Which car is better: Subaru Outback or Volvo XC70?

[boris]

Edmunds.com says Outback is a more reasonable choice than XC70:

"Though the 2007 Volvo XC70 wagon remains a viable alternative for those who
need an all-weather vehicle but don't want an SUV, Subaru's more powerful
and agile Outback undercuts it on price while offering greater all-terrain
capability."

Which engines are better: Subaru or XC70? Which Outback engine's better
(with automatic): H4 turbo or H6?

Boris

 

[bigjim]

Get the regular 4 . Six isnt must quicker and supposedly requires
premium fuel

 

[Charles Perry]

Get the regular 4 . Six isnt must quicker and supposedly requires
premium fuel

The 6 actually requires Plus and runs optimally on Premium. For the 08
models, I believe the 6 will perform on regular.

Charles Perry P.E.

 

[Charles Perry]

Edmunds.com says Outback is a more reasonable choice than XC70:

"Though the 2007 Volvo XC70 wagon remains a viable alternative for those
who need an all-weather vehicle but don't want an SUV, Subaru's more
powerful and agile Outback undercuts it on price while offering greater
all-terrain capability."

Which engines are better: Subaru or XC70? Which Outback engine's better
(with automatic): H4 turbo or H6?

Boris

We just made that choice, sort of. We replaced my wife's Legacy wagon in
December. She thought she wanted the Volvo but after test driving both, she
picked the Outback. Then she noticed the 7 passenger Tribeca and that is
what we bought.

I like the 6 better. I am still a little old fashioned and turbos scare me
reliability wise.

Charles Perry P.E.

 

[AS]

The H6 seems to be more reliable than the H4, at least does not have
many of the issues the H4 has.

 

[BobN]

Subaru's AWD system works better on slippery roads than Volvo's. I'd get the
six because of its smoothness - I do a lot of highway mileage.

 

[boris]

I have an older (2001) Forester automatic. When driving uphill at highway
speed it feels unresponsive. I floor the gas pedal and after several seconds
it starts to accelerate: RPM goes to 4,500-5000 (from usual 3000)...but the
whole process seems clumsy.
I wonder if Outback H6 automatic is more responsive than that. Does Outback
automatic have Sport Shift mode?
The H4 turbo has more torque than the H6, but does it (the H4 turbo) work
well with automatic?
My 2001 Forester engine doesn't have variable valve timing, probably...but
newer Subarus have it - does it help (make car more responsive)?

Thanks,
Boris

 

[boris]

I was also considering Audi V6 AWD Avant, but A4 seems too small (rear
legroom) and A6 AWD - underpowered with V6 (it probably needs V8).
Is it true that Audi AWD is mostly for sleek conditions while Subaru AWD can
also handle some off-roading?

Boris

 

[Todd H.]

I have an older (2001) Forester automatic. When driving uphill at highway
speed it feels unresponsive. I floor the gas pedal and after several seconds
it starts to accelerate: RPM goes to 4,500-5000 (from usual 3000)...but the
whole process seems clumsy.
I wonder if Outback H6 automatic is more responsive than that. Does Outback
automatic have Sport Shift mode?
The H4 turbo has more torque than the H6, but does it (the H4 turbo) work
well with automatic?
My 2001 Forester engine doesn't have variable valve timing, probably...but
newer Subarus have it - does it help (make car more responsive)?

Thanks,
Boris

Our 2.5L engines are total dogs Boris. They can't seem to get out of
their own way. I don't think it's the transmission.


If you look at the 0-60 capabilities of the turbo 4 and the 6 in
comparison, it seems that they're an entirely different animal.

 

[boris]

Our 2.5L engines are total dogs Boris. They can't seem to get out of
their own way. I don't think it's the transmission.

That's right, Todd. I agree.

If you look at the 0-60 capabilities of the turbo 4 and the 6 in
comparison, it seems that they're an entirely different animal.

But how well does the turbo engine work with the automatic transmission?

Boris

 

[Tcassette]

Based on various on-line reviews and my personal experience, the H6
automatic has an excellent combination of power and smoothness. My 2007 LL
Bean is averaging about 24 mpg with mostly highway driving. Yes, premium
fuel is recommended for optimum performance, but Subaru allows use of
regular. Given the price and reliability advantage, the Subaru seems a
better car than the Volvo.

 

[boris]

Based on various on-line reviews and my personal experience, the H6
automatic has an excellent combination of power and smoothness. My 2007
LL Bean is averaging about 24 mpg with mostly highway driving. Yes,
premium fuel is recommended for optimum performance, but Subaru allows use
of regular. Given the price and reliability advantage, the Subaru seems a
better car than the Volvo.

Thanks for your post. I have a question about OBW: does it have enough rear
seat room? I have a Forester - it's rear seat leg room is definitely snug.
How about head room in OBW?...I think Forester has more head room because
it's boxier than OBW.

Boris

 

[Charles Perry]

Thanks for your post. I have a question about OBW: does it have enough
rear seat room? I have a Forester - it's rear seat leg room is definitely
snug. How about head room in OBW?...I think Forester has more head room
because it's boxier than OBW.

Boris

We bought the Tribeca instead of the LL Bean OBW just because of rear seat
room. 3 adults can sit in the rear seat. We opted for the 7 passenger
model which gets you a 3rd seat further in the rear that is suited only for
children. When the 3rd row is not in use, and the middle set of seats is as
far back as possible, you have tons of leg room and plenty of cargo space
also.

Charles Perry P.E.

 

[isquat]

I was also considering Audi V6 AWD Avant, but A4 seems too small (rear
legroom) and A6 AWD - underpowered with V6 (it probably needs V8).
Is it true that Audi AWD is mostly for sleek conditions while Subaru AWD can
also handle some off-roading?

quattro on A4 and A6 is supposed be as good or better than the subaru
systems. moot point since i'm yet to find when subaru awd does not
work. especially now with a 50/50 split front to back.
A3 and TT are outfitted with a P.O.S. quattro system that does
not work in intended application. not a problem for you
since you are not considering them.
i suggest to crosspost to the audi group.

 

[KLS]

quattro on A4 and A6 is supposed be as good or better than the subaru
systems. moot point since i'm yet to find when subaru awd does not
work. especially now with a 50/50 split front to back.

Given the choice of the 98.5 A4 and 99 OBW, I prefer the Audi in
snow/ice conditions. It's a heavier, better balanced car and works
flawlessly with good tires. Goes up the steep (45 degree) driveway of
a friend's cabin better than the Subaru does, doesn't spin out, and
grips the road great.

 

[Tcassette]

Yes, the back seat leg room is a bit snug, depending of course on how far
back the fronts seats are. I don't know how the head room compares to the
Forester; you should be able to get the specs for both on-line.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Yes, the back seat leg room is a bit snug, depending of course on how far
back the fronts seats are. I don't know how the head room compares to the
Forester; you should be able to get the specs for both on-line.

Dunno about 'headroom'. Probably best to go test drive them and compare
after adjusting the seat for driving position. I think Outbacks have a
height adjustment so check that in case the previous driver had it up
too far.

some specs here;
www.cars101.com

Carl