brus brother Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 I recently bought an 05 OB 2.5iLtd for my wife. It's looks nice enough but the handling is a little disappointing when I compare it to my 00 Legacy GT. They are both automatics and wagons. It feels like I am driving the GT but following the OB. Is the height difference the major contributor in cornering etc. and is there a way to tune up the suspension on the OB to bring back that good ole feeling of the GT? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. RX Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 I recently bought an 05 OB 2.5iLtd for my wife. It's looks nice enough but the handling is a little disappointing when I compare it to my 00 Legacy GT. They are both automatics and wagons. It feels like I am driving the GT but following the OB. Is the height difference the major contributor in cornering etc. and is there a way to tune up the suspension on the OB to bring back that good ole feeling of the GT? So I'm wondering why you didn't drive both the GT and the OB before you purchased the new car, you would have saved a little money by getting the GT. I don't quite understand what you are saying (see red text above). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 20, 2004 Author Share Posted November 20, 2004 Hey Doc, We already owned a 2000GT and didn't want to appear that we were running a fleet service out of the house. More important, I hate the hood scoop "boy racer" look, added maintenance and the high test fuel requirement of the turbo. I know that they actually made the hood scoop functional this year but it's still not for me. The feeling of driving the OB is much less adherent on turns and that's why I question the height of the car. Could different tires enhance road huggability? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. RX Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Remember, the OB is registered as a SUV, the GT is a passenger car, so expect the OB to handle like a SUV. I'm sure that you can get the roadability near to the GT, but at what cost? You could have gotten the plain Jane Legacy wagon, it comes N/A. I was planning on getting the OB XT for my wife, but we'll probably get an earlier year OB instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 I rather like how my Forester drove except for its behavior on the limit. It was no where as good as the legacy wagons I have driven. I added the heavier rear sway bar from the WRX and 15% stiffer KYB shocks and now it is pretty pleasant. The limit is the tires now and breakaway is very even front and rear. I found out later that the factory had tuned some with almost the same components. By chooseing the Outback you have a car that has been jacked up for ground clearance. If it were mine I would add swaybars first and see if that did enough for you. I just kept tuneing my Forester until I got what I wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrxsubaru Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 I would add sway bars, but i would also find out about the sterring rack ratio, and if the outback one is slower than the GT. If it is slower i would probley upgrade the bushings and the sterring rack to get a more livley feel to the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 21, 2004 Author Share Posted November 21, 2004 So it looks like I'm off to sway bar land. Where do I buy them and is installation a DIY project? Any special tools? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 and I would start there. The fronts have a good size bar stock. You have a fair choice about where to buy usually. From junkyards to the dealer, to ebay to just typing in Subaru sped parts in Google. I checked with the board and dealer to see if it would fit and bought a WRX bar on ebay. Whiteline is supposed to have a good bit of Subaru speed parts and Jamie here on the board is a racer that sells Subaru parts. You might check with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qman Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 I test drove the '05 GT wagon. Nice car, but the roof opens way too far for my liking. The straight away power is good but handling flat sucks. The best way to describe it is clumbsy. I think the one problem this one had is the RE92's. Absolutely zero holding power in corners. It had very comfortable interior. Overall a nice car but inadequate handling for a Turbo. Felt like an old EA82 wagon with more power and nicer interior. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 21, 2004 Author Share Posted November 21, 2004 Remember, the OB is registered as a SUV, the GT is a passenger car, so expect the OB to handle like a SUV. I'm sure that you can get the roadability near to the GT, but at what cost? You could have gotten the plain Jane Legacy wagon, it comes N/A. I was planning on getting the OB XT for my wife, but we'll probably get an earlier year OB instead. If my memory serves me, the Outback 2.5i Ltd is equipped with a LSD as well as side airbags (I know, the airbags haven't tested well in gov't assessment) and I kinda liked the bigger hips on the OB (NOT my preference in women though). Seems like I might try the rear sway bar upgrade and see what gives for my first tire replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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