2005 Lancer Evolution MR vs. Evolution VIII vs. Evolution RS

Dig deeply into the DNA of the three variations of Mitsubishi's Evolution before you--the RS, Evo VIII, and MR--and you'll find nearly identical strands (and a weight difference of only about one percent). Begging the question: Why are we doing this? Besides such normally acceptable answers as "It's fun," there's a raging debate within Evo circles as to which of the three represents the best value and is the best all-around car. Answering these questions certainly seemed good enough reason to pinball these road piranhas around Willow Spring Raceway's snaking 1.56-mile Streets course on a blustery day in December.

Before we press the play button and let the rubber marbles scatter on a three-way replay of their best flying laps, let's freeze-frame our comparison right at the starting line to properly introduce this trio of tarmac terrors.

Whereas 24 months ago there was but one Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the species has since evolved into three strains. In addition to the, shall we say "standard" Evolution VIII (quickly dubbed the "Straight Eight" around our halls), there's the sub-$30,000 decontented RS version introduced last year as well as its conceptual opposite, the new-for-2005 top-of-the line, goody-filled Evo MR (for Mitsubishi Racing).

The RS is a bare-bones offering--but, oh, what bones. On a Weight Watchers diet that carves away even such creature basics as power windows and a standard radio, the RS is a sort of cafeteria-style proposition, with the RS as the tray. Much of the bare trunk's finishing is painted metal, and even the ubiquitous rear wing is absent.

All the essentials, however, are present: the screaming 276-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter engine that's common among all Evos, the now common AWD system, a snickity-quick five-speed manual, gauge package, and even a few savory go-faster morsels such as an aluminum roof (shared with the MR) and even a thin-gauge steel trunklid. Add $2200, and the midlevel Evo VIII checks most of the expected standard-equipment boxes (power windows, a sound system with CD player), while in the functionality column, it adds ABS and the rear wing but retains the conventional steel roof.

The MR, on the other hand, is the full five courses--break out the vintage port, light up the Cuban cigars, damn the bill. While its appetizer tray of creature comforts is satisfyingly replete, the main course of go-fast componentry is an orgy of delectables: a six-speed manual topped by a palm-filling aluminum shift knob; lighter, one-piece BBS forged-alloy wheels; more subtly calibrated Bilstein shocks; and even aerodynamic vortex generators sprouting like spiked hair from the roof. If this car were any more serious, its grille would glower like Henry Kissinger's mug.

Now, then, where was that play button?

Click.