It would only be a 2.5 if it was a GT or Outback, unless someone did a swap job. Otherwise, it's a 2.2. Not too much of a noticeable difference in power in my mind. I've had a 96 2.2 wagon and a 98 2.5 sedan.
I lost my car to some unscrupulous mechanics in 96-97 and am wondering if it is still out there somewhere. It was a blue 4x4 with a bike rack, 4 speed manual transmission, snowflake wheels, plaid seats and a Grateful Dead sticker in the middle of the back window. It's be too cool to find it and buy it back!