The is a million times better than the 2008 model, but is it good enough for you?

You've got the need for speed but also the need for a car you can live with, the need for a car you can afford to fill up, the need to explore new routes, the need to move more than one person around simultaneously, the need to store things and the need to not spend all your money on a car payment.

You've got the need for speed but also the need to drive a car that looks like it was built for an adult, the need for smooth roads, the need for big engines, the need for loud noises and the need for something impractical.

Speed Merchants: Yes

Fashion Victims: No

Treehuggers: Yes

Mack Daddies: No

Tuner Crowd: Yes

Hairdressers: No

Penny Pinchers: Yes

Euro Trash: No

Working Stiffs: No

Technogeeks: Yes

Poseurs: No

Soccer Moms: No

Nascar Dads: No

Golfing Grandparents: No

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The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart isn't an Evo X. It's better. That's what I keep telling myself…

• Manufacturer: Subaru

• Model: WRX

• Model year: 2009

• Base Price: $25,495

• Price as Tested: $26,835

• Engine type: 2.5-Liter DOHC Intercooled Turbo Boxer 4

• Horsepower: 265 HP @ 6000 rpm

• Torque: 244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

• Curb Weight: 3,200 lbs

• LxWxH: 180.3" x 68.5" x 58.1"

• Wheelbase: 103.1"

• Tires: 225/45 R17

• 0 - 60 mph: 5.4 seconds (manufacturer quoted)

• Top Speed: 140 MPH (limited)

• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 18/25 MPG

• Jalopnik Fuel Economy: 18.8 MPG (city/highway mix 25/75)

• NHTSA crash test rating: *****/*****

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Wes Siler, our road test boffin, keeps saying the 2009 Subaru WRX mixes power and practicality,…