I have a 97 impreza outback automatic. The trans is acting up sometimes it shifts hard and slips in between gears. I have a trans out of a 98 legacy outback. I know the gear ratios are different between them. I was curious about the difference between the 4.44 and 4.11 performance and gas mileage wise? Is one better than the other?

AWD ?

 

the final drive ratios of the trans and the rear diff MUST be the same.

Ya its awd. I wasn't able to keep the rear diff out of the outback. I had to junk the car before I could get it out but a local yard has one that's a LSD for $100. I figured might as well do an upgrade while I'm at it.

Assuming you keep the stock Impreza tires, the 4.44 will improve your performance. 

Your RPM will be higher @ the same MPH you had w/the 4.11.

MPG may  drop 1-2 MPG....but I've read it may not, too.

Note your speedo will be OFF as the Legacy OB trans speedo gear is setup for taller tires.

And there is no LSD on any US-spec Legacy/OB/Impreza/Forester from '92-'00....so check the year from that local yard's collection.

Ya I was keeping the stock size tires I have 205/55/16 on there now. The yard I'm dealing with has a few LSD in 01 and up legacys and foresters. I think that those will work in the impreza. Glad its a performance upgrade the car could use a little get up and go.