Subie "pants" SUV... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

blackmercedes · #1 03-13-2003, 04:40 PM

Well, we were off to my good friend Lindsay's "cabin" this morning. Helen took the C230, and I scarfed the Outback, since we have to travel down some pretty "unimproved" and unplowed roads. Lindsay left his E320 4-matic at home, taking instead his 99 Four-Runner.

He thought we might want to leave the Subie at the highway, and "carpool" into the lakeside in his SUV. Huh? Nope!

We got to the cutoff road, which was iunder some serious snow from the last couple weeks. Given the -30 to -40 we've had, plowing had not taken place. Who want's to go sit in a drafty cabin at -40? (Lindsay's place is nicer than most homes, but his is an exception).

Well, we tore down that road! Man that AWD wagon can haul! It's got really good ground clearance (as good as most small and mid-size SUV's) and the AWD works great. The Blizzaks make a huge difference too!

Well, we left Lindsay in the "powder." (No dust in the winter, dude) He couldn't believe the pace we set on the road. The funny thing is, we were maybe pushing at 60%.

On the way back to the highway, Lindsay went first, and he was pushing the 4-Runner hard. We were practically bored in the Outback. I even thought about passing him a few times, but held back.

Of course, get rid of the 4-Runners "ballon" tires (useless OEM junk) and tighten up the wallowing suspension a bit, and it would probably be LOTS better. But, out of the box, the 4-runner is no match for the Outback.

I like this thing!

Ashman · #2 03-13-2003, 06:37 PM

of course the subie is better than the 4 runner, subaru has been making AWD for many many years, and have perfected it as close to perfection as it can be.

Now my jeep cherokee was a real nice snow going suv. Drove it through 4 feet of snow with no problems, drove through it like it wasn't even there. if I could have my choice of variou's suv's for snow use, I'd take a jeep cherokee based on my previous experience, but if I was looking for an AWD car like yours john, the outback sounds like it would be the perfect vehicle.

Alon