Japan vs Japan — 1992 vs 2003
| Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A | Lancer Evolution VIII MR (CT9A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 247 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 228 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,997 cc | 1,997 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 sec | 4.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.9 sec | 13.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,579 lbs | 3,086 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,625 mm |
| Length | 4,310 mm | 4,490 mm |
| Units Produced | 5,000 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $33,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Numbers favor the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (CT9A) with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A offers lighter weight, stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The 1992 and 2003 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (CT9A) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 247 hp, a 33-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16-valve turbo (4G63T) displacing 1,997 cc, while the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V MIVEC Turbocharged with 1,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (CT9A) edges ahead at 4.3 seconds versus 5.3 seconds. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 507 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.