I understand if I buy an early 2.5 there is a good chance I will be spending some quality time in my garage, pulling the motor to replace head gaskets. Test drove a '96 Legacy L 2.2 automatic and it didn't have much acceleration with me and 2 passengers. Does the early 2.5 have enough extra power to be worth the risk?

The 2.5 does have 30 horses more, but why pass up the opportunity to get your hands on the fabulous EJ22? I still miss mine.

 

Sentimentalities aside, the EJ22 will take a beating and love it. The 2.5 could turn into a money pit. If you do go for the 2.5 fit some thin metal gaskets instead of the squishy stock gaskets.

anyway. If you want to go fast get a WRX. I have a 2.5 and it does have a bit more juice than a 2.2 but the extra trouble is probably not worth it.

My current ideal subie would be a Forester with a 2.2 such as was available in Oz and Kiwi.