Outback Sport- opinions?
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From: Long Island, NY
Outback Sport- opinions?
Hi everyone-
I'm looking at getting either a new Outback Sport or a WRX wagon (auto). My first question is, is the WRX worth the extra cash? If so, in what way?
Next, I read a review on epinions.com about an 01 or 02 Outback Sport, and the complaint was that the interior stunk, and that the stock audio was horrible. He also complained that because the speaker holes in the backseat were small, he couldn't make the audio sound good. Now, I'm willing to put my own audio in, but the question is, how wrong (or right) is this guy? Is it going to be worth it to put money into a stereo system? Is the WRX audio any better?
I'm looking at getting either a new Outback Sport or a WRX wagon (auto). My first question is, is the WRX worth the extra cash? If so, in what way?
Next, I read a review on epinions.com about an 01 or 02 Outback Sport, and the complaint was that the interior stunk, and that the stock audio was horrible. He also complained that because the speaker holes in the backseat were small, he couldn't make the audio sound good. Now, I'm willing to put my own audio in, but the question is, how wrong (or right) is this guy? Is it going to be worth it to put money into a stereo system? Is the WRX audio any better?
From a performance standpoint, you will find much more power in a WRX Wagon then an OBS. Your looking at 165hp versus 227hp. Quite a big difference.
One funny thing, too, is that the WRX wagon may be more suited for bad roads. My buddy managed to highcenter his '02 OBS on snow bank. If he had a WRX wagon with the rear limited slip diff, we probably would have been able to give one wheel enough power to get out. But since the OBS has open diffs all around, we were stuck digging the car out.
If you are going to get a new OBS, I wouldn't really worry about what epinions said about the previous generation OBS. Not really worth worrying about, IMO.
As for the sound system difference between the two cars. Deep down, the two cars have the same frame, so in theory, the stereo system in the OBS could be just as good as the stereo system in the WRX wagon. One may come with a better sounding stock system, but after throwing some money at the thing, you could certainly make one sound as good or better then the other.
One funny thing, too, is that the WRX wagon may be more suited for bad roads. My buddy managed to highcenter his '02 OBS on snow bank. If he had a WRX wagon with the rear limited slip diff, we probably would have been able to give one wheel enough power to get out. But since the OBS has open diffs all around, we were stuck digging the car out.
If you are going to get a new OBS, I wouldn't really worry about what epinions said about the previous generation OBS. Not really worth worrying about, IMO.
As for the sound system difference between the two cars. Deep down, the two cars have the same frame, so in theory, the stereo system in the OBS could be just as good as the stereo system in the WRX wagon. One may come with a better sounding stock system, but after throwing some money at the thing, you could certainly make one sound as good or better then the other.
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I also was originally debating between these two models. There is a considerable price difference, and I wasn't sure I needed the wrx seeing as it came at such a premium...
After checking both out intensively, with multiple test drives, it was clear which one was the right one for me.
I love my wrx! The obs is a cool car, but it pales in comparison to a wrx in just about every way, except price. The interior of the obs is itchy tweed feeling, the power felt very ho-hum with an automatic (I ended up learning stick), and I personally don't care for the two-tone paint, especially since they stopped offering it in black.
Just my opinions, but if you can afford it, I promise the wrx will not disapoint!
After checking both out intensively, with multiple test drives, it was clear which one was the right one for me.
I love my wrx! The obs is a cool car, but it pales in comparison to a wrx in just about every way, except price. The interior of the obs is itchy tweed feeling, the power felt very ho-hum with an automatic (I ended up learning stick), and I personally don't care for the two-tone paint, especially since they stopped offering it in black.
Just my opinions, but if you can afford it, I promise the wrx will not disapoint!
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Long Island, NY
AUUUUUUUUUUUUUAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!
I'm having such problems with this decision... here's the story. Been driving a Nissan Pathfinder for the past 2 years. I'm a sports photographer hauling around a considerable amount of gear. I want something a little more fun to drive, and a little better on gas mileage (averaging about 16mpg now).
I've always liked the WRX. I'd prefer the sedan with a moonroof, but with the camera gear I don't know if it'd fit easily. Back seat's a loss for the two baby seats my kids require.
Anyway, after looking at more photos online, I really like the WRX's interior better (guages, colors, fabrics). The extra power wouldn't hurt. I guess that's the way I'm gonna go now...
my head hurts now... :-(
I'm having such problems with this decision... here's the story. Been driving a Nissan Pathfinder for the past 2 years. I'm a sports photographer hauling around a considerable amount of gear. I want something a little more fun to drive, and a little better on gas mileage (averaging about 16mpg now).
I've always liked the WRX. I'd prefer the sedan with a moonroof, but with the camera gear I don't know if it'd fit easily. Back seat's a loss for the two baby seats my kids require.
Anyway, after looking at more photos online, I really like the WRX's interior better (guages, colors, fabrics). The extra power wouldn't hurt. I guess that's the way I'm gonna go now...
my head hurts now... :-(
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One thing you may consider is that the WRX requires premium gas only. With its lessened gas mileage over the OBS and the addition of premium gas, your fuel bill will add up quickly. Also, automatic WRXs are hard to find. Lastly, I do freelance videography and haul around similar gear. I have a 2.5 RS, which has the same dimensions as the WRX sedan, and getting cameras, lighting kits and tripods in there is a *****, and that's without car seats! You should definitely go with a wagon, but the fuel consumption thing you mentioned may be something to think about.
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Well, when compared with what I'm driving now, the premium gas fillup vs what I fill up with now, regular in a Pathfinder, it's still a few bucks cheaper tank for tank. The gas mileage should still be somewhat better.
I looked at a sedan trunk today, and if I pack it carefully, I should be able to fit what I usually carry with me. It's going to all depend on what they can find me, or what I end up having to order.
Anyone have a general estimate on how long it takes to order a WRX?
Thanks,
Rick
I looked at a sedan trunk today, and if I pack it carefully, I should be able to fit what I usually carry with me. It's going to all depend on what they can find me, or what I end up having to order.
Anyone have a general estimate on how long it takes to order a WRX?
Thanks,
Rick
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The deal-breaker with the sedan for me was the non-foldable back seats. That "trunk pass-thru" is a joke!
I'm a musician, and also haul a lot of gear from time to time. In truth, the cargo area of the wagons is pretty skimpy; my guitar just barely fits diagonally.
But drop those back seats, and you can fit almost anything! Recently I've done a 27" TV in the box, and a bike.
The sedan has a more agressive look, tho, which is cool....
I'm a musician, and also haul a lot of gear from time to time. In truth, the cargo area of the wagons is pretty skimpy; my guitar just barely fits diagonally.
But drop those back seats, and you can fit almost anything! Recently I've done a 27" TV in the box, and a bike.
The sedan has a more agressive look, tho, which is cool....
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From: Santa Cruz, California
Re: Outback Sport- opinions?
Originally posted by sprtsfoto
Hi everyone-
I'm looking at getting either a new Outback Sport or a WRX wagon (auto). My first question is, is the WRX worth the extra cash? If so, in what way?
Hi everyone-
I'm looking at getting either a new Outback Sport or a WRX wagon (auto). My first question is, is the WRX worth the extra cash? If so, in what way?
1) Side airbags are standard in the WRX (to me, it is worth the extra protection)
2) 6 disc in-dash changer (vs one disc in the OBS)
3) LSD (limited-slip diff)
4) 227hp vs 165hp (if you like spirited driving, can't go wrong with WRX)
Originally posted by sprtsfoto Next, I read a review on epinions.com about an 01 or 02 Outback Sport, and the complaint was that the interior stunk, and that the stock audio was horrible. He also complained that because the speaker holes in the backseat were small, he couldn't make the audio sound good. Now, I'm willing to put my own audio in, but the question is, how wrong (or right) is this guy? Is it going to be worth it to put money into a stereo system? Is the WRX audio any better?
If you want to go aftermarket, there is plenty of options available to make the audio sounds better.
That person that couldn't make the audio sound better was probably on a budget.
In terms of premium gas vs regular gas, I recently did a calculation based on a person that commutes approx. 80 miles a day, and cost was about $400 more a year for premium gas.
Charlie Yeo
Last edited by cyyeo; Apr 12, 2004 at 04:46 PM.
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Hey all... it's official... after much hemming and hawing and deciding whether or not I should be sensible or get what I really want, I will tomorrow become a Subaru Impreza WRX owner. It's blue, premium package, automatic. It's alo got the armrest extension and the auto dimming mirror and compass. Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow afternoon...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6
From: Long Island, NY
Its the sedan. The wagon doesn't come with the premium package. It was a case of what I really wanted vs what I thought I needed. Decided if I need the cargo room I'll take my wife's Pathfinder...
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