Good points mate.
The escort was sold a few years back, she was a beauty I have to say, but the clambering over the roll cage to get in was a nightmare, and of course I blew it up about 3 weeks into ownership.
It was on full boost, down a straight for about 3 miles at 150mph + moments after that steam began to flow from the bonnet vents, LOL I cracked the block you name it, wrecked it.
So new engine was thrown in and she's still going great now for the current owner, he does track days in it.
Regards the subaru - evo battle, well what can I say here, I have owned a few of each, still got my evo 5, I havent actually driven an Evo 9 so I cannot really comment if they are built tougher or with better feel that there predecessors, all I can say is the ones ive had, have always need some job or other done to them, and I feel its pretty well recognised that mitsu as a whole build a lesser car than toyot and subaru.
I actually think the opposite to you, in that the WR1's doors clunk and close better and with a firmer feel than the Evo's ive driven/owned.
I also agree, an aftermarket exhaust on a evo totally and utterly transforms the car.
Right now mine needs brakes, so thats the next expense