What's up everyone? Newb here. Never owned a Subaru...yet. I'm 30 and live in the PNW currently. I'm faced with a decision on my first Subaru for an outdoorsy/ mild off road build that'll still get better mileage than my truck. Here's what I'm looking at:

 

95 impreza wagon, 2.2L auto with 159k. 

99 legacy outback 2.2L 5spd with 137k

 

Both are similarly priced and in good shape from what I can tell (I'll know more when I go look).

I look forward to discussing this with you guys as well as future mod plans for whichever I go with. Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

Edited November 20, 20196 yr by NWlifer

Welcome NW, 

My question is what are you wanting from your mild off-roader? - carry gear, sleep in it etc. 

The outback will have more room than the Impreza. Since a dual range is hard to find state side, an auto will have the advantage over the manual when off-road. 

Cheers 

Bennie

Well carry gear definitely. Probably not sleep in but it's a nice option to have. Mainly it's getting thru sometimes muddy/pothole ridden trails to a favorite fishing or shooting spot, sometimes in the mountains. I guess "offroading" isn't quite the right term but I like to think it'll see some mud/snow either way.

 

What makes the auto better for that? I'm hearing the manual gas a 50/50 front and rear split, is that right?

The Outback will have a 2.5l, unless it's been swapped. This engine is not nearly as reliable as the 2.2.

The Outback will have more ground clearance (of course, both can be lifted to your hearts content, but the Outback may not need it for mild use).

Torque converter (automatic) gives much more torque and control at slow speed.

Manual has better AWD.

Legacy chassis is physically bigger. Those Impreza wagons have sort of a goofy smaller rear hatch opening.

If the Outback has the cold weather package (heated seats, mirrors, windshield), it'll have a rear LSD.

Some of the 90's legacy Outbacks came with a 2.2. I've found several, and honestly that's the only engine for that generation I'd go for. My plan was to do a 1.5-2" lift and tires, not too much more because that defeats the purpose of giving up the truck for a more economical daily. 

 

I guess you're right about the outback, having more clearance and more room, it's honestly what I'm leaning toward anyway. I mean both awd systems are the same, same engine, may as well have the extra clearance/cargo 

Hi there

 I was recently stuck in the same decision, a 91 Legacy wagon or newer Impreza wagon.

I admit that the Impreza would have been a ‘heart’ purchase rather than ‘head’. I love the look, especially when prepared for some light of road duty. Definitely too small for practical needs in the boot/trunk department compared to the other options though.

 The Legacy purchase fell through, so i plumped for a Forester instead, with is a great compromise. Only I am in Europe and I believe all of the gen 1&2 Foresters are dual range 5mt. 
I’m not sure about availability in The Americas.