As in the title, is there a significant difference between Subaru and STP air filters for my 05 Outback?

Probably not, but there's not enough difference in the price to worry about it. Personally I stick with OEM or Wix/Napa based on my research into oil filters - OEM and Wix are about equal in quality and it stands to reason that their air filters would be as well.

 

GD

Air filters are air filters. I use FRAM and have never had problems.

Air filters are air filters. I use FRAM and have never had problems.

 

I don't know that I would agree with that. There's still the subject of the paper they are made from, and I'm sure there are different grades of filter paper out there - quality wise I mean.

 

GD

Air filters dont vary much, except for the high flow or "add 10 hp" filters.

 

There is a link someplace with someone who did real scientific comparisons on air filter brands, and the only ones that varied a great deal were the high flow air filters.

 

the link is buried in here some place, you may find it on a search.

 

 

nipper

I used an STP filter when I replaced it a couple days ago. Nothing bad has happened yet.

I used an STP filter when I replaced it a couple days ago. Nothing bad has happened yet.

Yet, you say... no doubt there are risk takers out there...

The cost difference of a discounted Subaru filter at $14 and STP at $11 could potentially send shock waves through the subprime mortgage industry already leaning towards collapse. I'm not sure I can live with the risks of losing the house especially since the garage is attached!.

OTOH, my STP filter is American-made (Champion Labs, I believe), so I'm keeping the money "here" -- where are the OEM filters made?

for air filters wix/napa, purolator air filters... oem oil filters though

Subaru genuine filters are oiled paper.

several yrs ago I used a fram filter on another car (diesel) and drove for a very long time in unusually rainy and very damp weather conditions (about 2 wks)...only to find out that the fram paper had become "hardened or brittle" when comparing it to a new/unused one which resulted in not allowing enough air to flow thru it, even if it appeared to be near new and very clean...apon changing the air filter, the fuel consumption dropped dramaticly.. (very easy to be aware of this when driving a diesel)

Subaru genuine filters are oiled paper.

 

Subaru quit the oiled paper element for the OB's in.............'04 I believe.

 

I do like the oiled one's they used though. Work great and the price is right.

YEah, the Legacy and OBK filters are just some kind of fabric gauze now