I know that my '95 Legacy and my parent's Subarus (a '97 Impreza and a '98 Legacy) all have the 2.2 liter engine, but I was wondering how Subaru changed the engine in these years so that my car makes the following power/torque vs. my parent's cars:

 

1995: 135 HP @ 5400 RPM and 140 lb/feet of torque at 4400 RPM

1997/1998: 137 HP @ 5600 RPM and 145 lb/feet of torque at 4000 RPM

 

The owner's manuals state that my compression ratio is 9:5:1 vs. the newer car's 9:7:1.

 

What makes these engines different in their "personalities" (there's definitely more oomph off the line in my parent's cars) and power ratings?

 

Brian M.

What is also different and has something to do with the compression ratio and really insigificant power gains.......the older 2.2L engine is a non-interference engine; the new 2.2L is an interference design. Not much difference when everything is running fine. But if you break a timing belt while cruising down the highway, the difference in repair costs is significant for the newer engine....lots of $$$$ more.