Ground clearance: impreza = 6.1", outback = 8.7"

[KeyserSoze]

I don't have a subie, considering both the 09 WRX or a used Outback XT. The main advantages of the 09 WRX is that it's got 265hp and weighs 3175lbs, vs 243hp and 3530lbs for the Outback XT. That's a ~20% difference in power-to-weight ratio. Downsides of the impreza appear to be only cargo volume (19 vs 33.5 cubic feet), and ground clearance of 6.1" vs 8.7".

I plan to get a roof box for carrying skis, so I can put packs and boots in there too, and I'm not *that* worried about cargo capacity. However, 6.1" doesn't seem like a lot of clearance. I'm not going to rally, but I want to be able to get to trailheads, especially in the winter for back country skiing. A friend has a Suzuki SX4 with 6.9" clearance and he had a tought time getting to one trailhead. Another friend has an Outback with 8.7", that's as much as many stock SUVs have.

Is there any cheap easy way to lift an Impreza about 2"? Will it screw up the on-road handling? Or am I better off just getting an Outback XT, and not having to mess with it? Or, should I buy the Impreza and be happy with the clearance it's got?

PS: The Outback Sport (outback version of Impreza) only has a measly 0.2" more clearance. Too bad Subaru didn't make a higher version of the Impreza...

[GClark]

Hey man welcome! Read some of the threads here: http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/search.php?searchid=274299

should answer some questions. wrx vs xt? I say xt but only the forester xt ;)

[Rally OBXT]

If you are looking for a DD and not a rally car, I would say go with the OBXT. It sounds like it will fit your needs better.

[rockrammer]

Its easy ( and fun) to get caught up in the details of power to weight and lift etc. I'll plus one to what was said above. Also I have the 2009 WRX and have partially ripped the front bumper skin many times already on dirt and in the snow. And a few times in places I didn't expect it, and have gotten good use out of my front and rear primitive skid plates! As far as racing goes or specificlly RallyX I think you'd have an awesome time no matter what you drove, and you probably wouldn't notice a big difference between cars as far as lap times were concerned. I can't say enough good things about my car I love it, but I also have a toyota tacoma for my kayaking and skiing trips! Good luck and have fun.

[KeyserSoze]

Looked around for a OBXT with a manual tranny, there aren't many out there, and none near me with any factory warranty remaining. Also can't seem to find any used '09 WRX around here. Even nationwide, the only ones selling have asking prices only $1-2k off of new prices.

Saw a new '10 WRX at the local dealer, but they wouldn't let me do a test drive because it's got the stock summer high-performance tires, and it's 30deg outside with muddy/snowy roads. It stickered at 26,190, but the guy said I could have it for around invoice, which he said would be 24,500ish.

There's two used '08 STIs at dealers near me, with around 20k miles, for around $29k. Test drove one, it was pretty nice. Good shifter, nice clutch feel and pedal spacing (heel-and-toe downshifts were easy). Wasn't that quick, but I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of turbo lag (as long as I was in the right gear with the right RPM). Think it'd be okay without any performance mods, vs. if I got an OBXT I'd be tempted to crank up the boost. Handled okay on pavement.

Looked online, doesn't seem like 16" wheels will clear the brakes on an STI :cry:. Thinking if I get an STI, I might get Blizzak LM60's in a 235/50R17, or Blizzak WS60's in a 215/50R17. With a 1" lift and the LM60s I'd have 7.4" clearance, with the WS60s only 7.0". However, the WS60s are a better snow tire, and 215 is a better width than 235 for snow.

So, main upside of the WRX vs. STI is the possibility to use 16" wheels in the winter, which would let me use narrower, cheaper snow tires, and if subie specs are believed the WRX has an extra 0.35" clearance vs. an STI with the same size outer-diameter tires. The main bad thing about the WRX is that it does NOT have front or rear limited slip differentials. I'd also miss the 6 speed tranny and the 40hp, but those aren't deal breakers.

- Miles