Compare 4-cyl to 6-cyl Outback?

Question

I've had a 4-cylinder Legacy Outback for 6 months now. I thought I'd just "slow down a bit." After years and years with a 6-cylinder Accord prior to the Outback, I find that I'm still wondering if I made a mistake. The car has gotten faster as it broke in, but I still have to plan merges and entrances into traffic very carefully. I used to just put my foot down and be done with it.

I recently drove a turbo Outback. It is a fast bugger, but it's not really any different off the line, as the turbo is not spooled up at a stop.

I did some research after the purchase and I see the salesman was not 100% informed when he told me that the "ONLY" difference between the cars was the engine.

Can you compare the 4- to the 6-cylinder for "off the line" performance? How about mileage? How about the different type of AWD or any other features that I may have overlooked? If cost was not a factor, would it be worth trading my car for a new one with the 6-cylinder engine?

Thanks.

"Slower" is not necessarily "more responsible." I just want to merge into traffic safely. I don't want to have red-light drag races.

Answer 1

In my experience, no.

I've driven the H6 powered Outback and while it is a smooth engine, I found it really disappointing in the power department. It feels like it has nowhere NEAR the advertised power. It's sluggish off the line and the automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift and quick to go into O/D. On top of that the fuel economy is unimpressive. The turbo is actually more responsive than the H6 contrary to what you'd think. Stick with what you've got in my opinion. You really aren't missing much with the H6. Read some car magazine reviews of it and you will see they have the same opinion I did of it.

Answer 2

Stick with the four you'll get used to it. The 4 has 173 hp, it is a 2.5 boxer sohc. The 6 is 3 litre DOHC 250 hp. You are obviously used to the 6 of course but the 4 does get better mileage. Depending on the trim levels the chassis, AWD system are the same. The H-6 also is recommended to only use Premium unleaded fuel. I've driven both and for quick acceleration and passing the six is great but the 4 is just as good. If you trade up you will take a hit on depreciation, but then it depends on the dealer and how long you have had your car for. I would stick with the 4 cyl.

Answer 3

You could make the necessary modifications to spool the turbo earlier. This will shift the powerband to the left (lower rpms) and give you a great deal more off the line torque. Using this approach you will have 300lb feet of torque at 4000rpm and at least 200 lb feet at 2000 rpm. This will make freeway merging quite easier.

Modifications to improve the spool:

1. Make the exhaust system from the turbo to the rear of the car very free-flowing with little back pressure. I recommend the Vishnu signature exhaust. Remove excess catalytic converters from the exhaust system.

2. Port and polish the turbine. Add a ceramic heatcoating. For example, the Monster Port service by Deadbolt Enterprises is very effective for quickening spool up by 300-500 rpm.

3. Smooth turbo inlet and intercooler piping. Topmount intercooler preferred over front mount.

4. Heat wrap the exhaust components with copper insulated wrap. For example, Thermotec Copper.

5. Increase compression.

6. Methanol injection. For example, a kit by SMC.

7. Lightened crank pulley will allow the engine to rev into the powerband faster, effectively allowing the turbo to spool faster.

8. Custom dynotuning and engine management.

Answer 4

Sounds like the Subaru is making you a more responsible driver.
The Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and the 2.5 liter engine will give you the traction and power you need for safe,sure motoring. If you need speed get a Corvette.