I like the evo a lot - it handles great. The turn in response really impressed me on the one I drove.

That being said, I have driven a couple, as an SRT-4 owner, to compare and I preferred the SRT-4 over the EVO8 and a couple of others, as well. After comparing the two cars, I find that the SRT-4 is just more of a rush to drive, for some reason. The SRT-4 feels more powerful in the low end and pulls a little harder once rolling. Launch in the EVO is great, but the SRT-4 makes up for it in the long run, believe me. At first, driving the SRT felt brutish(you really muscle the car around a lot more than other 4 cylinder cars I have driven) but now, anything else feels wimpy compared to the muscle car feel of the SRT.

My SRT is right around the same power level as your EVO, I would surmise, and probably a good basis for comparison.
The fact that it makes up for the lack of initial bite (in the 1/4) with reserves of power and high-end acceleration to enable it to post a 5.0 0-60 (compared to a 4.4-4.5 to 60mph in the evo) but a low 13 second 1/4 with speeds around 107-110 (same for the evo except at a speed of 103-105, usually) means in the long run the SRT is faster. - sorry 'bout the run-on. (Basically- the evo launches better , but the srt-4 hauls it in in the 1/4 and wins on the highway)

Handling-wise, the evo is better stock for stock. But - with a set of coilovers, some camber, and better wheels, a standard srt-4 comes alive in a big way.
The ACR edition runs pretty much even to a M3 on the road course in stock form, so improvement to that machine would net outstanding results, I am sure.

I would say - either test drive one, or find someone who owns one and will let you drive it. Nothing will tell you what is right for you, ultimately, better than getting behind the wheel.

 

I have a question ( maybe jail lagged from last night ) but what is ACR ?

 

I had a Wrx with a few toys. I like the Srt better ( more torque) a heck of alot easier to modify and believe it or not the car eats up mods. The subaru I owned you couldn't change the battery without voiding your warantee or throwing a CEL. I fell in love the minute I drove it. Not as flashy as the Subi on the inside but thats how dodge kept the price down and put the facts to the pavement. I would't part with mine ( as lng as I can keep the freaks from trying to steal it).

 

It doesn't matter - you can't have one[8D].

In all seriousness, it is looking like they are done with production.

It is:American Club Racer...16", wider lighter bbs wheels, stabilizer bars, 5 way adj struts, harness slots in seats,...basically geared towards handling improvement and club racing homologation(or however you spell it).

 

I say go for it the acrs are pretty sweet lookin and very rare and Where I live theres at least 5 or 6 for sale.Black,white ,red and orange blast all of them are in stock where I live. Have fun.