I wouldn't out a WRX hood on an Outback.

-The WRX moonroof is part of that package.
-Beyond the initial limited bumper-to-bumper WRX warranty, no.

Sorry I can't answer the rest.

 

-Beyond the initial limited bumper-to-bumper WRX warranty, no.

Sorry I can't answer the rest.

I didn't mean warranty-wise so much as literal protection such as skid plates or undercarriage covers, etc.

 

Try this.

2010 WRX vs. 2010 Outback

If you want more power on that outback you'll have to go with an auto.

 

I'd rather have less power than settle for an automatic. I can't stand not having a manual.

Also, that's the wrong kind of Outback. Way too big for me Subaru could've maybe named the Outback Impreza Sport something different to differentiate it as more of an Impreza and less of an Outback. Here's the Outback Impreza Sport:

EDIT: Sorry for the huge pictures! They weren't that big when I copied the image location! Not by a mile.

 

-Does the 10-speaker audio system have an auxiliary port as
standard?

Yes

-If there is an auxiliary port, does adding the iPod interface remove it?

No

-Does the Impreza Outback use the same hood measurements and clamps as a WRX? I ask because I want to know could I just buy a WRX hood and put it on the Outback Sport? I realize the hood scoop would be for decoration only, but the Impreza just looks boring without it.

Yes, but its really not worth it imo.

-It seems like you can’t get the Navigation package with the 5-door configuration. The site won’t let you choose both. Is this true? If so, why?

Yes, the website wont let you spec the 5-door w/ nav. Not sure why. I would consult a dealer.

-What exactly does the Navigation package offer that isn’t already standard on the car? I thought the 10-speaker system, 6-CD changer, and auxiliary port were already standard and the Bluetooth microphone a separate accessory?

The nav package has a single disc slot, you lose the 6 disk changer. The bluetooth mic is a separate accessory that only works if you have the nav package.

-Is the moonroof optional?

It is standard on the premium and not an option on the standard. Its only part of the premium package. If you don't want it, don't get a premium.

-Is there any sort of under-bumper protection for off-road use or high snow? I can’t find any pictures of the underside of the car.

You can get a skid plate for underbody protection from primitive racing or rallyarmor. That factory wrx lip isn't great for off road use or high snow. There's a good chance you're gonna get it broken or ripped off. The outback bumper has more clearance because it doesn't have a factory lip.



The factory nav and audio systems really aren't very good at all and not worth the extra costs. For the same money, you would get a lot more from almost any kind aftermarket system. A separate nav like a garmin unit is a lot cheaper and you can take it with you, out of the car and in other cars. If you must have an in-dash unit, a pioneer or a kenwood is much better and cheaper than the factory subaru unit and usually come with a bluetooth kit.

If you go wrx, I would go w/ the premium for the heated seats, heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer and foglights. I would live with the moonroof even though I didn't want or need it, it just comes with the package. I would not get the factory nav, and be aware the subaru ipod adapter does not work with the new nanos, touch, or iphone 3g or 3gs.

Go with the outback sport if fuel mileage and lower cost to buy and to run are important to you. Yes it is quite a bit slower, but it takes regular fuel, runs cheaper, non-synthetic oil, is better suited off road and in high snow, and comes stock with all season tires. The interior is largely the same outside of the style of the seats, the color, and the instrument cluster.

 

-Does the 10-speaker audio
-It seems like you can’t get the Navigation package with the 5-door configuration. The site won’t let you choose both. Is this true? If so, why?

Yes, the website wont let you spec the 5-door w/ nav. Not sure why. I would consult a dealer.

Hmm, but do you know if the Nav system is available with the 5-door? Is the site just being weird? If you don't know, I'll ask the dealiership.

The factory nav and audio systems really aren't very good at all and not worth the extra costs. For the same money, you would get a lot more from almost any kind aftermarket system. A separate nav like a garmin unit is a lot cheaper and you can take it with you, out of the car and in other cars. If you must have an in-dash unit, a pioneer or a kenwood is much better and cheaper than the factory subaru unit and usually come with a bluetooth kit.

If you go wrx, I would go w/ the premium for the heated seats, heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer and foglights. I would live with the moonroof even though I didn't want or need it, it just comes with the package. I would not get the factory nav, and be aware the subaru ipod adapter does not work with the new nanos, touch, or iphone 3g or 3gs.

Go with the outback sport if fuel mileage and lower cost to buy and to run are important to you. Yes it is quite a bit slower, but it takes regular fuel, runs cheaper, non-synthetic oil, is better suited off road and in high snow, and comes stock with all season tires. The interior is largely the same outside of the style of the seats, the color, and the instrument cluster.

I'll take your word on the Nav system. I'd rather have the 6-disc changer and buy a Garmin instead anyway. However, I've heard only good things about the 10speaker audio system? What don't you like about it? Keep in mind I tend to listen to either classic rock or modern metal, so I don't need a huge amount of thump, I just want crisp, clear audio with decent volume and good sound imaging.

As for the weather packaging, the Outback Impreza has everything but the heated seats, which are less important to me than mirrors and windshield visibility. I'm a very defensive and conscious driver, so visibility is a huge priority for me.

Also, I wouldn't get the iPod adapter anyway if the auxiliary port is standard. I hate iPods but my girlfriend still uses hers. But an aux. port with be fine.

I think I'll probably go with the Outback Impreza and if I feel that 170HP is too little after owning it for a while, I'll take it somewhere and have them tune it to 200hp or so. 200hp seems to be the sweet spot for me. Either way, after reading what you said and what some others have said, I think I may get the Outback Impreza. Thank you for your answers.

Also, noting the sites you mentioned for the aftermarket body panels and skid plates for the WRX, do you think their items would also fit the Outback Impreza?

 

Interesting comparison...if it were me it would come down to:

Performance vs. Ride Height/Cost

There are large differences between the cars in cost and performance. What's most important to you? The rest are bits and pieces.

 

Update:

I'm driving to Pittsburgh later today to take a look at some of their Outback Impreza Sports. They have a selection of 2006-2010's, though their site only shows up to the 2008's. I asked on the phone if the black 2010's look the same, paint-wise, as the 2008's and the guy said they're identical.

After looking at the photos on their site, I'm actually really liking the Obsidian Black Pearl/Dark Grey two-tone. At first glance, you don't even notice the grey. The site makes it look like a huge tone difference, but in reality apparently it's nice and subtle and plenty masculine, unlike the pistachio green/grey color scheme so many other people have. If the 2010 blacks look like the pictures, the only thing the WRX Premium really has over the Outback Sport that I care about is horsepower, but I'll go test drive both today and see how I feel about 170hp.

Here's some pics of the black Outback Sport and the site they came from. I know the black one isn't for sale, but I'd buy 2010 anyway:



Obsidian Black Pearl 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport