Liberty/Legacy turbo - 2.0 or 2.5?

[PomBstard]

I'm looking around for a swift 4/5 seater, and as well as a Liberty 3.0R-B I'm also looking at the turbo versions of the 03-09 version. Budget covers the 2.0-litre and the 2.5-litre but are there any differences/preferences with either? I know the Forester and Impreza have had both over the years. For the Liberty, the 2.0 would be 04-06 and 2.5 is 06-09, which means the 2.0 is cheaper to buy which might leave budget for, ahem, alterations...

[GravelBen]

The 2.0 is a stronger and more characterful engine (and depending on market has the twinscroll turbo setup like the STI), the 2.5 isn't as tough but I think is a bit more torquey low down if you prefer that for more relaxed grunt.

Mine is the previous generation 2.0 twin turbo, but its been generally brilliant.

Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 20th October 10:40

[PomBstard]

Thanks - have looked at the twin turbos (known as B4 over here) but def need an estate. Doesn't sound like there's too much in it so will buy on condition. Somehow the sound of a stronger engine is more compelling though

[GravelBen]

For 3rd-gen Legacy the RSK-B4 is the twin-turbo sedan, GTB is the twin-turbo wagon.

The 4th-gen is a better car all round though really, so I'd be going that way too in your position. Manual 2.0 twinscroll for me please

[PomBstard]

Have tried out an 05 2.0 GT and an 07 2.5 GT. The 2.5 was certainly torquier but the 2.0 felt better balanced, less bulky. Obviously not much to do with the engine, prob more to do with the 07 facelift.

Also had a try in an 09 Forester with the 2.5T and that also felt torquier but suited the car perfectly.

Now looking at the 2.0 Liberty quite closely...

[PomBstard]

Have agreed a price on a 2005 GT wagon - 2.0T, full Subaru service history and good clean condition inside and out, collect later this week. Goes well too!

[GravelBen]

Excellent! Enjoy, and post some photos once you get your paws on it.