainstream siblings’, which, coupled with its super-quick steering, really adds to its high-performance feel. Also note the differences between the shift levers: The Lancer GT has a CVT and the Evo MR uses Mitsubishi’s “SST” 6-speed automated manual transmission.They may not look radically different here, but trust us—the Evo’s Recaro bucket seats are much more snug than the regular Lancer’s seats. That’s great when you’re throwing the car into high-speed corners, but not so great in daily-grind commuting. The Recaros aren’t height-adjustable, and their pronounced side and bottom bolsters make entry and exit a bit more of a chore.
