Kawa vs Evo

Mykhailo Mosin, 33 years old, a farmer, 15 years of driving experience, rides a Kawasaki ZRX 1200S

Kawa vs Evo
© Photo: 5 Koleso

I agreed to this adventure without hesitation, although the idea is, frankly, absurd. Comparing a bike with a car — even one like the Lancer Evolution IX — is something only someone who hit their head hard as a child could do. I also took a couple of good knocks in my youth, so why not? Especially since no one set clear conditions for this contest. Here's the car, here's my motorcycle. Compare away!

Kawa vs Evo
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Of course, comparing a motorcycle to a car is like measuring vodka against beer. Both get you going, but vodka, like a bike, works faster even in small doses. And it's not even that in the same 5.7 seconds it takes the Evolution to hit a hundred, the speedometer needle of my "steed" already shows 200 km/h. No. It's about the sensations you experience beyond a simple adrenaline rush. A bike makes you think harder. What am I getting at? That besides the 280 "horses" under the hood, any car also has a body. It's that very reliable "wall" between you and all the troubles that can happen in a collision. Add stability control, airbags, seatbelts. And what do I have when I'm in the saddle? A leather jacket, motorcycle boots, gloves, a helmet, and a kilo and a half of gray matter inside. And that gray matter has to work hard to stay intact, and then, if something happens, sell itself as new. You have to think constantly, not only for yourself but also for every one of those drivers. After all, for them, I'm more of an irritant on the road than an equal participant in traffic. They don't like me for squeezing between lanes in traffic jams. For the fact that at the next intersection I'm already standing while they've just started moving. And most of all — for suddenly appearing in their rearview mirrors.

Kawa vs Evo
© Photo: 5 Koleso

A car is a completely different story. Close the door — and you're in your own little world. In this case, the world of motorsport. And although this Evolution is as far from real rally monsters as I am from circuit motorcycle racing, the surrounding space sets the right mood. And I like it. I like how the seat holds you — after a motorcycle, it's pure bliss. I like the suede sport steering wheel. No gloves needed, and even when your palms sweat from fear, the wheel doesn't slip. The only thing that doesn't suit me is that you can't get into this car in motorcycle boots. You can climb in, but you won't be able to work the pedals properly. However, even barefoot, driving the Evo is a sheer pleasure. But the funniest thing about this whole endeavor is that I even enjoy just cruising in the Evolution. It holds the road brilliantly, takes corners perfectly. You don't even need to lean your body. You can't pop a wheelie, of course, but it burns rubber no worse than my Kawasaki. And even with all four wheels. Sometimes it gets a bit scary, especially when you turn off the electronic "leashes." Still, on a motorcycle, an emergency situation is scarier. Most likely, I'd happily drive the Evolution in the off-season.

Kawa vs Evo
© Photo: 5 Koleso

And yet, I probably couldn't trade my motorcycle for a car. There's a saying: you can lose a motorcycle, but you can never get rid of it!

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX

Likes: Excellent handling, good dynamic performance, having a roof, and not needing to put a foot down when stopped.

Dislikes: Having a roof.

Kawasaki ZRX 1200S

Kawa vs Evo
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Likes: Good handling, high dynamic performance, comfortable seating position, low fuel consumption.

Dislikes: That I don't live in Italy, where you can ride a motorcycle all year round.

My verdict

What verdict were you expecting? Did you think I'd renounce my bike, sell the farm, and run off to buy an EVO? Not a chance. I'll get on my motorcycle and go to the bank for a loan. With that money, I'll rent more land. And only then, possibly, by next winter, I'll buy myself a Lancer Evolution, but the "Tenth" one.