2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart vs 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 26, 2009

3:56 min

Like Bologna and cheese or Pop Tarts and a Toaster there are some things you just can�t help but throw together � this isn�t the first time we�ve tossed both the Subaru WRX and Mitubishi Lancer Ralliart down a winding road but that doesn�t make the comparison any less tasty. For 2009 the Subie has been slightly revised � it�s now quicker, lighter and sharper. On paper the cars are similar, they�re even priced within $2,000 of each other. The Mitsubishi is more expensive thanks to an optional recarro seating package. Still, the subie�s lower price does include a premium package with fog lights, a sunroof, and heated seats. The Lancer also comes with what amounts to an automatic transmission. Mitsu's six-speed dual-clutch automated manual is flexible enough to handle both commuter traffic and back-road work with little compromise. The WRX has a traditional five speed manual. Both cars have permanent all-wheel drive but the lancer goes high tech here borrowing the Evo�s Active Center diff with selectable settings. But this contest won�t be won with specs or clever slogans, it�s all about speed and agility. The 2008 WRX was already quicker than the Ralliart � now the gap widens thanks to the Subie's turbocharged, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder making 265 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque. WRX 0-60 5.2 seconds quarter-mile; 13.7 seconds at 98.7 mph.The Subaru doesn�t like to be launched hard � but get it right and it bolts from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds and makes short work of the quarter mile too. Lancer 0-60 5.8With a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 253 lb-ft of torque and 237 hp, the Lancer lags behind the Subaru by about a half second. WRX Slalom 68.5 mph Skidpad .87gIt�s a similar story in the slalom where the WRX pulls off a 68.5 mph run. That�s a slight improvement over last year�s WRX - we suspect the improvement is due to stickier 225/45 Dunlop SP summer tires Lancer Slalom 65.6 mph Skidpad .80gCorrect tires help the WRX dominate the day. The Mitsu�s Yokohama Advan A10s, cause the car to push so hard in the slalom that backing off is the only way around all the cones. It�s 65.6 mile per hour performance is well off the WRX�s pace. Lancer 60 -0 127 feet Subaru 60 -0 107 feetSame goes for braking; the Lancer Ralliart stops from 60 mph in 127 feet on the first run. All subsequent stops are in the 130s. Compare that to the Subaru�s 107 ft stop � better than the Lancer and a full 14 feet shorter than last years WRX which wore different tires. Despite these differences, both cars are a blast to drive hard. But ultimately it�s the WRX that wins this contest. Although it doesn't turn into a corner like the previous generation WRX, the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is the better of these two sport compacts. It doesn't matter that the 2009 WRX lacks fancy differentials and a twin-clutch gearbox. It's quicker, lighter and cheaper than the Ralliart and no matter how often we sample it, that�s a combination that just works.