Difference between Forester & Outback

morelec

I'm new here and have been looking at a 2001 forester w/130k on it. what is the difference between Forester and Outback, also how are they off road, like sand, mud etc. thanks alot.

aatherton

Forester is built on Impreza platform, Outback on Legacy platform.
Outback is longer, more rear legroom, slightly more cargo space, but cargo bay is not quite as high as Foresters.
Same engines and drive trains, same off road abilities.

xwesx

same off road abilities.

Well, almost the same. The Forester has better approach/departure angles, so you're less likely to get it hung up on obstacles, but, aside from that, I agree.

saedave

Outback is longer, more rear legroom

That was the case for years before the current models. AFAIK the rear legroom is 1/4 inch more in the Forester, but the rear seating width is 1/4 inch less.

The Outback front seats may be more comfortable for those who are broad in the beam.

ateixeira

better approach/departure angles

About 25 degrees in the Forester. :shades:

easypar

I just read an article about this week's NY Auto Show and it mentioned that the Outback/Legacy were getting an updated exterior look.

Does anyone have anything on this? Anyone seen pictures? Maybe I should search the internet for pix myself.

easypar

dcm61

Does anyone have anything on this? Anyone seen pictures?

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee9956a/22262#MSG22262

carteach

I was hoping to start a new thread about this, but couldn't find the thread starter. Yes, if you google 2013 Outback, you'll get to see pictures of both cars. The Outback looks like it won't have such a cheesy interior, and quite a few new safety options are going to be available.

I'm ready to buy a car now, but have been less than thrilled with the Outback. I'm hoping to wait for the 2013 in the expectation that it will be an improvement on the 2012.

When in the summer does Subaru usually release their new models?

xwesx

They used to release them in the June/July time frame on the year-over-year updates, but they have pushed back the schedule a little in the last couple years.

ateixeira

Also, new Forester and Impreza models usually launch early in the year. We should see the next Forester early next spring, for instance.

dwling

ateixeira. It is good to see your posting. I used to read many of your postings some years ago on Forester. I recall you own one with happy experience. I am reading the recent Forester postings is because I bought a new 2012 Forester 2.5L turbo in Malaysia. I used to own an Outback in Seattle. I will drive my Forester to join expeditions in SE Asia, e.g. to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, .... Most of the other convoy members drive Hilux truck or Landcruiser. I actually have one question on engine oil. My manual suggests using fully synthetic 5W30 for turbo. Most dealers here use Castrol 5W40 saying because of hotter weather. Malaysia is no hotter than Florida or Arizona summer or Darwin Australia, where they still use 5W30. What is the difference between 5W30 and 5W40? Is it harmful to the engine to use 5W40 all the time when the Subaru recommendation is 5W30? dwl

ateixeira

So it's more viscous in the heat...either should be OK, but I'd still stick with the manufacturer's recommendation. I'm sure they did plenty of hot weather testing.