Help! 3.0 Outback Vs 2.0 Forester Turbo

[STURBO]

Has anyone had experience of both these cars?

I owned a Forester S-Turbo, I really liked the performance. It was a fun drive.

I now have a Legacy Outback, the 2.5. It's a nice car but nowhere near as much fun as the Forester. But I like the comfort of the Outback, and it's got more space which is nice. It's also a better long distance cruiser.

So I'm am thinking of getting a 3.0 Legacy Outback, hoping to get the best of both worlds.

How does the 3.0 Outback perform? On paper it has more max power, but the 0-60 sprint times are a bit slower.

What is it like in the real world?

I drive mostly B roads in Yorkshire and the occasional long motorway trip.

MPG on paper looks similar, has anyone experienced any differences?

Stats:
Forester S-Turbo (Manual) BHP 177, 0-60 7.7 MPG 28.5
Legacy Outback 3.0 (Auto) BHP 245, 0-60 8.5 MPG 28.8

[NorthDownsScooby]

Consider the Jap spec 2.0 twin turbo Legacy matey eg Spec B - plenty of good useds around - or a newer SG Forester turbo. Both have a bit more in the power stakes !

[markCSC]

What he said

[NorthDownsScooby]

Oh, and

"mostly B roads and the occasional long motorway trip."

plus

"Forester S-Turbo (Manual)"

does not equal

MPG 28.5

[STURBO]

Cheers guys!

I never wanted to actually work out the S-Turbo MPG! But I told my OH that it was 30ish! (I think at 70 on the motorway with a tailwind that might be true)

Quick question: Do you think a 3.0 NA Outback would be any worse in real life for MPG?
The EU figures look similar.

Legacy is not ideal as I want the ground clearance of the Outback or Forester. (lots of rough tracks)

Thanks

[GravelBen]

STURBO said:

Legacy is not ideal as I want the ground clearance of the Outback or Forester. (lots of rough tracks)

There is only about 40mm difference in clearance (GTB 160mm, Forester/Outback 200mm), however the shape of front and rear bumpers does make a reasonable different to approach and departure angles.


PS was your Forester S-tb really only 177bhp? I'm only familiar with the JDM versions which IIRC have 240.

I'd expect better fuel economy from the Outback (especially on the open road) due to the slipperier shape and taller gearing. My GTB (280bhp) will do 30-32mpg easily enough on a run while still overtaking the majority of other traffic.

Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 10th March 11:04