I really like the XT, but want to hold on to my daily driver a little longer to save some money. I know that the XT is underrated for power and torque. Any signs that this power will be reduced in future model years? I remember it being mentioned on other threads, but don't remember what was the conclusion of the discussion.

TIA

I'm betting the 4.44 gaering will go, so you'll lose 0-60 times.

As to the HP/Tq ratings...I'd bet they'll stay the same at the crank, and be posted higher than current to show that SoA has "improved" the power in the 2005, 2006, etc...

I would also guess the 4.44 gearing will go.

But, unless the WRX gets more power, I'd think the rating of the Forester will stay the same.

On the contrary, I believe the 4.444 final drive will stay, but the gearing will get longer in the box.

I also believe that all the 5 speed turbo vehicles will get 4.11 or 4.444 final drives, with taller gear ratios in the gearbox.

Well, OK, but all that matters to me is the _overall_ ratio in each gear, taking into account the combined effect of both the ratio of each transmission gear _and_ the final drive.

The key to my guess is the fact that all the overseas STis use the 4.444 due to the reduction of shear stress at the gearset. More torque advantage at the differentials translates into less at the gearset, improving gearbox longevity when driven hard.

The STi v5 sedan had the perfect box... 4.444 final drive and LOOONG gearing. It tops out at 170+ and I know a bloke in the UK that has found it in his highly modded STi v5 Tommy Kaira edition.

I agree with Porter. The final drive is fine. The tranny needs some changes. As far as power, it's pretty unusual to lose power these days. Most manufacturers seem to be increasing it with every model change.

I concure.

Same here, so long as the "new" 5th gear comes in at about 0.60 instead of 0.738.

Unfortunately, it'll be too late to do any good for those of us who bought in '04.