Which car is better: Subaru Outback or Volvo XC70?

Get the regular 4 . Six isnt must quicker and supposedly requires premium fuel

The 6 actually requires Plus and runs optimally on Premium. For the 08 models, I believe the 6 will perform on regular.

Charles Perry P.E.

We just made that choice, sort of. We replaced my wife's Legacy wagon in December. She thought she wanted the Volvo but after test driving both, she picked the Outback. Then she noticed the 7 passenger Tribeca and that is what we bought.

I like the 6 better. I am still a little old fashioned and turbos scare me reliability wise.

Charles Perry P.E.

Subaru's AWD system works better on slippery roads than Volvo's. I'd get the six because of its smoothness - I do a lot of highway mileage.

I have an older (2001) Forester automatic. When driving uphill at highway speed it feels unresponsive. I floor the gas pedal and after several seconds it starts to accelerate: RPM goes to 4,500-5000 (from usual 3000)...but the whole process seems clumsy. I wonder if Outback H6 automatic is more responsive than that. Does Outback automatic have Sport Shift mode? The H4 turbo has more torque than the H6, but does it (the H4 turbo) work well with automatic? My 2001 Forester engine doesn't have variable valve timing, probably...but newer Subarus have it - does it help (make car more responsive)?

Thanks, Boris

I was also considering Audi V6 AWD Avant, but A4 seems too small (rear legroom) and A6 AWD - underpowered with V6 (it probably needs V8). Is it true that Audi AWD is mostly for sleek conditions while Subaru AWD can also handle some off-roading?

Boris

Our 2.5L engines are total dogs Boris. They can't seem to get out of their own way. I don't think it's the transmission.

If you look at the 0-60 capabilities of the turbo 4 and the 6 in comparison, it seems that they're an entirely different animal.

-- Todd H.

That's right, Todd. I agree.

But how well does the turbo engine work with the automatic transmission?

Boris

Thanks for your post. I have a question about OBW: does it have enough rear seat room? I have a Forester - it's rear seat leg room is definitely snug. How about head room in OBW?...I think Forester has more head room because it's boxier than OBW.

Boris

We bought the Tribeca instead of the LL Bean OBW just because of rear seat room. 3 adults can sit in the rear seat. We opted for the 7 passenger model which gets you a 3rd seat further in the rear that is suited only for children. When the 3rd row is not in use, and the middle set of seats is as far back as possible, you have tons of leg room and plenty of cargo space also.

Charles Perry P.E.

quattro on A4 and A6 is supposed be as good or better than the subaru systems. moot point since i'm yet to find when subaru awd does not work. especially now with a 50/50 split front to back. A3 and TT are outfitted with a P.O.S. quattro system that does not work in intended application. not a problem for you since you are not considering them. i suggest to crosspost to the audi group.

Given the choice of the 98.5 A4 and 99 OBW, I prefer the Audi in snow/ice conditions. It's a heavier, better balanced car and works flawlessly with good tires. Goes up the steep (45 degree) driveway of a friend's cabin better than the Subaru does, doesn't spin out, and grips the road great.

Dunno about 'headroom'. Probably best to go test drive them and compare after adjusting the seat for driving position. I think Outbacks have a height adjustment so check that in case the previous driver had it up too far.

some specs here;

Carl