What makes the '06 Legacy Outback so damn nice!?!?

[smoke3006]

Starting last summer my wife's '03 Impreza RS started doing weird things and finally a month ago the head gaskets went. The dealership was going to cover the parts and labor to replace one of the gaskets.
Instead somehow "we" ended up leaving the dealership with an '06 Outback wagon. When we test drove the Outback I figured it would be slower then the Impreza. Both are 2.5l and the Outback weighs more. I also figured it wouldn't handle that great since it's got such a higher center of gravity.
Boy was I wrong.
It damn thing is quicker then the Impreza (and my GT) and handles amazingly.

So what did Subaru change that makes the new 2.5 so much more responsive?
What did they do to the suspension? It's such a comfortable, but stable ride. Can a new Outback suspension be fit on an older car?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Well, the EJ25 for 2006 did get a power bump.

But you didn't specify what transmissions each vehicle had.

On the BP/BL models, they lowered the CoG by setting the engine lower - that probably helped the stable feel of the car.

[blackgtbeauty]

06 got Variable Valve Timing. +10hp supposedly.

[smoke3006]

Well, the EJ25 for 2006 did get a power bump.

But you didn't specify what transmissions each vehicle had.

On the BP/BL models, they lowered the CoG by setting the engine lower - that probably helped the stable feel of the car.

The RS and the Outback are autos, my GT is a 5-spd.
The Outback corners so nicely, no tippy feeling at all.
It annoys me.
Why? Because I want a new Legacy now!! :evil: :twisted:

[Plays_with_Toys]

Upgrade the rear sway bar in your GT and you should notice some better handling in that car.

I imagine part of the handling difference is that the outback is stiffer all around and has brand new suspension bushings and components. If you were to replace your bushings, struts, etc... with newer components, your GT would come to life as well.

BTW, did you ever post pics of your Merkur?

[Wiscon_Mark]

BTW, did you ever post pics of your Merkur?

yeah, he did.

[smoke3006]

Upgrade the rear sway bar in your GT and you should notice some better handling in that car.

I imagine part of the handling difference is that the outback is stiffer all around and has brand new suspension bushings and components. If you were to replace your bushings, struts, etc... with newer components, your GT would come to life as well.

BTW, did you ever post pics of your Merkur?

Hmmm, once I'm done with the Merkur build I'll upgrade the suspension in the GT. Maybe an engine swap too :)

Yes I had pics of the XR on here at some point.
I'll post some updated ones once I finish up the next run of upgrades on it.