Im lookin into getting an 82-84 GL with an ea-81 non turbo for offroadin purposes. What are the pros/cons of gettin a wagon or a hatch? Besides the obvious room factor is there any other bad side to a hatchback? They both have all the same options right? Im puttin a 3" lift and 27" tires etc etc onto it. I like the looks of the hatches a lot more when lifted and whatnot. Just wondering your opinions?

The hatch will offer better maneuverability than the wagon due to its significantly shorter wheelbase. As I recall, there isn't a lot of difference in weight, but there is a big difference in interior space. You could get around that by adding a roof rack to carry stuff that doesn't mind getting wet and/or muddy. I've got a wagon, simply because I carry a bunch of recovery gear that I want inside the car.

yeah i was planning on puttin a rack on anyways so i think i might go with a hatch instead. Thanks for the input. Anyone else?

Your not gonna go wrong either way. I'd look by condition then price and make the decision which ever it turns out to be.

 

Back in 82 I didn't care what model I got, they were all good by me. Ended up with my hatch. Kept it ever since.

 

Good luck in you search,

Glenn

82 SubaruHummer, used to be a Hatch.

01 Forester, shopped for Legacy, Outbacks...as long as it was a Subie.

my hatch is better for slow climbing stuff, but the wagon is better for high speed pre-runnin. on gravel roads my hatch is a little more squirley. but i would say HATCH ALL THE WAY!

I have a wagon right now, but am looking for a hatch for the aforementioned better manuverability.

my hatch is better for slow climbing stuff, but the wagon is better for high speed pre-runnin. on gravel roads my hatch is a little more squirley. but i would say HATCH ALL THE WAY!

Ya I was impressed to see just what your hatch could do with 25" tires and no lift! For an all out offroad rig I vote Hatch (and this is coming from a wagon lover! )

well in my hatch i can manuver arround tight little turns and due to its short wheelbase, it doesnt get hung up or scrape very easily.also its lighter so climbing will be easier on its axles, engine and tranny.

but there is such a warm "homy" feeling when i drive my wagon so... i really love them both. i fly arround in my little hatch, even with the 1600 and the "crappy" 4 speed. (just kidding gd ) this thing is tons of fun. and boy can it climb.

but the wagon its comfortable, more power etc.

 

either way, you'll love your ride, but each one excells where the other one doesnt. so its kind of a win, loose.

 

 

and besides if your ANYTHING like the other members, you'll end up with a few hatches, and wagons anyway, so just look for the best deal right now.

 

cheers

 

tyler j

One downside to the wagon is the departure angles. I hit my front and rear bumpers on stuff that I see Erics hatch go right over a few seconds before me. But if you lift it enough its not a problem.