Roadtriplegacy

Thanks, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the EJ22, they both have 4 valves and I'm not worried about the 30 hp gain for all the loss in reliability and serviceability. Though offroad capability will be very nice, I'm also looking for road-holding capability and cornering. Would the outback components be preferred for that as well?

Meant to quote this post, replied in the previous comment.

I'm looking to do as many fun twisty backroads as I can along the way, and my destination is Pikes Peak with a high mountain road so I would like it to handle well. I figure I'll probably have budget left over from the $5000 to put towards handling upgrades, I've heard swap bars, bushings, and new shocks/struts would improve it a ton. As for performance I might address the head gaskets before the trip, and head porting might be possible? CA so no turbos unfortunately, but other exterior modifications that can be replaced by oem for the test would work. I am mechanically experienced so I'm hoping $5000 will be enough for the car, repairs to get it reliable, and then possibly upgrades if I have enough left over. Interior bed and living arrangement would come before upgrades though.

I'm looking to get a manual car for <$5000 for a 3000+ mile road trip and I like the 1st and 2nd gen Legacy. I'm looking to get a comparison between the two and which one would be better for this purpose, in Northern CA so luckily no rust. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.