Were the early Lancer Evolutions really a lot better than the

They were more attainable, less expensive and easier to work on than a GTR in Japan.

In terms of actual performance? I doubt it, but it's a lot more plausible that a lot of guys own lancers to make a club than they did GTRs when those were brand new

On tight mountain switchbacks yeah. The gtr was long and nose heavy ya know.