FYI: JDM Legacy vs USDM Legacy Dimensions

[legacyB4RSK]

Thought i'd put this down just for info purposes. This is for 3rd Gen Legacies and automatic.
This is what I've been able to find, I can't confirm it's accuracy, only going by what some sites have posted.


2001 Legacy B4 RSK

Wheelbase 2650 mm 104.3 in
Track front 1465 mm 57.7 in rear 1465 mm 57.7 in
Length 4605 mm 181.3 in
Width 1695 mm 66.7 in
Height 1410 mm 55.5 in
Length:wheelbase ratio 1.74
Ground clearance 155 mm 6.1 in
Curb weight 1480 kg 3263 lb

2001 Legacy GT Sedan

Wheelbase 2650 mm 104.3 in
Track front 1461 mm 57.5 in rear 1455 mm 57.3 in
Length 4684 mm 184.4 in
Width 1745 mm 68.7 in
Height 1415 mm 55.7 in
Ground Clearance 155 mm 6.1 in
Curb weight 1590 kg 3505 lbs

I would assume that this would apply to other years that the BEs fall under, at least for the dimensions.

Find it hard to believe that the USDM Legacy GT Sedan Auto weighs over 200 lbs more than the JDM version.

To sum it up B4s are shorter, thinner and lighter than their USDM counterparts. Must be the diet!!!! LOL!!!


Cheers

[Yamazaki]

J-spec vehicles don't have to meet the strict safety requirements of North America. So they don't have a lot of the extra weight (from reinforced bumpers, side impact doors, etc...) during those years. If you don't mind waiting a couple weeks, I can check the info you posted against that in the Japanese factory service manuals when I get home.

I figure the factory service manuals are a good source for accurate information rather than websites other than Subaru's own...

[legacyB4RSK]

That's a good idea, i started this research because I wanted to know if the B4 RSK aluminum control arms are exactly the same width as the USDM version and it appears more or less they are. According to the info above I would have a 2 mm wider track on each side. This far better than what I have now which are JDM WRX aluminum control arms which are about 10 - 15 mm wider for each side. This sticks my wheels out a bit and give me negative camber which I don't want.



Cheers

[rougeben83]

Yeah I have yet to figure out why the GT weights 200lbs+ more than the other legacy sedans...my L SE weighs originally in at 3285 and thats with a sunroof.

Safety may have something to do with it, but you'd think the lesser trim levels would have that weight penalty as well...

[Yamazaki]

That's a good idea, i started this research because I wanted to know if the B4 RSK aluminum control arms are exactly the same width as the USDM version and it appears more or less they are. According to the info above I would have a 2 mm wider track on each side. This far better than what I have now which are JDM WRX aluminum control arms which are about 10 - 15 mm wider for each side. This sticks my wheels out a bit and give me negative camber which I don't want.



Cheers
??? The aluminum control arms are the same part for GC, GF, BD, BG, BE, BH, and SF chassis'...
You must've got GD/GG/SG control arms, as they are slightly wider.

[legacyB4RSK]

I don't know impreza chassis codes but from what I found the track is all over the place from 1995 to 2008 imprezas

2008 WRX 1496mm
2006 STI Spec C Type RA-R 1490 mm
2005 WRX 1486 mm
2003 WRX 1485 mm
2000 S201 STI 1470 mm
1998 STI 22B 1480 mm
1995 STI V2 1465 mm (same as B4 RSK)

Cheers

[Yamazaki]

The track isn't only determined by the control arm width. Again, I don't have my library on hand (and I distrust the internet) so I can't give any exact numbers/figures now, but I'm quite certain that aluminum control arms for 1st Gen Impreza/Forester and 2nd/3rd Gen Legacy are the same part regardless of model, trim, or year. 2nd Gen Impreza/Forester control arms look similar, but are slightly wider and have a few subtle visual differences.

I will verify this upon my return home (if the topic is still around), although you included one 3rd Gen Impreza ('08) and I have very little information on them even at home (they're too new for me still).

[legacyB4RSK]

That would be great, even though by the time you get home I will have already determined whether or not the B4 control arms are identical. I'd still be interested in any case.

Cheers

[rougeben83]

Yes Yamazaki is right, track alone cannot tell you the actual length of the control arms, the offset of the wheels and width of the tires will also affect the track. E.g. a couple of mm extra offset on each wheel and you get another 5mm of track.

AFAIK, there are only two lengths that subaru put in their cars. Suffice to say going back to the original reason why you started looking up these dimensions, the cheapest and most straightforward solution for you at this point is to just swap out the front control arm bushings on the arms you have now to make them fit the turbo xmember for your swap. You're wasting a lot of time and potentially money (i.e $300 for a pair of control arms from japan you can't return) just trying to find the right control arm that fits your needs..

[legacyB4RSK]

I agree on both points, but I've got my heart set on aluminum control arms and not willing to settle for a wider front track. I'm very picky, and I have paid for this, but for me it's worth it, for some, might not be a priority.

Cheers

[STIdarkside]

Very interesting information here, good read so far, can't wait to read more once YamazakiSubaru gets back.
Slightly on this topic, is there a difference between the Rev. A-C rear bumper and the Rev. D rear bumper? Thanks

[legacyB4RSK]

For anyone wishing to do this, just received my JDM B4 aluminum control arms and measured the bushings and they are in fact 55mm. In my case I will be swapping out the bushings with a 60mm one as suggested by rougeben83.