There is plenty of aftermarket for the ST and Evo both. In the past you could make more power with the Evo cheaper because you didn’t need to upgrade the turbo as soon. Not sure if that is still the case on the new B411 engine.
Stock STI’ dyno at around 225 AWHP, the cheapest thing is to go directly to a stage two tune which is:
Downpipe - $500 for catted $250 for non
Cobb Access Port $650-$700
Protune - $500, most will require compression testing and so forth so another $100 or so.
On 93 Octane that should net you about 260 AWHP and 310lb Tq.
Most will go with a full TBE instead of the just the DP although that s really just for looks and sound so another $400-$1,000 depending on what you like.
Through in a CAI for $300 and maybe add another 10hp.
I’m quoting wheel horse power as that is more appropriate since AWD cars loose more power to parasitic powertrain losses as compared to RWD cars. Of course it’s made back up in the 0-60/0-100 range due to added grip.
The majority of the power in STI’s and Evo’s is between 0-80 mph IMO. For instance even from a roll (not an STI strong suit) and with only a stage 1 OTS map (est 250 AWHP) I can pace or nudge ahead of a Merc S600 (twin turbo V12). Once you get to 70+ he’ll pull on me from there.
As to only car in college I’d take the STI due to the added practicality. I’ve hauled lots of crap in mine including my OEM exhaust and kid which you could never do in an Evo.
