Just reading in my other thread in here that there are some distinct differences, and I'd like to hear what is what from people.

Personally the disc brakes almost have me sold on an S instead of an L, but I'm curious about engine differences as well. When did they switch to MAP from MAF? When did they start with phase II blocks? Were they ever DOHC head engines?

Here's what I remember as major differences/changes:

All years: S gets 4-disc brakes with alloy wheels, L gets rear drums with steelies

98: Phase I DOHC (some late 98 models may have Phase II bocks with DOHC heads) w/thin wire MAF

99: Phase II SOHC w/thin film MAF, structural rigidity improved for roll-over test, S gets in-glass antenna and heated wiper elements

00: Phase II SOHC w/MAP, S gets rear LSD standard

01: Facelift, Phase II SOHC w/MAP, S premium has slightly wider track to compensate for enormous moonroof

There are other smaller changes that I've left out.

Did I miss anything big?

Ken

Ken,

Nothing big unless you count cosmetics. '01 saw changes to shape of the lower body cladding (2 raised ridges on it now) and cladding paint color on S (was slate, now titanium or upper body color on S+). Taillights now extend onto tailgate. Headlights a slightly different shape to accommodate supposedly improved reflectors. Grille now has narrow chrome vertical bands over grid a/o/t '98-00 eggcrate style; optional "Sport" grille for '01 looks much like Infiniti style. Center rear seat headrest; rear seats no longer recline. Slightly different alloy wheel style on '01 S/S+. Different upholstery on L/S/S+. Dual front cup holders (means a lot to some folks http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/rolleyes.gif ).

Ed

[This message has been edited by lark6 (edited March 30, 2001).]

The 2002 is on its way. Freight is up $30 but prices are identical.

Now you can get leather on an S Premium, but only with automatic. The cargo cover and armrest extension (IIRC) were made standard, so the effective price is actually down.

No mechanical changes, AFAIK.

-juice

Well I wish it'd hurry up and make the old ones cheaper already. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

Q: Which models have the sunroof? Or, the option to have a sunroof? Is it only available on the S or can it be ordered on the L? :rolleyes:

Sunroof is only available on the S-premium in 2001. Also comes with side airbags. Leather was not available on the 2001 S-premium due to the seat installed airbags. They must have solved this engineering difficulty for 2002. My wife will be thrilled to know that they car she wanted a year ago is now available... :rolleyes:

I believe in N. America only the S+ comes with a sun roof.

Chuck

Yep, S+, S-premium, same car, various names used by Subaru dealers to describe them. Only way to get a sunroof... :)

I have a feeling there will be a flat 6 by 2003. prob. w/ an auto at first. though.

Yes, the 2003 model will almost certainly have the 3.0 H6 added to the Forester engine list, but the chassis will have to be altered because it will not fit as it is now. They'll probably offer both the 2.5 and 3.0 in 2003. It desperately needs a 3.0. The 2.5 with an automatic transmission is REALLY, REALLY slow. Ours just cannot keep up with traffic most of the time. When I merge into heavy traffic on the freeway, I have to floor it and pray that somebody "lets" me in. It's one of the slowest cars I've ever driven, even slightly slower than our last car, a '93 Caprice with a 5.0 V8 that did 0-60 in about 10 seconds.

[ June 14, 2001: Message edited by: bryanw ]

I've heard that the new 2003 Forester will be bigger & will be built off of the Legacy platform. That may be how they get the H6 to fit in the Forester. I've got a 2.5 Auto Forester & it zipps along pretty good. Maybe it's the altitude you're at. I'm only at a couple hunred feet here.

Chuck

Ditto what Chuck said. I have an auto Forester too and it keeps up with traffic well enough for something shaped like a bread van. I do agree that it could stand better onramp and passing power. I've installed an Amsoil filter and would like to install an aftermarket exhaust (not a coffee can/grapefruit shooter) which may help me find 8-12hp to help with that. I am even closer to sea level than Chuck, though.

Ed