From what I read here the RS actually doesn't have the self drive option (must have been to reduce weight
)
Perhaps the most interesting difference between the Evo VII GSR and the RS Sprint concerns the chassis, or more specifically the differentials. The standard GSR employs Torsen front diff, electronically-controlled Active Centre Differential and mechanical rear diff running Active Yaw Control, whereas the Sprint retains the ACD but does away with AYC, and instead relies on the more aggressive, sharply responsive combination of a regular differential at the front and a conventional locking plate limited slip-diff at the rear.
Whilst you could never accuse the Evo VII GSR of lazy turn-in, the Sprint is even sharper, changing direction instantaneously. Its entry to a corner is all about the front end's rabid bite, but as soon as it sinks its Yokohamas into the tarmac the balance neutralises. From this point onwards you can dial in as much or as little oversteer as you like, depending on whether you brake in a straight line then turn in hard, trail brake into the corner and let the weight transfer break the tail loose or actively provoke and unsettle the balance with a dab of left-foot braking. In this respect its repertoire is more varied and extreme than that of, say, an Impreza WRX STi, but it also means that you need to be far more confident and assertive with your inputs to stay on top of it.
It's best not to forget about the lack of ABS, either. Although the standard set-up, complete with 330mm front discs, provides you with astonishingly effective stopping power, it's easy to get carried away - and when you can work so close to the point of lock-up, any change in surface or dampness will soon give you a wake-up call.
The Sprint's steering rack is quicker than the GSR's - just 2.2 turns lock-to-lock compared with 2.9 - but it's as feelsome as ever, which helps you gauge how much grip you've got to lean on. However, once you get back on the power the helical diff grabs and snatches at the wheel as the front tyres burrow for traction. This torque- steer can be pretty violent on the exit of a bumpy second-gear corner, but as long as you keep a white-knuckle grip of the chunky black Momo wheel the Sprint stays faithfully on-line.
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