can not decide: Outback XT vs. Impreza WRX

Apples and Oranges.

Only you can decide.

Alf

You should consider the performance vs utility aspect as well. While both vehicles have the ability to haul "stuff", the Forester makes it possible to haul a lot more. I have the Impreza WRX and my roommate has the Forester XS. To me performance is of greater importance. My roommate prefers the utility over the performance, hence no turbo. With its greater ground clearance, the Forester has an easier time going off-road than a WRX.

You did not list performance as an important factor. Do you want a fast car? If not, then save a LOT of money and get the non-turbo variant.

Hope this helps,

Johann

He does a lot of hik> Hi,

Impreza's are made in Japan, Outbacks in USA, don't know how that may translate into reliability.

WRX may get you more tickets if you speed as it is more recognizable as a sports car. Outback on the other hand is more of a middle age to elder's car, at least that seems to be the case where I live (Sierra's).

M.J.

If you fight for HVAC controls Outback XT has dual zone controls I think. If you're bored go for the WRX. Outback/legacy and Fartsters have identical amount of cargo space I think, but I bet the legroom in the back is better on the Out back. Why won't you drive both back to back at the dealer's? Seems more like a matter of personal preference to me than anything else.

Go for the Outback LL Bean, with the 3.0 Boxer. There's no substitute for cubic inches!

Actually the legacy has quite a bit more usable cargo room owing to the longer wheelbase. when making my forester/outback decision, I actually spent some time at the dealer during a slow period and crawling around in the back of both and tallied hte usable space up. The Outback had quite a bit more usable room, and was roomier on the spec sheet as well, especially with the seats down on both.

I agree with whomever said it's a personal decision between two different vehicles though. For myself, the proportions of the Forester are just clumsy looking. Albeit, much less so now than in

2001. The Forester's lower profile brother the Impreza Outback Sport or WRX Sport Wagon, though are pretty stylish to my eye.

But i've got music gear to haul and lots of it... so the Outback got the call for me.

Best Regards,

-- Todd H.

2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4 Chicago, Illinois USA

Keep LGT as an open option. It's right there somewhere between Outback XT and WRX. Same space as in the outback. Outback probably has a stiffer frame but since $4-5k is an issue for you I take it you won't want spending money on lowering outback to the height of LGT. Outback is also probably heavier than Legacy GT. You have lots of work to do trying to put yourself into the shoes of the car reviewers :-) The rumors about Legacy elimination are floating around so make it quick.

Hi,

thx for all the feedback. Main motivation of getting turbo is more power, I really find those 2.5 a little too weak too often. Agreed, this is "Apples and Oranges" - but I like both (own Impreza and Outback in the non-turbo incarnation) and this is a dilemma. As far as cargo, I would go with WRX wagon.

other requirement is to have MT so Legacy Wagon GT is out of the question. With MT it would be mine favorite in that contest.

I did not think about Forester XT because last time I test-drove it I was totally surprised by the 3750 RPM@80MPH ratio, the same my Outback does and honestly I have not been able to get over it for last four years. Even 4speed AT does 3250 RPM at 80MPH. From what I learned neither Outback XT nor WRX suffer that anomaly.

Also I wish the do H6 with MT ... I know pipe dream....