Start with these 2 links to see the actual differences between each model:
http://mitsubishimotors.com/MMSA/jsp...ures_specs.jsp
http://mitsubishimotors.com/MMSA/jsp...p?t=mechanical
That will let you know EXACTLY what is difference between the RS, IX, IX w/SSL, and MR.
Whether the IX has real advantages that are worth the cost is totally up to you. A base IX will be 20lbs lighter and cost 4k less than an MR, but it will not have HIDs. The IX w/SSL will have HIDs, leather, sunroof, and sub, but it will weigh 50lbs more and only cost 1500 less than an MR.
The MR advantages are:
- 17.74lb BBS forged rims (IX Enkeis weigh 20.17lbs). That's 2.4lbs rotational mass per wheel, which is significant.
- Aluminum roof to save weight and lower the center of gravity
- Vortex Generators to smooth the airflow over the spoiler and increase downforce (not really a big deal)
- 6spd tranny, which allows you to be in the sweet spot more often, allows for a few hundred less rpm when cruising on the highway, is great for road racing, is a hindrance when drag racing (but so is the IX 5spd with shortened gears), and has an extra gear after 100mph that the IX 5spd doesn't have. Unfortunately, we've been saying it's superior for road racing all this time, but then recently several of us MR road racers have begun shearing the teeth off 4th gear due to how weak and small it is. You won't do this from regular driving or drag racing, but if you road race hard and fast for extended periods of time, the heat builds up and overcomes 4th gear. Btw, mine didn't go out until after 300 drag launches and over 500 minutes of road racing.
- Bilsteins shocks - these are awesome, because they improve handling while ALSO reducing the harshness of the daily ride. It's like having your cake and eating it, too.
- Least important are the MR accents, which include a 6spd fake carbon fiber label on the shifter knob, a CF e-brake handle, MR floor mats, MR badging, etc.
