I'm looking into picking up a new 2009 Impreza and being that I live in Minnesota I like the cold weather features, standard roof rack, and standard alloys that come with the Outback Sport. My only concern is that since it's more of an "offroad / crossover" vehicle I will be losing some handling as compared to the standard Impreza. Right now I need a car for real daily driving, but it may eventually become a car that I would like to have more fun with. I know that the car is only like 2/10 of an inch higher, but is the suspension more sloppy because of it's "offroad capabilty"? Does anyone have any experience comparing the two?:ugh:
My wife has a 99 impreza wagon and I have a 2000 obs. As far as I am able to tell the suspension is the same between the two. The difference in ride height, at least in that year, came mostly from the difference in tire size, OBS had 205/65R15 where the Impreza wagon had 195/65R15. It's possible there is some slight difference in spring and dampening rates, but nothing drastic. I'm guessing the differences between 2009 models are similar. Both cars are great, personally I've really enjoyed my OBS.
Maybe this will help make up your mind. I love the looks of this car. He's rocking BC coilovers, that's why it's so low.
I thought the Outback versions had slightly stiffer suspension, not softer (all the pamphlets / salespeople say the outback has "upgraded suspension" which I interpret to mean it provides better handling, on road AND off). I could be wrong. I never did a test-drive of either the Impreza or the Outback before I bought my rex...
Thanks Sorry, been gone for a while. Too damned busy. Thanks for all your input, I think my preference lies in the OBS. Subytek, that is a beautiful car, and in fact that is the exact color I'm hoping to get. It's a perfect car for me now and it'll continue to be as a daily driver when I finally get some GC/GD/GR STi to satisfy my speed/handling related desires.
