My experience with driving an STi and EVO is this: The STi is a lot torquier (is that a word???) than the EVO. It's a little more liveable for every day driving and every day tasks. However, I've been VERY impressed with what you can get out of an EVO with bolt ons. Honestly, for a stay stock or very lightly modded, I would probably go with the STi. With modest mods, no doubt EVO. All out? Pick one. Of course, I'm a Mitsu guy so I've have a natural bias towards the EVO.

BTW If you like drag racing, you might be better off with the EVO 5 speed. EVO 6 speeds and STi have an extra shift required.

Just my two cents worth.