Sunday 2 March 2014

BMW 335i xDrive vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR – Review by LimitedSlipBlog

BMW 335i xDrive vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR-03



The article first appeared on LimitedSlipBlog Dr. Jekyll: a respectable and well-established man known for his good intentions. Mr. Hyde: a repugnant and secluded man …
The article first appeared on LimitedSlipBlog
Dr. Jekyll: a respectable and well-established man known for his good intentions. Mr. Hyde: a repugnant and secluded man with violent tendencies. Simultaneously the same being, Jekyll and Hyde differ in appearance, action, and character. This might not appear to be an equitable comparison.






Just as it was in the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the BMW doesn’t occupy the same space as the Mitsubishi Evo. But your old Literature professor found merit in comparing and contrasting the two fictional characters. We, too, found merit in comparing the two cars. The BMW is everything that the Mitsubishi can’t be, just as the Mitsubishi is everything that the BMW can’t be. One look at the spec sheet, however, and there is far too much in common to be a coincidence.

BMW 335i xDrive vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR   Review by LimitedSlipBlog
The BMW’s 3.0L turbocharged I6 produces an even 300hp and 300lb-ft torque. The Mitsubishi’s smaller, 2.0L turbocharged I4 peaks out at 291hp and 300lb-ft. Those are impressive numbers from an engine down on displacement. Both cars have advanced all-wheel-drive systems and arrived on 18″ winter tires. BMW’s xDrive is optional on the 335i, but Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system is standard on the Evo. There was no discernible difference between the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II runflats on the BMW and the Michelin Pilot Alpin P4s of the Mitsubishi. Even in weight and dimension, the two cars are closely matched. Only 124lbs separate the Evo MR from the heftier 335i. Those pounds can be attributed to the extra 6 inches in wheelbase and just over an inch in rear track. That size differential carries over inside to give the BMW slightly more space for its rear occupants. But the BMW and the Mitsubishi distinguish themselves on one major point: transmission. The Evo MR is only available with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic whereas the BMW can be optioned with either an 8-speed automatic or, like the one we have here, a 6-speed manual.
BMW 335i xDrive vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR   Review by LimitedSlipBlog
The BMW 335i xDrive, much like the good Doctor himself, has an air of sophistication in its outward appearance. We’ve written extensively about the F30 3 Series and compared it to the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, and even the new 4 Series, so we feel somewhat confident in describing it as such. Its shape, though new, has clear ties to its lineage. The lack of swollenwheel arches, gaping hood scoops, or in-your-face aero packages gives it a more mature appearance. It looks very sure of itself without showing off. That is, of course, ignoring the combination of Estoril Blue II paint and Coral Red interior. This particular 335i is easily spotted from a distance with this flamboyant color combination. Some will love it, some will hate it. There’s no doubting its uniqueness or desire to be seen. With a roundel on the hood, however, the design will always maintain a level of composure and restraint. But there is a darker streak. Look closely at how the M Sport package changes the car. Fog lights are foregone to supply extra air for the oil cooler and brakes. The aero packages widens and lowers the front grille, flares out the side skirts, and adds a faux rear diffuser. There’s even an optional rear lip spoiler that changes the whole look of the rear of the car.
BMW 335i xDrive vs. Mitsubishi Evo MR   Review by LimitedSlipBlog
Mr. Hyde is described as ugly and deformed. We won’t go that far when describing the Mitsubishi Evo, which we’ve also written about previously. It might look like a Mitsubishi Lancer from afar, but the Evo MR shares very little with its namesake. It’s much darker and more sinister in appearance, but it has nothing to do with its Mercury Gray paint. The Evo appears to be tearing out of its own skin. Vents in the hood pull heat away from the massive turbocharger, while the NACA duct gulps cold air for the intake.







The front grille is wider and more open, providing extra air to the front-mounted intercooler and brakes. The wheel arches are boxed out to make room for a wider track. Behind the front wheels, lightweight gunmetal BBS alloys, more vents channel air out of the wells. The side skirts are wide enough to catch your heel each time you get in or out of the car.





 In a rare moment of restraint, the MR is fitted with a rear spoiler more akin to the one found on the BMW instead of the massive wing of the Evo GSR. The Mitsubishi is unabashedly aggressive.













SOURCE: BMWBLOG

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