I've driven '84 GL wagons for years.

 

I am falling in love with/looking into buying an '86 BRAT.

 

Are the ergonomics the same in the two vehicles ? (Especially leg and head room - I am 6'-3")

 

Is engine and fuel economy basically the same?

 

Anything to be otherwise aware/weary of in an '86 BRAT?

 

Thanks for any advice,

 

Andrew

Seattle

test reply

Except for everything behind the front seats they are identical. Head room is slightly better if you have a GL with the t-tops. They are a pain in the butt for long distance travel as you cannot lean the seats back for a rest stop, etc.

 

Brats tend to have been more abused through their lifetime and often come quirky with respect to mechanical/electrical issues.

 

Fuel ecomony is slightly better than a Wagon due to the reduced weight and the overall better airflow of the light truck body style (the wind-buffer "vortex" created in the bed).

 

I am 6' 2" and I tend to dislike the stock seats in the EA81's. They are tollerable, but I prefer something that sits lower. There are options out there - I have Isuzu Impulse seats in my '85 Brat, and I have EA82 wagon seats in my '83 Hatch. The problem you run into with the Brat is that you can't get the seat reclined far enough and also back far enough at the same time with the EA81/EA82 seats so while I am comfortable in them on the Hatch, they would not work for the Brat. The Impulse seats are great but very hard to find. But as with any car - seats can be changed and enough room exists in the cab it's just a matter of finding seats that fit your body and the car at the same time.

 

They are great little trucks, but although I love them and am still in the (long) process of restoration on mine, I haven't driven it much in the last couple years. I find the EA81 hatch to be much more to my liking as the wheelbase is smaller (better off-road), it has back seats and enclosed cargo area, and I can recline the seats on long drives.

 

For daily driving I much prefer the Legacy's for comfort, ride, and amenities. They are also cheap and worthless so I don't have to worry about someone bashing into my car, etc.

 

For all around fun, economy, and utility, it's hard to beat the EA81 Hatch body with an EJ22 and a 5 speed D/R installed. That's just about the perfect combination. Light body, lots of HP, good gearing and just the right amount of utility without being a total pain to drive a fair distance. If I absolutely had to only have one car this would probably be it - if I could have two the other would be a Gen 1 Legacy wagon.

 

GD

Thanks very much, General D.

 

Please clarify: "Quirky mechanical/electrical issues" can rise because of abuse, or because of inherent issues in year/model?

 

Thanks again,

 

Andrew

Mostly abuse, but EA81's are notorious for electrical gremlins - they were the last generation of Subaru to not use mostly water-tight connections.

 

GD

are you going to love and cherish this brat?

because iafter losing several brats to my indecision and anxiety, i long for one....and if you are not worthy..you wil be deemed as such.and the gods will not grant you what you desire.:grin:cheers, brain

are you going to love and cherish this brat?

because iafter losing several brats to my indecision and anxiety, i long for one....and if you are not worthy..you wil be deemed as such.and the gods will not grant you what you desire.:grin:cheers, brain

 

This is TRUE.