hi i'm still a little new to the import scene and i had a question. I understand that a lancer evo is a lot better and more expensive than a lancer es or rs my question is this, could i modify a lancer rs/es so that it would compare if not defeat an evo? or would it be worth the money to just buy the evo?  

the only thing a stock lancer shares with an EVO is the name.  there is no way you can make a base lancer even close to an EVO.  the money you would need to invest would make no sense when compared to the cost of buying an EVO to begin with.  even if you did somehow match the power, the drivetrain will still be far inferior.

it would make way more sense just to pay a little extra up front for the high end model rather than dumping tons of money into the base model for something that still wont be as good.  

thanks for the input but i don't want to be in "your" car's league so don't treat me like an idiot.  

Hey DPImpreza thanks for the advice what would you suggest for a good vehicle that doesn't cost over $18.000?  

there are soo many options depending on which type of platform youre looking for. ill give just a few examples of bargain cars and then my personal opinion  

here are some dirt cheap used car options

fwd - you could pick up a crx or even a ek or eg hatchback for dirt cheap and throw in either a b16, b18, or even k20 motor all for well under 10 grand. a lightweight chassis with a good motor can be very surprising, but it will struggle with traction (fwd)

rwd - 240sx, sr20dets are all over the place these days - all for under 10 grand, great starter platform

awd - eclipse gsx - 5 grand, factory turbo motor
- 95+/- Subaru Impreza with an ej20/ej205 engine swap (wrx/sti motors) - this is a simple swap that can be had for cheap and the power is great.


newer cars

subaru wrx - a little more money, but one of the best options, a 2002/2003 can be found for about 15, 16 grand.

if youre looking for a project car, i would look into the 240sx.  they are a great starter platform, rear wheel drive, lots of parts available, and the sr20det is one of the best motors to tune.


if you want something newer, look into a 2003 wrx. this is my choice. its well worth the money.  with a turbo back exhaust, catless uppipe, and engine management, they gain from 30-50 wheel horsepower.  260 - 280 wheel horsepower is easily obtained, but this is usually a good place to stay with a non-sti wrx due to drivetrain issues.

the WRX seems to be your best option since you are already considering the EVO (awd turbo platform). but the STi and EVO are a bit pricey.  a WRX can easily be upgraded to run with EVOs and STIs. for around your 18 grand mark. good luck with whatever route you choose.  

The Evo is a way more advanced and powerful beast of a car. while the lancer is just a little dinky ass weak little toy. IT"S IMPOSSIBLE  

there is also the SRT4 which is very similar to the EVO their like brothers when it comes to racing i personally love both and i have both EVO VIII and a 03' SRT4  

^I wouldn't necessarily say a SRT4 is similar to an Evo. I mean they're both turbocharged, but a SRT4 is FWD and the Evo is AWD. WRXs and Evos are more like brothers but from different mothers =).