I went into the dealership for an Evo..
I didnt even want the RA when I visited all the dealerships around the area.
I did quick search before hand about previous Evo,
I wanted an AWD+Turbo four door car.
I remember they wouldnt let me test drive the Evo X GSR or MR.
I look at the engine bay on Evo X & later RA to my surprise they both share the same 4B11T. I remember Ralliart supposed to be performance brand/dept. for Mitsubishi so that also helped with my decision. (I know brand name is BS)
Also RA was available to test drive & salesman took me for a pedal to the metal spin. I got to rev it to 6k rpm in every gear & thought RA has great potentials. I knew RA turbo is smaller so I already planned to swap it out before I even bought the RA.
I also knew most evo x owners would dump money into their cars so evo x hand-me-down parts would be cheaper than aftermarket.
I stood in the parking lot comparing the difference & After that decision was easy. My Ralliart pick me to be her driver.
I call the insurance company for quote on Evo X & RA.
Evo X was double the rate of the RA. $300k full coverage for evo x was $650/mo car payment & $250/mo insurance. RA $352/mo car payment $125/mo insurance. After insurance company caught on to the RA they raise my monthly to $145/mo. Oh well, its time for new insurance carrier anyways.
MPG is another factor.
Daily drive-ability is another factor.
So yes, money/budget has everything to do with my decision.
Plus most of us are going to modify them anyways.
My sad story is I have worked hard for 12yr at the same company, thinking it is time to get into something more middle class only to take 20% pay cut after I purchased my RA. So Im glad I didnt buy into an Evo, I would've gotten repo'd.
My Ra taught me alot about awd car control.